Hunting knives, tactical knives and pocket knives are the type of tools that every hunter needs at some point or another. When it comes time to prepare your game for transport off the mountain or to take care of some camping basics like cutting or chopping, it is important to have a sturdy, reliable hunting knife that you can count on to last for several hunting seasons. If the tactical knife or pocket knife is perpetually dull or flimsy it is very unlikely that you will enjoy your time hunting and may in fact result in a lack-luster hunting season. That is why it is important to make sure to always have the right blade on you at all times, and to choose the right blade. Many people do not know that there is more than one blade type, when really there are three main blades that a person can choose from, depending on their individual needs.

Drop Point Blade Hunting Knives

The drop point blade is the most popular type of tactical knife blade on the market today. The drop point has a sharp curve to the blade and it is forged of a thick, durable steel blade that can stand up to just about anything. The edge of the drop point blade makes it one of the most utilitarian of the three knives mentioned here. It can be used to jab or point as well as slice, and it is very useful for efficiently skinning game after it has been killed.

Clip Point Blade Hunting Knives

The clip point blade is another one of the more popular types of hunting knives out there. Although the clip point is not nearly as popular as the drop point blade, the clip point blade is made of thinner steel and the blade is flat, with a point to it. The clip point blade is perfect for skinning game as well, but the clip point blade is also perfect for other uses that are not related to hunting, like cutting ropes or branches or other things of that nature. The clip point blade is a useful knives for hunters to have, and is one of the most commonly used and carried types of hunting blades out there.

The Skinning Knife

Skinning knives are other popular hunting knives, although they are not nearly as multipurpose as some of the other tactical knives on the market. Skinning knives are just for that, removing the skin of a game animal from the meat. Skinning takes a certain type of blade in order for the meat to be as well preserved as possible. If you find that you lose a lot of your game during the skinning process, you may want to consider purchasing a skinning knife in addition to a more tactical blade.

Having reliable hunting knives is an important element of successful hunting, whether you are a big game hunter, waterfowl hunter or fisherman. By knowing the various blade types available you can determine which best fits your needs and your use level. Remember that there is more to a knife than the style of its handle or its price. The craftsmanship and style of the blade are the fundamental elements that will make the hunting knife a valuable addition to your hunting equipment.

~Ben Anton, 2007

I just had to tell you all about my most recent custom knife buying ventures. I saw so many great custom knives that I thought you all would really appreciate.

Well, let me start by going over what makes a custom knife valuable.

Like all other collectibles, custom knives vary in price, beauty and quality. One of the easiest ways to determine the quality of a custom knife is to find out who the knifemaker is.

Just like with cars, the name of the knifemaker matters. Tim Herman, as an example commands a great deal of respect in the custom knife making world.

Next, you should take close note of the handle of the knife. Of course, you want to see a custom knife handle and not one that looks like it has been mass produced.

There are many materials that custom knife handles can be made from. These handles are nothing like the ones you are used to seeing on your typical household knives.

Some of the engraving in these handles, alone, will make the knife worth buying. Some custom knives have pictures of cars or people carved right into them. It's absolutely amazing.

Once you have examined the handle, it's time for you to look at the blade.

Just like the handle, the blades that make up custom knives vary greatly. From material to quality to length and several other categories.

Although I won't get into it here, knowing how to determine the value and quality of the blade can make or break the deal.

Collecting custom knives is much more an art than a science. However, there is a formula that you can use to gauge a large part of your decision.

Knifemaker, handle, and blade. The three most important parts of a custom knife. If you are unhappy with any of these three, get out of the deal.

But what happens when you are happy with what you see, now what do you do?

At this point, it's time to look at the subtle details of the knife. Is it in mint condition? Can you see any obvious wear and tear on the blade or handle? Is there a certificate to prove that the knifemaker actually did make the knife?

Make sure to get all you questions and concerns answered. A custom knife is a large investment, and one that will last a lifetime. Don't allow yourself to be pressured into a purchase that you are not 100% sure about.

Of course, if you are a trader of custom knives, than price is your determining factor. Regardless of the condition of the knife, if you know you can sell it for $1,000 you would be happy to buy it for $600.

If that doesn't make sense, it's time for you to get out of the custom knife trading business.