Knives are probably the oldest variety of weapons humans used for survival. Favored by hunters and chefs alike, these multipurpose tools are a great addition to any household. Whether you are a connoisseur who is looking to add different blades to your collection, a chef who needs various-sized knives to work with, or even an average joe who needs a versatile tool for small home-improvement projects, you need to do your research before jumping headfirst and making unnecessary purchases. If you are tired of not knowing your switchblade from your chef’s knife, check out the next few points to learn how to get all the information you need about knives.
Learn Some Important Terms
If you are willing to put in the time and effort needed to learn more about knives, understanding some of the terminology used in relation to this topic can be a good place to start. For non-experts, knives consist of only two parts: the blade and the handle. However, there are many other parts you should be aware of. Generally speaking, knives have three parts: the point (sharp tip), the heel (the curved edge used for cutting), and the butt or handle head. You may also come across the term “action” when looking for information about switchblades and folding knives. This term describes the mechanic controlling the way the blade comes out. It can be either manual or automatic.
Moreover, you will find the words “forged” and “stamped” thrown around a lot. These are relevant to the technique used to make knives. Forged knives have bolsters instead of handles, and the way they are made makes them more durable than stamped knives. Instead of using heat to forge knives, some manufacturers like to automate the process and use machines to cut stainless steel sheets to create stamped blades. Although stamped knives are usually cheaper than forged ones, they are more susceptible to wear and tear. These small distinctions are a huge reason why you should familiarize yourself with knife-related terms. Overall, once you learn the ropes of knife terminology, you will be able to make smarter decisions when shopping for a new set!
Check Dedicated Websites
Believe it or not, there are special websites solely dedicated to explaining the different types of knives and switchblade actions you can find on the market. In fact, the folks at https://knivesadvisor.com/ assert that various experts, including hunters and chefs, have curated an online repository of all the information they know about knives. These wiki-like websites are updated regularly, which makes them a great source for beginners. So, we recommend that you check these sites before taking a look at buying guides, just to be more informed when it is time to make a purchase.
Read Reviews
Once you get the hang of all the technical lingo related to knives, it is time to expand your blade collection! Since you now have a more extensive background to rely on when needed, you will have an easier time filing through hundreds of reviews. Even if you are not on the market for a new set of knives, we urge you to check customer reviews anyway because they usually contain valuable information about different brands and blade styles. Be wary of fake reviews, though! Fortunately, there are some foolproof methods you can rely on to figure out whether the review you are checking is fake or real. The biggest red flag you should look for is fake accounts. If a review seems to sing the product’s praises without specifying its features and why it is particularly better than other blades on the market, then it is most likely fake.
Ask a Professional
Even after checking different knife guides and reviews, you may still need an expert’s opinion to make up your mind. Luckily, the internet has made it easier to connect with knife aficionados from all over the world. There are special hunting forums you can search for if you are planning to go on an extended camping/hunting trip and do not know which blades to bring with you. On the other hand, if you want to buy some simple kitchen knives, there are hundreds of cooking-related sites and forums that have special sections discussing cutlery. So, post your questions and wait for an expert to answer you; it does not get any easier than this!
For some, knives are just simple household items, but for others, they are sophisticated tools. Whichever end of the spectrum you fall on, you may suddenly find that your old set is worse for wear and in need of an upgrade. Of course, in this case, you can check dedicated websites and forums to know more about the various types you can buy. You may also resort to YouTube if you are a visual learner and want to try some new cutting techniques.
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