A good hunting knife is an essential part of any hunter’s equipment. It ensures that you are able to properly skin and remove the meat from your catch without ruining anything or leaving anything behind. However, because hunting has become more popular, the hunting knife industry has begun to boom, making it hard to know exactly which knife is best for you.

Hunting knives come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and styles. The quality will vary substantially based on who you purchase a knife from and what style you select – whether it is a custom knife, an old style knife, or a new Kershaw hunting knife. Knowing which knife to choose can be a daunting task.

The durability of a good hunting knife is vital. If you trust your knife to be effective in handling any catch you make, it must be able to last for years to come. No one wants to go through the process of buying a new knife every two years. So, knowing which kind of animal, their size, and what style of hunting you plan on are major factors in helping you decide the kind of knife you will buy.

Most traditional hunting knives are made of stainless steel. These knives will last a very long time and provide a surface that can be accurately and repeatedly sharpened for the best possible blade. You will have two choices for your hunting knife’s style in most cases, either fixed blade or folding blade.

Fixed blade hunting knives are stronger and more durable. They cannot be moved and usually have a shield of some sort to protect the blade while it is placed on the hunter’s belt. These knives will cost you more money in most circumstances because they are usually hand crafted and from better materials.

However, if you decide to do a lot of hunting, a fixed blade is more effective, especially in skinning larger animals such as elk or deer. For those who hunt often, this kind of investment is well worth-while.

Folding knives are cheaper and available more freely in many different styles but are not nearly as effective as fixed blade knives. If you are planning on going hunting once a year and generally target smaller game, this might be a good decision for you.

The handle of your knife is very important as well. Choices range from aluminum and leather to Dearborn. Choose a handle that is comfortable in your hands and allow for an optimum grip. You should be able to hold the handle strongly while skinning and it should not chip or break easily.

A good hunting knife will need to be sharpened often as well, so look for a good sharpening system to go with your blade. If you have practice and a keen eye, a sharpening stone will be just as effective. However, remember that if you missharpen your knife too much you can ruin the blade forever, rendering it largely useless. To ensure this does not happen, research the proper method to sharpen or spend the extra money for an electric system.

Finally, spend a little time in a store trying out different hunting knife options. Most hunting supply stores will allow you to feel the knife to gauge weight and comfort level before buying. Researching online is a good place to start, but the only real way to know if a knife is right for you is to hold it.

With the right hunting knife in hand, you can enhance your hunting experience many times over. You can bring home more meat, skin an animal quicker, and spend more time hunting.

Knives have forever been an important part of society; although they may be less relied upon today, they are still widely used in a variety of situations, including medicine. The symbolic nature of a knife is very appealing to many people, as the object represents survival and self-sufficiency. Therefore, knife collectors have been popping up at a steady rate. Like superior gun collections, eminent knife collections have a wide assortment of different types of knives, all of which should be high-quality and gleaming.

No two knives are alike (except identical pieces, of course), which is why it is important to collectors to have so many separate kinds. Every knife is unique, possessing differentiating features and characteristics that give it its own identity. Certain knives have special features, such as having other tools on them (Swiss Army knives are most notorious for this). In addition to features, the craftsmanship and materials used to make a knife contribute to its value.

Some knife collectors enjoy their hobby simply because they want to personally own a multitude of knives. Other collectors have a practical use in mind for each piece they buy. For example, a hiker or camper would want knives that can assist them in the wilderness. Collectors do not have to fall perfectly in to one category or the other. In fact, most have purposeful knives and others just for show.

When purchasing a knife, you must match the knife’s abilities to your needs. You do not want to get something too big or too small, and the knife must have feature available to assist you in your activities. Few people hunt with knives anymore, but many hikers are faced with excessive foliage and bushes. In this case, a large knife would be needed to cut away as much matter as possible.

For the extravagant collector, exotic knives are an ideal fit. Knives made of precious metals, such as platinum, gold, or silver, are very expensive but the highest quality in the world. They are also exceptionally sharp, thus are useful in slicing anything that needs to be cut. Since the majority of collectors cannot afford pure gold knives, many are a combination of different metals. Mixed knives combine the exquisiteness of a precious metal with the cost effectiveness of a cheaper substitute.

Flea markets and other shops are great places to find huge selections of knives. Buying one in person also allows you to inspect the knife for quality, and see first hand whether it is right for you. Those most interested in saving money can turn to the Internet, which always has cheaper prices than brick and mortar businesses.

Although you cannot physically handle knives from the catalog, a plethora of information is available on the website. Before making a purchase decision, it is best to read reviews from other customers to see what they thought of a product. Having multiple opinions and testimonials makes your own choices a lot easier.

Like most assets, knives require upkeep to remain in top condition. Whenever you use a knife, wipe it down with a cloth to remove dirt and fingerprints. Keeping your knives dry is critical in preventing them from rusting. Invest in knife polish, and occasionally set aside some time to clean your knives so they will retain their glow indefinitely.

The fighting knife has been around as long as men have armed themselves to protect life and country. Whether you search for specific hunting, survival, or tactical weapons- here is a sample of what every serious collector should hold in his coveted knife collection.

Let’s begin with the most influential design of perfection in the twentieth century- the Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife. The original Fairbairn-Sykes was taken out of commission but is now once again on the market. A good testament to a great weapon is the men who designed the knife actually use it. Warriors have charged their enemy with the Fairbairn-Sykes knife for almost half a century. Combat soldiers carried this knife during countless battles fought by American and British Special Forces. CIA and FBI undercover agents consider this knife a no- brainer addition to any homeland security operation. Thousands of lives have been lost under this blade but thousands more were saved in the process. The Fairbairn-Sykes is a masterfully constructed, straight-bladed, double-edged weapon, much like a dagger.

A look back into the past of the United States wild frontier shows Arkansas was a rough place during the 1830s. Tough Americans whittled out a place for heroic tales and brave deeds in the hard fight for honor and prosperity. James Black, an Arkansas blacksmith, is by many accounts, the maker of the Bowie Knife. Black’s knives were copied in England and sold in America as the ‘Arkansas Toothpick’. Jim Bowie became legend after the famous “Sandbar Duel” in 1827 with reportedly a knife made for him by Black. After Jim Bowie was killed at the Alamo in 1836, the Bowie knife became firmly established in his name as a lasting tribute. The Bowie Knife saw more action in the American Civil War as arms for the Confederacy. A Bowie knife requires minimum maintenance and is practically immune to the after effects of water, salt, air, or humidity.

The Trench Knife is one sharp looking classic piece of manpower known as a knuckle knife. The US Army’s first attempt at a trench weapon was the M1917/18 trench knife. The knife has a wicked triangle blade and the knuckle bow varies according to the manufacturer. The M1918 Mark I is the knife most people think of when the word- trench knife- is thrown around. Major McNary was the designer using the identical blade design as the French M1916 trench dagger. No American home should be without one of these witnesses to our military’s history. The McNary trench knife’s cutting edge was widely used in World War II, up to the Vietnam War conflicts.

Last but not least for every survivalist is the popular Ka-Bar Knife sometimes called K-Bar Knives. They are extremely sturdy, dependable, and rugged knives, much like their official sponsors, the USMC and the United States Army. These quality knives were the prized possession on the side of every fighting Marine during WWII. Owning one of these knives is part of preserving our national heritage- standing for the trials our ancestors faced and won for the right of freedom.

“It is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy.”-

Wendell Berry

When knives first began to appear as pocket knives, they were developed so that they could virtually fold in half and be able to ride in a secure, hidden location. When the knives were opened, it was usually done with a thumb or another finger, which meant that a person would have to use two hands in order to open up his knife. This is something that worked for many people, but could also be dangerous in the long run.

This is part of why liner lock knives were developed. With the liner lock knife, it is possible to open and close the blade with only one hand in a safe manner. The knife was designed by Michael Walker who took what was at one time called the electrician’s knife, and made some adjustments to it. The electrician’s knife was a knife that had a button which you could press to open and close it. However, it did not lock. Knife maker Walker changed the older style so that it would lock, which meant a safer sturdier blade.

The liner lock knife that can be found in hunting and fishing equipment stores today are commonly referred to as folding knives. When the knife is unfolded, it is held open by a leaf spring or lockbar system. The lockbar presses against the bottom of the blade and does not allow it to close until the lockbar is pressed. Then, it closes by itself. It will stay closed until the lockbar is pressed one more time.

The liner lock knife is useful because it allows you to safely keep your knife closed when you do not want to be using it. It locks the blade closed so that it will not come open by accident. This mechanism creates a way to keep a knife in the house or in a tackle box without worrying about the safety of other people that may be digging in drawers or boxes to retrieve it. The liner lock knife also works to lock the knife open, so that you will not have to worry about the knife falling shut accidentally on unsuspecting fingers or constantly collapsing while you are trying to complete a task. The lockbar on the liner lock knife works in both ways.

The liner lock knife also allows you to open and close the blade with one hand. This makes the entire knife much easier and convenient to use. These blades are also made of strong materials, typically steel or titanium, to better withstand rigorous use and the constant movement of the internal mechanism. These materials can also withstand rust and tend to maintain their sharpness better than other metals. With this type of construction, it is reassuring to users that the knife will last.

Whether for outdoor use or for your home, having a solid folding knife at your disposal is important. If you do not have one, consider a liner lock knife for its safety, ease-of-use and durability.

~Ben Anton, 2008

People of all ages throughout time have hunted for survival, pleasure, and necessity. The hunting knife has been a staple piece of equipment among hikers, campers, and fisherman as well for the same purposes. A quality knife makes the process of hunting easier, more enjoyable, and often times safer. When looking for the right hunting knife for yourself you must understand what types of knives are available from retailers and wholesalers around the world. Hunting knives come in forms as diverse as the types of hunting trips available.

Types of Hunting Knives

Hunting knives generally can be categorized into two categories, fixed blade knives and folding blades. Folding blades’ most common forms are lock-back folding and pocket knives. These knives can all be found in collector styles or in tactical forms. It really depends on your needs and interests as to which style you choose.

Fixed Blade Knives

Fixed blade and folding are the two main styles of hunting knife. Fixed blade knives are generally the more rugged and reliable. Fixed blade knives like the Coast Bowie Knife or the Puma Rolled Stag White Hunter are both good examples of high quality fixed blade hunting knives because of their superior stainless steel blades and sturdy handles. Fixed blades are also very easy to clean. Fixed blade knives, however, are generally bulkier, heavier, and potentially dangerous if not packed and handled properly. Hunters planning to do a lot of hiking or climbing might want to steer clear of a fixed blade or purchase a high-quality protective sheath.

Folding Knives

For most hunting trips, folding blade knives are strong and durable enough for the tasks at hand. Folding knives do just as the name implies – the blade folds into the handle, protecting the blade and the user from cutting themselves and reducing the overall size of the knife. There are two main types of folding knives – lock-backs and pocketknives.

Lock-Back Folding Blades

Lock-back folding blades have nearly the same strength and durability of fixed blade knives but have the added benefit of being safer and easier to pack. Many lock-back knives allow for one hand operation making it easier to use when you are all alone or juggling multiple pieces of equipment. Lock-back blades are also much safer – their blade locking mechanism ensures that the blade will not flip back unexpectedly cutting the user.

Pocket Knives

Pocketknives are usually more versatile than lock-back or fixed-blade knives. They are more compact, easy to carry and, if purchased from a reputable brand, can provide all the strength needed to skin or gut game.

Choosing Your Knife

Remember, when choosing your hunting knife, practicality is the most important thing to consider. It may seem like the right idea to buy a ten-inch fixed blade giant but the knife may prove too large and cumbersome to use in a more common hunting scenario. Most hunters do not need anything larger than a four- to five-inch blade.

The fundamentals of the high-quality, reliable hunting knife will continue to remain constant. A well-made fixed or folding blade knife suitable for your hunting needs will make your next hunting trip fruitful and rewarding.

~Ben Anton, 2008

I just had to tell you all about my most recent custom knife buying ventures. I saw so many great custom knives that I thought you all would really appreciate.

Well, let me start by going over what makes a custom knife valuable.

Like all other collectibles, custom knives vary in price, beauty and quality. One of the easiest ways to determine the quality of a custom knife is to find out who the knifemaker is.

Just like with cars, the name of the knifemaker matters. Tim Herman, as an example commands a great deal of respect in the custom knife making world.

Next, you should take close note of the handle of the knife. Of course, you want to see a custom knife handle and not one that looks like it has been mass produced.

There are many materials that custom knife handles can be made from. These handles are nothing like the ones you are used to seeing on your typical household knives.

Some of the engraving in these handles, alone, will make the knife worth buying. Some custom knives have pictures of cars or people carved right into them. It’s absolutely amazing.

Once you have examined the handle, it’s time for you to look at the blade.

Just like the handle, the blades that make up custom knives vary greatly. From material to quality to length and several other categories.

Although I won’t get into it here, knowing how to determine the value and quality of the blade can make or break the deal.

Collecting custom knives is much more an art than a science. However, there is a formula that you can use to gauge a large part of your decision.

Knifemaker, handle, and blade. The three most important parts of a custom knife. If you are unhappy with any of these three, get out of the deal.

But what happens when you are happy with what you see, now what do you do?

At this point, it’s time to look at the subtle details of the knife. Is it in mint condition? Can you see any obvious wear and tear on the blade or handle? Is there a certificate to prove that the knifemaker actually did make the knife?

Make sure to get all you questions and concerns answered. A custom knife is a large investment, and one that will last a lifetime. Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into a purchase that you are not 100% sure about.

Of course, if you are a trader of custom knives, than price is your determining factor. Regardless of the condition of the knife, if you know you can sell it for $1,000 you would be happy to buy it for $600.

If that doesn’t make sense, it’s time for you to get out of the custom knife trading business.

Five years ago. Michael Donato and Richard Mattei made a business decision. They were introduced to handmade custom knives and found a career.

When the 28-year-old Donato and business partner Richard Mattei chose to invest in hand-made knives and earn their living as purveyors, it quickly became clear that their money was precious.

In order to discern the best values and build inventory that would be attractive to buyers. Donato and Mattei developed a “system” for making the right knife choices.

“In order to be successful in any venue, you really need a game plan,” Michael explained, “and as a purveyor we took money out of our own pockets and wanted to invest as wisely as possible.

Since there are so many makers we wanted to differentiate between those who have extraordinary talent and those who don’t—and whose work we wanted to showcase at knife shows and in an open forum available to the public.

It’s also important to be an educator to your clientele and show them who a certain knife maker is and why we choose to display his or her work. This is why we created the system.”

3 Basic Principles

Michael’s system rests on three basic principles:

1. The influence a knife maker has on other makers;

2. The maker’s design must meet the collectors demand; and;

3. The fit and finish must be of the highest quality.

“When I started in the knife industry I was looking at many knife makers and the knives that caught my eye had common attributes,” “The knife has to be symmetrical, both open and closed,” Donato related. “It has to be well balanced and appealing to the eye.

Every knife should have personality. It should be one of a kind. I will always handle the knife to experience the way it opens and closes, walks and talks”. The fit and finish, Mattei asserts, is the single most important factor in judging a knife maker’s proficiency.” This will determine the difference between a $700 and a $2,000 knife,” he said. “Fit and finish is considered the final presentation, which showcases the maker’s work ethic and skill.

The knife will be perfect if the blade drops dead center on a folder, the grind lines are mirrored, presentation-grade matched scales are used in the handle, the seams are tight, the lines are nice, and the action is silky smooth.” Joe Kious, Scott Sawby, Warren Osborne, and Jeff Harkins are in my opinion some of the finest knife makers today.

When you examine their knives, they receive high grades in all of the above attributes. Other makers of this quality include, Stephen Olszewski, Steve Hill, Owen Wood, Don Hanson III and Tom Overeynder.

Efforts to educate and promote handmade knife collecting keep the industry fresh and alive. Borrowing from existing approaches and adding some of its creator’s own touches; Michael Donato’s and Richard Mattei’s system is a positive addition and enhances the overall experience.