null Skip to main content
    What's Happening at Bark River 11/19/15 Transcript(Post)

    Thursday 11/19 A lot of stuff coming up. From a couple of weeks ago we have the 1909 Michigan Bowies. They are a recreation of Marble’s Trailmaker The Michigan Bowie is a recreation of a M

    How-To: Cleaning a really dirty pocketknife(Post)

    Cleaning a really dirty pocketknife Maybe it got left out in the rain overnight. Or perhaps you took it along on a hunt and forgot to clean it up afterward. However it happened, your pocketknife

    Interview: Wally Gardiner(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

    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

    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 are the advantages of a 'recurve' edge?(Post)

    The cutting edge of a conventional knife blade (unless it's a simple straight-edge) has a single curve that begins at the point and ends where it merges into a straight section of the edge. A

    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: 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: What are the advantages and disadvantages of different grinds?(Post)

    Over the years we've handled and used thousands of knives. Because we know the hows and whys of various grinds, we understand the strengths and weaknesses of different profiles -- in short, we know

    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: 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

    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

    3 Good Reasons to Always Carry a Knife(Post)

    3 Good Reasons to Always Carry a Knife With a nod to Gibbs' Rule #9 -- "Never go anywhere without a knife" -- we humbly present three good reasons to always carry a knife. 1. Emergencies hap

    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: 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

    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 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