Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 Evolution of the Knife 6
Iron Age to the Modern Age 7
The Peasant Knife 10
The Slip Joint 13
The Barlow 15
The Peanut 16
The Congress 17
The Stockman 18
The Trapper 19
The Canoe 20
Pennsylvania and the Knife Industry 22
The Tradition Is Alive and Well-Or Is It? 24
The Swiss Army Knife: One Slip Joint to Rule Them All 27
Lock Blades 29
Buck Knives 30
The Lockback 33
The Tactical Folder 35
Switchblades 41
The 9/11 Effect on Knives 48
Buying a Knife 50
Chapter 2 Know-How 52
Testing Your Metal 54
Know Your Blades 58
Clip Point 62
Drop Point 63
Spear Point 64
Spey 65
Pen 66
Sheepsfoot 67
Coping 68
Wharncliffe 69
Tanto 70
Hawksbill 71
How to Pass a Knife 72
Tools for Honing a Blade 77
Sharpening a Knife 85
How to Test a Knife for Sharpness 88
Why Is My Blade Not Sharp? 91
Pocket Knife Maintenance 92
Testing Your Metal Answers 97
Chapter 3 Classic Games and Pastimes 98
Mumbley-Peg 100
Mama Pig 102
Chicken 103
Split the Kipper (or Stretch) 105
Baseball 106
Property (or Land) 108
Whittling and Carving 110
Carving Project 1: Make a Soapallo 117
Carving Project 2: Wood Spoon 124
Scrimshaw 131
Chapter 4 Survival & Tactical 136
Selecting the Right Pocket Knife for Survival 137
Durability 138
Steel Selection: Stainless or Carbon? 140
Blade Features 142
Putting Your Knife to Use 146
The Figure-4 Deadfall Trap 147
Making a Pronged Fishing Spear 151
How to Skin a Rabbit 155
The Proper Way to Start a Fire 158
Selecting the Right Pocket Knife for Tactical Encounters 163
Pocket Knife Throwing Techniques 170
The Traditional Throw 174
The Combat Throw 177
Conclusion 180
Photo Credits 183
About the Author 184
