Posts Tagged ‘Folding Knives’
Compact Weapon
Spending time outdoors can be extremely fun and exciting, especially when it is your first time to plan out a trip. People usually plan these outdoor trips with their friends, and spend a few days out in the wild. This is not only the perfect time to bond, but it is also a great way to discover the surroundings and to commune with nature. There is nothing as relaxing as taking a break away from the city, where life is simple and you have the time to distress and unwind.
Whenever you go out for these trips though, you would need to ensure that you have all the essentials you need. Survival is a must in the wilderness, since you do not have the comforts of your home with you. A great way to ensure your safety is to have pocket knives which you can easily store in your back pocket. This is perfect for those times when you may get stuck with vines, or would need to do some pitching and setting up. A compact weapon is a must in the outdoors.
Covert Weapons
SOG Specialty Knives Inc. is a U.S. knife and tool manufacturing company famous for their production of the knife with the same name, SOG. This company currently manufactures a variety of other SOG knives other than the original military inspired designs, many of them designed for everyday carry, or EDC. SOG Specialty Knives also manufactures an array of tools available for military personnel and casual outdoor users. This company was founded in 1986 by Spencer and Gloria Frazer.
SOG manufactures a knife that is used by the United States Navy SEALs, aptly dubbed the Seal 2000. They also manufacture several other military style knives including a tactical switchblade that is exclusive to military and law enforcement personnel. SOG has developed fixed blade knives for survival and outdoor use such as the Tech Bowie. They also have folding knives, many of which feature assisted opening technology such as the Aegis, Twitch, and Trident.
Knives with Many Uses
I carry a small “LadyBug” knife by Spyderco on my key-chain. My husband got it for me for protection but I’ve learned that there are many more uses for it.
Here’s a few uses for this little folding knife:
1. Cutting gum out of your daughters hair at the store (no scissors available)
2. Prying up a staple (OK, maybe not the best use but it beats breaking a nail!)
3. Scraping gum off the car seat (I should not let my kids have any more gum!)
4. Cutting shoelaces
5. Slicing through tie wraps
6. Slicing open packaging (do this very carefully!)
Remember, a sharp knife works better than a dull one…so be sure to sharpen this little thing.
Let me know what you use your “keychain” folding knife for….
Pocket Knives and Scouts
Earning his first pocket knife has been a right of passage for Cub Scouts since scouting began. The pocket knife is an important tool for any Cub Scout. Its multifunction capability makes it useful for many Scouting activities. Before putting a pocket knife to use, however, a Scout should learn how to use it safely.
YOUR KNIFE IS NOT A TOY
The pocket knife is a serious tool and should never be played with. Never carry an open knife in your hand and never use the knife for anything other than its intended purpose.
Make a safety circle by holding a closed pocket knife in your hand and extending your arm out in front of you with the closed knife. Turn in a complete circle and make sure that you do not touch anything or anyone within this circle. Be sure to check overhead clearance as well.
To open the knife, hold it in one hand and put the thumbnail of the other hand into the slot containing the blade. Pull out the blade while pushing against the hinge with the hand holding the handle. The blade will snap into an open position.
When you are done using the knife, close the blade with your palm against the back of the blade and put it away. Be sure the fingers of your other hand are not covering the opening.
USING YOUR KNIFE
When using the knife, always cut away from your body. When whittleing try to make small shavings and chips, and never use the knife to shave bark from a tree. When you make cuts, always cut at a slant.
To pass the knife to someone else, the person handing off should hold the knife by the blade and place the handle into the receiver’s hand.
CARING FOR YOUR KNIFE
Keep the blade clean and dry. Always clean the blade with a soft dry cloth after each use. You should know how to sharpen the knife properly using a sharpening stone; a dull blade has a better chance of slipping and cutting you than a sharp blade. Keep the blade off the ground and do not try to cut things that will dull or break the blade.
SOG Trident: The Perfect Fishing Knife
Though it looks like an ordinary knife, this folding knife is quite impressive. SOG includes features that outdoorsmen, especially anglers, will surely find handy such as the TiNi coated blade, SOG Assisted Technology (S.A.T.), and the noticeable and unique Groove. The Trident not only has good balance, it has a good size handle for both small and large hands. In addition to the locking feature that keeps the blade from accidentally coming open, their trademark Arc-Actuator , locks stronger and releases easier.
Having the right blade can mean life or death for some, especially to an outdoorsman whom relies on a knife that’s used for survival purposes. A quality blade, solid construction, and useful features are key specifications one should consider when buying a pocket knife. The SOG Trident TF-1 has these characteristics and more. It is truly a high performing folding knife that one can trust to have at hand. The Trident has effective features like the Groove system allowing anglers to cut fishing line without opening the blade and the SOG Assisted Technology (S.A.T.) that swiftly opens the blade no matter which hand you use. The blade is ground out of a tough stainless steel and the TF-1 model is even more durable with its Titanium Nickel coating. The SOG Trident is a blade that inspires confidence to help you get the job done right.
Knife Safety 0
Most knife safety tips are appropriately related to the manner in which a knife is used. But knife safety is about far more than simply handling a blade with caution. Regular cleaning and preventive maintenance play a role in knife safety, as does a proper understanding and respect for the type of knife you are using.
Learning as much as you can about your knife and how to care for it is the basis of all knife safety. A good sharpening stone – properly used will reduce the chance of a knife accident caused by a dull blade. Regular lubrication of folding knives will reduce the chance of mishaps due to malfunctioning parts. In addition, regular cleaning and preventive maintenance play a role in knife safety, as does a proper understanding and respect for the type of knife you are using.
Understanding your knife’s design can also be a factor in reducing accidents. If you own a knife with a fixed blade, always keep it sheathed when not in use. As for folding blade knives, familiarize yourself thoroughly with the blade’s strength and locking features. Also consider the different handle materials when you shop for a new knife. Although most knife manufacturers will offer the proper grip for the knife’s most common use (ie. a hunting knife will have a handle most suitable for that purpose), many knives have multiples uses and therefor many different handle materials.
Knife safety means knowing what your knife is capable of. A knife is a tool, but mishandled, it can quickly become a weapon. It’s said that familiarity breeds contempt, but with knives, familiarity breeds safety.
Smith and Wesson
The fact that Smith & Wesson, founded in 1852 by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, makes knives under its own name is not very well known. Smith & Wesson doesn’t manufacture these knives itself, however, It gave production rights as well as the use of the logo to knife manufacturer Taylor Cutlery from Kingsport, Tennessee. A number of these knives, such as the special police and military knives, have unique features.
The most widely used Smith and Wesson knives are their Hostage Rescue Team knife or H.R.T. Knife. This large knife was designed by Darrel Ralph. The stainless 440C steel blade is 6.7inches long and 0.197 inches thick at the blade back. The blade is also bead blasted against reflection.
Taylor Cutlery also produces the H.R.T. Folder. This knife is not used by the police or military during rescue operations. The H.R.T indication alludes to its sturdy and macho character- which does not detract from the superior quality of this knife.
No Tears From These Scallions!
Kershaw has added to it’s vegetable medley of leeks, chives and shallots.
The Scallion has become a top Kershaw choice for knife users who prefer a slightly larger knife than the award-winning Chive, yet one that is still compact, features great “Onion” styling, and performs like a champ.
The newest Scallions feature a secure frame lock that snaps precisely into place behind the blade and guarantees a secure lock.
The knife is perfect for everyday pocket carry at its 3½-inch folded size. It offers high-performance Scallion styling, plus the convenience of the SpeedSafe ambidextrous manual assisted opening system. Just pull back on the blade protrusion or use the thumbstud for easy SpeedSafe opening. As with all Kershaw SpeedSafe knives, the torsion bar holds the blade safely in the handle until the user releases it.
For good edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance, the blade is manufactured of high-carbon 420HC stainless steel. All three models feature a handle of 410 stainless steel. The 1620FL and 1620FLST (with partially serrated blade) offer a matte gray finish on handle and blade, while the 1620VIB features Kershaw’s colorful Rainbow coating of scratch-resistant titanium-oxide. For added convenience, all Scallions come with a removable pocket clip.
Whichever Scallion you choose, you’ll get a knife that’s sure to please-not only in great looks, but also in performance and features. The Scallion measure 3.5 inches closed and weighs just 2.3 ounces. It is made in the USA and built to uphold Kershaw’s high standards of quality and performance. Like the tasty shallot it’s named for, the new Kershaw Shallot is sure to make your mouth water for more. The Scallions retail from $59.95 to 89.95 .
The Scallions are built to maintain Kershaw Knives worldwide reputation for quality and innovation. The company prides itself on using the highest quality materials and state-of-the-art techniques to produce knives and other cutting tools that are prized throughout the world.
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.
The Pocket Folding Knife
Perhaps the most unsung heroes of all tools are folding knives. From pocket to full-sized multi-tools, these knives are discreet and safely folded up to prevent needless accidents. After all, most adults remember when they received their first pocket folding knife, right?
A pocket knife is a folding knife with a blade that fits inside the handle and that is small enough to fit in a pocket, with blades no larger than 3 to 5 in. in length. Pocket knives are very versatile tools, and can be used for anything from opening an envelope, to cutting rope, to slicing fruit.
A pocket or folding knife can be practical for camping, hiking, woodworking and first-aid kits. They are very popular because they can also hide and store specialized tools, such as pliers, tweezers, files and secondary blades.
Because of their extreme usefulness, many people keep pocket knives hooked on keychains, lanyards and ropes. They are perfect for glove boxes and medical kits in addition to boats, RV’s, fishing tackle boxes and hunting tool kits. Pocket knives make great gifts for young adults, fishermen, craftsmen, or friends looking to always have a toothpick, nail file or box-opening blade handy.
Most knife companies like Buck, Spyderco, Benchmade, Gerber and Kershaw offer a variety of pocket folding knives.