KukriBlades.com - Kukri Knife & Survival Gear Reviews - Part 3

• 5 Quick and Crude Emergency Shelters for Wilderness Survival

  Posted in: Survival and Preparedness by Michael on June 11, 2014
  Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

  Shelter: An essential element of survival – along with clothing, food, and water, of course. When we think of shelter, usually the first thing that pops into our minds are our homes, apartments, condo’s, and houses. In an emergency or rescue scenario, shelter may not be such a warm and comfortable place.

  Being exposed in the wilderness can leave us open to all sorts of harmful elements, from extreme heat and cold to wind, rain, and snow. Exposure can quickly turn the odds against you when it comes to injuries, illness, wild animals and other dangers. You should always know how to construct a survival shelter out of materials found in nature. This can really save your behind if an emergency were ever to occur that left you stranded with no tent or existing structures for shelter. Whether you get lost in the woods while hiking or stranded in the mountains during a skiing trip, who knows exactly when, where, or why you might need to build a impromptu survival shelter. With the crazy stuff happening in the world all around us on a daily basis, it couldn’t hurt to have mental blueprints – just in case. Continue reading this post ➜

• KLAX Kickstarter: Neat Concept Ax, Possible Bug-out Bag Gear

  Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on June 5, 2014
  Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

  It’s not often you find a product that is truly innovative. That’s why I’m really intrigued by the KLAX multi-tool campaign on Kickstarter.

  The KLAX is a portable ax head envisioned by Glenn Klecker of Klecker Knives that features many other uses (wrench, bottle opener, carabiner, hex driver, hammer etc.) and a unique clamping system that allows it to be attached to almost any sturdy piece of wood it will fit for a makeshift handle. That ability alone sets it apart from a couple similar tools, such as the TOPS ATAX and Fremont Farson Blade. Klecker will also be making specialized handles built specifically for the KLAX.

  Four KLAX models are planned: Lumberjack, Woodsman, Feller and Ti; the first three of which will be made from 5/16″ thick SUS420J2, a Japanese stainless steel. Continue reading this post ➜

• Survival Resources: Knowledge is free, empower yourself

  Posted in: Survival and Preparedness by Michael on May 19, 2014
  Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

  The internet is a wonderful tool for information gathering. The resources I have collected in this post contain the various survival websites, blogs, forums, videos, reviews, and other useful data stockpiles I have found and continue to make use of on a weekly basis.

  These resources can help provide knowledge and lifesaving skills to anyone; from a beginner just getting started in the world of self-sufficiency to lifelong preppers safe and secure in their underground bunkers. Never stop learning. You may own every piece of survival gear possible but without the proper knowledge of how to implement and adapt those tools when something goes wrong, you’re SOL. Don’t get caught off-guard. Prepare. Learn. Survive. Continue reading this post ➜

• Kukri Knives in the Media: Game of Thrones (TV)

  Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on May 5, 2014
  Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).
  Warning! Spoilers ahead for Season 1, 2 and 3 of Game of Thrones.

  
  Ser Bronn of the Blackwater

  HBO’s Game of Thrones is one of the hottest television shows on the planet. It’s mixture of fantasy, politics, warfare and intrigue has seen the television adaptation of George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels attract millions of fans worldwide. A major part of it’s attraction is the range of colorful, complex characters on screen. One of the most popular characters is the hard-drinking, hard-fighting, kukri-wielding, womanizing sell-sword Bronn. A loveable rogue and mercenary, Bronn’s tongue is as sharp as the kukri he carries. Viewers have enjoyed seeing Bronn go from minor character in season one to a major player in the Game of Thrones in season four.

  Who is Bronn?

  Bronn first appeared in the episode ‘Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things’ (Season 1, Episode 4). He is staying at The Crossroads Inn when Tyrion Lannister arrives and, despite initially appearing to befriend Tyrion, he soon reveals his mercenary nature when he agrees to help Catelyn Stark take the dwarf prisoner. When the party is attacked on the road Bronn shows his prowess in combat. Bronn later acts as Tyrion’s proxy in a trial by combat and following his victory the pair become firm friends. Although both parties are aware that it’s a friendship primarily based on financial convenience rather than any great love, Tyrion knows Bronn’s sword and kukri are his to command. Continue reading this post ➜

• Chakmak and Karda – What is their purpose?

  Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on April 29, 2014
  Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

  You have probably noticed that most traditional Napelese khukuris include two much smaller knives inside the sheath. They are known as the chakmak and karda. Both of these knives have a good reason for being packaged together with a khukuri. Let’s discuss…

  Chakmak

  Despite appearances, the chakmak technically isn’t even a knife since they are unsharpened and have no edge (though one could be added). The chakmak is a honing/sharpening tool constructed with a piece of hardened “sharpening” steel and wood/bone affixed as a handle for easy use and carry. The purpose of this accessory is to polish and maintain the khukuri by insuring it always has a sharp, straight, and burr-free edge. It isn’t meant to be used as a full on sharpening tool on a already dull edge. The general idea is too keep the blade edge keen after use by regularly using the chakmak before it can begin to dull, thus decreasing the amount of sharpening required and extending the life of your blade. They also work great as a striker for firesteel since the spine of a chakmak is usually perfectly flat and extremely rigid. Continue reading this post ➜

• Kukri History – Roots of the Iconic Gurkha Military Knife

  Posted in: Knife Blog by Michael on April 17, 2014
  Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

  The Kukri (Khukuri), pronounced koo-ka-ree (with stress on the first syllable), is derived from Sanskrit and means razor. This curved and broad-bladed knife resembling a machete is used primarily in close range hand-to-hand combat. It has been the national weapon of Nepal and a part of the soldier’s uniform since 1837 with the Gurkhas’ struggle for control of the Kathmandu valley.

  The Gurkha soldiers of the Nepalese army, well-known for their fierceness and fearlessness in combat, are trained with the Kukri until they are capable of wielding it as if it were an extension of their own arm. A Kukri in the hands of a skilled warrior is a frightening obstacle. One that is nearly impossible to defend against in melee combat. Let’s continue and uncover the mysteries, origins and cultural significance of this magnificent weapon of war.

  Origin of the modern Kukri knife

  The roots of this weapon might be reliably traced back to the 17th century, when Gurkhas used it for digging holes, cutting vegetables and meat and for other odd jobs. Some historians insist the basic design and shape dates back further as outlined by one temple drawing in India; perhaps up to one thousand years. Continue reading this post ➜

• Zero Tolerance ZT0100 Review – All Black Military Knife

  Posted in: Survival Knife Reviews, Tactical Knife Reviews by Michael on April 2, 2014
  Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

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  Don’t let the unassertive appearance of the all black Zero Tolerance ZT0100 fixed blade military knife fool you; it may very well be the only tactical knife worthy of the name. In addition to offering broad multi-tasking flexibility, the ZT0100 is equipped with one of the hardest and toughest blades you could possibly imagine. Kershaw, in collaboration with renowned designer Ken Onion, worked on creating this rare masterwork. Zero Tolerance knives are produced by KAI USA, a noted authority in knife manufacturing the world over (Kershaw is also a part of the KAI Group). Their decades-old operations have established the company as one of the best in the industry and the Zero Tolerance line of knives is their cream of the crop.

  The ZT0100 features a 5.75-inch (13.6 cm) “recurve” blade that is very similar to the Kukri blade shape, though not as pronounced. One of the standout aspects of this particular production knife is the quality of its blade, whose wear-resistance ability is one of a kind. With piercing as one of the manufacturer’s main design goals, the blade is meant to stand up to the hardest surfaces without breaking, chipping or bending. The handle design does not limit your ability to use the knife in such a manner either, as it is ergonomically designed to offer a secure grip and comfortable feel even under extreme use. Quite frankly, the ZT0100 offers the anticipated military toughness that suits the knife to tough cutting, thrusting and piercing activities. Continue reading this post ➜

• Kershaw 1074 Review: 18-Inch Camp Knife

  Posted in: Machete Reviews, Survival Knife Reviews by Michael on February 28, 2014
  Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

  The Kershaw 1074 Camp Knife (18″ version available at Amazon) is one of the best in a series of popular and innovative knives manufactured by decades-old knife manufacturer Kershaw. The globally renowned US knife brand is a member of the KAI Group, which has knife manufacturing operations in China and Japan as well. The company is involved in manufacture of various kinds of knifes including camping knives, multi-tools, machetes, pocket knives and even kitchen cutlery.

  With an 18-inch blade, the 2.1 pound Kershaw 1074 Camp Knife is the biggest in the Kershaw line of knives. In hand it feels more like a small sword than a knife. The sheer size of the knife makes it easy to use as a handy survival tool given its ability to cut, hack, slash, split and scrape among any other uses.

  The massive 18-inch blade, high quality of the construction material, coupled with a comfortable and ergonomically innovative handle makes the Kershaw 1074 a formidable camping knife. Continue reading this post ➜

• Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Review: Combat Bowie Knife

  Posted in: Survival Knife Reviews, Tactical Knife Reviews by Michael on February 11, 2014
  Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

  Mr. Becker’s BK9 is a elegant culmination of making and designing high quality knives for well over 30 years, utilizing every single experience learned from para-military and survival training, as well as various outfitting experiences. The BK9 (made in the USA, available at Amazon) represents a pure combination of Ethan Becker‘s specific and uniquely designed ergonomic Esta-Loc handle with a highly effective and more traditionally looking Bowie style blade.

  The trademark handle found on Becker knives is well known among knife lovers for its incredible durability and comfort, allowing many prolonged periods of heavy use, while providing much less fatigue to the user than any other knife in its class. Without further ado, lets get straight to the facts with our review of the Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Knife. Continue reading this post ➜

• Spyderco Temperance 2 Review (Model FB05P2)

  Posted in: Survival Knife Reviews by Michael on February 3, 2014
  Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (affiliate links).

  The Temperance 2 knife is Spyderco’s newest evolution of their popular fixed-blade field-tested design. Spyderco is a company based in Golden, Colorado USA, that has specialized in producing high quality production knives and knife sharpeners for over three decades.

  Many features which are today considered common among folding pocket knives have been pioneered by Spyderco, including serrations, the pocket clip and famous Spyderco opening hole. Their collaborations with over 30 athletes, custom knife makers and self-defense instructors guarantee constant innovations in design and quality of over 20 different blade materials. They make some exceptional folders that are very popular among knife enthusiasts, but their less common fixed blades are also a thing of beauty.

  Continue reading our Spyderco Temperance 2 review to learn what additions and improvements have been made since the original Temperance was introduced years ago. Continue reading this post ➜