****************KNIVES********************
==================================

These subjects on knives hopefully will  help all those who come to your
page decide on the best knife design  for the required need .I am a
custom knifemaker and an outdoorsman and hope this and future
contributions will help your website users get the most out of thier
cutlery.Also I hope to get my password.Thanx -Dave
Leimbach................

Types of Knives
=============
1) Pocket knives
2) Belt knives
3) Survival knives
4) Tool knives

*****************Pocket Knives************** 
==================================
1) A pocket knife is either a small folding knife that is light weight
and is of the locking or nonlocking variety.
*Their use should be limited to small animal gutting and skinning or any
other chore where a small knife can be used safely.This small knife is
sometimes the best survival knife because you are more likly to have it
on your person.If you only carry this one knife,it should be of a
locking variety and keep very sharp.

************Belt Knives********************
=================================
2)A belt knife is a knife that is to big to carry in the pocket and
resides in a sheath (knife pouch) on your belt.They can be of the
folding or fixed bladed variety.
*These knives are more preferable to the pocket knife ,because of
strength and length of blade.A longer blade stays sharper longer.They
are also easier and more comfortable to control during use.The fixed
balde design is preferable to the folder.It is stronger ,easier to clean
and can stand up to much more abuse.
These too should be kept sharp and can back up as a weapon or survival
tool.

****************Survival knives***********
=================================
3)A survival knife is primarily knife used for making
shelter,tools,preparing game, and at last resort a weapon.
*No knife does everything ! Your knife is best used to make the tools
you need for survival.If you need to hunt ,make a bow or spear .If you
need to dig use a stick.Only use your cutting edge when you need to
.DON`T use you knife to chop or as a prybar unless your last resort!The
hollow handel variety are usually junk and not worth the risk of
breaking or money(although exceptions to the rule exsist...ie: Chris
Reeve hollow handled knives made from a solid billet of steel)The should
be no less than 5 inches and no more than eight.It should be 3/16 or
thicker at the spine and a handle that conforms comfortably to your
hand.

**************Tool Knives*******************
=================================
4) A tool knife is a knife containing everyday type usefull tools (ie:
screwdriver, saw ,ect)
*If you buy one of these pocket tools ,go with the name brand types and
stay away from the cheap imports .That $10 you saved wont seem like much
when your screwdriver bends or the can opener breaks in the can.It
should have as many functionable tools as possible with out being to
bulcky to carry or hold.

Accessories.............

The Sheath(pouch)
==================
The sheath should be of synthetic variety as leather is undependedable
in most conditions.I suggest a good plastic lined cordora sheath for
fixed blades .It provides protection from "poke through" and does not
rot or warp.It is also easy to clean ina stream or in the washing
machine.Kydex sheaths are the best sheaths in my opion .The kydex
plactic material is heated and formed around your knife blade and do not
require a snap or velcro closure.The are costly bust worth it.For
folders ,a cordura pouch sheath is ideal.It is comfortable to wear in
the car and easy to clean.

Sharpeners
============
Diamond sharpeners are the best in my humble opion .The dont require oil
or water ,don`t clog and work faster than any other type of sharpening
medium.They seem to last forever and ever and dont cost much more than
the other varieties.

My personal favorite production knives...

1) Kabar brand USMC survival knife
2) Leatherman Supertool
3)Spyderco Delica (serrated version)
* I occasionally try a new "toy" on the market , but I always come back
to these products.Simply put ....They work.....and keep working
.........

I will be sending much more descript articles in the future on
sharpening , difference between edge designs and their appropriate uses,
differnces in knife materials and how to make your own knives in a
survival atmosphere  with little or no tools.


















































Sincerly Yours,
DAVEMADE@webtv.net





