Archive for the ‘Hunting Knives’ Category
The Straight Stuff
Hunting knives are made in two basic configurations- fixed-blade and folding. The forte of the fixed-blade or sheath knife design (because it needs a sheath or outer cover to prevent accidental injury) is manifest in its inherent strength and easy access. No folding knife can ever equal the structural integrity of a fixed-blade.
They come in all sizes, but its most important to find one that fits you. You should know specifically what kind of materials went into the manufacture of the knife. Buzz words like “surgical” steel (surgical instruments are generally made out of the cheapest stainless steel possible), “high-carbon” steel, or “rust-free” steel are generally meaningless. What you want to know is the type (carbon or stainless) and number indicator (440A, 440C,154CM, ATS-34 etc.) of steel. Then you can know the composition of the steel formulation.
Don’t just consider the blade. Knife handle shape is another plus for the fixed-blade design. No matter how a folding knife handle is designed, there is always going to be a certain amount of angularity present. A fixed-blade knife handle configured in the preferred oval shape easily fits the grip-pocket of the hand.
What will you pay for a fixed-blade hunting knife? The sky’s the limit. I would suggest a quality factory fixed-blade can be purchased for less than $100. It won’t be fancy but it will offer quality materials and craftsmanship.
On the Belt
Far too many really good hunting knives
have been lost because of really bad sheaths.
If there is a failure in the cutlery industry, it’s that knife sheaths and carrying cases are often nothing more than afterthoughts. It’s a shame to see a champagne quality knife in a beer budget sheath. Made the right way and with the right stuff, as much time and expense should go into the design, materials and construction of a sheath, as that of the knife for which it is intended. Made any other way, the sheath or carrying case fails to be an integral part of a larger paradigm.
Whatever material sheathed the blades of early man, you can bet it offered protection to both man and blade alike. It probably didn’t take too many generations of lost and damaged blades…not to mention lacerated body parts to make sure of that.
Leather has many features that make it a superior knife sheath material- not the least of which is its traditional use. Leather is available in many types and grades. And here’s the rub—some manufacturers go for the bottom line when selecting sheath leather. The bottom line being profit and the cost of sheath leather is one place where they can pinch pennies.
The best leather sheath material feels, smells and looks like what it is. A quality leather sheath, can provide many years of protection for both knife and it’s owner. In all candor, leather does have its share of problems. Over time it can stretch, stain, and rot if subjected to moisture. Even with the best care, leather can age and sometimes not too gracefully.
Obviously, there are good sheaths—and bad! Likewise, there are many ways to build a knife sheath. Whatever construction method is used, the sheath should not just hold and protect, it should also enhance your knife.
All knives need a good quality sheath. But hunting knives, because of the nature of their use require superior quality sheaths to protect them and you.
Knives and Primitive Skills
The most essential piece of camping gear that you can take out into the woods is a good knife. With a knife most of your survival skills are well at hand. A knife can make shelter building a breeze with a basic level of land knowledge. A knife can b valuable in each of these activities: cutting dead branches for firewood, filleting food so that the edible parts are uncovered, defending against wild animals. The applications of a good knife are endless. For those that are going to spend time nature, it is imperative that a sharp knife be present during your journey.
Investment in a good outdoor survival knife is just as important as those that we prize in our kitchens, and in terms of your comfort and survival in the woods, it is more important. The rigors of nature definitely certainly call to most of us, but do not make the mistake of venturing off unprepared.