Knife Mule - Specialty Knives and Accessories

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Supplies You Should Gather For Your Next Wilderness Adventure

When it comes to gathering supplies for your next wilderness adventure one of the most important survival gear items you should pack is a solid knife. When it comes to choosing a solid survival knife there are seven key elements you should look into before making a purchase.

The first element to consider is the knife tang. A knife tang is the part of the knives blade that extends down into the handle. Knives that are full tang are considered the highest quality of knives. A full tang means that the tang goes to the base of the handle. Full tang knives offer support and extra strength to the knife. Be careful with cheaper knives that are not full tang as they have the potential to break off if too much strain is put on the knife.

Another important factor when it comes to purchasing a survival knife is the knives handle. Knife handles vary a great deal from hard rubber to bone. Avoid purchasing a survival knife that doubles as a storage container, compass, time piece or anything other than a knife. The knife handle should be solid, hollow knifes are not appropriate to carry when it comes to a knife that could possibly be needed in a life and death situation.

Consider the metal that the blade is made from. Popular options include stainless steel and carbon steel. Many survivalists have a preference but truly this comes down to what you are most comfortable with. Stainless steel is a nice knife blade metal option because it is basically indestructible. The main complaint is that stainless steel blades tend to lose their edge more quickly than their carbon steel counterpoints. Although the blade will stay sharper longer with carbon steel be sure to note that carbon steel is more volatile and is quicker to rust especially when used in the elements.

The blade design is another option that you will have a choice in when deciding what survival knife to pack in your outdoor survival kit. There are three options to choose from; straight blade, serrated blade or a combination of the two. This is a personal preference and will be best determined based on how you are going to use the knife. Straight blades are easier to sharpen however serrated blades are better at ripping through tough materials.

Look into different length blades when purchasing a survival knife. The average range will fall between six to twelve inches and is completely personal choice. This keeps the knife in an easy to use and carry size. Anything larger than this and it becomes difficult to carry and use effectively.

Purchase a knife blade that is between 3/16 and 4/16 thickness. Any less than that and you will have flexing in your knife blade. Purchase a knife that the blade is thick enough that it does not allow for flex and that will be solid enough to withstand the abuse it will take if it is needed to chop wood or be used for prying.

When looking for survival knives consider the knife sheath. There are three attachments to carry the knife on your person or that allow the knife and blade to be stored safely within a backpack. A lower attachment straps the knife to your leg or backpack via a hole or attachment piece. Survival knives can also be carried via a sheath that attaches around your belt or a lanyard attachment as well as a crossover strap. Consider the most comfortable method to carry your survival knife that also allows for ease of access. You never know what situation you will fall into when exploring on your next wilderness adventure.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives, outdoor survival gear and tactical gear including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more. For more information or to purchase outdoor gear and knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Camping While Exploring The Great Outdoors

Great adventures find us throughout life. One of the most thrilling experiences that a person can have is to become one with nature. This experience is different for each individual person. Some find their adventure in the water, some on a trail hiking, others backpacking alone in the hills of foreign lands while some prefer to take in wilderness sitting in a flower garden in their yard. No matter how you choose to connect to the world around you it goes uncontested that connecting with nature is a personal experience unique to each of us.

One way many people choose to connect with nature while including time with family is through camping. The camping experience is once again something that varies from person to person, family to family and situation to situation. For some camping means really roughing it; slinging a backpack on their back and heading into the great outdoors with nothing more than a few essential survival tools to assist in the adventure. Some prefer modern camping in a luxury recreational vehicle where everything is at your finger tips as far as convenience. Some prefer something in between the two.

When it comes to middle of the row camping which is what most of us are familiar with there are a few basic things that are essential to creating a perfect outing for you and your family to explore the good ole outdoors. No matter what climate, terrain or environment you are exploring one necessity of camping is shelter. The most common form of camping shelter is in the form of a tent. A waterproof, sturdy tent will supply you a safe place away from the natural elements to allow your body to rest.

Along with a tent you will want to bring along some basic comforts such as sleeping bags and cooking supplies. Also consider some camping basics such as a pocket knife, boots to hike in, fishing and hunting supplies, flashlights, food, water purification, waterproof matches and a basic first aid kit. You really don’t need to go overboard in bringing supplies along because believe it or not the wilderness will provide you everything you need. Travel as light as possible so that instead of worrying about camping gear you can take the time you have to really soak in and enjoy what the natural world around us has to offer.

Whatever your next great wilderness adventure keep the focus on what is truly important. It isn’t the fancy camping gear but the thrill of exploration and enjoying your time with Mother Nature that is significant.

Essentials In Outdoor Survival Gear

With summer upon us the camping supplies come out! With the camping supplies come the adventures the warm sun and summer breeze brings out. With every camping trip and backpacking adventure the need to be prepared is always amongst us. When it comes to packing for your outdoor adventures one can never be too careful. Wilderness survival gear should be packed using great care; every adventurer should realize that there are extreme risks involved when it comes to the unknown that the outdoors brings with it.

When it comes to packing for an adventure the most important thing is that you are prepared for the unexpected. Make the right choices when it comes to survival equipment as it may be the difference between life and death on your next camping excursion. With the wide variety of survival gear available how does an inexperienced camper know what to bring on their first great adventure? What is important verse what becomes a waste of space within your backpack?

The first thing any outdoor adventurer should do is to create a list of what is needed on where they are going, what they are doing and how they are getting there. Different climates, as well as different terrains will call for a mix of different outdoor wilderness needs. This should be obvious; the desert needs different preparations than would a rain forest.

Some things that are needed no matter what the terrain or climate and should be in every pack include the basics such as fuel for a fire, a compass or other navigational tool, a way to purify water and a knife to assist in building a shelter.

Fire is needed for many reasons no matter what climate you are backpacking in. Not only is fire a good source of heat but it is also important for lighting, cooking and possible water purification. Consider purchasing slow burning fire sticks, magnesium fire starters, flint or waterproof matches. These are all great sources that will allow fire to be created and sustained in a variety of climates.

A compass or other navigational tools such as GPS or paper maps are important when exploring territory that is unknown or new to you. When looking to purchase a compass be sure it is easy to use. GPS systems are great tools that can be used to not only track the environment you are in but also used to track and identify where you are. This feature often requires a subscription. When it comes to a low tech gadget that will direction a compass is the best bet for backpacking adventures.

A system to purify water is also essential in outdoor adventures. The human body can only be without water for between three days and one week. Water is needed for the body to survive. When you are lost in the wilderness the last thing you need is to become sick and dehydrated from drinking contaminated water. Purchase water purification tablets and purification straws are without a doubt one of the most important items that should be contained within your survival pack.

For food and building shelter a knife is also an item that should be carried on any outdoor adventure no matter how long or short the adventure is scheduled to be. Even the shortest of trips have been known to take a wrong turn into unexpected territory. Be prepared for anything every time you camp or back pack into territory that is unique to you.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Buck Knives: Popular Options in Pocket Knives

Buck Knives is a famous manufacturer of pocket, folding & fixed blade knives & equipment for sports, work, utility & outdoor-hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, climbing, survival/tactical/rescue, dive/boating & water sports.

Canoe Pocket Knife

Folding Hunter Pocket Knife

Stockman Pocket Knife

For more information on Buck Knives and to purchase Buck Knives online at up to 40% off look no further than www.knifemule.com!

Chicago Cutlery: Professional-Grade Knives for Every Kitchen

Chicago Cutlery has 80-plus years making knives simple – first for professional knife users, then for everyone who loves to cook.

The set pictured is Fusion Forged 18 Piece Block Set with Satin Finish Stainless Handles

Shop Online at: https://www.knifemule.com

The Road To Purchasing Quality Kitchen Cutlery

The road to finding the perfect kitchen cutlery is not one that has to be complicated or expensive. Buying quality kitchen knives isn't about purchasing an expensive set of knives; it is all about the basics. The most important tip is to purchase knives that fit and feel right in your hand. It will not matter what the latest chef is endorsing or what celebrity name accompanies the knife block set, what matters most is how it feels when you are using it.

The basics are important when buying cutlery. When it comes to the assembly of a kitchen knife there are four basic components to every knife; the front of the knife, the tang, the bolster and the handle. Each component offers a unique benefit to the user.

The front of the knife contains the knife blade, spine, tip and heel. The part that cuts is the knife blade. This is the sharpest part of the knife and is incredibly important to the knife's use. The spine of the knife is the area opposite of the blade. The spine is used to add stability and weight to the blade and is the area in which you can add pressure when cutting without the worry of slicing your hand. The knife tip is the area that comes to a point on the end of the blade. The tip is perfect for smaller cuts and for help in opening packages that are difficult to open.

The knife tang is the metal piece that extends from the knife blade that the handle attaches to. The tang, along with the spine are the pieces of the knife that offer balance and weight. Without the tang the knife would be too front heavy for proper use.

The knife bolster is the area on the knife that looks like a collar that separates the handle from the blade. The collar is an important part of the knife as it acts as a guard for your fingers against possible slipping when cutting with the knife. In knives the bolster can run all the way from the spine to the edge or on a partial way. Quality knives for the kitchen will have a bolster. Knives without bolsters are not a good choice for use in the kitchen.

Kitchen knives can be purchase with handles made out of several different materials. The importance when choosing a knife handle material is how it feels in your hand as you are cutting with it. Note that just because you choose a paring knife with a plastic handle this does not mean that all of your cutlery will feel best with plastic handles. In cutlery it is okay to mix and match to meet your preferences. Look at all the options in materials for your knife handles including wood, composite, stainless steel and plastic.

When seriously looking to purchase kitchen knives it is a good option to go to several department stores to test out the different options and to see what fits your needs. When purchasing kitchen cutlery look online. Many online knife specialty stores offer the same knives as department stores at a discounted price. Online shopping for knives is a great way to get the cutlery you are looking for without breaking the bank.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including kitchen cutlery and top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more. For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

More Options In Pocket Knives

Our series on pocket knives is coming to an end as we discuss blade steel, handle materials and opening mechanisms. In our series we have looked at the different size pocket knives that are available, blade numbers, blade types, blade sizes and prices. If you are considering the purchase of a pocket knife you will want to review the different options that have been discussed to find the perfect pocket knife for you.

When it comes to the blade steel options of pocket knives there are two main options to consider, stainless steel and carbon steel. There are advantages and disadvantages with each type of metal options. Stainless steel is easy to sharpen, resistant to rust, is great when being used in the rain and an ideal choice for survival knives. If you are going to use the pocket knife in survival situations stainless steel is a perfect choice. The disadvantages of stainless steel are that it quickly dulls, is more susceptible to stains and does not get as sharp as carbon steel.

Carbon steel is also a great material for pocket knives as well. With carbon the edge is held longer, the material is harder than stainless steel, is super durable when used roughly and is a great blade for use in hunting. The disadvantage is that is it more difficult to sharpen, is susceptible to rust and can stain. Choose the material for your pocket knife based on what options and advantages are the best options for your circumstances.

Pocket knives come in a variety of handle materials to choose from. Consider the look and feel that you desire when you choose a knife. Aluminum is a light weight pocket knife material choice. Celluloid is a material that can be turned into any color and fabricated to resemble natural materials. Bone, wood, steel, stag, titanium and more make up modern day pocket knife handles.

There are three types of opening mechanisms available for the blade when you purchase a pocket knife. Manual-opening is the most common. With manual pocket knives there is often a groove on the knife that makes it simple to open using the tip of your nail. An automatic/switchblade is another option in pocket knife opening mechanisms. This type of blade automatically opens with the push of a button. A newer option in pocket knife opening mechanisms is the assisted-opening option. An internal device engages the blade when pressure is employed upon the knife blade.

Locking mechanisms are also important on pocket knives. Liner lock, lock back, mid lock, frame lock, ring lock and lever lock are all options available the only real difference is the location of the lock and the manner in which it is released. Once the knife is locked in place no matter what type the blade is as stable as with any other lock.

Shopping for the perfect knife, whether it is a pocket knife or fixed blade knife is never simple. There are many variables and options to consider. Be prepared to test a few knives and top knife brands out before settling on a favorite. Top knife brands can be purchase through online retailers at deeply discounted prices over those of retailers. Consider this when looking to purchase survival gear and specialty knives.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including pocket knivesand top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more. For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.