57
votes
Knife as defense against stray dogs
It can be used for sure, but there are better options. A knife would require you to be very close to the dog, whilst a stick or pepper spray would provide much greater distance between you and the ...
- 69.2k
49
votes
Knife as defense against stray dogs
Your primary objective when defending yourself against stray dogs is not to kill the dog, but to
avoid getting bitten
make the dog leave you alone
If you fight a dog with a knife, even if you manage ...
- 589
41
votes
How to test the sharpness of a knife?
Try to slice a piece of paper. A good sharp knife makes a clean cut. A dull knife makes either a ragged cut, or worse, just pushes the paper to the side. I like this article: https://www....
- 5,168
37
votes
How to test the sharpness of a knife?
The back of a fingernail can be a good rough indicator while you're sharpening - see if it "catches" when you apply very gentle pressure at ~45 degree angle. This can also be a good way to check if ...
- 892
30
votes
Knife as defense against stray dogs
Knife is not a good idea. It does not give an understandable warning to an animal. When it comes to a warning, they more likely understand a stick-shaped thing. So for carrying, light telescopic baton ...
- 401
28
votes
Accepted
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a paracord knife handle?
Upsides
It "looks cool" (to some)
Cordage (but arguably useless as you have noted)
Downsides
Poor grip (compared to leather and manufactured alternatives)
More likely to cause blisters
Less ...
- 32.1k
26
votes
Accepted
How to clean and refurbish a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife?
When mine gets too bad I use WD40 to free it up, then clean with soapy water and a brush. Mine also goes through the dishwasher sometimes, with the blades partially open. If it gets gummed up with ...
- 26.1k
21
votes
How to test the sharpness of a knife?
The best method in my opinion is one that must be learned, and involves moving your thumb across the blade, perpendicular to the blade not down it! It's very difficult to describe the feeling but if ...
- 2,654
21
votes
Accepted
What is this sharp, curved notch on my knife for?
It's a line cutter, the idea is that you use it to cut lines, string etc. The reason that it's curved is to keep the line from slipping off the blade, using the rest of the blade would be quite ...
- 69.2k
17
votes
How to test the sharpness of a knife?
Generally I categorize sharpness into 3 levels:
The tomato test - being able to slice through a tomato skin. Not use the pointy end to break the skin and then slice but directly slice the skin all ...
- 271
16
votes
How to test the sharpness of a knife?
Slice a tomato with very little pressure. This is almost always when I notice a knife needs sharpening, and the difference is profound.
Edit: I should have added ripe tomato; a sharp knife will slice ...
- 261
16
votes
Use of the V notch
Think of felling a tree with a hatchet or axe. The V-shaped 'incision' is a (rather rough) oversized V-notch.
On this picture, the notches on the lower side of the logs are v-notches; an illustration ...
- 624
15
votes
How to clean and refurbish a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife?
The producer offers a page of care instructions on their website (here) (PDF). The gist is:
don't use a dishwasher, that might be too aggressive
open and close the blade multiple times in warm water
...
- 1,451
14
votes
Knife as defense against stray dogs
From personal experience with packs of stray dogs, especially coyotes, and also having some strange experience, carry a walking cane or staff (if you can).
Dogs, while attacking as a pack, or ...
- 241
13
votes
Can oiling keep tools from rusting?
Ordinary vegetable oils of the type used for cooking will work but are not ideal. Over time they will gradually oxidise and may be colonised by bacteria, both of which can cause them to become acidic ...
- 6,202
12
votes
What type of knife should I carry while rock climbing?
The existing answers to this question are focused on very specific knives that are favored. I will try to give more of a general approach and philosophy.
As with all outdoor equipment and techniques, ...
- 4,179
12
votes
Accepted
How can I disassemble a multi-tool with no screws on it?
The tool pictured is riveted together with solid rivets. It is not designed to be repaired, as mentioned in a comment, if it is not working correctly it should be disposed of and replaced.
It is ...
- 30.3k
11
votes
Accepted
Hunting bears with a knife?
Unless you sever the spinal column near the top of the body there is no body injury that can be done with a knife that is going to result in instant death/disablement of any animal.
Any injury that ...
- 30.3k
11
votes
Accepted
Restore knife to factory sharp condition
Take it to a knife smith. They have specialized equipment, experience, and knowledge. They'll be able to put an appropriate grind back on it and address any other issues.
- 2,924
11
votes
How to sharpen the line cutter/gut hook on a knife?
You need to use a sharpening rod.
Example: AC134 Smith's Pocket Pal Multi-Function Knife Sharpener.
The rod just slides in the groove and sharpens it.
Here is another sample:AS028C AccuSharp 4-in-...
- 2,810
10
votes
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a paracord knife handle?
As a knife maker I'm not overly fond of paracord wrapped handles. That said I've done a few and they have there place. I do impregnate the wrap with epoxy, both for durability and for moister ...
- 101
10
votes
Restore knife to factory sharp condition
The next time a Gun & Knife show or an Outdoor Gear show comes to your area, take the knife. Visit a vendor who is selling knife sharpeners and giving demonstrations. Use the line,
Your ...
- 1,857
9
votes
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a paracord knife handle?
I think it can be a matter of personal taste, however:
Some people craft their own knifes, and using a paracord wrap as handle is easy to do, and easy to redo. There are some more and some less good ...
- 1,532
9
votes
Knife as defense against stray dogs
Some places I travel to have stray dogs in the city. Can a knife be used effectively if attacked by one or more of them? I've had creepy close encounters.
Probably, but it's far from ideal. The ...
- 544
9
votes
How to test the sharpness of a knife?
Cheap, disposable sponges. Unlike paper, they can be tested on while wet, which is a big advantage when sharpening with waterstones. Don't use the scrubby side (some people like using it as a ...
- 191
8
votes
Accepted
How to transport diving knives / shears?
It really depends on locations so if you are traveling make a point to check. Your local club should be able to give you all the info for your area and abroad if they organize group dives in other ...
- 3,280
7
votes
What is this tool on a Swiss Army knife for?
As a reamer, it is for drilling small holes in wood.
As an awl, it is for sewing thick material, such as leather, together.
Here are YouTube videos on how to sew with the awl-with-thread-hole tool:
...
- 4,088
7
votes
How to transport diving knives / shears?
very simple answer:
On a plane, always check them into the hold;
Everywhere else, keep
them in your dive bag until you need to strap it on before diving,
after the dive take it off and place back ...
- 1,620
7
votes
Accepted
How do I clean my knife sharpener?
According to the owners manual here, it says to
Always clean your sharpener after use. Clean with damp cloth or mild
brush. Do not rinse with water. Store in a drawer or cabinet.
Since you ...
- 1,857
Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible