adbutler69 asked:

I'm looking to buy a high quality set of Chefs knives for someone who is of a professional Chef standard. I'd like some advice on what I should look for and if any Chefs out there have any recommendations?

Margie K asked:

I have a fairly expensive set of kitchen knives that are getting rust spots on them. They are not dishwasher safe, so I hand wash them. I always hand dry, but even if they sit in the sink until the end of the day when I wash them, they accumulate rust. What is the best way to remove the spots.

diane hamments asked:

Swords, the Noblest of Weapons.

Of all the different weapons that are in use today, and of all the different weapons that have existed throughout history, swords are by far the noblest. Yes, swords are brutally effective weapons. But they are far more than that.

In the past, reigning monarchs and members of royal families, members of the nobility and various other prestigious men, all carried swords not just as weapons, but as a traditional, highly visible sign of their status. Even today, swords and their close relatives - such as scimitars - continue to be a cross-cultural signal of high achievement or high social status.

In the military, swords were, and still are, traditionally carried only by commisioned officers and, in some cases, mounted cavalrymen. Swords are used to cut, thrust, strike and slash, and they have the longest reach of any edged weapon. During the Middle Ages, any knight considered his sword to be his most important weapon, and with the possible exception of his horse, probably the most important possession he owned. The edged weapons carried by rank and file foot soldiers, usually knives, dirks or daggers, were much smaller than swords and much less deadly, with much shorter blades. These smaller bladed weapons were also much less prestigious to carry and conveyed no signal of the bearer's social status.

Sword Nomenclature.

A sword consists of a very long single-edged or double-edged blade and an attached hilt, which is a collective term that includes the pommel, the grip and a simple or elaborate guard. The swords of some cultures use straight blades, while other cultures designed swords or sword-type weapons with slightly curved blades. But the basic underlying design of all swords is remarkably uniform. Swords are typically carried while sheathed in protective leather or metal scabbards that are attached to the waist. Swords that are intended to be used as weapons are usually quite utilitarian and are not elaborately decorated as are many ceremonial swords.

Swords in War and in Peace, Past and Present.

Swords have been used as weapons since time immemorial, in hundreds of different cultures and in just about every region of the world. Throughout the passage of time, weaponry swords have been made of bronze, iron and steel (later, tempered steel) and, as noted above, these types of swords were designed for killing efficiency rather than beauty.

But in addition to being used as coldly efficient weapons of war, swords have also been used for ceremonial purposes for at least one thousand years. And although they are no longer used as actual weapons, they continue to be used ceremonially. Swords play an important role in some military weddings and in certain military rituals, and they still are part of a commissioned officer's dress uniform. The investiture of a knight (being "dubbed" a knight) traditionally was, and still is, performed by the man being touched on the shoulder with the flat of the sword of his monarch or lord. Swords are even used by Masons during certain Masonic rituals and ceremonies.

Ceremonial swords are most often made of gold or sterling silver, and their blades and scabbards are often very elaborately engraved or inscribed. Sometimes the sword guard and/or the scabbard are bejeweled.

Traditional swords, sabres, rapiers, cutlasses and scimitars. Swords that were used in mortal combat, such as Japanese Samurai Katana swords, and ceremonial swords such Masonic swords. They all have a noble past, and they all signify tradition and prestige.

Iprwire Staff Writer asked:

For well over a century, Buck knives have been among the most respected and treasured blades available to the general public. The family-run business makes their blades based on traditional methods that extend from the founder. Along with these time-tested methods, the family incorporates innovative ones to address current needs and demands of their customers. The company collaborates with people from various sports backgrounds, such as kayaking, mountain climbing, hunting, and fishing, in working to create the most relevant tools.

Many fans of the knife brand remember with fondness and excitement the day they received their first Buck knives as gifts years ago. Many still have that prized possession in good working order, and some pass theirs down to the next generation.

There is a simple reason why this happens. That reason is quality. These blades are some of the highest-quality items that a person can buy. In fact, they are guaranteed for life. Did you know that? Well, it is true. Unlike many other companies that may guarantee their products for a few years, this company backs their products for life. And this is not some flimsy guarantee, either. This is a strong and honest promise that many customers appreciate and value.

Something else that many people do not realize is that because Buck knives are so popular and well respected, there are even collector clubs and organizations for them. Many of these collectors have literally dozens, if not hundreds, of these items in their collections. With so many models and styles produced over the last 100 years, that should not be a surprise to anyone.

But even with its long history of manufacturing, this company has continued to research and improve its wares as technologies and new advances have come along. When it comes to versatility, they are heads above their competition with offerings such as hunting blades, survival blades, camping blades, carrying blades, folding blades, fixed blades, and specialty blades.

Because of their long history and wide selection of models, Buck knives are the ideal gift. Outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts would appreciate a gift from this well-known company, which makes finding that perfect gift for that special person a snap. Best of all, the prices on their product line is well within the reach of most people.

Using the Internet is a great way to narrow down your search and do some research on the many different models that are currently being offered. But you may discover that there are many retailers for this company. One of the very best websites to begin with is Knife & Supply Company LLC. Visit their homepage at http://www.knifesupplycompany.com, where they carry a huge selection of items and some of the best prices around. They offer a variety of payment options, and their customer service is very good. In fact, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee that they stand behind with confidence. Definitely worth a visit when you are looking for a great gift idea for someone you love or even for yourself.

tomtom asked:

Is their anywere i can get cheap fantacy sword?
like elven swords and stuff like that!

Greg R. asked:

Fallkniven is a less well known Scandinavian enterprise that has been producing top-quality blades for nearly twenty-five years. Their products are so well-regarded that they have been bought and utilized by the King of Sweden.

The company is family-operated and you get the sense that it's the core of their corporate identity. The founders are hunters and fishermen themselves, bringing their experience with blade performance in the field to their own knife making methodology. One can visit Fallkniven's homepage and check out pictures of the people who run the operation. You're not going to encounter that at a large, corporate-run blade maker!

Fallkniven has a reasonable claim to producing what might be some of the most durable serial manufactured stainless steel knives in the whole world. Utilizing exclusively the best stainless steels including SGPS, 3G, and VG-10, they are able to produce knives that measure greater than 60 HRC.

Fallkniven Knife Models

Fallkniven produces a handful items that can be broken down into seven groups. Like with most knife-makers, there is some overlap in defining the groups.

 

Tre Kroner models are built from 3G powdered, laminated steel hardened to 62 on the Rockwell scale. Their main use is as a hunting knife. They are available in in a variety of models. The TK1, TK2, TK5 and TK6 are fixed-blade knives which sport sculpted Cocobolo Thermorun handles with a finger guard. The TK3 and TK4 are folder knives and are available with a range of offbeat handle materials, such as mother-of-pearl and red quince.

Fallkniven folding blades such as the U1, U2, and P are smaller blades having drop points that are intended to be lighter all-purpose hunting and fishing blades. Steels utilized are VG10, SGPS or 3G, while handles are micarta, Cocobolo or Zytel. Locking catches differ also between the various models.

Their Hunting and Fishing Knives include the WM, the H1, the F1 and F2. The WM is a small-game knife that is also popular among hikers and backpackers. The H1, their flagship hunting blade, is a larger large-game hunting blade that features no finger protector. Cutting edges are composed of VG10 or 3G steel, while handles are Thermorun or Zytel. The F1 was Fallkniven's earliest tool and is for use as a survival knife, while the F2 knife, with its long slim blade, is targeted as more of an angler's knife.

Survival and Bushcraft Blades consist of the S1, the A1 and the A2. They are wilderness blades that are made with lengthier, thicker blades. Those knives are typically 1-2mm thicker than the knives mentioned previously, at least three centimeters lengthier and a few points "softer" using the Rockwell Hardness gauge. That makes these blades ideal for serious trail blazing. The steel in these blades is VG-10. The handle on the S1 is Thermorun and the A1/A2 is constructed from Zytel.

Fallkniven's Military Knives include the G1 and the Model MC1. The G1 is a compact, covert knife with a non-reflective blade, while the MC1 is a huge knife for mine clearing. The two are made of VG-10 steel hardened to 59 HRC. The G1 features a Thermorun handle and the MC1 has a Kraton handle.

While Fallkniven does not focus on Cook's Knives, kitchen knives can surely be created using experience obtained while designing outdoor knives. The K1 Chef's blade is 8 inches in length, a typical size, while the K2 is a large Santoku. VG-10 steel, hardened to 59 on the Rockwell Hardness scale, is used to create the two knives. They have Thermorun handles that should not slip.

Fallkniven Northern Light knives are intended for industrial-strength wilderness use. Blades are laminated VG-10 steel with a hardness of 59HRC, varying in dimension from 10cm in length x 5mm thick all the way up to 250mm in length x 7mm thick. are leather and lightweight aluminum and sport a full bolster / finger guard. The special-edition NL5cx is similar in size to the smallest of these knives, but shows off a Damascus-style Cowry X steel blade at an extreme hardness of 64HRC.

 

 

More Info

Fallkniven knives are readily available online, though obviously not every model will be in stock at every vendor. Fallkniven's website has some great data on the company as well as a full-color shopper's catalog. The Fallkniven message board at KnifeForums.com is an excellent meeting place for well-versed Fallkniven fans.

mana7 asked:

I dont mean broadswords, I mean clouds buster sword or Kagura Asunas sword. Swords that are about 4 feet long or more. There is a specific catergory for them I think. Also does anyone know where i can buy one of these swords. I dont want that youtube video though.