Fishing Frenzy

Bowie knives are some of the most popular blades on the market. These knives have been around for almost 200 years and during that time, they've gained a well-earned reputation for quality, durability, ruggedness and much more. However, all that ruggedness and durability goes out the window if you do not maintain your blade correctly. What should you do about maintaining that blade? How do you know if you're doing it right or not?

First, you should make sure that your knife blade stays clean and dry as much as possible. This will be impossible to do all the time, as quite a few uses require that the blade gets wet or dirty. Whether you're skinning a deer, cleaning a fish or just setting up camp, you will find that the blade encounters moisture and dirt on a regular basis. However, if you take the time to clean and dry the blade after every use, it will hold up for a far longer period. A simple wipe down with a clean dry cloth will suffice for this.

You must also ensure that your knife is stored away properly when not in use. Some people believe that storing bowie knives in a leather sheath is sufficient protection. However, leather can absorb humidity from the surrounding air, which is then put in direct contact with the metal of the blade during storage. This will eventually create rust and corrosion, even on a stainless steel blade. A better option is a hard scabbard or sheath. Metal works quite well for this and you'll find models that offer a seal for the upper portion of the sheath to help guard against moisture.

Another area of concern with bowie knife sharpening is proper storage. Carrying your knife in a leather sheath is fine - these are excellent options, particularly for those who don't like the feel of a hard scabbard or sheath. However, leather tends to attract moisture, so storing the blade for a long period of time in a leather sheath might not be the best idea. Choose a well-sealed storage environment to help protect your knife from corrosion by moisture.

You should also watch out for temperature fluctuations. While the blade of your bowie knife is quite resilient, extreme temperatures can damage the temper of the blade. Therefore, never leave it out in the sun, never expose it to salt water (unless cleaned properly afterward) and make sure that you always keep the knife stored away properly, whether it's at your side, or stored in the top of your closet.