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Rare Bark River / Dan Tope \"Bulldog\" EDC Fixed Blade – Crucible CPM-3V Powder Steel – Factory Etched \"~Mike\'s Sample~\" – Black Canvas Micarta & Phenolic Pins – Custom Left-Handed Leather Sheath – Escanaba, MI
Up for sale/sale is a premier collector piece bridging custom design and factory shop history: the Dan Tope Bulldog, manufactured in Escanaba, Michigan by Bark River Knives.
This specific knife bears the rare factory blade laser marking: ~Mike\'s Sample~ on the obverse ricasso alongside the CPM-3V mark. In Bark River provenance, knives designated as Mike\'s Sample were created directly for company founder Mike Stewart as personal shop evaluation pieces, prototype reference blades, or personal carry knives—making this a rare addition for advanced BRK and Dan Tope collectors.
Ground from ultra-tough Crucible CPM-3V powder metallurgy steel, this Bulldog features stealthy Black Canvas Micarta scales secured by black canvas phenolic pins and an aluminum lanyard tube. Accompanied by a fitted, custom-crafted left-handed leather belt sheath featuring rich brown textured leather and contrast yellow stitching.
Design Highlights & Field Specifications:
Exclusive \"Mike\'s Sample\" Pedigree: Authenticated with the factory ~Mike\'s Sample~ etching on the reverse blade face, establishing direct provenance from the personal shop collection of Mike Stewart.
Crucible CPM-3V Super Steel: Renowned for extreme impact toughness, lateral blade strength, and high resistance to chipping or edge deformation under hard field use.
Compact \"Bulldog\" Architecture: Measures approximately 7\" overall with a 3.45\" convex cutting edge, delivering the leverage of a heavy camp tool in an agile, everyday carry (EDC) footprint.
Black Canvas Micarta & Phenolic Hardware: Weatherproof, tactile canvas micarta covers secured with matching black phenolic pins and a lightweight aluminum lanyard tube.
Custom Left-Handed Leather Sheath: Includes a heavy, custom-molded left-handed brown leather sheath with distinct yellow accent stitching and secure friction retention.
Physical & Cosmetic Condition (Honest & Detailed):
Blade & Cutting Edge: Sharp, intact convex edge bevel with full factory profile and clean tip. Shows very light, minor surface oxidation/storage spotting on the CPM-3V steel. These spots are purely cosmetic and can be easily stropped or cleaned with metal polish if desired, or left as an authentic working patina.
Handle & Hardware: The Black Canvas Micarta scales are tight, smooth, and flush along the entire perimeter of the full tang. Phenolic pins and lanyard tube are flush.
Sheath: The custom left-handed sheath is in very good, supple condition with firm retention, solid yellow stitching, and clean burnished edges.
A rare opportunity to own a Dan Tope design with documented Bark River executive shop history.
Please review all high-resolution macro photos closely to inspect the \"Mike\'s Sample\" marking, blade steel condition, and left-handed custom leather sheath. Securely packaged and shipped fully insured with tracking.
