Archive for the ‘Hunting Knives’ Category
Survival Need
A hunting knife is basically a knife that is used during hunting, usually to prepare the game to be used as food, skinning the animal, and cutting up the meat. It is technically different from a hunting dagger which is used to kill wild game. Some hunting knives are adapted for other uses in the wild, such as a camp knife, which hunters may use as machetes or hatchets when these particular tools are not available. Hunting knives are often designed for cutting, rather than stabbing.
These knives usually have a single sharpened edge, with the blade slightly curved on most models. Some hunting knives may have a blade that has both a curved portion for skinning, and a straight portion that can be used for cutting slices of meat. Some hunting knife blades even incorporate a guthook. Most hunting knives that are designed as “Skinners” have a rounded point designed not to damage the skin as it is being removed. Most American designs are based on a smaller version of the very popular Bowie knife.
Essential Hunting Gear
Over the years, I have amassed a huge stockpile of hunting gear and equipment. Some of the items I only use occasionally, others I bring on every excursion. My skinning knife is one of these essential tools.
Although I have several skinning knives, I always turn to one in particular. It is equipped with a barbed hook that is ideal for eviscerating game. And while there is no such thing as the perfect knife, this one comes pretty close in my opinion.
Are You Doing a little Big Game Hunting?
Guns and rifles are generally used to kill game, But, it’s the knife that will prove to be a hunter’s best friend for not only dressing the animal, but also cutting chords and opening cans of food. Hunting knives come in all shapes and sizes, and choosing the one that best suits each individual hunter will make big game hunting an even more fulfilling experience.
Fixed blade knives tend to be the best blade for dressing big game. Fixed knives are permanently open, making them tougher and more resilient than folding blades. Fixed blades usually come with a sheath for protection of the blade and you.
There are three main types of fixed blade knives each having it’s own unique purpose-
⢠“Drop Point” Blades – These knives have a defined curve that makes it easier to skin larger animals. This blade can also be used to gut, butcher, and split the animal’s pelvis and rib cage.
⢠“Gut Hook” Blades — “Gut hook” knives have a large grove near the end of the blade that is designed for opening the abdomen of the game. These knives are used by puncturing the animal with the point of the blade before using the hook to precisely open the abdomen exactly where you intended. A good “gut hook” can act like a zipper.
⢠“Clip Point” Blade – These knives can act as an alternative to “gut hook” blades. “Clip point” blades are thinner with a more pointed blade tip. This is useful for opening up an animal without cutting too deep and reaching the intestine.
No matter which knife you decide to use, it is essential that you make sure the knife is as sharp as possible. Because blades can become dull during the dressing process, its important to bring along a knife sharpener. It’s also a good idea to have a clean cloth available to wipe down your knife after each use. This can help prevent corrosion- your knifes worst enemy.
The best part of hunting may be the moment that you are finally able to take the animal home to share with your friends. After hours of waiting for the game to come into your viewfinder, the perfect shot, dressing the animal, and packing it up, there are few greater joys for a hunter than taking the first bite. Without the proper hunting knives, it will be nearly impossible to experience.
Why Buck?
Buck knives are famous for holding their edge. First, they use a specific steel for each type of knife. Second, they heat-treat their blades to match the end use of the knife. Third, their proprietary, computerized Edge2x⢠Technology was developed to edge their blades to be sharper out of the box, hold the edge longer and make sharpening easier. Their automated technology, combined with hand edging and sharpening, results in a consistent, thinner and sharper edge that lasts longer.
Buck has over 100 years of experience with making knives. Buck knives has developed many unique processes, and they know what works. Buck is dedicated to their craftsmanship, quality, integrity and customer satisfaction. All of their products are tested in -48º C (-55º F) temperatures without significant embrittlement of the blade, handle, or sheath materials. If you experience temperatures in the minus range, try to keep your knife dry and free of ice, and be sure to keep the blade lubed.
They don’t cut corners in materials, processes or workmanship; and they back it up with their famous 4-Ever Warranty. Buck Knives warrants that it will repair, adjust or replace its knives if they are found to contain any defects in materials or workmanship.
Kershaw Knives
The emergence of culinary schools and cooking shows is brought about by the never-ending interest in good food. There will always be a demand for food, particularly delicious, tasty food. Restaurateurs know that the secret to keeping a restaurant running is to serve honest-to-goodness dishes that will keep the clients craving for more. Of course, a huge responsibility falls on the chef.
The chef is the main person who sees to it that all the dishes prepared are worth tasting and worth eating. He also is the man who has to innovate and introduce new flavorful dishes every now and then so the crowd will not get bored with what’s on the menu. Aside from that, he is the man in charge of the nitty-gritty kitchen details from the ingredients to the knives needed. Chefs pay close attention to the quality of the kitchen knives they use. The more popular brands, such as those Kershaw knives, are usually most chefs’ favorite as they wouldn’t settle for anything substandard.
What about the Handle?
We often talk about the blade materials in knives. But, what about the handles? What’s the difference between carbon fiber, craton, micarta and other handle materials?
Here is a short list (by no means all inclusive) of materials used for handles in military, survival and hunting knives.
Carbon Fiber
Graphite fibers (the size of a human hair) are woven together and fused in epoxy resin. It’s lightweight, three-dimensional in appearance and is a superior (and expensive) handle material.
Cocobolo
Hardwood from the Cocobolo tree, ranging in color from bright orange to deep red and dark purple. Its grain and fine texture are relatively easy to work, polishes to a high sheen and is popular as an inlay or embellishment on knife handles.
Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN)
A nylon polymer mixed with glass fiber that is then injected into a mold for making lightweight knife handles.
G-10
Handle material made of epoxy filled with woven glass fiber that is impervious to changes in temperature and can be tinted into many colors.
Kraton
A rubbery thermoplastic polymer used as a flexible inlay on knife handles for enhanced grip.
Micarta
A composite of linen or paper fabric in an epoxy resin used as a handle material. It is incredibly lightweight, durable and visually appealing. It can be bead blasted or polished, changing its appearance.
Wood Epoxy Laminate
This is an impregnated wood laminate, which is extremely hard and machines similar to Corian, aluminum and Micarta.
Take Care of Your Knife
Knives have come a long way since the ancient days when they were made of wood, bone, and similar highly perishable materials. How we use a knife plays a big role in how it will perform…but how we care for a knife determines how long it will last!
Knife Care
- Avoid letting any blade get wet as this will cause corrosion. OK…so this may seem impossible….so just be sure to dry your blade as soon as you can. Make a habit of wiping down the blade and handle after each use- especially if this is your prize hunting knife!
- Storing a knife in a leather sheath is harmful to the blade because moisture will easily collect around it. Wrap your knife in a clean dry cloth instead.
- “Oil” any moving parts or joints to a knife periodically to insure longevity.
- Do not do the following: let sand or grit in the working parts of a knife; use the knife as a can opener, hammering tool, screwdriver or any other device that it was not designed for.
- Wood handles can be cared for with furniture oil.
- If your blade is composed of carbon spring steel, then use a baking soda and water solution to clean it. If you have a stainless steel blade, 440 or 420, use dish soap and water. Stainless steel is much more susceptible to finger print than carbon and should therefore be cared for on a regular basis. In other words, try not to touch the blade with your bare hands too much; if you do then clean the knife after use. The acids left from finger prints can leave permanent stains and can actually cause corrosion if left uncleaned over time.
- When choosing an oil, WD-40 will work but it’s not always the best choice. For lubricating any knife, I prefer the TUF products from Sentry Solutions. TUF-glide and TUF-cloth utilize dry film lubrication technology which won’t damage your knife blade. This technology offers benefits traditional oil, silicone and flouro polymer technologies cannot. If you are working with a folding knife and you choose to use oil then apply the oil and work the folding mechanism at least ten times to work the oil into the joints.
How Do You Remove Rust from Hunting Knives
So…How do you remove rust from hunting knives? Of course this information can be applied to most any outdoor knife. But, today we’re going to focus on hunting knives. With proper care rust should not be a problem on modern hunting knives but we all mistakes and neglect our knives once in a while or leave them in a sheath after being out in the rain.
There are a couple of ways your can remove the rust.
If the rust is just surface rust and has not eaten into the blade of the hunting knife you can use oil and a cloth. Just rub the blade with the oil and cloth until the rust is removed. If the rust has gotten into the metal of your knife blade you can use oil along with steel wool or fine grain sandpaper. The problem with steel wool and sandpaper is you may leave scratch marks on the blade. You will need to balance the need to remove the rust against the damage you may inflict on your hunting knives.
Do not use a power grinder to grind the rust off the blade of your hunting knives. The speed of the wheel will heat up your blade and affect the strength.
Now that you have learned how to remove rust from your Hunting knife….here are simple ways to AVOID getting rust on the blade:
1. Going on a long hunting trip? Bring a soft, clean, dry cloth with you (store it in a plastic ziplock bag) and clean your knife blade every evening. Even if you didn’t actually use your knife- it was exposed to elements that could potentially cause rust.
2. When you return from your hunting trip- clean and oil the blade before storing it away.
3. Store your knife in a dry place – be sure to keep the blade sheathed for protection.
4. If you live in a climate with summer humidity- oil and dry your knife periodically.
Good Hunting!
Uncle Henry’s Golden Spike
One of Schrade’s most popular knives, this skinning knife is a beauty. It features a razor sharp skinning blade, solid brass guard and butt piece. This is a must have for the hunter that appreciates quality and value.
The Schrade Uncle Henry Golden Spike bowie knife features a 4 7/16 inch clip blade constructed from stainless steel with a multi colored wood handle. Includes leather sheath with a pocket to hold a sharpening stone. Overall length is 9 7/16 inches.
After the Schrade company closed its doors in 2005, Taylor Cutlery, famous for its Smith & Wesson knives, acquired the brand name and began supplying a complete import line of the Schrade Knives. You’ll be impressed with the fit, finish and value of the new Schrade product line. Today Schrade Knives are made with the same quality and care that goes into making world’s finest pocket knives, lock backs, fixed blades, cutlery for the outdoor and hunting markets and multi-tools.
Gerber Knives
For almost 70 years now, Gerber has been known to produce the best outdoor tools and knives. Gerber knives are noted for their oxidized carbon tough stainless steel blades that retain their sharpness longer compared to their top competitors. Every outdoorsman can attest to the credibility of Gerber knives. These cutting tools have gone through and passed countless field tests for over 50 years and topped them every time.
Joseph Gerber started making knives with an unlikely and unintentional beginning. An accomplished advertising man, Mr. Gerber hired a knife craftsman to make him 25 sets of kitchen cutlery as Christmas gifts for his clients. The knives were so popular; he left his ad agency and started the legendary Gerber blades in 1939.