Take A Knife With You On Your Next Outdoor Adventure

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.

Finding A Quality Knife For Skinning

If you want to start a controversy among hunters a sure fire way to do this is by asking which company makes the best, finish the sentence.  Every hunter, fisher and outdoors man alive is sure that they know the best rod, the best gun, the best shells to use and the list goes on.  So when I was asked recently what my preference was when it came to skinning knives I bit my tongue at first.  I am not one to start an issue over my preferences in hunting tools because it is my belief that all tools have the ability to work given the right user.  I think that every tool can perform the job it is set out to do but of course some will work better than others when paired with the correct user. 

When it comes to skinning tools I do have preferences but I do agree that pretty much any animal can be skinned using most any knife or tool for that matter.  Some tools will make the job easier but let’s be honest in a life and death situation the toe nail clippers on my Victorinox Swiss Army knife if I needed to. It is imperative to remember that there is not one perfect gun, knife, sleeping bag or any tool for that matter that will be considered the ultimate by everyone.  Choosing the right skinning knife will depend on you the end user.  There are some measurements that will help you want to take into consideration though when buying a knife to be used in skinning.  

The first thing consumers should consider when purchasing a knife to be used for skinning is the blade.  Blade qualities to consider are the hardness of the blade and the material used to create the blade. When it comes to the hardness of the blade remember the harder the blade the longer the edge will be held however, it also makes sharpening the blade more difficult. A softer blade is easily made razor sharp though is more easily dulled especially when skinning animals with thick fur. When it comes the blades metal stainless steel and carbon steel are both popular options.  Stainless steel requires less maintenance however are on the harder side is carbon steel which needs proper maintenance to prevent rust and discoloration.  

The point of the blade is also important.  Some people prefer a drop point or a clip point.  Basically the only thing to consider when it comes to the knife blade is the will it puncture the skin, slice the skin and slice the membranes between the muscle and skin cleanly.  This may take some practice to determine the exact technique you will choose to perfect. 

The size of the blade is something to consider as well. Bigger isn't always better when it comes to a skinning knife and really neither is smaller.  Consider a mid-sized knife when looking for an all-purpose skinning knife.  A large skinning knife on a small animal or a small skinning knife on a large animal just doesn't make sense.  If you are only going to have one knife in your collection the choice is simple, a mid-sized knife blade.  

The main thing any outdoors man needs to remember when purchasing any knife is how it works for them as an individual. Price, style, blade material and the works won’t matter if the knife isn't perfect for you.  A skinning knife is so important is ensuring the quality of the meat in the end.  Choose wisely. 

A Variety Of Options In Pocket Knives

Nothing is manlier than owning a pocket knife.  When you think of the essentials in a man’s life and the items they carry with them on a day to day bases you think pocket knife, wallet and car keys.  That’s it; that is truly how simple it is when you are a man. 

The pocket knife has been a staple since first world soldiers and explorers went on exploration and conquests.  It was made in such a way that it could be carried easily, which is why pocket knives continue to be popular today.  Colonial Americans flourished the pocket knives popularity and everyone from farm hands to businessmen was carrying this convenient tool to aid in a variety of tasks.  Soldiers continued to carry pocket knives as an essential tool throughout the several wars in America’s history. 

The pocket knife has been a staple in the pockets of American men for generations.  One issue that we face today is the extinction of the casualness in which we can carry a pocket knife.  With recent restrictions on airline flights and entering governmental buildings both state & federal, the pocket knife risks a downturn in popularity. 

It is important to remember even while being limited in certain situations men must continue to carry pocket knives.  The reasons are plentiful.  There are so many times a day in everyday life where using a pocket knife has become common practice.  When you are opening a package that has come in the mail it is always taped beyond what we are humanly able to open with our bare hands.  A pocket knife is necessary for this situation. 

The list is long but a pocket knife is crucial in a multitude of simple tasks we accomplish every day.  From opening letters to cutting fishing line a small knife that is conveniently located in your pocket is indispensable.

The hard part comes at choosing the style that will live in your pocket.  The three most popular options include; the jack knife, the pen knife and the multi-purpose knife.  Each different style of pocket knife has advantages and certain features that me more desirable to you than others. 

For instance a jack knife is an incredibly simple knife.  It is hinged at one end and may have more than one blade.  Jack knives are a popular option for the outdoorsman for hunters, fishers and hikers. 

A pen knife is hinged at two ends and has two or three blades at each end.  The original purpose of a pen knife, as its name conveys, was to sharpen and cut quills for writing. A pen knife should be considered if you are interested in using more than one type of blade.  The pen knife is lightweight and is easily disguised even when dressed up.

Finally the multi-purpose pocket knife which as it name implies is used for a multitude of purposes.  Often a multi-purpose knife is referred to as a Swiss Army knife.  This knife is not for the user only in search of one small blade.  Usually a multi-purpose knife has several tools that enclose into the pocket sized knife such as scissors, tweezers, screwdrivers and even utensils.  

Finding the perfect pocket knife is an individual conquest.  Often, a pocket knife is handed down from generation to generation.  However if you are in search of a new pocket knife to use, several online retailers offer a substantial selection at affordable prices making it convenient to have a pocket knife delivered right to your door.    

Survival Skills: 3 Great Fire Starters You Can Make At Home

We all know how critical fire starting can be, especially in cold conditions. Fail to get a fire lit when you need it the most, and that could be the end of you. If you head outdoors in cold conditions, make sure you take gear that can perform. By carrying one or more of the following homemade fire starters, you can rest assured you’ll be able to kindle a blaze in no time.

Paper Towels and Wax

This fire aid is the easiest one to make. Fold a one-foot length of paper towel in half (either way), then roll it into a rod. Tie some thread, candle wick material, jute, or cord around the rod in three evenly-spaced spots. Cut the rolled-up paper towel rod between each string tie, and you’re left with three neat little rolls. Dip each roll in melted wax (any kind), and allow them to cool. These paper-and-wax tinder rolls are now waterproof, and will light easily with an open flame, especially if torn open a little or lit by the tie like a candle. Expect a burn time of eight minutes or more from a roll as fat as a cigar about three inches long.

Lint-and-Wax Egg Cup

Save a cardboard egg carton after your next big Sunday breakfast. Rip the lid off, reserving the 12-compartment base. Fill each of these compartments with drier lint (or sawdust, cotton balls, or any other quality tinder). Next, drizzle in melted wax to saturate the tinder material and soak into the cardboard cup. When the wax has hardened, cut the 12 cups apart. Each will burn for 12 minutes or more once lit with an open flame.

Sawed-Off Road Flare

Although it’s an ignition source rather than just tinder, the striker end of a standard road flare makes a hellacious fire starter. Using a hand saw or sharp knife, cut the flare slowly three inches from the ignition end. Dobb some melted wax over the cut end to seal it off, and you are now the proud owner of a sawed-off flare. Place the striker cap back in place for storage and transport. Rather than wasting the rest of the flare, you can cut it into several pieces and wax-coat the ends to make fire boosters. Toss one of these into your fire pit to invigorate slow burning kindling and damp fire materials. It’s an ignition source and fuel, all in one.

Original Source: http://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/survivalist/2014/01/survival-skills-3-great-fire-starters-you-can-make-home

Finding a Knife That Meets Your Expectations

When it comes to picking out a knife that is right for you it all comes down your personal preferences.  Here are some questions to ask yourself when you are looking to finally spend money on a quality knife.

The first question and perhaps the most important; how will the knife be used?  There are knives designed for all purposes from backpacking and hunting to opening boxes and cutting twine.  They also have knives that are for collecting and some for saving lives.  Obviously the knife you choose will depend on what you are using it for.  It is important to define what you are looking for as far as the use of the knife.

Significance is also found in the features that matter to you in a knife.  One feature to look into is the type of blade that you prefer.  Fixed blades are superior in strength, dependable and always ready to use. However, folding knives are compact and easy to carry.  With today’s technology and locking blade options, folding blades are becoming more desirable than ever before. Other features to think about with the blade include tolls such as gutting, skinning, thickness, sharpness, double blade or saw blade edged.  The blade features are considerable.  One knife may not have everything you are looking for.  That’s when you buy two or three!

The handle is another area to consider when choosing the right knife. A solid knife handle is important.  The more durable the material of the handle, the more you can plan to spend on the piece.  You will want to test the handle in your hand to make sure the fit is correct and that the construction of the piece is what you would expect from the price.   You will find several materials and styles to choose from when it comes to the knives handle.  All weather knives will come textured or with rubber to help with the grip.

Craftsmanship and quality are important as well.  A knife is something that you need to be able to rely on. Check to make sure the knives design fits the intend purpose of the knife.  A small fixed blade knife is not going to be suitable for survival purposes.  Also check to ensure the materials will hold up to the demands that you will put on the knife.  A plastic handle on a gutting or skinning knife will not withstand the stress.  

If you have chosen a folding knife is it durable as well as being easy to open and close?  If the knife is a folding lock back knife does it lock properly?  Does the knife seem to collapse and open seamlessly?  Check out the edge of the knife blade and make sure it is able to be sharpened to the original quality.  A characteristic that should come with all superior knives is a lifetime warranty against any defects and craftsmanship.  When you are spending money on a quality knife you will want a guarantee to back what they are advertisers are marketing. 

Selecting A Proper Camping Knife

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. 

Enhance Your Kitchen and Meal Preparations with Superior Kitchen Cutlery

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.