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Custom Hunting Knives . . . Combat and Tactical KnivesNot To Forget Other Fixed Blades . . . They're Just Not As Popular . . .Custom hunting knives, as well as combat, and tactical knives are typically fixed blade . . . Hunting knives were the very first knives, and are the most popular of the fixed blade type.
They have probably the most recognizable shapes in the knife industry.
There may not be any one particular custom hunting knife that can efficiently perform all hunting chores, but there are a few that are much better than others. I will discuss the folding hunting knives on another page. Custom hunting knives often have intricately carved and decorated handles made from a variety of materials from around the world. These include exotic wood, bone, horns, rubber, and many other durable materials. Custom hunting knives are often kept in a "sheath" close to the hunter's waist, although some sheaths attach to the back, leg, chest, or arms depending on the hunter’s preference. Fixed blade custom hunting knives generally have no moving parts, which means that you won't spend time in the field tightening screws or adjusting springs. It actually sounds a lot like the same requirements needed for a custom hunting knife. A tactical knife is typically a full tang fixed blade, however, not all are fixed blade. Also, custom hunting knives and custom tactical knives are often used interchangeably. Many of the same needs and functions exist for both the hunter and the hunted.
The names are often used interchangeably, but a dirk is defined as a long dagger. It often has a handle designed to protect the hand. Dirks are traditionally shorter than swords. Some dirks are also designed and balanced for throwing. Machetes are a type of survival, or tactical knife. They typically have one edge, with a blade that widens at the tip. They are used extensively in many tropical areas for clearing brush, and cutting through jungle growth. Many cultures rely on them for farming purposes. Having said that, there are those who do use them for weapons.
Blade geometry is very important for a good knifemaker, but the steel type he chooses is even more critical. A blade is typically concave, or hollow ground.
Fixed blades do not fold. No matter whether custom hunting knives, or another of the custom knife options, these fixed blades will have a full tang, or a stick tang that makes them extremely stout and secure. Fixed blade knives are generally more robust and larger overall, which adds to the safety of the knife along with the strength. This strength makes them the knife of choice for outdoor use. They almost always come with a sheath to protect the blade and to allow carrying the knife in a safe manner. In fact, they are known as "sheath knives". Fixed blade knives do not need to be oiled like folding knives, and do not need to be cleaned as regularly. For ongoing tips and information on Custom Knifemaking and related processes, Subscribe to our Newsletter, "A Cut Above the Rest!" Click Here! to Subscribe, top left.
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Hunting knives have been customized to cut, slice, gut, pierce, skin game, field dress, dress out, cape, trim, quarter, manage, clean game, de-bone, and generally process game animals.
A tactical, self-defense, or combat knife is typically designed for accessibility and durability. It must be a versatile tool, and is fashioned to stand up to the rigors of special operations. After all, it may be needed to spear dinner, cut firewood, slice through the skin of an airplane fuselage, or break the glass of an helicopter. It must stand up to the most extreme environments. In short, it is the last line of defense.
Dirks and daggers are more sinister. The reason I say more sinister, is because by their very design, they are only good for thrusting type cuts. They are known as a Scottish weapon, and were designed for piercing damage.
Cutlery Knives are used in the preparation of food and can be made from many different materials. Most of the cutlery used today is mass produced by large companies. Product lines and options have been simplified and standardized and in many instances the quality of the knife is gone. I am generalizing.
There are those who still make quality cutlery, and there are knifemakers that still take pride in this type of knife. A good chef lives by his set of knives. They are a big part of his trade.
A great carving knife has a sense of balance.
The handle usually has built in comfortable finger grips, and may have a pocket/belt clip for easy access. They can also accommodate a lanyard that helps keep the knife close and convenient.
