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    This week at Bark River: September 22, 2015(Post)

    We're really enjoying showing you what's happening at Bark River Knives each week. This time Jim Stewart reveals the brand-new American Knife Company "Compact Forest Knife" in various stages of pro

    Interview: Mike Malosh(Post)

    Back in 2009 and 2010, KnivesShipFree published a monthly newsletter called From the Edge. One of its recurring features was an interview with a knifemaker or industry executive. We thought you'd be i

    Canal Street Cannitler(Post)

    If you're anything like us, you cringe when you hear the word "hybrid." Merging two or more perfectly good concepts into a new product rarely works well.Canal Street's three-blade "Cannitler" is a wel

    FAQ: What's a 'tang'?(Post)

    On a fixed-blade knife, the "tang" extends behind the blade -- it's essentially a continuation of the blade component, forming the foundation for the knife's handle. A "full tang" is exactly what

    FAQ: Where can I find a directory of knife manufacturers' websites?(Post)

    Many bladesmiths, knifemakers and knife manufacturers publish more information on their own websites than we ever could include here on  KnivesShipFree. That kind of information can be helpful

    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

    3 Things We Wish Non-Knife People Knew(Post)

    3 Things We Wish Non-Knife People Knew Much as we hate to admit it, we really do separate the people in this world into two groups: Those who "get" knives, and those who don't. Here are

    Quick-reference guide: Know your knife steels(Post)

    The products in the KnivesShipFree inventory represent dozens of different steels -- stainless steels and carbon steels, tool steels and "super" steels -- and we know that can be a bit overwhelming

    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

    Spyderco Chicago(Post)

    In some U.S. cities, as well as in many other countries, there are laws prohibiting the carry of knives with blades longer than two inches.Yes, it's silly. It's also a fact of modern life.One company

    ​Essential skills: "Poor Man's Fatwood"(Post)

    Essential skills: "Poor Man's Fatwood" On KnivesShipFree.com we've devoted an entire section to "fire making," and for good reason -- it's one of those skills that everyone should learn and pract

    FAQ: Which is better for kids—a fixed blade or a folder?(Post)

    Truth? A fixed blade. I tell that to countless parents every month, and every month those same parents pick up a folding knife for their kids instead.Fixed blades don’t ever fold on your fingers. Fixe

    How-To: Tying the Chris Reeve 'Coil Knot'(Post)

    Tying the Chris Reeve 'Coil Knot' The iconic  fob attached to Chris Reeve knives, known as a "coil knot," can be handy on other knives as well. It's easy to tie, too -- here are step-by-step in

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

    What it is: A chisel grind essentially is a V-bevel, except that only one side of the blade is sharpened while the other side remains straight (like a wood chisel). What it's good for: Woodwor

    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

    3 Things You Should Never Do With Your Knife(Post)

    3 Things You Should Never Do With Your Knife Knife people are smart folks, but hey, we all do stupid stuff every now and then. Here are three dumb things you should avoid doing with your kn

    Thoughts on the First Great Eastern Pocket Knife(Post)

    We just received this email from a customer.  I love hearing this stuff!  Great Eastern Cutlery makes fantastic knives.Hello from Southern Ontario Canada,I’ve just recently purchased my first Great Ea

    Carpe Gladium(Post)

    It's now or never: Carpe Gladium* We have a prediction. We predict that you're going to read this post and surmise that it's some sort of sneaky sales pitch, nothing but

    Interview: Mike Stewart(Post)

    Back in 2009 and 2010, KnivesShipFree published a monthly newsletter called From the Edge. One of its recurring features was an interview with a knifemaker or industry executive. We thought you'd b

    FAQ: What makes a knife 'collectible'?(Post)

    Honestly? We have no idea.Okay, that's not a very helpful answer to your question. But over the years we've seen many knives we thought would increase in value and didn't, while other knives we consid