KNIFE ANATOMY

KNIVES
KNIVES
KNOW
YOUR
KNIFE
KNIFE ANATOMY
The knife is a crucial
piece of gear which
is often the first thing
most hunters and
fishermen pack into
their bag. There are
however, a lot of styles,
features and materials
one should consider
before purchasing a
knife for the job it is to
perform.
Story by Mathew Hewetson
622 Endeavor – Clip Point /
Serrated, Fixed Blade 12.7cm
WHAT FEATURES ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I
have always been fascinated
with knives. A funny statement
to make to anyone other than
a hunter or a fisherman, as it
can get some worried looks! I recall
when I was 11 years old and were
given a school project to bring in
anything that we collected to present
to the class. Most kids brought in
stickers, marbles, Matchbox cars or
bubble gum trading cards of some
kind. I distinctly remember the
concern from my teacher, when I
rocked up proudly showing off my
pocket knife collection.
They were mostly given to me by
my grandfathers, so they meant a
lot to me as they each had special
stories behind them. I had taken
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care to seal them in a wooden box
with a clear plastic lid so the other
kids couldn’t touch them, so in my
mind I thought I had taken safety
precautions.
Anyway, growing up and enjoying
fishing and hunting meant my
initial fascination with the knife
has evolved into its daily use as an
important tool that every good angler
and hunter needs.
I own a lot of different knives, but
every one of them has a specialist
job to perform. My bait knife is
only for cutting bait, a filleting
knife comes out to only fillet fish,
a skinner is for skinning deer and
so on. They all have one thing in
common, they are all kept very
sharp. A blunt knife is dangerous
as you shouldn’t need to force the
blade when using it and this is when
accidents can happen.
I have enlisted the help of Buck
Knives to better understand the wide
range of knives available, with their
extensive knowledge gained from
over 100 years of producing quality
knives. They actually provide the
“Buck Forever Warranty” on every
knife they sell, to be free of defects
in material and workmanship for the
life of the knife. They will repair or
replace any knife that is defective.
When choosing the right knife, Buck
recommends to ask yourself the
following questions to help make
your decision.
Fixed Blade: is sturdy, dependable and always ready
for use
Folding Knife: compact, safe to carry, most lock open
for safe use
Blade Shape: what shape best serves your needs (refer
to following shape guide)
113 Ranger – Skinner,
Fixed Blade 7.9cm
One-hand open/close: essential when one hand is
occupied
Thick Blade: for heavy-duty tasks
Lightweight: feel unencumbered, easier in your pocket
Gut Hook: field dressing/skinning game
Saw Tooth: cutting wood or bone
Ergonomic Design: fits your hand
comfortably
395 Omni Hunter –
Folding, compact,
heavy-duty, ergonomic
design with a midlockback design
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KNIVES
JIGGING
WHAT MATERIALS ARE CRITICAL TO YOUR USE?
BLADE STEEL:
A good blade combines good edge retention, rust resistance
and ease of re-sharpening
345 BKS Vantage
– Smooth,
lightweight and
one-hand opening.
Folding Blade
8.3cm
420HC is a stainless steel that provides excellent rust
resistance, ease of re-sharpening and medium edge
retention
154CM is a custom steel with much higher carbon content,
giving it a higher hardness rating and dramatically higher
edge retention
S30V is a high vanadium stainless steel with even higher
edge retention
HANDLE MATERIALS:
Rubber, Micarta and textured handles provide a superior grip
in wet conditions
Wood and metal handles provide durability an aesthetics
Composite handles provide fit, grip and durability
WHAT SAFETY FEATURES DO YOU EXPECT?
Do you prefer a knife that locks open? Locks open and closed?
What type of locking mechanism makes you feel most comfortable? Fixed vs Folding.
Fixed blades are heavy duty, easy to clean and easily accessed with a sheath.
Folders are very safe; most lock open and wont accidently open in your pack or close on
your hand.
For a fixed blade, would you prefer a larger blade guard?
Also consider the handle materials for a better grip depending on its intended use.
BE
IN
TO
WIN!
A BUCK 537 SKINNER KNIFE
Thanks to Kilwell Sports, we have this Buck 537 Skinner to giveaway.
This knife has a 4 ½” blade (11.4cm), weighs 5.7oz (161.6g) and is designed for
easily skinning game while ensuring edge retention and is corrosion resistance.
The handle is Rosewood Dymondwood and comes with a black leather sheath.
To enter go to www.fishingingodzone.co.nz
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VALUED AT
$299!
Winner drawn 1st September 2016
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91
common blade styles.
KNIVES
JIGGING
JIGGING
DROP POINT
This blade is full bellied with a strong, thick point for heavier tasks. It
can also be used as a general work knife. The top of the blade drops
BLADE
DROPSHAPES
POINT
down toward the tip, which minimizes accidental puncturing while
Another thing to consider when choosing a knife is the blade shape.
skinning. The drop point blade is strong and very versatile.
What shape will work best for your needs? Below are the most
Another thing to consider
common blade styles.
MODIFIED TANTO
when
choosing
a
knife
is
the
blade
shape.
What shape will work
Holding many of same features as the regular tanto blade, the angled
DROP POINT
best
for
your
needs?
Below
are
the
most
common
point is modified between the front edge and the bottom edge onblade
this styles.
This blade is
full bellied with a strong, thick point for heavier tasks. It
MODIFIED
TANTO
particular blade. Holds up to piercing, scraping, and prying with tough
can also be used as a general work knife. The top of the blade drops
materials.
down toward the tip, which minimizes accidental puncturing while
DROP
CAPING
BLADE
SHAPES
r when choosing a skinning.
knife is the
blade
The
dropshape.
point blade is strong and
very POINT
versatile.
TANTO
Another
thing
tobellied
consider
when
choosing
a knife
is the blade
shape. it has a
st for your needs? Below are the most
This
blade
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with
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strong
for heavy
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Holds
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toAlmost
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and
shape
will
work
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Below
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the
most
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strong,
thick
point
for heavier
mild drop
point,
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prying
with
tough
materials.
Many tactical knives
utilize
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common
blade
styles.
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angled
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be used
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that is used for the delicate removal of
shape.
TANTO
point is modified between the front edge and the bottom edge on this
general
work
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top of
the hide of the face of a trophy animal.
DROP
POINT
with a strong, thick particular
point for heavier
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It to piercing, scraping,
blade. Holds
and
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withThe
tough
SKINNER
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The
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This
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eneral work knife. The
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= CUTTING EDGE
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detail work and cutting in tight
places. It isBACK
also well
suited for
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BLADE
intentional punctures like new
holes in your belt, etc. While the
point of the blade is effective for
detail work, it's not as strong as
the thicker points on drop points
and skinners.
SPEAR POINT
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