Archive for September, 2009
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!
Chop, Chop
Fallkniven Thor Knife
Survival hiking / camping is becoming more popular for today’s health enthusiasts. One knife that is useful and versatile is a good chopper. It can be used for felling small saplings to build a lean to, cutting small limbs for firewood or all around general use at a camp site.
A knife that fits all these tasks is a Bowie style blade made by Fallkniven. The “Thor” blade is made of a combination of all stainless 420J2 steel sides and an edge made of VG10 steel. With the resistance to torque and edge durability combined in one blade you can not go wrong with this knife. The knife also has a cow hide grip for long lasting durability and comfort. A hand made knife with a convex edge for cutting performance makes this knife a must for the ultimate survivalist.
What is your favorite chopping knife?
A Knife for Every Occasion
Ever since its introduction in the late 19th century, the Swiss army knife has been recognized as a symbol of utility and resourcefulness. As its name suggests, the knife, which is a registered trademark of two Swiss manufacturing companies, has long been a standard-issue military weapon for the Alpine nation. Swiss army knives became even more ubiquitous in popular culture in the 1980s.
The American television show “MacGyver” featured a main character who fashioned elaborate contraptions out of the most basic materials. He would often use a Swiss army knife to get the job done. Whether they’re used as utility knives out in the woods or for bottle openers on a Sunday afternoon, Swiss army knives remain just as practical today as they ever were.
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.
Kitchen Knives Made Easy
Chef's Knife
Do you have all the kitchen knives you need or do you have kitchen knives that are rarely used? The two knives needed for the basic kitchen are the chef’s knife and the paring knife. While most will use the chef’s knife over ninety percent of the time there are many other designs that can make life easier. The major knife manufacturers offer configurations for those who are not trained chefs.
Fillet knives can be used for filleting and boning, however the boning knife is less flexible and more durable for those tough boning jobs. A bread knife can be used for carving. However the carving knife makes a cleaner cut and you can slice thinner sections. A sharp pointed steak knife can be used for paring but the paring knife is smaller and more manageable.
Whatever you choose, two, four, eight or more, always select quality knives such as J A Henckels, Al Mar or other well made knives. These knives will last for generations and require less maintenance.
Boy Scouts Can’t Carry Pen Knives
In the United Kingdom Boy Scouts are no longer allowed to carry pen knives on camping trips! A recent article in the UK Telegraph quoted the following:
“Sadly, there is now confusion about when a Scout is allowed to carry a knife,” wrote Dave Budd, a knife-maker who runs courses training Scouts about the safe use of blades. “The series of high-profile fatal stabbings [has] highlighted a growing knife culture in the UK.”
Troops leaders however have said the decision is “very sad”. Sheila Burgin, from 4th Sevenoaks Scout Group in Kent, said: “Scouts by law are allowed to have Swiss army knives. I think this is going too far – you just don’t know when a Scout will need a knife.
Miss Burgin, who offers lessons in carving using penknives, added: “If you teach children to use a knife properly they won’t abuse it. If someone wants to cause harm they will do it anyway. It is a real shame it has come to this.”"
Will the same be happening here in the US? The US Customs is already trying to classify all easy open pocket knives as switch blades.
People harm people, not knives. Next they will be banning sharp pencils and screwdrivers!
What is your opinion?
Arkansas Sharpening Stone
Arkansas Sharpening Stone
Arkansas sharpening stones (Novaculite) are sedimentary rocks, ninety nine percent silica with small amounts of various amounts of other minerals (Boron, Manganese, Aluminum, etc.) interspersed during the 200 to 300 million years of development. These other minerals cause the varied shades to the color of the stone. Some stones are called Washita whetstones. They have typically been mined in or around the Ouchita mountains.
Arkansas stones are considered oil stones. Honing oil should be used during the sharpening process. This suspends the steel shavings during the sharpening of the knives as well as providing lubrication between the metal and the stone. A little additional honing oil added to the stone after use will assist in keeping the stone clean. Just wipe away the excess oil with a clean cloth and your stone will be ready for you next knife sharpening project.
Staying Sharp for the Hunt
It’s true that you should never take to the woods on a hunting excursion without the appropriate equipment. But what good is a hunting knife if it isn’t properly sharpened? The process is quick and painless, and it’s a valuable skill that will serve you well for other pursuits as well – including cooking. First, choose a sharpener that utilizes Arkansas stone, ceramic, or diamond components.
Arkansas stone and diamond sharpeners will require some form of lubrication, whether it’s actual honing oil or just a bit of soap and water. Study the existing blade of your Fallkniven knives carefully before sharpening as you’ll want to duplicate the same blade angle. Draw the knife over the stone toward your body in a cutting motion. Pay careful attention to maintaining the proper blade angle, and keep both sides of the knife sharpened evenly.