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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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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 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

    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

    FAQ: How do I choose the right sharpening tools?(Post)

    The first step is determining whether your knife's edge is a V-bevel or convex. (See the illustration.)The edge on most knives is a V-bevel (we're including the chisel grind in this category, since it

    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'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

    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

    When Good Edges Go Bad(Post)

    When good edges go bad For the true knife lover, there's an almost indescribable thrill that comes with using a sharp blade. A keen edge glides effortlessly through the work, responding as muc

    ​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

    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: 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 Kitchen Cutlery Tips(Post)

    3 Kitchen Cutlery Tips Well, you've made it this far -- you've realized that real knife people use real kitchen knives, and you're tackling your food-prep tasks with fine kitchen cutlery. Go

    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

    FAQ: Is it ok to chop wood with my knife?(Post)

    Maybe -- but probably not. Very few knives are designed to handle the rigors of chopping (the way an ax is, for example). A purpose-built chopper is big enough, heavy enough and possesses the pro

    Will the black coating on my knife wear off?(Post)

    You have been looking at beautiful knives and some of them have a black coating on the blade.  Everyone wonders if the knife coating will come off with use.The short answer is, "Yes."Knife coatings ar