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    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

    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

    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: "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: 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

    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

    FAQ: Is there a folding knife that's as strong as a fixed blade?(Post)

    In a word: No. There's no such think as a folding knife with a locking mechanism that makes it the equivalent of a fixed blade. It just doesn't exist. You should never subject a folding knif

    FAQ: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a convex grind?(Post)

    What it is: On a convex grind, the sharp edge is produced by symmetric, gently curved surfaces. Where the curvature begins (high or low on the blade) can produce a full convex, a saber convex or

    FAQ: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a flat grind?(Post)

    What it is: A flat grind is a single, symmetric V-bevel -- the blade tapers from a particular height on the blade and ends at the cutting edge. A flat grind that begins at the blade's spine is call

    FAQ: What's the best way to clean a leather sheath?(Post)

    At the end of a hunt or a camping trip, a leather sheath is bound to be in need of cleaning. Sharpshooter Sheath Systems' Reid Hyken has produced high-quality sheaths for the likes of Bark River Knive

    FAQ: Why should I 'wet-fit' a sheath to my knife?(Post)

    Why take the time to wet-fit your sheath to your knife? We can think of three reasons. You have a general-purpose sheath. A general-purpose sheath (one designed to fit a number of different

    FAQ: Are spring-assist mechanisms reliable?(Post)

    Absolutely. The brands we offer featuring a spring-assist -- Benchmade, Kershaw and Zero Tolerance -- have mechanisms that are well-engineered, solidly built and durable. For the unenlightened

    This week at Bark River: September 28, 2015(Post)

    This morning we caught up with a coffee-deprived Jim Stewart for a quick peek inside Bark River's current production. A lot of folks have been asking about the upcoming Bark River version of Marb

    The Barlow(Post)

    There may be no more distinctive slipjoint pattern than the classic Barlow. Its lineage traces back to 17th-century England, first appearing on these shores 30 years before the Revolutionary War.No ma

    Great Eastern Cutlery #72 Cody Scout(Post)

    We're going to be honest with you here -- we just can't be dispassionate about Great Eastern's two-blade Cody Scout, so we're not even going to pretend. We love this knife. If we didn't appreciat

    What's the best place to buy firesteels?(Post)

    The best place to buy firesteels and other fire-making tools is KnivesShipFree, and here's why: We stock a great selection of fire-making tools, including firesteels from Light My Fire, cust

    How-To: Replacing Benchmade Griptilian Handle Scales(Post)

    Replacing Benchmade Griptilian Handle Scales Note: According to Benchmade's warranty policy, "[The Benchmade Lifetime Warranty] does not cover...disassembly of any knife by any person other than

    Benchmade 585 Mini-Barrage(Post)

    Each of us chooses our EDC knives for different reasons -- utility, convenience, elegance, ease-of-maintenance, and so on. Usually it's a combination of factors that draws us to favor a particular bla