When you’ve just finished a harvest, your knife is covered in blood, fat, and tissue. It’s a messy mix that can quickly lead to corrosion if left unchecked. At Fiddleback Forge, we make knives that are ready for the field, but the real battle starts after the hunt. Cleaning, drying, and oiling your knife properly keeps it performing like the handmade hunting knife it was designed to be. And it makes sure the steel stays sharp for years of use.
Right after a harvest, rinse your knife in cold water. Cold water stops proteins from cooking onto the blade and keeps the edge from dulling. Avoid soaking it for too long or letting it sit in a sink full of water because even stainless steel can rust if left wet. A quick, careful rinse removes most of the contamination before you start more thorough cleaning.
Use mild soap and a soft sponge or cloth to clean the blade and handle. Steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads can damage the surface. Make sure to get into any grooves, around the handle, and the base of the blade. The goal is to remove remaining tissue and oils without scratching the steel.
After washing, dry the knife immediately. Paper towels or a soft rag work fine. You want to remove every drop of water from the blade and handle. Water left on the steel invites rust, even on high-quality American-made knives. Make sure to check the spine and handle junctions for hidden moisture.
A light coat of mineral oil or food-safe knife oil protects the steel from moisture and corrosion. Spread it evenly over the blade, including the spine and around the handle. You don’t need much. Just enough to create a thin barrier that keeps your knife looking sharp and ready for your next outing.
Once clean and oiled, store your knife in a dry location. Leather sheaths are great for short-term carry but not ideal for long-term storage because leather can trap moisture. Keep knives in a sheath-lined box or a blade-safe storage solution. Regular maintenance every few weeks keeps your edge sharp and your steel healthy, ensuring your knife is always ready for action.
At Fiddleback Forge, we make knives built to last, but how you care for them matters just as much. Follow this hunter’s protocol, and your knives will stay in prime condition whether you’re in the field or at camp. Keep your American-made knives sharp, and enjoy every harvest with a tool that’s ready when you are.
At Fiddleback Forge, we often get questions about the differences between our handmade knives and those from large-scale production companies. While both can be high-quality tools, they represent fundamentally different approaches to knife-making. Our mission is to honor the tradition of artisan knives, focusing on the meticulous detail and unique character that only a hand can provide.
The core difference lies in the process of knife-making itself. Every one of our knives is a product of individual craftsmanship. Unlike production knives, where each step is automated and performed by a different machine, our blades are shaped, ground, and finished by the skilled hands of an artisan.
Another key differentiator is the choice and quality of materials. We have the freedom to select specific materials, often sourcing premium, unique steels and handle materials that are simply not economical for mass production. This flexibility not only enhances the performance and durability of our artisan knives but also allows for a level of customization that is impossible in a factory setting.
High-end production knives are designed for uniformity; every single one is meant to be identical to the last. While this offers consistency, it lacks the soul and character of a handmade knife. The subtle variations, the perfect balance, and the unique finish of each piece tell a story of its creation. For us, every one of our American-made knives carries the signature of its maker.
Choosing an artisan knife is an investment in quality that goes beyond mere utility. A production knife is a tool, but our handmade knives are heirlooms built to last for generations. The durability and timeless design of a knife crafted with care make it a lasting part of your collection.
At Fiddleback Forge, our dedication to American-made knives, passion for the crafts, and commitment to using only the best materials set us apart. Browse our artisan knives today to find the next piece for your collection!
When choosing a knife for bushcraft, hunting, or EDC, the blade's geometry and steel type are the two most critical factors for performance. At Fiddleback Forge, we believe the right combination of these elements is what elevates our premium knives from simple tools to trusted, lifelong companions. This guide explores how our specific grind and steel choices are intentionally designed to enhance your experience in the field, at the camp, and in your daily life.
Unlike more common grinds, nearly every Fiddleback Forge knife features a robust convex grind. This geometry means the blade curves smoothly to a strong, sharp edge. By leaving more steel to support the edge, the convex grind offers superior durability and resistance to chipping, making it ideal for tough tasks like processing wood.
For many of our knives, we choose tough, high-carbon tool steels like A2 and O1. These steels are renowned for their incredible resilience and ease of sharpening in the field. As you use them, they develop a unique patina—a protective oxidation that tells the story of your adventures and helps guard against destructive rust.
For users who prioritize corrosion resistance, we offer artisan knives made from modern stainless steels like CPM 154 and Magnacut. These materials are perfect for wet environments encountered while hunting or for an EDC knife that has to endure pocket carry in humid climates. They provide exceptional performance with less maintenance, without sacrificing toughness.
The magic lies in the combination. We pair the toughness of A2 steel with our durable convex grind to create the ultimate bushcraft tool. For a low-maintenance EDC or hunting knife, the corrosion resistance of S35VN combined with that same versatile grind offers worry-free performance. Each pairing is a deliberate choice to create the best possible tool for the job.
The perfect knife is born from intentional design. Whether it’s the rugged dependability of a convexed A2 blade or the modern performance of S35VN, every choice we make is meant to serve you better. At Fiddleback Forge, we obsess over these details so you can focus on the adventure. Explore our collection today and feel the difference that true craftsmanship makes.
Hunting is much more than pressing the trigger; it is an entire process you should enjoy year round. From preseason scouting to year round consumption of harvested wild-game meat, hunting can become more of your lifestyle than hobby. Some people think hunting is just as simple as pressing the trigger but to the true hunter, the experience extends long after you leave the field. You hear a lot of people say “I want to know where my food comes from” but so many of the same are quick to hand off their kill to a butcher. No disrespect to the great butchers out there but there are some hacks (no pun intended) in your industry with less respect for the game brought in to be processed. The only way to follow your game from field to table is to take it from field to table by yourself. In this month’s blog, I want to share some of the tips and tricks I’ve learned for butchering wild game. I believe in processing my own animals and staying hands on as much as possible through the process.
“Flesh runs from steel”. That’s an old Filipino expression. You can probably recall the last time you accidentally cut yourself. We’ve all had it happen to us. When that blade touches your skin, you retract your hand or pull away. Getting cut hurts and we all have a visceral reaction to the idea of it. Compound this idea with thoughts of your kids or kids entrusted to you and your blood pressure and stress levels will skyrocket. You never want to see a child in pain and yet there will come a time when you must teach a child how to use a knife because one day, they’ll need to. This task can be daunting but there are some very easy rules a kid can follow that you are probably already familiar with. When emotions overpower how we think, we can default to a proven method of breaking down safety by looking to another tool kids should know how to use. If you’re familiar with the 4 Rules of Firearms Safety popularized by Jeff Cooper, you’ll appreciate this methodology.
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