Whetstones – Oil/Water
“Whetstone” is any stone used for sharpening knives. It may be natural or artificial. Artificial stones are usually in a form of silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. Bonded abrasives are harsher and provide the user with quicker (although courser) edge than most natural stones. They are available as double-sided blocks with a coarse grit on one side and a fine grit on the other or triple sided with three grits from course to fine.
Whetstones do not require lubrication with oil or water although it is common that oil or water is used. Lubrication provides some assistance in the cutting action of the stone however its primary importance is to carry away the filings (swarf).
Finer grades of sharpening stones, especially Natural stones, are used with oil (water can also be used). Natural stones are mined around the world and are usually some form of crystallized quartz (chert).
The Japanese were early developers of water stones, stones lubricated with water. They probably discovered a natural deposit of clay and silica hundreds of years ago. The most famous Japanese Wet Stones are mined in an area north of Kyoto Japan. Today they are also manufactured stones of silicate particles embedded in a matrix made of clay and other minerals. The use of water exposes the abrasive for sharpening. They do wear out faster than other types of stone.
THE BOWIE KNIFE
There is much legend and controversy concerning the “Bowie Knife”.
According to many sources, James Black, an Arkansas knife maker, made a knife for Jim Bowie. This knife came to be known as the first “Bowie Knife”. At the time of Jim Bowie’s Alamo death in 1836, the term “Bowie knife” had become the common name for similar knives popular at the time.
Due the 1827 “Sandbar Duel” in Mississippi, Jim Bowie was well known for his ability in a knife fight. Bowie used a knife supposedly given to him by his brother during the “Sandbar Duel.”
Legend says, after receiving the “Bowie Knife” from Black, Bowie was accosted by three hired assassins. Bowie killed all three men with his new knife. This tale led to James Black becoming famous for having fabricated the “Bowie Knife.”
The Historic Arkansas Museum acquired Bowie No. 1 several years ago through an auction of the collections of two prominent Texas knife collectors. Bowie No.1 is a knife well known in collecting circles as an important early bowie knife. Although James Black did not put a maker’s mark on his knives, curatorial analysis has determined that Bowie No. 1 was made by James Black.
Modern day “Bowie Knives” have changed a bit from the early guard less “Coffin Handle” knives made by James Black and other knife makers of the 1800’s.
Most “Bowie” knives manufactured by Boker , Buck and others are more rigid and of course made with modern steel formulae and techniques. Black was said to have discovered a secret technique in his knife making that produced a durable but flexible blade
Disaster Survival
Disasters are not in our daily thoughts however, being prepared is essential. Whether one is in and earthquake, tornado, flood, fire or hurricane zone, a survival kit is needed. Items in the kit are about the same for any disaster.
Although not complete, the following are minimal items needed in your kit. 
AM/FM Radio with Battery, Flashlight with Batteries, Candles, Duct Tape,
Emergency Blankets, Emergency Manual, Food Rations, Infectious Waste Bags, Victorinox Swiss Army Tool, Pry Bar, Rope, Ka Bar Survival Knife, Tissue Packs, Utility Bags, Water Purification Tablets, Water Rations, Matches, Whistle, Work Gloves, Medical First Aid Kit, Large Adjustable Wrench (shut off gas).
We all should take to heart the Boy Scout Motto – “Be Prepared“
A Tool Box In Your Hand
How would you like to have at your finger tips a pair of needle nose pliers, a wire cutter, an electrical crimper, a wire scraper, a wire stripper, a wire bender, a wood saw, a drop point blade, scissors, a can opener, a bottle opener, a (large, medium and small) screwdriver, a reamer/punch, a Phillips screwdriver, a chisel/scraper, a crate opener, a mini screwdriver, a ruler (cm and in.), and a seat belt cutter? All of the incidental tools are accessible without opening the pliers. It seems like you need a small tool box attached to your leg to avail yourself of all those tools.
I have just described a Multi-Tool by Victorinox.
“Multi-tool” is name given to a variety of products that are many functioned, all-in-one, hand tools that combine several individual tools in a single grip and made small enough to carry in a purse or pouch. The Victorinox Swiss Card is in essence a multi-tool. Some manufacturers have designed pocket knives with two or more incidental tools built into the knife.
Essential Camping Gear
Outdoor enthusiasts need to know what things to bring when going on an adventure. They should be knowledgeable enough to differentiate between items needed for a day hike or a weekend camping trip, for example. When it comes to camping gear, here are several must-haves that you need to bring to be able to survive life in the wilds for a few days:
~Adequately sized backpack and sleeping bag
~Tent, jacket, extra pair of socks, hiking boots
~Flashlight, extra batteries, matches
~Small first aid kit
~SOG pocket knives, compass
~Food and cookware
~Water, bottle, and water-treatment supplies
Arkansas Custom Knife Show Visited
The Arkansas custom knife show (Feb 20-21) displayed the wares of 95 knife makers from around Arkansas. There were twenty or more other states represented as well as Canada.
These proud knife makers were pleased to discuss their product and elaborate on the art. Displayed were knives as large as 20” Bowie’s and knives as small as 2”. Fixed blade, folding blade and pocket knives were in abundance.
There were also twice several suppliers of raw steel, damascus steel, leather sheaths and all sorts of handle material.
I arrived just as the doors opened and the hall was crowed before I could peruse past the first aisle.
Several Master Craftsmen were in attendance showing off their splendid work.
At these shows, you will not see the standard fare of Buck, Case, Gerber, Boker or any other mass produced knife. This was strictly a show for custom knife makers and collectors.
Arkansas Custom Knife Show
Saturday and Sunday, February 20th & 21st, knife makers from all over the United States will converge at the Robinson Center in Little Rock, AR.
Men and women with a passion for creating custom crafted knives will display their wares. These men and women will be showing some of the most beautiful, stylish and versatile hand made knives that have been formed and hammered into works of art that will last for generations.
Collectors and enthusiasts will be crowding the isles to marvel at the love and care that have gone into producing one of kind knives. You will see hunting, fishing, Bowie and pocket knives that can not be seen in retail stores.
These knives are a cut above mass produced factory knives like Buck, Case, Queen or any other knife offered for sale.
What Makes a Hunting Knife?
No serious outdoorsman or woman would set out on an expedition into the great unknown without a trusty knife. Whether they are used for protection or as a utility tool, knives make an indispensable addition to any wilderness enthusiast’s repertoire. In order to identify the most effective hunting and tactical knives, it’s important to understand the elements of construction.
Blades may vary in terms of hardness and flexibility depending on the desired use. In any case, they are used to cut, slice, skin or stab. The other well-known part of a knife is the handle, which is used to maintain a sturdy grip. The best knives, like Buck hunting knives, also feature knife guards, which protect the hand from injury during the course of use. Finally, the pommel of the knife protects the end of the handle from acquiring damage when it is dropped.
The Era of Pocket Knives
Knives have always fascinated me. My earliest memories are of hot Arizona days watching my grandfather, sitting in the shade of a Chinaberry tree, whittling and listening to a baseball game on the radio. He wasn’t trying to carve intricate artwork, “just making toothpicks out of logs.” He always kept a whetstone close by to keep his pocket knife sharp as a razor.
I’m from the generation when almost every young man and adult carried a pocket knife.
You never knew when it might be needed to pick a splinter from your hand or cut the string and tape on that special package received from a distant Aunt/Uncle. A boyhood friend might drop by and challenge you to a game of Mumblety-Peg. This oft times evolved into a game of chicken, if there were no adults around.
We carried them to school, we carried them to church, and it wasn’t unusual to see the men standing around after church services talking with their pocket knives out, cleaning their fingernails or making “toothpicks.” It was interesting to see the variety of pocket knives being carried. Often there would be discussions each had concerning their preference for a Buck Trapper, or a Case Stockman… It seemed no two men carried the same knife. There were tiny single blade pen knives, even tinier watch fob knives, and knives up to four inch (closed), four blade knives.
These days you will not see many people carrying pocket knives. I still carry a pocket knife (unless flying). My favorite is a mini trapper by Case.
Knife Cleaning Made Easy
Knives are among the most useful of outdoor tools. Whether you need to cut a piece of fruit for a snack or sharpen some sticks to use as tent stakes, a good pocket knife is indispensable. Like most outdoor items, pocket knives get dirty very easily and even the best Case folding knives will require cleaning. If you don’t keep your knife clean, it can become dull, rusty and generally useless. Don’t make the mistake of letting your pocket knife get cruddy – simply follow these tips to keep it sparkling clean.
A pot of boiling water is a knife-owner’s best friend. Dirt and grime don’t stand a chance against the cleansing powers of super hot water. Simply bring water to a boil and drop your open knife into it. (Note: If your knife has plastic parts that can melt – don’t do this!) Let it boil for no more than a minute. Carefully remove the knife, as it will be hot, and use a stiff toothbrush to scrub off the softened grime. Thoroughly dry the knife to prevent rusting and apply oil or knife lubricant to keep it moving smoothly. Repeat this process as needed.