Posts Tagged ‘hunting knives’
Saturday, July 31st, 2010
Most people will see many different types of knifes represented as Bowies. Most of these knives have some of the characteristics of a Bowie knife but there are a host of characteristics which make a knife the genuine article. The distinctive sweep of the blade, hilt and size make a Bowie what it is.
Bowie knives have a blade design which will be familiar to anyone who enjoys studying fighting blades. The clipped end of the blade places the spine of the blade above the tip near the end of the knife. This design is intended to provide better penetration. In a thrusting attack, these knives are nearly as efficient as spears. The clipped end also makes them very agile knives and reduces the weight, increasing the user’s accuracy. At the base of the blade is another hallmark of a Bowie knife.
Every Bowie knife has a hand guard. The traditional hand guard on a Bowie has an angled top piece which points toward the front of the knife. This is intended as protection for the user’s hand. The angle is sometimes said to be used for catching blades, but the proximity to the hand makes it more useful as a deflecting device.
The clipped blade of a Bowie knife leaves little ambiguity as to the reasons behind its design. Positioning the tip of the blade lower than the spine lends agility to the point and makes it a more streamlined affair. In practical matters, this means that the tip is more agile when applied to everything from cutting meat to skinning animals. In martial matters, this means that the blade has lethal penetration characteristics and makes it an intimidating weapon. In both the literal and metaphorical senses, the Bowie has a balanced blade.
Bowie knives have blades that are both thick and heavy. Properly used, they can perform in a similar fashion to machetes. The heavy blade of the knife ensures that it can deliver a solid blow, that the blade isn’t prone to bending or breaking and that it is adequate to block another weapon, if needed. Like some other legendary blades, the Bowie knife is associated with a hero. Jim Bowie, an American frontiersman, was renowned for his fighting prowess and his fearlessness.
Dave is the owner of an online bowie knives and glock grip extensions store.
Tags: bowie knife, bowie knives, Camping, fishing, hobbies, hunting, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, Survival
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Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Bowie knives have been renowned or more than two centuries, thanks to their versatility, durability, resilience and tremendous power. However, if you are in the market for a new knife, you will need to know what length blade to look for. What lengths are bowie knives traditionally? What other lengths are these blades available in? What is the right length for you?
You will find that bowie knives come in blade sizes ranging from a compact six inches all the way up to a full two feet. This tremendous range of sizes is testament to the wide range of uses this blade design can be put to without damaging the knife. However, what size is right for you? In order to answer this question successfully, you will need to know more about your intended uses. While bowie knives are well known for their versatile nature, different blade lengths are more suited to different tasks. How do you determine what’s right?
While the smaller blades mentioned above are certainly convenient, you will find that medium length blades are the most common. These run between six inches in length all the way up to about twelve inches in length. Such a blade is the perfect bowie knife for things like skinning prey or helping around the campsite. These blades are more than versatile, which is the reason that they are so enormously popular with such a wide range of knife owners. You will also find the widest range of handle materials, handle designs, blade designs and manufacturer’s names in this size range, as well.
Twelve to Fourteen Inches – These are enormous blades. You’ll find that a bowie knife with a blade in this size range is truly formidable. Whether used for clearing brush or for personal protection, these knives are more than handy. However, you will find that jobs requiring precision cutting are not so easily accomplished and that you might need to carry more than one knife with you for the different tasks that you will encounter. However, bowie knife blades in this size range are quite sturdy and provide tremendous resilience for hard use.
Blades larger than about twelve inches are a bit more unwieldy than smaller blades are. However, they are ideal for heavy chopping and can even be used to clear brush in a pinch. However, because of their immense size, carrying these blades can be a bit difficult though you will find that they are more than eye-catching when worn.
Dave is the owner of an online bowie knives and glock grip extensions store.
Tags: bowie knife, bowie knives, Camping, fishing, hobbies, hunting, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, Survival
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Saturday, July 24th, 2010
Do you have to have a permit or a license for bowie knives? You should certainly know the answer for this important question. Actually, you will find that you do not have to have a permit or licensing of any type to own bowie knives. That said, this applies only to your own home. Taking your knife outside of your home might change the rules just a little bit. How do you know what laws apply to your area? How do you know if you can safely take your knife out of your home without worrying about facing criminal charges?
In Your Home – Do you need a permit to own bowie knives and keep them in your home? The short answer to this is “no”. You are legally allowed to possess these knives within your home and you can keep them wherever you see fit. You can display them, put one beside your bed, or hide them away for future needs. However, when carrying such a weapon outside your home, things become stickier.
In most states, you do not need a license to carry a knife, unless you plan to carry it concealed on your body. For instance, the state of Arizona allows you to conceal your bowie knife on your person in public, so long as you have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. That said, some states take a very dim view of bowie knives and other large knives. Take Washington DC for example: you cannot carry any knife over 3 inches long, whether concealed or in the open. Therefore, you need to check with your state’s laws before you take your knife out in public.
Take Arizona for example. Arizona state law allows you to carry bowie knives on your person in public, so long as the knife is not concealed (concealed carry requires a permit). However, the laws of many Arizona counties and cities prohibit the carrying of these knives, as well as many other weapons. Therefore, you should check the laws of your local area (a quick call to the sheriff’s office will suffice in most cases).
By informing yourself ahead of time regarding your rights involving bowie knives, you can stay on the good side of the law and enjoy the use of these tools. You should also ensure that you follow any laws governing the carrying of bowie knives in your vehicle, as well.
Dave is the owner of an online bowie knives and glock grip extensions store.
Tags: bowie knife, bowie knives, Camping, fishing, hobbies, hunting, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, Survival
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Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Bowie knives are hunting knives, aren’t they? This is a common question. However, bowie knives aren’t technically hunting knives – they are multipurpose tools. Hunting knives are usually very specific in their intended use. For instance, a gut hook knife is intended for an obvious purpose. Likewise, a skinning knife is used for skinning and doesn’t perform very well for other uses. Bowie knives, on the other hand, can be used to skin, gut, chop, cut and numerous other things.
Therefore, you’ll find that bowie knives differ from hunting knives in several different ways. How do they differ? As mentioned, bowies are used for many different things. While they have long held a place in hunting, as well as camping, fishing and general use, they also serve a purpose in self-defense. Hunting knives, while they can be used for purposes other than those intended by the knife’s creator, usually don’t do an adequate job in these different areas.
The largest difference is that your bowie is a multiuse tool. It can be used for skinning or for gutting. Likewise, it can be used for chopping vegetables, wood or even slicing through meat or fruit. Bowie knives are far more versatile than general hunting knives. You will also find that most bowie knives are far larger than hunting knives. The average hunting knife is only five inches long, or less. A bowie, on the other hand, is usually no shorter than six inches in length, though they can surpass twelve inches in many cases. So size is certainly one of the differentiating factors.
As you can see, a bowie knife is very different from a standard hunting knife. However, they are often classified as hunting knives and are sold in sporting goods under that label. This doesn’t mean that they are for use in hunting alone, though. In addition, you will find that a bowie knife will put you in good stead for a variety of situations, whether you need to do some work around your home, or just want protection in your car.
Bowie knives provide versatility, durability and longevity. This is a tremendous advantage over traditional hunting knives. With the right bowie, you can carry just one knife with you, rather than having to pack and carry several different types of knife to deal with any situation that might arise.
Dave is the owner of an online bowie knife and glock grip extension store.
Tags: bowie knife, bowie knives, Camping, fishing, hobbies, hunting, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, Survival
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Saturday, July 10th, 2010
Your new bowie knife is an ideal tool for a wide variety of different things. These tools can be used to clean fish scales, to gut deer, to skin prey and to help around camp. They can help you cut wood, remove the bark from sticks and much, much more. However, if you think that a bowie knife would make a great throwing knife, you have another thing coming. Why shouldn’t you use your bowie knife in this manner?
For a knife to have any hope of being accurate, it has to be correctly balanced. This ensures that the knife flies through the air properly. Bowie knives are not balanced for throwing. They’re balanced for hand usage. Hold a bowie knife in one hand and a throwing knife in the other and you will feel the weight difference. Balance each in turn on your hand and you will immediately notice the different centers of gravity. This means that bowie knives are not a good choice for throwing.
For instance, if your knife hits the target slightly askew, the point might stick, but the sideways motion of the blade and handle might bend the tip, or the blade. You might also notice that bowie knives are so heavy that you are forced to stand closer to the target in order to hit with enough force for the point to stick at all. While this might not seem problematic, it can be an issue. For instance, it takes very little for the knife to bounce off and come back in your direction. While the knife will likely not have enough force to cause damage, or even to reach you, the potential remains.
These are only a few of the things that can happen when attempting to use bowie knives as throwing knives. A much better option is to use them as they were intended to be used – as handheld tools. Throwing knives can be purchased in almost any size and you can even find bowie style throwing knives that are balanced correctly for the purpose.
However, the fact remains that general purpose bowie knives make poor options for throwing. If you are interested in throwing knives, it’s highly advised that you purchase knives designed for that purpose. This way, you will be able to continue using your bowie knife without fear of damage and you will not void the warranty. When cared for properly, these knives can last a lifetime; however, that will require that you know what to do and what not to do with them.
Dave is the owner of an online bowie knives and glock grip extensions store.
Tags: bowie knife, bowie knives, Camping, fishing, hobbies, hunting, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, Survival
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Thursday, July 8th, 2010
In the face of such a question, the only answer possible is a resounding “NO!” However, why is “no” the only answer here? Why can’t you use your bowie knife as a screwdriver? Why can’t you chisel or punch with the blade? What happens if you attempt to use your knife as a pry bar? In short, each of these uses, while seemingly innocent enough, can lead to serious damage to your blade and may even lead to injuries.
Many people make the mistake of using bowie knives for purposes for which they are unsuited. For instance, if you choose to use your knife as a screwdriver, you’ll encounter some problems. This will likely lead to a bent tip, or might even snap the tip off your knife altogether. If this happens, you will either need to repair the blade, take it to a professional cutler for repairs, or reshape the blade as is.
Let’s look at using your bowie knife as a pry bar to get an even better feel for why these versatile knives should not be used for such tasks. When prying on something, it generally means that the item is either rather heavy, or it is jammed and stuck. While your knife might fit quite well under whatever that object might be, you can rest assured that you do not want to put the blade there. Even a small amount of pressure can actually bend the blade of your bowie knife, leading to some serious problems.
Now that you know a bit about why you shouldn’t use your knife for situations such as this, you should know a few other things. First, using your bowie knife in such a way will instantly void the warranty on the blade. As you’ve probably spent a pretty penny to purchase a high quality bowie knife, this is not a good situation to be in, particularly if an issue comes up for which you need that warranty protection.
Punch – Punches are used in a variety of different areas, from leatherworking to stonework. However, your bowie knife is most certainly not a punch. While it might do an ok job on leather or cloth, you’ll find that anything harder than this will leave your knife a ruined mess. Therefore, do not use your bowie knife as a punch.
Dave is the owner of an online bowie knife and glock grip extension store.
Tags: bowie knife, bowie knives, Camping, fishing, hobbies, hunting, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, Survival
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2010
Your bowie knife represents a considerable investment. When you purchase a quality blade, you’ll find that these are anything but “cheap.” However, you’ll also find that your knife is a reliable, trusted companion during any situation that you might face, whether hunting, fishing, camping or just working around the house. That said, these knives must be well cared for if you expect that investment to stand the test of time. What goes into proper knife care?
Proper knife care for your bowie knife actually starts with proper use. Remember, your knife is not a screwdriver. It is not a hatchet or a hammer, either. While you can certainly use your knife in these capacities in a pinch, it’s really not recommended that you do. Using your knife correctly will ensure that it holds up better and lasts much longer.
Proper sharpening is another concern. Without the right sharpening tools and procedures, the edge of your knife will give out eventually. This is true no matter what type of metal you choose for the blade of your bowie knife. Make sure that you know how to sharpen that blade, though, or you could find that you actually cause more harm than good in your efforts. Use a whetstone or a high quality all-in-one knife sharpener for the best benefits. Also, if you’re forced to use an emergency sharpener (such as a rock in the wilderness) always make sure that you sharpen the knife properly at your first opportunity.
Another important point to consider during care and storage of your knife is sharpening the blade. A dull blade is very dangerous. Make sure that you keep the blade sharpened correctly, using a whetstone and strop, a series of whetstones, or using an all-in-one knife sharpener. Keeping the blade sharpened will help ensure that any cuts made are clean and not ragged, and it will also ensure that the blade is in top condition.
These are just a few areas of concern when it comes to caring for that bowie knife. You’ll find that your particular care regimen might include several other things, depending on the actual uses to which you put that knife. Take care of that blade and it will be with you for a long time.
Dave is the owner of an online bowie knives and glock grip extensions store.
Tags: bowie knife, bowie knives, Camping, fishing, hobbies, hunting, hunting knife, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, Survival
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Sunday, July 4th, 2010
If it’s time to buy a new knife, then you have a world of options at your fingertips. You can choose almost any size bowie knives possible, from a mere six-inch blade to a whopper that’s more than a foot long. You’ll also have a few other considerations to make about the knife before you purchase it. For instance, you’ll need to know what sort of design you want; traditional, modern military derived and fantasy knives are just three of the options. You’ll need to choose what sort of handle material you want, as well.
However, one of the most important questions that you will need to answer is what sort of metal you prefer for the blade of your bowie knives. What are your options? Why does it matter? Isn’t metal basically the same? Actually, the metal used in knife blades varies considerably. You will find literally hundreds of types of metal on the market, each offering pros and cons to its use. For instance, one particular metal might be ultra hard and hold the best edge, but it might be brittle when used in a longer blade. You might find that some metals are much more resilient and tough, but they do not hold as sharp an edge as other metals.
As you can see, the choice of metal for your knife blade is very important. What should you choose? What are your options? You can break your decision down into a few different categories to make it somewhat easier. You’ll find steel (surgical), stainless steel and high carbon steel. Some knives offer carbon fiber blades, but these are gimmicks that should be avoided, as they either don’t hold up well, or are so expensive as to be prohibitive.
So, do you want stainless, high carbon or surgical steel in that blade? Stainless steel offers significant benefits if rust is a concern. However, high carbon steel comes in a lot of different varieties that are almost as rust resistant as stainless steel. Surgical steel offers an excellent edge, as well as a lower price point than stainless or high carbon metals.
Choosing the right bowie knives for your needs will also depend on where you’ll use the knife. For instance, if you’re hunting on the East Coast, as opposed to in Alaska, you’ll need very different things from that knife, so consider your usage needs as well as the metal type.
Dave is the owner of an online bowie knives and glock grip extensions store.
Tags: bowie hunting knives, bowie knife, bowie knives, Camping, fishing, hobbies, hunting, hunting knife, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, Survival
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Tuesday, June 29th, 2010
Being able to carry your personal belongings with you when you travel is of the utmost importance. Why wouldn’t you be able to carry your bowie knife with you on an airplane? Well, after the backlash of 9/11, it seemed that you couldn’t carry anything aboard a plane, without being suspected of terrorism. However, the TSA has eased some travel requirements. So, can you carry that bowie knife with you on a plane?
The answer to that question is “yes and no.” How can that be? First, you have to understand the difference between carryon and checked baggage. For instance, any carryon bag must be sent through a metal detector, before you are allowed to board a plane with it. In addition, any item within that bag will be within easy reach during the flight. Therefore, you cannot carry your bowie knife in your carryon luggage.
Next, you will need to pack your knife appropriately. You would think that just placing it in your suitcase would be enough, but the TSA demands more stringent measures. You’ll need to make sure that your bowie knife is sheathed, first and foremost. You will also need to make sure that the knife is secured within the sheath in some way. Some sheaths have a buttoned strap for this purpose. However, even a simple piece of twine can serve your purpose here.
Next, you will also need to wrap the bowie knife in something – bubble wrap works well. Actually, if you can manage it, you should box your knife, wrapping and all. This will provide the utmost protection for baggage handlers and inspectors who might come into contact with your luggage and the knife itself. As long as you follow these precautions, you can carry anything in your suitcase from a bowie knife to scissors, swords and even firearms (broken down into component pieces, of course).
You should also understand that your bag will likely be inspected during the loading process. No matter how well packaged it might be, it will show up in the x-ray machine. Therefore, having bowie knives wrapped securely will prevent injury to the inspectors, as well as potential injury to baggage handlers. You will find that traveling with bowie knives or even with swords and other bladed weapons is not a problem so long as you follow the proper procedures.
Dave is the owner of an online bowie knives and glock grip extension store.
Tags: bowie hunting knives, bowie knife, bowie knives, Camping, fishing, hobbies, hunting, hunting knife, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, Survival
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Saturday, June 26th, 2010
Every hunter knows that Buck knives are a stalwart of toughness, functionality, and simplicity. It seems like everyone and their grandpa has used a Buck knife on a hunting, fishing, or camping trip. The Buck 119 Special is maybe the most classic of all the Buck designs. The 119 Special has a straightforward no frills kind of design that doesn’t limit the knife’s versatility and functionality. Everyone feels like they know this knife already, but it is high time that everyone re-visited the quality and tradition that is the 119 Special.
A long time best seller for Buck, the 119 Special is also probably their most classic design featuring a six inch 420HC stainless steel clip point style blade with a handsome blood groove. The handle is made of hard to wear out phenolic and provides a solid non-slip grip. The finger guard and butt are made of high quality and lite weight polished aluminum.
If you’re interested in making precise cuts in tight places the 119 Special’s clip point style blade can get the job done. The blade sharpens well enough to do quality dress out jobs, but is also durable enough to withstand a bit of abuse without losing to much performance value. Cutting kindling for a fire or chopping through a bone shouldn’t be a problem with the 119 Special
The handle is made of extremely durable phenolic, a synthetic thermo-plastic that provides a good grip. This handle will not break under any circumstance, and the handle’s weight gives the knife a nice balanced feel while handling.
The 119 Special comes with a well crafted leather sheath. The sheath has a belt loop for easy and convenient transport, and the latch is of the solid button down variety. The sheath is lined with a thin layer of plastic to prevent the sheath from being cut during repeated insertions and removals.
One of the best qualities of the 119 Special is its light weight–only ten and one half ounces including the sheath. Its lite weight, combined with its durability and diverse functionality make the 119 Special an excellent choice as a survival tool. It can be used for hunting, cooking, cutting wood, and making shelters.
So when you’re looking for a new knife, consider an old classic that has gotten the job done for generations–the Buck 119 Special. Its versatility, durability, and high degree of functionality will have you remembering why every guy you knew as a child had one.
Discover fantastic deals on Buck Knives by searching online. There you will see the Buck 119 special and so much more to consider. Head online today for your needs.
Tags: buck, buck knife, buck knives, Camping, fishing, fishing knives, hobbies, hunting, hunting knives, outdoors, recreation, reviews, sports
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