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

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

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

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

Knife Lingo

Sorry about this last picture, it should be flipped. These are some of the basic parts of a knife.
1. Butt or Pommel: Can be steel or brass, used to balance the knife and sometimes for striking.
2. Rivet or Mosaic Pin: Used to attach or secure handle to the knife.
3. Bolster: a decorative piece between the blade and handle and sometimes doubles as a guard.
4. Ricasso: Portion of un-sharpened area between the blade and handle.
5. Choil: A recessed space between the edge and bolster to allow sharpening of the entire edge, can also be used to choke up on the knife.
6. Spine: The Un-sharpened top of the blade.
7. Grind: The Secondary Edge Where the steel has been removed to form the edge.
8. Edge: The Primary Edge Where all the magic happens.... well on a well sharpened knife that is ;)
9. Point: Shouldn't have to explain this one, you will get the point
10. Full Tang: Where the Blade and handle are made from one piece of steel extending the full length of the knife. Makes for the strongest knife possible.
11. Liner: Using liner can Help strengthen the bond between the handle and the knife, it also looks good! ;)

Good to know info. If You have any questions please feel free to send me an e-mail at patrick@mtknives.net Please Like our facebook page to keep up to date with the latest info.

Type of Grinds

1. Sabre Grind: aka "Scandinavian Grind" this is a typical grind for a tactical, or military knife.

2. Hollow Grind: this is a typical grind for straight razors and now more common on massed produced knives. great for a sharp edge but causes the edge to be weak.

3. Chisel Grind: Mostly found on Japanese Culinary knives. Makes for a really sharp edge.

4. Flat Grind: Edge ground all the way to the spine, very sharp edge, but not real durable.

5. Convex Grind: Opposite of a hollow grind, commonly found on axes and such for heavy cutting.

6. Compound Bevel or Double Bevel: This is a great way to have a knife with a sharp edge that has more resilience than a flat grind. The red section is considered the secondary edge. and the black bevel would be considered the primary edge, ( the primary edge does the cutting) 

Having the right grind on your knife is important. There are many combinations or variations of grinds but these are the basic grinds. If your knife has the right grind for what it is used for, and it is a good quality knife. You shouldn't have to spend too much time maintaining your knife, a quick touch up and it should be ready to go. I only spend a few minutes to bring my knife back to shaving sharp and that is only after it has been used heavily. I hope You learned something new, if you have any questions about Knives I would be glad to answer them. Just e-mail me with your questions at patrick@mtknives.net And don't forget to LIKE our Facebook Page!
Thank You

One down, Six to go

Only thing left is to sharpen!!!