Introducing a New Segment: Knife Reviews (Philosophy of Use and EDC)
As an outdoorsman knives are an integral part of my lifestyle. Without a knife many of my hobbies would be problematic. In addition I have adopted a personal practice of EDC (everyday carry) in my day to day life. Over the past 5 years I have steadily collected several knives whilst simultaneously learning about steel, locking mechanisms and the utility of various blade shapes. Therefore I have decided to include an new segment to this blog. My frequent readers would note, the dominant focus of this blog has been and will always been fishing as it is my primary outdoor passion,however, as an outdoorsman I also hike, hunt, target shoot, rock climb, camp so forth. Posts covering these also dot my blog's landscape, I intend a knife segment to be included in a similar manner.
This new segment will be presented as such. For each review I will define what I view the primary usage the knife is best designed for; i.e. a hunting or fishing knife etc. I will present this as my philosophy of use for the knife, a term I have borrowed and must acknowledge credit to the TNP project also known as philosophy of use.
What I will review: I will primarily cover knives best utilized in the following categories; bushcraft, camping, edc, fishing and hunting. What I will not write on and what will dramatically distinguish me from the TNP project is I will not write reviews of so called "tactical" or self-defense knifes.
Allow me a brief argument/rant against the so-called tactical fad which has consumed the knife community. First and foremost, and I cannot stress this enough--a knife is a tool. Secondly I am all for citizens utilizing and carrying a gun as conceal carry or pepper spray.
However, knife as a self-defense tool, however, is problematic for several reasons. Allow me to explain. First to utilize a knife you typically my physically move towards your attacker. A firm rule of self-defense is to engage the assaultant only to the point to escape the situation and preserve ones life. Secondly under what circumstances would a knife be best utilized as a self-defense weapon. A brawl? Is your life in danger? Were you an aggressor as well? You pull a knife and you just elevated the case from battery charges to assault with a deadly weapon. A gun? Not much use generally. What distinguishes both pepper spray and a gun is the ability to engage from distance and escape quickly, also most who carry a gun also carry with them the understanding that they are carrying a lethal weapon, not so with many who carry knives. You can walk into your local Walmart and be armed. At the end of the day, if I needed to and my life were in danger as a last resort of course I would defend myself with any means necessary but I worry there is a danger and dare I say fantasy imagined by those who submit to the tactical utility of knives. There is much more on the subject and I am sure there are those who will disagree with me but for a more detailed account similar to my position please read this website which articulates far more clearly my own sentiments.
Enough on that, but it needed to be stated in order to distinguish this blog from other knife reviewers. I hope you guys will enjoy this new segment. I hope you learn something and if nothing else it peaks your curiosity.
Enough on that, but it needed to be stated in order to distinguish this blog from other knife reviewers. I hope you guys will enjoy this new segment. I hope you learn something and if nothing else it peaks your curiosity.
14 Comments:
Al
I am really looking forward to this segment in your blog. I have carried a pocket knife for years and would be lost without it. I still have my Dad's old hunting knife which is a bone handle Case. Thanks for sharing
nothing better then a good knife and look forward to a variety of reviews
i do carry a tactical knife anytime i enter the woods and water
Blake, many of the knives I plan on reviewing could be classified as either a tactical or a survival knife, maybe even a bushcraft knife. The SOG Seal and Gerber LMF II come to mind. Its not that I shy away from knives that some may classify as tactical, rather its that I will not be reviewing them from a tactical utility nor encouraging it. Hope that provides some clarity.
Bill, thank you for the comments, Yes too would be lost without one. That is awesome you have your Dad's old Case knife. Thats one on my "must get" list. First review should be up in a few days. It will be the Gerber Paraframe I, not my favorite knife but the one which started me on this journey so its only appropriate.
Can't wait for some knife reviews, I'm a knife/edc tool nut too. I carry a JRP EDC knife daily, as well as a sidearm. Wouldn't leave home without either one!
Sweet. I have always loved knifes due to their utility. I look forward to what you come up with.
Thanks guys, I honestly didn't expect this kind of response. I promise to put a lot of thought and consideration into the reviews as well as my experience.
Brian
Had no idea you were an admirer of the blade as am I. Look forward some new postings. I also have 2 or 3 that you might find interesting. Next Time!
Kevin-
Yep, I have a few, haha and by that I mean far too many. Stay tuned and let me know what you think of the reviews.
i understand that you will be reviewing them as edc and utility standpoint and thats awesome
i will be sure to follow the reviews close even if we carry a knife for different reasons
Blake thanks for the comments and respect and I hope you enjoy them.
thanks
You are certainly a knife enthusiast. I particularly like your info on outdoor knives. I am currently in search of highly resourceful camping/hunting knives, and your article has been a big help. I also learnt a few tips on knife sharpening here: http://survival-mastery.com/reviews/best-knife-sharpener.html
Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post. SanRenMu Fixed Blade Knife
Post a Comment