Category: Knife Mule - page 4

It is almost that time a year again when we all start to think about getting out into the great outdoors once again.  Whether your passion is hunting, hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing or one of the many other adventures that come with warm weather it is wise to start thinking about purchasing a knife you can carry with you.  A knife is an all-purpose tool that can be used for safety, but for a variety of everyday tasks as well.  For an inexperienced shopper it can be an intimidating undertaking without a little knowledge of knives to take with you.

There are a multitude of knife styles to choose from starting with fixed blade knife. A fixed blade knife is one of the sturdiest, most durable styles of knives.  A fixed blade knife can easily be carried using a sheath attached to a boot or belt.  This style of knife is great for any outdoors man but is especially helpful to paddlers and survivalists as it is incredibly handy.  It can be released from its sheath in a hurry allowing cord, webbing or small brush to be cleared instantly.

Another style of knife is the folding blade knife.  Most folding knives have a locking mechanism in place to ensure that the knife doesn’t release unexpectedly. Folding knives come in a variety of lengths and offer a great deal of versatility.  Small folding knives, such as pocket knives are easily carried whereas larger folding knives can be stored easily in a pack. Some claim that the folding blade is not as durable as a fixed blade knife however with all the latest developments in knife technology this is highly debatable.  Fixed knife blades also can include multiple tools that easily fold into themselves giving you a variety of easy to use tools.  This is great for bikers as you never know when you will need a wrench or screwdriver out of the trails.

Blade type is also something to consider when purchasing a knife.  There are three basic styles to choose from including: straight blades, serrated blades and a combination.  As with anything each blade type has advantages and disadvantages.

A straight blade knife is a super nice tool as it is easy to sharpen and keep an edge on.  Straight knife blades are great for cutting and make any meal easier especially when hiking or camping. Serrated edges have teeth built into the blade, much like a saw blade but not as enhanced.  The teeth make this blade much easier to cut through bone, rope and limbs.  It is also much more difficult to sharpen.  A combination blade offers the advantages of both styles.  The activity that you are partaking in should be considered when choosing a blade type.

The good thing about purchasing a knife is that it is a versatile tool that does not have to break the bank.  You can purchase several knives and depending on the activity you are embarking on choose what to carry with you.

What does a knife represent to you?  As a sportsman and avid outdoorsman a solid knife can mean the difference between life and death.  A quality camping knife can not only save you from a zombie attack but also can assist in building a shelter, creating a fire, killing food, digging holes and so much more.  If you dream it your knife can help you accomplish it.  It is essential for all hunters, backpackers, mountaineers and fisherman to carry a knife meant to be of assistance and aid in surviving the outdoors.

When choosing a survival, hunting or camping knife you should consider the blades size.   In the case of knives size matters especially when it comes to the blade.  There is not an ideal or perfect size blade for everyone.  The size blade that you decide upon will depend upon how you are going to use the knife.  If the knife is to be used for a bunch of different purposes consider purchasing more than one knife.

A large sturdy blade is essential in a camping knife that is intended to cut through limbs and larger wood pieces to build fire and shelter.  A large knife blade is also useful when it comes to spearing food and for clearing pathways; all crucial when it comes to your survival in the elements.

A small knife blade is better suited to help you with skinning fish and dressing small game.  A delicate knife blade works to carve tools that assist in survival as well as creating animal snares.  Large knife blades would be too bulky and cumbersome for more delicate purposes.

Whether the knife blade is foldable or fixed is also important when it comes to a knives strength and dependability.  A fixed blade knife is by far more durable than a folding knife.  Folding knife mechanisms tend to create weakness; tools with joints that bend they are more likely to rupture.  If you will be using the knife to cut, pound or pry it is important that the blade is stable and unwavering.  This can be found in a fixed blade knife.

When choosing a fixed blade knife, only consider a full tang knife blade.  A full tang blade creates the best bond available in a knife.  A full tang knife blade is all made form one piece of steel from the handle to the blade.  It is nearly impossible for a full tang blade to split where as a fixed blade knife that is created from two pieces can come apart easily.

Think about dagger style knives verse single edge knife blades.  A dagger style appears to be tough, powerful and mighty however a traditional style blade with one sharp edge and one dull edge is better for the outdoors.  In the wilderness a knife needs to be able to crush, pressure needs to be applied to the blunt edge to create enough force to cut through the desired object.  If the knife is dagger style this is not possible.

Finding a knife that matches your wants and needs is the most important goal in choosing an ideal camping and survival knife.   Using the tips above should leave you finding a perfect camping knife in no time at all.

When deciding upon the best survival knife there are arguments that can be made for several different styles of knives as well as brands.  The discussions are likely to become heated and intense as outdoor enthusiastic are passionate when it comes to their tools.  There are several hundred survival knives to choose from.  Countless hours of research have gone into the issue regarding the best survival knife.   Numerous reviews have been read.  The conclusion, the best survival knife for you depends on what you are looking for.

Each knife is unique and as such has viable pros and cons that come along with owning it.  Each person has a characteristic unlike that of another so we will never agree on which one is “the best” for everyone.  There are however, some important characteristics to look for that create a survival knife that will become an everlasting family heirloom.

When it comes to purchasing a knife for survival purposes you have two choices in blade styles; fixed blade and folding blade.  I would never recommend a folding knife blade to a true survivalist.  Folding knives have improved over the years however are not as well built or resilient as a genuine fixed blade knife.  When choosing a fixed blade knife look for a full tang instead of a partial tang.  The difference is that in a full tang the blade metal extends the full length of the knife into the grip-portion of the handle.  A partial tang, in my opinion, does not offer the strength or stability that a full tang survival piece can.

Another significant portion of the knife that needs to be considered is the steel in which the blade is made.  This could be the most debated part of the knife as well.  Knives can be manufactured out of variety of steels or combinations of such.  When looking for a long-lasting knife for survival purposes the best option for the blade, in my opinion, is a combination of stainless steel and carbon steel.  Carbon steel allows for the knife blade to stay sharper longer as well as being incredibly durable while stainless steel looks sleek and is a non-corroding, rust resistant material.

A considerable feature when it comes to purchasing a true piece meant for survival you will want something with some girth.  A thick blade is a must have when it comes to finding the perfect survival piece.  When you are out in the back country living off the land you need a knife that will slice, hack, split, bone, skin and save your life. You should be looking for a blade that is at least an eighth of an inch thick.  A knife being used to save your life should be made in such a manner that failure is not an option. If the blade fails it could mean your life.

The last piece of advice I will give you on the topic is to purchase a brand name knife from a reputable outdoor gear company.  Brand names in knives are plentiful.  Outdoor knife suppliers range from brands such as Ka-Bar, Cold-Steel, Buck and Becker just to name a few.

Quality matters when it comes to the tools you use to prepare meals in your kitchen.  When choosing tools for your very first kitchen it is important to realize that the quality of the pieces you are purchasing is far more important than the quantity of pieces.  Let’s talk about kitchen knives as an example of where quality really matters over the number of pieces owned.

Quality knives can be purchase in sets.  Block set kitchen knives are incredibly popular.  The problem with purchasing a complete set all at one time is that it is pricey and requires a substantial financial commitment.  It also comes with the prospect that you are purchasing pieces that you won’t necessarily find useful in your cooking.  One way around both of these obstacles is to purchase an empty knife block and take your time filling it with quality pieces that you are sure to use.  This saves you from dishing out a lot of money right away as well as purchasing items you won’t necessarily use in your meal preparations.

Another benefit of growing your knife set is that it allows you to experiment with different brands.  If you are like me I like certain brand name knives for certain jobs.  There are several stores that now allow you to come in and test out different knife brands before you purchase.  Before I purchase anything for my kitchen that requires a substantial outlay of funds I try to test the product.

Start with the essentials.  Purchase a knife block and a chef’s knife.  I would choose a chef’s knife as it is an all-around easy knife to use.  Another knife I would look into getting sooner than later is a paring knife.   This knife is perfect for all the small jobs in the kitchen.  A Utility knife and bread knife would be my third and fourth choices.  To be honest, before I bought a bread knife, which isn’t essential to the cooking process, I would purchase a few paring knives.  During meal preparations I can go easily use four paring knives.  This way I don’t have to worry about washing them in between projects.

When looking at choosing kitchen knives make sure you purchase a knife with a superior blade.  The best material for kitchen knife blades is carbon steel, ceramic and titanium in that order.  All of these materials hold a sharp edge over a period of time.  Ceramic knives are incredibly sharp and easy to clean although a bit fragile.  Carbon steel is incredibly durable and withstands a lot of use and abuse however can turn colors over time.  Titanium is a great material but often a bit tougher on the pocket book.  There will be advantages and disadvantages to all material used in knives.  I do prefer ceramic for paring knives as they do the delicate work wonderfully but when slicing through a big chuck of meat I would take carbon steel every time.

Getting a great set of kitchen knives comes with patience and perseverance.  You truly don’t have to have ever knife to get started.  You will find growing your kitchen knife collection turns into a hobby of sorts.

A quality knife is a must for almost everyone.  Whether you are a crafter, hunter, fisherman, camper, hiker, outdoorsman or just plain old handy all around a knife is a tool that you will not be able to function without. A knife is such a valuable tool that any new young man or women in our family acquires one at the same time that they receive their drivers license.  Whether for cutting a box, opening a can, cutting your way out of a tangle or as a security blanket walking to your car in a dark parking lot a knife is an essential tool.

The old adage that you get what you pay for is true when it comes to the purchase of a knife.  Don’t waste money on a cheap gas station pocket knife.  You will literally be throwing money away.  Invest in a decent knife as a gift for someone or for yourself, it will pay you back tenfold in years served.  A quality knife will last long enough to be a family heirloom so look at the purchase as such.  A terrific knife to start with is a folding knife with a locking blade.  There are many companies supplying knives that fit this description narrowing the selection down is the hard part.  Below I will share a few personal favorites.

One brand that stands the test of time is W.R. Case & Son Cutlery.  Started in 1889, each knife and blade that is made is different form the next.  Case blades are stamped from steel and hardened using their special heat method.  After this is completed the handles are carved from a multitude of materials.  Case handles come from hardwoods, mother-of-pearl, exotic animal bone as well as unique stones.  All the parts used in making a Case knife are superior metals such as silver, nickel and brass.  If you purchase a Case knife you are not only buying a quality tool you are also purchasing a collectable heirloom that will be passed on from one member of your family to another for years.

Another quality knife company that is known for their quality, heirloom pieces is Fallkniven knives.  A Swedish, family business that began around 1980 has grown into one of the most popular brands for fishing and hunting enthusiasts all over the world.  With a knife designed and manufactured by Fallkniven you are guaranteed a knife that is second to none.  The knives have it all; good looks unbeatable craftsmanship and unrivaled performance.  You can choose from many styles of knives including folding, fixed blade, military, collectors and chef knives.

These are just two of the many knife brands I would suggest to purchase as a knife that will ultimately become a family heirloom.  It is priceless to see how a child lights up when they are given great grandpa’s pocket knife from when he was a young man.  With either of the brands listed above and plenty of other you are purchasing an essential tool that will carry a multitude of stories with it throughout the years.

In hunting you will find there are two distinct types of knives to choose from, the fixed blade knife and the folding or lock blade knife.  As with most products there are distinct benefits and drawbacks when deciding between the two.  When choosing between the two you will want to consider your unique and specific hunting approach as well as your preference for carrying your knife.  If you prefer to carry a knife in your pocket you will want to go with a folding or locking blade knife but if you want to wear the knife on your belt or in a boot sheath you will be looking at a fixed blade knife.

Folding or locking blade knives often come with a unique feature that allows them to be opened using only one hand.  Often times the knife is equipped with a small lever that you place your thumb in that assists in opening the blade.  Another nice feature about folding blades is the locking mechanism that prevents accidental blade closings.  If a blade closes accidentally it is likely to cause injury.  To close a knife with a locking component you must press the lever down and apply pressure to fold the knife back into the handle.  A lock blade knife is convenient to be carried within a pocket or worn easily on a belt.  They are usually smaller in size then fixed blade knives which make them a terrific option for an everyday knife or for a knife used in fishing, hunting or outdoor adventures.

If you are into big game hunting or are adventurous in survival outings a fixed blade knife might be a better option for you.  A fixed blade knife is often larger and sturdier and is better suited to the stress that will be put on it in survival and big game hunting expeditions.   They are considered a stronger knife as they do not rely on a hinge to fold the knife.  The blade is made from one solid piece of metal and is part of the actual handle using a full tang.  In my opinion this is the highest quality fixed blade knife you can purchase.  The knife will be carried in a sheath that is worn around a belt, within a boot or around your leg.  The sheath that you will choose to carry your knife in with depends on the game you are hunting, the clothing you are wearing and personal comfort.  When venturing into deep woods camping or large game hunting looks into a good quality full tang fixed blade knife.

Several different types of blades are available on folding blades and fixed blade options.  The clip point and drop point blades are the most popular for hunters.  A clip point blade is best for smaller areas where as the drop point blade is best for skinning and larger animals.

Another blade option that is popular is the gut hook blade.  This style blade has a hooked end that is used to open the animals mid section without clipping into the entrails.  If choosing a gut hook blade look for one that has a wide opening to accept the thickness of the animals hide.  It is important to remember that the animals will have their winter coats, hair and hide so you will need a hook blade that is substantial to get through the animal.

In choosing a knife there are many brands to consider.  Some of the top brands are Boker Tree, Browning, Case and Zero Tolerance.  Take your time, do some research and get a feel for the knife you want.  Look around at stores but when it comes to the big purchase, check online as the deals are often far greater than what you can find in store.

I am often asked about the different types and brand names of pocket knives.  There are so many companies producing pocket knives and with the different styles, shopping for the perfect pocket knife is an adventure in itself.

This is the first part in a series of articles to be written about the different types of pocket knives available.  I thought a very traditional way to begin the series was with the Stockman Pocket Knife.  The Stockman has three different types of blades and usually is in the middle when it comes to the length of pocket knives.  The Stockman is sold by various knife makers; the most prevalent being Case XX Knives and Rough Rider Knives.

Stockman’s are special because of the three different types of blades that make up this style of pocket knife.  The blades include a clip point blade, a sheep’s foot and a spey blade.

Clip point blades are the longest blade of the three and are the one that does the most work of the three.  It can be used in the field to slice meat, peel fruit, filet fresh fish or even skin small game.  This blade makes the Stockman an ideal medium sized pocket knife for hunting, fishing, camping or outdoor adventures.

The sheep’s foot blade is a short, straight blade that is used for cuts that require extra control.  The strong, blunt point is good for cutting open boxes or delicate jobs like cutting an article out of a newspaper.

Spey blades were used by farmers and ranchers long ago to spay however I believe that spaying animals with a pocket knife has died out.  The spey blade is used to carefully slice meat.  The blade offers a ninety degree point that helps prevent puncturing struggling animal’s vital organs.  The keen edge makes it the most practical for cutting through flesh.

The Stockman pocket knives medium size makes it incredibly convenient to be carried.   They generally come with two different types of handles including a straight handled version and a sowbelly version.

As with most folding knives the Stockman style uses nail nicks to open the blade.  A nail nick is a slot on the top of the blade that is used to allow your fingernails to pull the blade out of the knife handle.  The three blades make this pocket knife a good choice for handling a variety of tasks and are practical for many different knife carriers.

Choose the Stockman, three blade pocket knife if you are looking for a traditional style pocket knife that is small enough to be carried conveniently but large enough to be held comfortably in larger hands.  It is a style that has continued to stand the test of time and remains a popular option in folding knife options.

When looking for a Case XX Stockman Pocket Knife or a Stockman Rough Rider Pocket Knife check out the variety of knife suppliers online.  You can often find a great deal purchasing online paying up to forty percent off of the prices charged by sporting good stores.

All of us have moments in life that we remember like they just happened yesterday. For some it is their first kiss, going to college, getting married, purchasing a home; this list could go on forever. For me one of these days is the day I was able to purchase my own fixed blade knife otherwise known as a “survival knife”. I was beyond excited. I had waited a long time, done a lot of research and finally decided upon the knife I would come to carry on my hip for years to come.
I purchased it online and when it arrived at my doorstep I was as ecstatic as a young child on Christmas morning. I wear is as casually as a pair of underwear only removing it from my hip on occasions that a knife is not allowed. I won’t share the brand or exact fixed blade knife I choose because I truly believe you decide for yourself when choosing fixed blade knives and in no way do I want to influence your decision. I will however give you a more in depth look at choosing a knife that is right for you and exactly why I believe, especially given society today, that a knife is a staple for everyone to carry; whether it is a pocket knife, fixed blade or liner lock.
Survival knives such as the Cold Steel Tai Pan Double Edged Dagger Knife are not only beautiful to carry and treasure but also incredibly useful. You can use the knife in a variety of ways: cutting, slicing, self-defense, first aid, food preparations, assist in building shelter and to help as a tool in prying and screwing. I know everyone is currently thinking of some random movie scene where the good guys life is saved with the use of the great knife tool, right?
When considering your knife purchases always consider its practicality. For some people a pocket knife or liner lock knife make more sense as their jobs don’t entail a knife to be worn on their hip. For other like myself my career makes it a necessity. Pocket knives are easily concealed and are simple to use. This is a popular option for almost everyone. I make my daughter and wife carry one when they leave the house. Sometimes it assists them in opening a box or removing a tag but there in case something occurred that it might become a tool in saving them from a bad situation.
The things I considered when choosing my fixed blade knife were basic considerations such as the blades size, I like to be at around 5- 6 inches, it was full tang, one continuous piece of metal, it had a single-edged blade with a flat ground spine and a sharp point tip along with a solid pommel.
The decorations that have almost no bearing on the function of the knife include items such as if the blade is carbon steel or stainless steel, the material of the handle, the finish, millings, whether to have a serrated or non-serrated blade as well as the designer or brand name of the knife. Knife enthusiasts argue that Cold Steel, Boker, Case and Smith and Wesson are amongst the top brand names amongst knife makers and who am I to argue with that!

https://www.knifemule.com/category.php?cat=Fixed%20Blade%20Knives
Knife Mule is an industry leader in fixed blade knives and specialty knives, for more information on knives of any kind http://www.knifemule.com.
fixed blade knives, tactical fixed blade knives, gerber fixed blade knives, hunting knives, tactical knives, fixed blade tactical knives, fixed blade knives sheath, case fixed knives, survival knives

Specialty knives

There is no doubt that choosing a pocket knife comes down to personal preference. Women and men alike need to have a pocket knife handy at all times. It is a multipurpose tool. Pocket knives come in handy because they are compact and can easily be stored as the name applies in a pocket or purse. Whether you need it to open a package, slice a string, peel and apple or sharpen a pencil a pocket knife proves its purpose over and over again.
I often get asked how someone would go about choosing the perfect pocket knife. Most pocket knife owners are not looking at the knife for collectability but instead for ease of use and longevity. If this is what you are looking for I guarantee you won’t find it at the local five and dime or corner mart. You can find quality options online and fairly inexpensive. Most distributors of specialty knives offer free shipping and their products are backed not only by their individual warranty but also the manufacturers.
A quality, folding pocket knife is not difficult to find. There are many top knife companies that offer widely different characteristics in pocket knives. Some things to consider are if you are looking for something simple, tactical or something traditional. If the knife is to be carried in ones pocket it is preferable to have a knife that folds. Other things to consider are the thickness of the blade, the length of the blade, the way the knife locks as well as the material the handle and blade are made out of. Here are some top brands to look into when considering a pocket knife:
1) Boker Tree Brand Knives
Boker is a German based knife supplier and is known throughout the specialty knife community for manufacturing high quality blades at all different price levels. They are popular among knife enthusiastic for their tactical, sport, pocket and collectors knives.
2) Smith and Wesson Knives
Smith & Wesson is widely known for their production of handguns along with their presence in the law enforcement community. S & W knives are made of the same attributes as their line of handguns and rifles. They also offer a variety of pocket knives in varied price ranges. You can’t go wrong with a Smith and Wesson pocket knife.
3) W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery
Case is a popular American manufacturer of premium, hand-crafted pocket knives. They offer an intense selection to choose from in regards to the metal and handle materials on their pocket knives. You can find anything from Carbon Fiber to Mother of Pearl. Blade variety as well is varied amongst the pocket knives that hold the Case brand name; whether looking for a pocket knife with a gut hook and saw blade or hoof pick and clip blade.
You can find a pocket knife for everyday use from any of the three brands mentioned or from thousands of other manufactures such as: Benchmade, Spyderco, Kershaw, Swiss Army and Victorinox. There is a knife for every user, the goal is to identify the uses you have for a pocket knife and to find one that represents you and that will meet your needs.

Knife Mule is an industry leader in pocket knives and specialty knives, for more information on knives of any kind http://www.knifemule.com.