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    This week at Bark River: October 8, 2015(Post)

    In this week's visit to Bark River Knives, production honcho Jim Stewart focuses on one particular knife -- the Essential. This run is being done in CPM 20CV, one of Jim's favorite steels.We get so

    FAQ: What's a 'coffin' handle?(Post)

    A "coffin" handle is a traditional style of knife handle that resembles, in its shape, a burial coffin.Its distinctive pommel has three sides, or faces. A coffin handle tapers toward its forward end,

    FAQ: What's the strongest lock on a folding knife?(Post)

    Our answer to that question depends on why you're asking. For example, if you're looking for a folding knife with a lock that makes it the equivalent of a fixed blade, the answer is simple:

    Poetry in Steel: Bark River's Camp & Trail(Post)

    The other day, we were listening to a radio interview with one of our favorite celebrities as he traced the strange and circuitous path that led to his current fame. (We're not going to name him, but

    Review: Great Eastern #54 Tidioute 'Big Moose'(Post)

    (This article originally appeared on WoodsMonkey.com. Used with permission.) by Tom Lindsay There seems to be quite a demand for fixed-blade knives that mimic the one depicted by George Washing

    FAQ: My folding knife has a pocket clip, but I don't use it -- is it okay to remove it?(Post)

    Yes. Removing the pocket clip -- like those found on folding knives from Benchmade, Zero Tolerance, Spyderco, Kershaw and other makers -- won't affect the function of the knife.You'll need the proper

    FAQ: What's the purpose of the 'extra' hole on the handle of a Chris Reeve Sebenza?(Post)

    That's a "tooling hole," also known as a "locating hole."Chris Reeve Knives buys titanium in large sheets and cuts it into rectangles about the size of the knife's handle. During manufacturing, all ho

    FAQ: "What is tool steel?"(Post)

    Question: "What is tool steel?" Tool steel is a term that refers to high carbon alloys that are optimal for use in tools, particularly where a high edge retention, resistance to abrasion and def

    ​Paracord -- what's the use?(Post)

    Yes, we love paracord, that tough-as-nails nylon line that's become a staple of preppers, survivalists, Scouts and campers everywhere. Versatile as it is, however, the same question keeps a-nagging:

    3 Knife-Safety Rules for Kids(Post)

    3 Knife-Safety Rules for Kids Kids and knives are a great combination, bringing as much enjoyment to the adults in their lives as to the kids themselves. To help make the experience safer, howeve

    FAQ: Can I sharpen a V-bevel knife on a leather hone or strop?(Post)

    Yes!We use a leather hone to maintain all types of knives. Whether the grind is convex, hollow, flat or Scandi, a leather hone will maintain the edge beautifully.The leather "gives," conforming to the

    FAQ: "What is the best blade steel?"(Post)

    Question: "What is the best blade steel?" With so many aspects of a steel's performance dependent on subjective and personal preferences, this question is going to be difficult to answer fully. H

    FAQ: What's the best way to 'wet fit' a sheath?(Post)

    We get a lot of basic, practical questions. One we get quite often is about fitting sheaths. We designed many of our general-purpose sheaths to fit a number of different knives, and to fit the

    FAQ: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a double-bevel (compound) grind?(Post)

    What it is: A double-bevel grind, also known as a "compound grind," can, in overall profile, incorporate virtually any other grind -- flat, hollow, convex -- with the addition of a secondary V-beve

    This week at Bark River: September 10, 2015(Post)

    We're pleased to present the premiere of what we expect will be a regular feature here on KnivesShipFree.com -- a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening at Bark River Knives. (After all, sinc

    Escanaba or Bust: An update on our move(Post)

    Well, here we are at the midpoint -- it's been about a month since we announced that KnivesShipFree will be leaving Hillsboro, Oregon for new digs in Escanaba, Michigan, and that move will happe

    FAQ: How old should my kids be before they get their first knife?(Post)

    That can be a little tricky. Because each kid is different, the real answer is that you are the only one who knows. You have to gauge their level of responsibility—it's your call.That said, most kids

    What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing a Survival Knife?(Post)

    The one thing that we are sure of is that in today's uncertain times, owning a survival knife is more important than it ever was in the past. With everything from unemployment hikes to the impending

    FAQ: My sheath has a firesteel loop -- what size firesteel will fit?(Post)

    The loop on sheaths from Bark River Knives, as well as the loops found on KSF Leather sheaths, will accommodate a 3/8" firesteel. These firesteels will fit: KnivesShipFree Custom Firesteels K

    New Benchmade 484 - Nakamura(Post)

    The new Benchmade 484 Nakamura didn't impress me when I saw the initial photos.  In fact, I didn't even order very many. When I went to SHOT, however, they put it in my hand and everything changed.  P