Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Moving!

We now have MT Knives Dot Net up and running! We are still working on it. But from now on all my blog post will be over there, so stop by www.mtknives.net Thank You for all your support please subscribe to our mail list and be updated with new content and special deals.
Thank You
Patrick

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Sharpening 101

So I though I would make a quick video on sharpening sense the one I filmed with Jack Spirko is missing in action. Ok so it is 18 mins long, it was quick because I didn't do any editing just posted it as is. I will be working on a full length sharpening video soon that will cover everything. If you have never been able to sharpen a knife try implementing this technique and let me know how you do! Please leave a comment and rate this video if you like it.
Thank You,
Patrick

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Artist, Artisan, and The Craftsman


The Artist, Artisan, and The Craftsman?  This is a question I am still trying to answer. Which one am I?  "Why does it Matter" You ask. Simple, determining which one you are will prevent heartbreak, and failure. 

The Artist, this is someone who desperately needs to express themself in what ever they do. Willing to do what ever it takes, no matter the cost. The funny thing about an artist is most of the time they are broke doing what they are passionate about, few really appreciate what they are doing until they are gone.

The Craftsman, is someone who is skilled in a trade. This is a person who likes to work with their hands seeing the progress they make. They don't have this driving passion inside, they simply like to be productive and make a living. They become very skilled over time. They are practical, considering how they are going to make their living so they can do the things they really enjoy.

The Artisan, He is someone who has both the qualities of an Artist and the craftsman. Expressing Himself from time to time. But keeping in mind the cost of providing for his family. 

This concept was first introduced to me from Murray Carter, who considers Himself an Artisan. This is a question I am not sure of for myself, fortunately I make knives in my spare time for now and don't have to rely on an income from making knives. Right now I am pouring all the money from knives back into better tools. I can say this, I would consider myself a perfectionist, not at all saying my knives are perfect. Simply I have not yet made a perfect knife, every knife I make I could show you one thing or another that I would change.  I spend hours trying to make my knives perfect, knowing I am spending "to much time" on them, because I want to make the best knives I can.  So how about You? Which one are You? I would love to hear some feedback leave a comment. Thank You Patrick


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Every Day Carry E.D.C.

Every Day Carry or E.D.C. it is pretty self explanitory. EDC is what you carry every day no matter where you go! For most people this would include their car keys and wallet. But what I want to talk about is being prepaired for what ever might come your way. And on the top of the list for that is a Cutting Tool.  For now we are only going to discuss just that, and what I carry.
 
First off I always carry my Neck Knife, the only time I take it off is when I shower and I put it on top of my clean clothes so I don't forget it! I tend to be forgetful sometimes :) I try to keep my Neck Knife Scary Sharp all the time. Once you see how nice it is to have a knife that is Scary Sharp and stays that way you will always laugh inside when someone hands you their knife and says "be careful it is sharp!" 
Next off is my Kershaw, This is my next knife of choice, it is reserved for dirty work like cutting cardboard when I want to preserve my edge on my neck knife, but really It doesn't get used much. Once you get use to reaching for your neck knife you will 9 times out of 10 have it pulled out and done with what you were doing without thinking twice about the other knives you have. 

This brings me to the point, there is a saying two is one, and one is NONE! Meaning if all you carry is one knife or one anything, when you need it most it is not going to be there!

I can not stress enough the importance of redundancy! Next off is my Leatherman, I really love my leatherman super tool 300 it has saved so much time, be it saving me a trip to look for a screwdriver or a pair of pliers, This tool has so many uses. I have used the knife on it but never because I had too. But if the need ever came up ( I don't know why it ever would) I have a third option when it comes to a knife.

And last, I only add this knife because I have it almost everyday. is a Buck Knife that Jack Spirko, from The Survival Podcast gave me. It is always in my coat pocket and I almost never use it. Once I opened a can of beans or something like that with it :) ok so that isn't its intended use but it worked. I would almost never do that with any knife I cared about. If you have never listened to Jack's show you should. He has all kinds of great material.  Maybe some shows aren't suitable for all audiences but don't let that stop you from learning all the good stuff he has to offer.  Also to learn more about Survival and EDC Check out Dave Canterbury at The Pathfinder School  Or Bush Craft On Fire with David Wendell. And if you haven't joined my Facebook page please take the time to Like it today. Thank You! Patrick