The type of metal on a knife is a key factor when purchasing a knife. This is because metals have different characteristics of sharpening and holding an edge. When determining the type of knife to buy, it is important to know how the knife will be used. There are many different types of blade steel on knives because they are not a one-size-fits-all tool. The demands for a hunting knife vary from the demands for a damascus tracking knife. Four common metals used for knife blades are Stainless Steel, High Carbon Steel, Damascus, and Titanium. A more comprehensive overview of these materials can be found below. Stainless Steel The typical stainless steel blade contains at least 12% chromium which helps it resist rust and corrosion. Stainless steel blades are easy to sharpen, but their edge tends to wear down faster. Knives made with stainless steel require less work to maintain appearances. High Carbon Steel Knives made with carbon have a high edge retention, which means less time sharpening your knives. This also means the sharpness of a high carbon steel knife cannot be matched. But, these knives do not contain any chromium so they do not resist rust very well. Damascus A Damascus blade contains a combination of metals. By fusing multiple metals, you create a more durable blade than if you had used a single pure one. If multiple bands of metal are welded together into different patterns, the blades are impossible to shatter. Titanium Titanium knives are typically lighter due to their lower density and stronger. They are also corrosion resistant. These blades do not have a high edge retention, so they do not keep an edge for repeated uses. Now that you know more about these metals, you need to asses them. Before you can have a high-quality knife, you need to have high quality metal. These are five things to consider when grading the metal on your knife. Hardness Hardness refers to the knife’s ability to keep its shape without being damaged while being used under a variety of conditions. The hardness of a knife is typically measured using a special scale that determines how hard a piece of steel is. This measurement is important because it helps to determine the hardness, flexibility, and toughness of a knife. Toughness Your browser does not support the video tag. Toughness is measured by the ability of the knife's steel to bend without breaking and resist chips or cracks when being used heavily. Wear Resistance Your browser does not support the video tag. Wear resistance is the steel's ability to avoid damage by adhesion and abrasion. Wear resistance and the steel’s hardness go hand in hand. Corrosion Resistance Your browser does not support the video tag. Corrosion resistance is simple, when exposed to salt, moisture, and humidity does, the steel show signs of rust? Edge Retention Your browser does not support the video tag. How often will you need to sharpen your knife? A high-quality knife with a good edge retention will require less sharpening. This will depend on the quality of steel and the level and frequency of use. Just as the name suggests, high-quality knives are made of high-quality materials that can withstand use for many years without the need for a replacement. Properly caring for your knives and using them only for their intended use can help maintain the quality and performance of your knives. Have questions about how to care for your knife? Send us your questions on Twitter at @bucknbearknives. Don’t forget, #LiveWithAnEdge.

Hunters know that the tools of their trade are knives, guns, callers, and camouflage, so as archery season approaches this September and again later in December, ask yourself the following questions: What am I hunting? How often do I hunt? How do I process my harvest? What am I hunting? For processing small game, waterfowl and upland game birds, you need a blade that’s narrow and easy to manipulate blade in those tight spaces. Using a knife like the Mini Skinner, with its simple-to-handle design, gives you the ability to maneuver in cramped areas. If you like having a folding knife as opposed to a fixed blade, the King’s Bone Hunter would be your choice. Its compact design still offers plenty of room for grip, blade control, and precision. Deer season is just around the corner. Larger game requires a larger tool. You still want to have constant control over your blade so you can avoid costly mistakes when you are gutting out that trophy whitetail or black bear, and a great choice for the big boys would be the Wild Skinner. The curve of the blade helps melt away that tough sinew and tissues like butter, and the handle offers great control. How Often do I Hunt? Whether you are a back-country hunter that spends two weeks in the bush, or a weekender that goes out when you can sneak away, you have plenty of options. If you spend a lot of time in the woods you need to have a knife that can cover a lot of bases. The Deep Skinner Hunter offers a great range of control and not only is it good for processing game, it is useful around camp as well. Having both the ability to harvest game and process firewood prevents you from having to bring out more than you need. For those of us who can only get away when we can for shorter trips. The Drop Point Hunter offers amazing control and can easily get your large and small game jobs done effectively. When you need to get it done quick because it’s getting close to dark and you were supposed to be home AT dark, the Small Stag Hunter can help you gut the deer quickly and get you and the deer in your truck to finish processing at home. How do I process my harvest? If you field dress a deer and take it home to butcher and process you need a knife that gives you options. The Grizzly Hunter offers stainless steel protection, and has the added bonus of a very predominant gut hook. Making this ideal for the hunter as it allows for an easier opening of the animal without tearing the skin or nicking an organ. If you are like me and like to start processing your harvest in the field, you are going to need a few more tools to aid in breaking down that beast. For removing the rib cage of larger game, the Mini Hatchet is hard to beat. It's lightweight and easy to carry all day, and powers through the bone leaving nice even cuts. Choosing a knife that suits you and your needs is important. Luckily, Buck N Bear has a diverse, quality selection for any and all activities. Whether you’re hunting small game or large game, processing in the field or at home, or hunting often or seldom, we have the right knife for you. With archery season fast approaching, there has never been a better opportunity to upgrade your equipment. Asking yourself these simple questions will aid you in selecting the knives that cover your wants and needs.

Hunting can be a very exciting and exhilarating hobby, but before you attempt to go out and get your first kill there are some essential things that you will need. Being well equipped will help ensure that your hunting trip does off without any major problems. As a new hunter, purchase the following things: Weapon Before you can start hunting, you will need a weapon. Most hunters use firearms, while some prefer bow hunting. Whether you choose to buy a rifle or shotgun, it is absolutely essential that you know how to use it properly. It is highly recommended that you attend a firearm safety course so you can learn how to handle your rifle or shotgun and fire it safely. Do not attempt to take your hunting firearm out into the field for a hunt until you are extremely comfortable loading it with ammo and firing a shot. Hunter Education Certificate Most states in the U.S. require that all hunters successfully complete a hunter safety course in order to obtain a Hunter Education Certificate. Without a Hunter Education Certificate, you will not be able to purchase a hunting license. In addition to fulfilling state regulations, a hunting safety course can be incredibly useful for new hunters who are not familiar with the hunting process and what is involved while out on a hunt. Hunting Knife When shopping for hunting gear, it is in your best interest to purchase the highest quality hunting knife that you can afford. A good hunting knife is not the same as a basic pocket knife. You will want a knife with a sharp steel blade that can stand up to a lot of use, as well as a non-slip handle. The size of the blade will largely depend on what type of animals that you plan to hunt—a smaller blade is sufficient when hunting and skinning small animals, while you are better off with a longer, sturdier blade if you will be hunting large game such as elk and deer. First Aid Kit You never know what can happen when you’re out in the field hunting, so it is important to always be prepared by carrying a first aid kit. Make sure your kit includes bandages of different sizes, alcohol swabs to clean cuts or abrasions, and antibiotic cream to help prevent infections. Survival Kit When you’re out hunting in the wilderness, you need to be ready in the event that anything goes wrong. It is a good idea to purchase a basic survival kit that contains a mylar heating blanket, waterproof matches, fire starter, a compass, rope, extra batteries, water purifying tablet, and emergency food supplies. Keep all of these items in a waterproof bag with a secure zipper. Hunting Apparel Before heading out on a hunt, you will need to outfit yourself in the proper apparel. Start with good boots—your hunting experience will not be as enjoyable if your feet are aching. You will also need thick socks and liners to prevent your feet from getting too cold—it is always a good idea to bring at least one extra pair of socks so you can change your socks if your feet get wet. Wear base layers to stay warm and then top them off with a thick hunting jacket or vest. Hunting clothing comes in different patterns, but most states mandate that hunters wear blaze orange hats and vests in order to make them visible to other hunters and prevent accidental shootings. Supply of Wet Wipes After you make a kill, field dressing the animal can be incredibly messy. Carrying a supply of thick wet wipes will give you the ability to remove blood and other fluids from your body so you can continue hunting. Wet wipes can also act as toilet paper when needed. Air Tight Zipper Bag Many hunters use scent and lure items when hunting, such as scent wicks or drag rags, and these things can have an incredibly strong smell. Carry an air tight bag with a zipper to dispose of these items when you are done using them. This will help prevent you other hunting gear from taking on a very unpleasant smell.