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

    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: 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

    ​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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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: 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

    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

    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

    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

    FAQ: What's the best knife for self-defense?(Post)

    Whoa -- let's take a step back here.Pardon our bluntness, but if you're asking that question, you probably don't understand the principles of lethal force and personal defense. Let's get a few things

    3 Things Every Knife Lover Should Do(Post)

    3 Things Every Knife Lover Should Do We love knives. You love knives. We use our knives, we talk about them, photograph them, buy and sell and trade our knives. Whether knives are simply a hobb

    How Does a Great Eastern Cutlery Knife Compare to a Benchmade?(Post)

    Great Eastern Cutlery is one of the most popular traditional pocket knives we sell.  How do GEC Knives compare to a Benchmade?  What about a Zero Tolerance?  What a bout a Chris Reeve?A lot of people

    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

    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

    When good knife people do stupid things(Post)

    by Derrick Bohn I'm sure you can imagine the stories I hear about what some folks do with their knives. Just recently, in fact, a guy called to say that he was sadly disappointed with a Fällkn