Bob BHOFM (same guy as " My name is Bob, I retired" etc etc )
by Bob BHOFM
(Apple Valley, CA)
When it comes to all this survival "stuff" my first love is guns.
I do however know a little bit about knives. I sold knives on the swap-meet circuit for several years.
Needless to say selling at the swap-meets meant that I was not
selling top rate or top dollar knives. I did however use my wholesale contacts to procure higher end knives for myself.
Imagine my surprise to discover that some knives with well known names were made in China or Taiwan. Big names such as
Smith & Wesson, Colt and even an expensive SOG. Although disappointed at these revelations I did discover that they can put out some darned good steel in the Far-East. One thing I have noticed, for almost every top dollar knife on the market there is a "knock-off" or imitation. Most of these "knock-offs" are good quality knives. In some cases as good as the name brand.
These knives may be carbon steel or on of the many types of stainless steel
Carbon steel is what your grandpa used, it will rust. Contrary
to what many folks think stainless will also "rust" or tarnish.
It just takes longer and more severe conditions.
Pick a knife that feels good in your hand and has a good edge right out of the box. Maybe stay away from one with the "complete survival kit" in the handle and the cute little compass in the end. Those only work well in the movies
When it comes to sharpening knives that's almost an art form something we may have to deal with at another time.
