Fishing Frenzy

A bent knife blade is more than just an inconvenience. It can render even bowie knives virtually useless, depending on the severity of the bend, as well as the location of the bend. Common areas for bends to occur are at the tip of the knife, as well as on the edge and even the midsection of the blade, itself. These are usually the result of accidental drops onto hard surfaces, or they might be the result of intentional misuse on the part of you or someone to whom you lent your knife. Regardless, bent blades are usually not covered by the manufacturers or bowie knives.

What should you do, should you realize that the tip or blade of your knife is bent? How do you repair bowie knives with bent blades? The very first thing you need to do is scrutinize where the bend is located. The most common area of damage is to the point of the knife. This might be because you dropped the knife point first onto a hard surface, such as a rock or cement. It might also be because someone attempted to pry with the blade or use it as a screwdriver. Bowie knives should not be used thus.

Many people will attempt to bend the blade back into shape on their own. You might be tempted to try using a pair of pliers, or even a vice clamp. However, what this usually leads to is a broken blade and possibly quite a lot of blood from where the blade fragment gashed you. This does not sound like a lot of fun. You might try to bend the tip back into place, as well, though this usually results in a broken tip and a disfigured knife blade. If you cannot repair the blade yourself, what should you do?

Actually, you can repair the blade yourself, though you'll need a high-powered flame torch, as well as a hammer and an anvil. If those items are not close to hand, or you don't feel like giving your best imitation of a blacksmith, it is time to call in the professionals. A professional cutler will be able to cure what ails your knife in the majority of instances.

A cutler will ensure that the blade does not lose its heat temper and will also be able to ensure that the blade regains its proper dimensions. Conducting such repairs at home, on your own, can be an excellent way to ruin that knife blade through incorrect repair techniques.