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.

We can hardly believe it’s that time of year - when we start thinking about finding clever holiday gifts for the most special people on our lists. If you find yourself stumped on what to get for the knife enthusiast in your life, don’t worry, we got you covered. Those closest to you deserve nothing but the best, which is why we recommend BucknBear knives, which are made of the finest quality steel. Our commitment to quality ensures durability, strength, and longevity of each blade that is made. We understand that knife lovers come from all walks of life, gravitating towards a variety of hobbies, which is why we created this guide, organized by niche. Now you can easily find exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a fillet knife for your fisherman father or a chef knife for your best friend’s kitchen. Not only did we take the guesswork out of your holiday shopping, we also offer free shipping on all orders. You’re welcome. Embed

Whether you’re the executive chef of a five-star restaurant or the head of your home kitchen, one of the most important tools in your arsenal should be a sharp blade. A good knife makes every slice and dice quality for food preparation. BucknBear has a spicy collection of kitchen cutlery to team up with your culinary skills to create the perfect dish. Smooth Slicing Ahead The Damascus Cheese Knife is perfect for slicing effortlessly through almost any cheese. The blade creates tiny air pockets allowing the blade to work precisely and with ease. The Damascus Paring Knife has a similar design. This knife is precision-forged from a single piece of steel. Its triple-riveted, ergonomic, full-tang handle is designed with professional chefs in mind. Ideal for detailed work like peeling potato skins or julienning vegetables, the paring knife is a versatile vessel in the kitchen. Best Blades for Breaking Down Butchering meat has never been easier with the Utility Cleaver Knife. Its razor-sharp design makes an excellent choice for professional chefs and discerning home cooks. From chopping steak to cutting through chicken bones, the range on BucknBear’s Utility Cleaver Knife is incredible. With double-beveled edges, this knife accommodates both right and left-handed users. Need to break fibrous tissue or separate meat from the bone? The Fillet Utility Knife has a thin, sharp curved blade that makes for a seamless breakdown. Offering exceptional flexibility, this utility knife is ideal for thinner cuts that are more intricate. When prepping fish, this knife can easily glide through the body, allowing for quick removal of bones and skin.   Comfort Grips in the Kitchen The Mid-Size Chef’s Knife and Small Chef’s Knife offer wide blades for extra clearance at the cutting board. Invisible, but protective ceramic coating allows for effortless cutting. But what size, should you be shooting for? When holding a chef’s knife, you want it to feel like a natural extension of your arm. A Mid-Size Chef’s Knife may be ideal for quick work such as mincing herbs and chopping through tomatoes. The Small Chef’s Knife is a great choice for precision slicing and dicing with a controlled grip, allowing each movement to rock back and forth effortlessly. The ultra-tough design is constructed from a single piece of steel and comes equipped with forge bolsters for supreme comfort and stability. Cutting through the Crust If you dread slicing through a loaf of bread, you aren’t alone. The crumb chaos that ensues isn’t fun for anyone. Slicing bread can be safe and clean with BucknBear’s Bread Cutting Serrated Knife. The double-serrated, scalloped blade stays razor sharp longer than traditional bread knives. It makes slicing even the toughest crusts a cinch. Precision forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel, this knife features a laser-controlled and tested cutting edge that’s complete with a triple-riveted, full-tang handle. BucknBear’s wide range of durable, high-quality kitchen cutlery is made with chefs in mind. No matter what recipes you have lined up, we have the perfect tool for you. Interested in incorporating our knives into your kitchen arsenal? Explore our complete line of cutlery products!

A sharp knife is a safe knife! Sounds bizarre, right? Let us explain. Dull blades on any knife require the user to apply additional pressure. With an edge that is dull, there is an increased chance of slippage that may result in injury. Most injuries are related to knives that have not properly been maintained. Follow the steps below to obtain optimal precision for slicing your way through anything.   Grinding and Honing Techniques Sharpening the blade of the knife can be divided into two different steps. Grinding is the removal of metal that helps refine the angle of the blade. And honing is sharpening via abrasion to create a finer edge. Honing is sometimes referred to as steeling, a method using a honing steel rod that straightens out the edge of the blade. Honing steel is best used for maintaining a knife. To properly hone a knife with a sharpening steel, or sharpening rod you will hold the rod with your fingers tucked behind the base of the steel. Holding the rod firmly in one hand and the knife in the other, position the blade 20 degrees. Take long strokes with the heel of the knife at the base of the steel and glide towards the top of the steel with the tip of the knife in one motion.   Image Source: http://www.wusthof.com/care-and-sharpening/using-a-steel   The steel should remain firmly in place as the knife moves diagonally across. Repeat these steps, then alternate with the blade on the underside of the steel rod to get the opposing side of the blade. Always remember to slide the blade away from yourself to minimize risk of injury. The act of honing should be done right before or right after using the knife and can become part of your daily routine to increase the longevity of your blade. For a knife that needs more attention than the straightening process of honing, grinding or sharpening with a sharpening stone or knife sharpener is necessary. This process is referred to as grinding. Grinding is when an abrasive material removes the worn away pieces of the blade and leaves new material at the surface.   Image Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/BtHjHxh-D7I   A whetstone or sharpening stone is often used to implement the grinding process. The stone has two abrasive sides, one course, and one fine. The stone is soaked in water for lubrication. The knife is then placed at a 20-degree angle where the heel of the knife is pressed down on the stone and with a gliding, even pressure the blade is ground from base to tip. After multiple strokes on the rough side, flip the stone to the finer abrasion and repeat the process. A trick when using whetstones is to keep them wet. This allows the waste material to be discarded without clogging the stone with debris.   Modern Fix for a Dull Blade Electrical and manual knife sharpeners are the modern fix for a dull blade. With an electric sharpener, the abrasives are on motorized wheels that spin against the blade as you insert from the base of the knife and pull backward in a slow and straight motion towards the tip. Manual knife sharpener inners are V-shaped chambers where the user pulls the knife from the base to the tip repeatedly. The shape of the chamber allows for the abrasives to push against both sides of the knife.   Image Source: https://www.touchofmodern.com/sales/anysharp-626c6c24-7744-4ab3-9549-9341a2718785/anysharp-pro-metal With varied techniques from a honing steel to whetstones, there are at-home knife care options for knife connoisseurs of all skill levels. Professional sharpening services are available if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself. This allows you to drop off knives that are severely dull to have them professionally sharpened. The combination of grinding and honing techniques will reap the best result with continued daily maintenance.   For more information regarding the maintenance of your BucknBear knife, please reach out to us at support@bucknbearknives.com. Stay safe & stay sharp!

Do you hold the title of hunter, craftsman, or knife enthusiast? Are you searching for a new blade to add to your arsenal? Our best sellers collection is a great place to start. Here, you’ll find a dozen of our highly sought-after knives. Whether you’re looking for a dagger, folding knife, or a fixed blade for hunting or skinning, you’ll find something for just about any job. One of our bestselling knives is the Drop Point Utility Hunter. Showcasing a sturdy Damascus blade with full tang construction, this multipurpose knife is a reliable asset to any outdoorsman. With a handle made of olive wood and blue/black micarta bolsters, this hunter knife has solid weight for durability with a beautiful finish. Included with the Drop Point Utility Hunter is a leather sheath with a belt loop. For a smooth action pocket knife, look no further than the Army Linerlock Folder. With a VG10 core Damascus blade, this folder has incredible lockup and seating. Bolsters are black stainless and scales are a beautiful burl. The double black thumb stud and clip on the handle makes the Army Linerlock Folder perfect for travel and easy to keep track of. Having a handle made of camel bone and brass pins, the Drop Point Hunter has a Damascus blade with full tang construction waiting to be added to your collection. This hunter comes with a leather sheath for travel but also has a lanyard hole in the handle for a closer carry. This drop point hunter has a blade 3/16” thick and 1 ⅜” deep with filework on the thumb rest. The Black Panther Flipper is another folding pocket knife that makes up the BucknBear best sellers list. Housing a contoured, dark grey G-10 handle with clip and a blade made from 440C steel, this lynx flipper is both tough and handsome. It’s comfortable and reliable grip allows this folding utility knife to provide solid cutting performance. The ceramic ball bearing pivot allows for a seamless, one-handed blade deployment, representing the quality and durability Bucknbear guarantees in each knife. With an unusual double grind, the Huntsman Bushcraft Tracker also tops the list of great buys from Bucknbear. The handle is G10 with brass tube pins. A knife ready to withstand heavy duty work, the Huntsman Bushcraft Tracker sports a blade 3/16” thick and 1 ⅜” deep. A leather sheath is included for horizontal carry of this durable Damascus blade. The Huntsman Bushcraft Tracker is available in Brown G10, G10 Brown/Yellow, and Red Micarta variations. Another top-selling hunting knife is the Boot Hunter Dagger in Micarta/Bone. This knife features a double-edged 256 layer twist Damascus stainless steel blade. A dark horn and white bone handle gives this dagger a timeless look. Included with purchase is a premium leather sheath for carry. The final knife to make the cut is the Hunter Knife (Bone/Walnut), which is covered with smooth walnut and bone scales accented by stainless steel bolsters. With a compound bevel grind, this steel clip point blade is a fixed Damascus blade. If not carrying in its premium leather sheath, the handle features two subtle finger grooves that fit nicely in your hand. BucknBear is proud to showcase durable knives made with the finest quality steel. Lucky for you, all these hot hits are still currently for sale! Each of these best sellers can be custom engraved for an additional fee upon checkout and free shipping is offered on all domestic orders. Curious to see what other products can expand your collection? Check out the rest of the knives that make up our best sellers list here, and don’t forget, #LiveWithAnEdge.