Pocket Knives

I grew up in the Upper Snake River Valley in Idaho. It is roughly 100 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana. My uncles were sheep ranchers, grazing three large herds in the mountains of eastern Idaho and western Wyoming. As a young boy, I learned the value of having a pocket knife. It was and is a very essential tool. We used our knives for cutting a lot of different pieces of outdoor gear. We repaired bridles, saddles, and even cut wood shavings to start a fire. A quality knife was something to cherish and care for. We carried our pocket knives in a dual leather case which fastened on our belt. The knife was on one side and a sharpening stone on the other. A dull knife just wasn't used. We considered our knife sharp if you could shave hair from your arm. Many men wouldn't lend a knife for fear of it being damaged.

The knife has continually improved over the years. There is a type of steel for each use. A mechanic would use a different type steel than an electrician. It also must be cared for like any other fine instrument. A cutting tool works better and is safer to use when it is sharp. The uses of the knife are as varied as the person who owns it. I carry a full sized 3 blade knife in my pocket and one in my car to be sure I have one. I always have a use for one and miss having it if I don't have one.

Some of the excellent brands are Gerber Blades, Columbia River Knives, Cold Steel, SOG Knives and many more. As a tool, a quality knife is limited only by the user. You don't have to wear out your shoes looking for one. You can find what you want simply by going on the internet. You can find old fashioned knives, collector knives and much more. There is one that fits almost everyone. You should have a knife which benefits you by having the strongest and toughest blade for the application.

Ductility, or toughness has its place in knives that are subjected to hard use-or even abuse-as tactical and work knives must be , and so selected higher-toughness steels in many of these applications, as opposed to high-hardness steels. An individual who gives his work knife hard daily use will benefit from the durability, stain resistance and ease of sharpening found in AUS 4 steel. In contrast, the buyer of AUS 8 steel expects an alloy steel with its higher hardnes and edge-holding ability.