Archive for the ‘Pocket Knives’ Category
Preparing to Brave the Great Outdoors
If you are considering an adventure outdoors, such as hiking, and it is your first time to go on such an outing, then you better be prepared for anything. Make sure you are wearing the proper clothes—ibes that are comfortable and do not trap heat. Your shoes must be the right kind, too. Hiking boots that are snug and waterproof are highly recommended. The sole is specifically designed for hiking.
For those going on a well-groomed trail, you shouldn’t need too many supplies. One thing I never venture I nature without, however, is one of my SOG knives. A knife is an incredibly versatile tool, and you never know when you’re going to need to cut some twine or mark a tree.
Buy The Brand That Knife Hunters Recognize
If you are looking for a new pocket knife, you’re going to want to consider Buck pocket knives. This is one brand that is recognized by all knife users. With so many different models, you will surely find the perfect knife Buck knife for your needs. We all know knives are great tools to have during camping or hunting trips, but they are also handy tools to have just in case!
When it comes to Buck, there are several different models available for you to choose form. These knives come in different lengths and sizes, but all are compact enough to fit in your pocket. Some have two or more blades, and others can serve as multi-tools. Once you try an Buck pocket knife, you will never go outdoors again without it!
What to Pack
When going hiking, preparing your backpack with the right supplies is very important. You don’t want to be deep in the wilderness and forget something imperative, such as a lantern or water. Here are some things to have with you:
~ Map. A map not only tells you where you are and how far you have to go, it can help you find campsites, water, and an emergency exit route in case of an accident.
~ Compass. A compass can help you find your way through unfamiliar terrain-especially in bad weather where you can’t see the landmarks.
~ Water and a way to purify it. Without enough water, your body’s muscles and organs simply can’t perform as well: You’ll be susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness. not to mention the abject misery of raging thirst.
~ Extra Food. Any number of things could keep you out longer than expected: a lengthy detour, getting lost, an injury, difficult terrain. A few ounces of extra food will help keep up energy and morale.
~ Rain Gear and extra clothing. Because the weatherman is not always right. Especially above treeline, bring along extra layers. Two rules: Avoid cotton (it keeps moisture close to your skin), and always carry a hat. This is especially important in the Pacific Northwest, as bringing a hiking backpack is not only recommended, it’s necessary.
~ Firestarter and matches. The warmth of a fire and a hot drink can help prevent an encounter with hypothermia. And fires are a great way to signal for help if you get lost.
~ First aid kit. Prepackaged first aid kits for hikers are available at outfitters. Double your effectiveness with knowledge: Take a basic first aid class with the American Red Cross or a Wilderness First Aid class, offered by many hiking organizations.
~ Queen pocket knives multi-purpose tool. These enable you to cut strips of cloth into bandages, remove splinters, fix broken eyeglasses, and perform a whole host of repairs on malfunctioning gear-not to mention cut cheese and open cans.
~ Flashlight and extra bulbs. For finding your way in the dark and signaling for help.
~ Sun screen and sun glasses. Especially above treeline when there is a skin-scorching combination of sun and snow, you’ll need sunglasses to prevent snowblindness, and sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
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.
Becoming a Man
Nearly every culture has some sort of tradition for ushering their boys into manhood. For Native Americans this ritual often takes place in the form of a vision quest, while the Jewish people recognize the Bar Mitzvah. No matter what your cultural heritage, it is universally agreed that the initiation into manhood is a big step.
Although there is no steadfast methodology recognized in the US, there are some typical rites. For me, my leap into manhood was commemorated with a Christmas present from the traditional line of Victorinox Swiss Army knives. It seems like a boy’s first pocket knife is widely recognized as the welcome gift to adulthood in America.
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.
Which Switchblade
Assisted Opening Knife
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) wants a NEW definition of a switchblade to include one hand opening knives. They tried to re-write the law (Switchblade Knife Act of 1958) but were forced to re-think their position after much protest form the public.
The House Dems have pushed through a bill and now the Senate is taking up the controversy.
It isn’t too late to write your Senator and protest the inclusion of one hand opening knives and assisted opening folding knives.
If they get their way, millions of Americans will be criminals. Your favorite Buck knife, Case knife, SOG knife and even your box cutter will be outlawed.
Write your Senator TODAY!
In Case You Don’t Have a Case
Since the turn of the last century Case knives have been in pockets, purses, display cases and weathered hands of millions of people around the world. Born in upstate NY and in Bradford, PA since 1905, WR Case Cutlery Company has a reputation envied by many knife manufacturers.
Case knives have been in the trenches of WWI to outer space on the “Molly Brown” NASA flight. Heralded by Presidents, NASCAR drivers and country music stars the case knife is made for collectors and users alike. Whether you are a whittler or knife connoisseur, a Case pocket knife or hunting knife should be in your collection.