Archive for the ‘Boker’ Category
Knife Blades: Materials Matter
When you’re shopping for reliable pocket knives, there are plenty of factors to consider. One of the most important is undoubtedly the blade material, which determines sharpness as well as durability. Carbon steel, one of the most prevalent blade types, is strong and sturdy but prone to rusting over time. Stainless steel, on the other hand, resists rust but possesses slightly less material integrity – it’s a bit soft.
That brings us to the titanium pocket knife, one of the most durable, reliable materials on the market. These knives are both lightweight and incredibly thin, making them ideal for fishing trips where you’ll be boning and filleting the catches yourself. A titanium knife isn’t susceptible to rusting, so it’s virtually guaranteed to last for as long as you’ll need its services. And while material is certainly a determining factor, you always want to opt for a blade from a trusted manufacturer, such as Boker knives.
Back in the Game
In my household, November means one thing: the beginning of deer hunting season. The weekend of Nov. 15 is always reserved for heading out to camp – my wife and sons know not to schedule any other activities for that particular date. Here in the Midwest, some businesses even give their employees a few days off around the regional holiday. It gives me a chance to reconnect with old buddies and swap stories about past rifle hunting excursions.
This year I bolstered my supply of hunting gear with new scopes and Queen hunting knives in hopes of shooting an elusive buck. It’d been two entire seasons since I bagged my last deer, and the guys back at camp never let me forget it. With the help of my new equipment, I was able to bag white-tailed does. It looks like my family will be eating venison steaks for dinner for a few weeks’ time.
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
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.
Folding Knives Are Not the Same as Switchblades
Knives have long been a staple of personal protection. Folding knives in particular are easy to conceal, and they are effective at deterring attackers. Unfortunately, some knives have garnered a bad name due to their association with criminal elements. Switchblades are one example of this phenomenon. In 1958, Congress passed the Switchblade Act, which prohibited the possession of “automatic knives” anywhere in the U.S. or its territories. Today, individual states determine these knives’ legality.
Switchblades are characterized by their spring-loaded blades that snap to attention at the push of a button. They gained notoriety in popular American films of the early 1950s, such as the James Dean vehicle Rebel Without a Cause. Although switchblades remain illegal in many American states, they shouldn’t be confused with folding knives. Buck folding knives are popular among hunters, outdoorsmen and people looking for an effective personal safety measure.
The Buck Knives Tradition
For over 100 years Buck Knives has been manufacturing top-of-the-line cutlery. Although the company was founded in San Diego at the turn of the century, Buck is now headquartered out of Post Fall, ID. The company’s founder, Hoyt H. Buck, wasn’t originally known for making knives.
Hoyt started as a blacksmith, and at the tender age of 13 had already developed a heating method that produced longer lasting edges than ever before. Although his company is renowned for their knives, Hoyt didn’t begin producing them in large quantities until he heard of a military shortage during WWII. Today the company continues to turn a healthy profit and produce some of the world’s best knives.
Field Dressing a Buck
For most Americans, November brings to mind images of Thanksgiving celebration – family, friends and of course a feast. But let’s not switch into holiday mode just yet. In many parts of the country November also means the start of rifle season, when men and women take to the woods in search of that elusive buck. Hunting isn’t for the faint of heart; a true outdoors enthusiast must learn to field dress a buck, so it’s better to figure out the basics sooner rather than later.
First things first: make sure the buck is dead and not simply wounded. You’re risking extreme danger by getting anywhere near an injured, wild animal. Pick up one of your sharp Fallkniven hunting knives and prop the deer on its back. Make the first incision just above the genitals, slicing upward to its ribcage. Don’t cut too deep as you’ll rupture the deer’s intestines and have a smelly situation on your hands. Flip the deer onto its side and let the guts fall out. Find the diaphragm and cut it out to remove the intestines. When you’re left with a carcass of meat, load the animal into your vehicle and return home or to camp to commence skinning.
Anatomy of a Hunting Knife
If you hope to become an effective hunter, you’ll need to learn to know your tools inside and out. It goes without saying that a hunter’s best friend is his knife, which features a number of specially designed components. As well as simply learning how to wield the knife effectively, pay close attention to the safety measures associated with the weapon. The blade, a piece of metal extending beyond the handle, is ground with a cutting surface. Depending on the knife’s purpose, its blade will be fashioned for chopping, filleting, skinning or some other action.
The point of the knife is useful for stabbing and gutting, and the cutting edge is self-explanatory. Separating the blade from the handle, you’ll likely find a bolster. This piece of material shields your hand from the sharp cutting edge of Case hunting knives. The handle should be made from an insulating material, and its construction will ideally improve your grip.