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How to Sharpen Kitchen Knives

How to Sharpen Kitchen Knives

By William Henry June 10, 2022
When it comes to properly maintaining your kitchen knives and ensuring that they are safe and efficient tools, there is little more important than proper sharpening. There are a number of tried and true methods for sharpening kitchen knives, and the method that suits you will depend on a few different factors. Before sharpening your knives, you need to consider the type of edge that the blade has, which sharpening tools are most comfortable and convenient to you, and the quality of the blade itself. Honing Steels A classic sharpening tool that you can find in any professional kitchen is honing steel. Sometimes incorrectly referred to as a “sharpening steel,” this thin metal rod does not actually sharpen your blades at all. What it instead does is help to realign the edge of the blade of your dull knife by simply pushing the metal into the proper place. By swiping your blade at about a 15-degree angle on each side with repeated and consistent pressure, the honing steel will help to restructure the edge into the same edge it had previously. Unlike other knife sharpening tools, a properly used honing steel should remove little to none of the actual material of the blade. This makes it one of the best options in terms of maintaining the life of your blade. Sharpeners Probably the easiest method for sharpening knives is using a simple knife sharpener. These tools are often ones that you can set on your kitchen counter and are either weighted or include suction cups to avoid slipping, which could be incredibly dangerous. Unlike honing steel, they do effectively remove material from your blade’s edge. In this process of shaving the edge, they quickly recreate the same “V” shaped edge that your knife had when it was new. While how you use them is fairly similar, those looking for knife sharpeners have two big options to consider: automatic and manual. Electric Knife Sharpeners An electric or automatic knife sharpener is easily among the fastest sharpening tools, though it certainly comes at a bigger expense than most of the other manual options. While each electric sharpener comes with its own specific features and proper usage instructions, there are a few things you can expect. Some automatic sharpeners come with multiple slots for multiple blade edge angles that you can choose from, but at the least, your sharpener should have one slot. If there is only one option on your sharpener, it will likely be for a more standard 15 or 20-degree angle on the blade’s edge. As you slide the edge of your blade through the slot of an active knife sharpener, abrasive motorized wheels turn on each end of the blade, grinding down the edge as you pull the knife back and forth. This is an extremely fast process, and usually, just a few passes through the sharpener will get your knife to the desired sharpness. As mentioned previously, electric sharpeners can easily be more expensive than the various manual options for sharpening and honing. It can range up to several hundred dollars for sharpeners with additional grinding slots and coarseness options. It is also important to keep in mind that not all blade edges can be properly corrected by an electric sharpener, so make sure it suits your needs before you splurge. Manual Knife Sharpeners Similar both in their simplicity and in how you use them, manual knife sharpeners are another easy method for getting your blade’s edge to the desired angle. As with the electric option, these sharpeners can have a range and variety of abrasive slots for you to choose from. Similarly, the more common ones will most likely have a one or two-step system intended to sharpen your blade to the standard 15 degrees. Manual sharpeners can occasionally also include grinding wheels that are not motorized, similar to the electric options, but more often have abrasive materials placed in the desired V-shape. The user simply has to draw the blade through the sharpener with even pressure until the desired edge is achieved. This can be more time-consuming than automatic sharpeners, but it is still a very simple process. While both automatic and manual sharpeners are far faster and easier to use than honing steel might be, at least when it comes to forming consistent angles, these tools do in fact shave metal off of your edge. While in moderation, this is not a big issue, keep in mind that overuse can result in a shorter lifespan and effectiveness for your blades. Whetstones Another classic sharpening option, and one of the most versatile for various types of blades, is the whetstone. Whetstones are relatively inexpensive abrasive blocks that, with a little patience and mastery, can sharpen any knife. Whetstones often come at either one level of grit (or abrasiveness) or with two, one on each side of the block. While these can be used immediately out of the packaging, it is often recommended to dampen your whetstone with either water or honing mineral oils. This helps to reduce friction and makes the process smoother overall. Be sure to check the specific recommendations for your whetstone before use. After setting the whetstone down in a secure place that it will not slip from, the user simply has to hold the blade facing away from them at a consistent angle, usually 15 or 20 degrees. With consistent and relatively light pressure, the blade then needs to be pressed against the stone in a circular motion. The blade then can be flipped to sharpen the other side. If your whetstone does have two sides, or if you have multiple whetstones with different grits, start with the coarser options and then work your way to the finer grit. This process definitely takes more patience and time than the other sharpening tools mentioned allow, but you can easily take your whetstone anywhere you go, and with some practice, can definitely get as great an edge as you want. Sharpening Serrated Edges Serrated blades, usually meant for slicing bread and some tougher meats, can be a different animal when it comes to sharpening. Since the edge goes up and down in little waves, as opposed to being straight, you cannot treat them exactly as you would your other kitchen knives. There are some sharpeners intended specifically for serrated edges, though they may not be necessary. If you are careful and patient, some honing steels and sharpeners can still do the trick. While it would be far more difficult to pull through the device, slowly dragging your serrated blade through a knife sharpener, can still get you to the same angle on the edge in a uniform manner. Just mind the bumps. As these methods can be far more time-consuming, it might be worth looking into the professional sharpening, but you certainly have options. Testing Your Knife Once you think your knife seems about sharp enough to the eye, there are a few easy ways to test it out. One of the most fun methods, and one you have certainly seen on TV, is testing your blade’s edge on paper. Simply hold up a sheet of paper and try to pull your blade through it. A well-sharpened knife will be able to cut through cleanly and smoothly. If there is any snagging or crinkling, you have some more work to do. Another classic method is the nail test, though you certainly need to be more careful when holding a blade toward yourself. Using extreme care, place the edge of your newly sharpened knife to your thumbnail and very lightly press the blade in a perpendicular angle (be sure not to make a slicing motion). A blade that has been sharpened enough should easily shave a small layer of the nail off. Again, be sure not to use much pressure at all, you are not at all trying to slice when using this method. Storage Even the best knives lose their edges in time, and while sharpening is best when following the knife manufacturer’s instructions, it is also crucial to store your blades properly between uses. The best thing you can do for your knives is to not store them in your kitchen drawer. The many pieces of metal bump and scrape into one another, wearing them down much faster than they should. The most common option is most likely the knife block. These often come with sets of knives specific to them, but can also be sold for universal use. These blocks either have slits for you to store your knives in securely or occasionally can be magnetized to hold any blade shape. Knife blocks are not only very convenient when it comes to grabbing the knife you need quickly, they look great on the counter. Even if not part of a knife block, magnetic strips can be a great way to keep your knife sharp when you are storing it. These strips can be placed wherever you would prefer your knives to be stored, and all you need to do is stick the blade to the strip when you are finished using it. One thing to keep in mind is ensuring that your blade is always clean and dry before storing. Trapping moisture between your blade and the magnetic strip or in the slits of your knife block can sometimes build up rust, and can certainly cause major damage to your blade. The proper method and consistency for sharpening your knife will largely depend on the manufacturer and materials. For example, William Henry kitchen knives are recommended to be sharpened every 18 to 24 months. William Henry will periodically sharpen your knife for just $10 (the cost of shipping it back to you). Just fill out the order form here, ship it to us, and we will get them sharpened for you.
Pocket Knife Buying Guide 2022

Pocket Knife Buying Guide 2022

By William Henry June 6, 2022
Buying a pocket knife can be a daunting task. There are near-infinite options to choose from, from the number of blades to the style of blade, and even in the materials used. It can also be tough to find the balance between quality and affordability. Beyond the cost is also the knowledge that a pocket knife is a tool that can last a lifetime or more. Knowing that you are picking out a tool that you ideally will want to hang onto for life can add a little pressure to the shopping process. This guide will hopefully answer any questions you may have and address any of your concerns. Where to Buy a Pocket Knife It may be a standard in today’s world to consider buying just about anything you need online, but when shopping for a pocket knife, you should resist this urge. One of the most important things to consider when shopping for a pocket knife is the size, weight, and general feel of it in your hand. If you buy something online, you are essentially taking a shot in the dark in terms of your comfort. Where the internet can come in handy, however, is in finding a store with a good selection and knowledgeable staff. Read some reviews for your local sporting goods stores, check out store hours, and do some research on the type of knife you are looking for. Once you have a store or two that you plan to check out, you will need to consider what you are searching for based on their posted selection. Number of Blades While not something you actively think about while purchasing a pocket knife, you will probably already have a number of blades in mind when you walk into the store. Single Blade When hunting for a simple everyday carry (EDC), a single blade is a classic option for doing little things around the house or working outdoors. That said, a pocket knife with only one blade is a bit less versatile in use than the alternatives. Multiple Blades Some knives come with up to four separate blades, though two is the more common number. One such classic option is a pen knife, which comes with one long blade on one end, and a shorter blade on the other. Knives with two or more blades give you a few more options when it comes to using them, but they do feel a bit less durable than most single blade knives. Multi-Tools Multi-tools such as Swiss Army knives are a famous option for the traveler and jack-of-all-trade. These will usually come with multiple knives, some with serrated edges. They also include a wide variety of tools which can range from standards like bottle openers and gut points, to small scissors and a corkscrew. If you are an overall handy person who constantly seems to be reaching for their toolbelt, multi-tools may be more your speed. Type of Blade Edge If you are searching for a standard and reliable knife, but have a particular blade in mind, you probably want a knife with a plain edge. That said, it may be worth considering your options. Plain Most standard pocket knives come with a plain or partially plain edge, which provide particular advantages. The longer, flatter edge makes a plain blade easier to control when cutting and chopping. In addition to making carving a little easier than a serrated edge, plain blades are far easier to sharpen at home, whereas serrated blades might take a professional to maintain. Serrated When it comes to sawing and cutting hard materials, a serrated edge is what you are looking for. If you are trying to cut through some rope or slice some bread, you should definitely not choose the plain edge. If you do not have any real preference, you can easily find a knife with a partially plain and serrated blade to have a bit of both worlds. Blade Types There are many different kinds of pocket knives for you to consider while shopping. Consider the work you intend to do with your knife, and try and buy one that has the right style of blade or blades to suit those needs. There is a wide variety of blade types to choose from, but the following are among the most common. Clip Point Blade The clip point is one of the more popular blades you can find on a pocket knife. It is easy to control and has a tip that is well suited for piercing, though it is a little on the weaker end due to how narrow the blade is. Drop Point Blade One of the most versatile blade types, the drop point is very useful for controlled cuts and piercing. They are incredibly similar to clip point blades, but stronger due to their broader tip. Tanto blades Similar to the Katana, the Tanto shape comes from Japan. Known for being very sharp, Tanto blades are perfect for piercing and cutting. Sheepsfoot Blades This straight blade was intended to provide a large cutting area for shepherds to be able to trim the hooves of their flock. While electric trimmers and files have largely filled that need, the sheepsfoot blade is still an incredibly popular blade for whittling wood. Spey Blade The spey blade is a style with an almost flat edge to the top and then a sharp curve to the tip. Its origins date back to the castration of cattle with the purpose of causing as little damage as was necessary, probably inspiring the name. This has become a common shape in many of the utility knives that we use today. Gut Hook Just what it sounds like, the gut hook is usually a feature you will find on the end of another blade, not on its own. The hook has a sharpened edge at the center of its curve, used to help skin wild fish and game without damaging anything under the skin. Spear Point Spear points are another old standard, often seen in daggers and throwing knives. Spear point blades often have two sharp edges as opposed to the standard one, though that is not always the case. While they have many uses, spear points are ideal for jabbing and spearing. Steel Types Choosing the right steel type is also very important when trying to find the perfect pocket knife for your needs. The thickness of the blade is crucial depending on what your intended uses are, as well as corrosion resistance. Stainless steel and some carbon alloys are excellent options in their endurance. Some standard reliable steel grades are 420HC, 440C, 8Cr13MoV, and 8Cr17 among others. If you are looking for higher quality steel, ZDP-189, M390, K390, K294, Aogami, and Shirogami are considered high end. Opening and Locking Mechanisms As has been discussed in previous William Henry pocket knife guides, there is also a fair range of opening and locking mechanisms for your pocket knife. Opening Depending on your preference, you can choose from knives that you open with one hand, two hands, or even the push of a button. Manual knives are the standard, and can sometimes be opened with one hand using a nail nick or a round hole such as the one used by Spyderco knives. Another option is an automatic blade, often called a switchblade. These tend to fall in a legal gray area, so be sure that they are permitted wherever you live. These knives can be opened automatically by hitting a switch. There is also a sort of middle-ground, called an assisted-opening knife. These are similar to switchblades, except they require more force to open, and are less likely to pop open by mistake. Locking Accomplishing the same task of keeping the blade from closing on the users’ fingers, there are several kinds of popular locking mechanism. Most common are likely the frame lock and liner lock, both of which allow the user to fold away the blade by physically pressing the lock out of the way. If you want a little extra security, lockback, midlock, and ring locking mechanisms involve more powerful braces holding the blade open. Most of these need two hands to close, so there is definitely an element of convenience that needs to be sacrificed in exchange for that safety. Materials The materials used in making your pocket knife make up a large part of the design and forging of your personal connection to the blade. Whatever steel you go with, even if you opt for a fancy and intense copper-waved Damascus steel blade, the handle will be what you see most often. If you are looking for an economic and enduring knife, aluminum, G10 (a kind of fiberglass), wood, micarta (like G10 but not as strong), stainless steel, and titanium are all excellent options. They are lightweight, durable, and can still look stylish. There are also, of course, more elegant and exotic materials that you can choose from if you prefer. Stag handles carved from antlers are a classic, along with other kinds of horn and bone, including preserved mammoth tusk handle. Other common choices for luxury handles include mother of pearl and other gemstones of all kinds. William Henry has an incredible selection of luxury knives, artisanal crafted with rare and exquisite materials that you can choose from. See some of the stunning offerings for yourself here.
The Many Different Uses for Pocket Knives

The Many Different Uses for Pocket Knives

By William Henry May 31, 2022
Around since at least 600 BCE, pocket knives have remained a popular staple of mankind’s tools, and for no small reason. There are few things as useful and versatile as pocked-sized folding knives, and these are just some of the many uses for your everyday carry (EDC). Household Uses As a place where you usually spend a large amount of your time, home is where a pocket knife can most often come in handy. Here are a few things you can use a folding knife for around the house. Opening Packages There are few feelings as satisfying as feeling a pocket knife glide through the tape on the package for your recent online order. After you’ve opened your package, the knife will also be helpful for breaking down the box before recycling. Opening Mail Opening envelopes is one of the most common uses for a knife. If you don’t trust your fingers not to tear up the letter, and don’t have a letter opener on hand, a folding knife can be the perfect tool for opening up your mail. Popping Open a Bottle If you don’t have a corkscrew or bottle opener on hand, a pocket knife can be used in a pinch to replace either. As long as you’re careful, you can use your knife to open a beer bottle by pressing the blade on the underside. While it may not be the ideal replacement for a corkscrew, a folding knife with a sharp point can open a wine bottle. Just slowly wriggle the blade deeper into the cork, and once it is deep enough, slowly twist the cork until you are able to pull it out. Getting Out Batteries If you just trimmed your nails and are having trouble pulling some stiff batteries out of your remote, you can carefully use a pocket knife to pop them out. Removing Staples If you need to pull out some staples, you can use your pocket knife to bend the staple ends and remove it. Sharpen Pencils While it isn’t always as pretty as using a sharpener, a pocket knife can be used to shave the edge of your stubby pencil to a point. Adding Holes to Your Belt Whether you’ve lost a few pounds or gained a few, it’s hardly a reason to get a new belt, especially if the old one still looks good. You can use your drop point knife to cut a new hole in your belt, just be careful with the amount of pressure you use. Cutting Loose Threads If you don’t have scissors around, you can use your pocket knife to cut loose threads off of your clothes without pulling them loose. Cleaning Your Shoes While you need to be careful not to cut through the soles, a pocket knife can be handy for cleaning dirt out of the tread on your shoes. Use the back end of the blade to avoid causing any damage. Separating Legos Recommended for ages 4 to 99, Legos are a common household toy that can be a joy to build with and a curse to step on. As anyone who has played with the classic building blocks can attest to, it can be a pain to pull apart two blocks that have been stuck together too tightly. A pocket knife with a sharp edge can be very useful in prying the pieces apart. Untie Knots Everyone has to untie a too-tight knot on occasion, only to spend minutes in frustration trying to loosen them however they can. Pocket knives can often get into the tight spots that your fingers cannot, and help loosen the tricky knot. Peeling Stickers It can often seem like half of the things you purchase have price stickers placed inconveniently, and they can be a nightmare to get off. As long as you’re careful not to scrape the material under the sticker, the edge of a blade can be used to shave those stickers off. Cooking Whether you are cooking over a stove or a campfire, a pocket knife can come in handy for all sorts of things when you are working on making a good meal. Peeling Before cooking and eating your fruits and vegetables, use your pocket knife to peel and prep them. Whether it be apples, carrots, potatoes, or anything else, most quality folding knives can handle it. You may peel off a little more than you want at first, but you should get the hang of it quickly. Chopping While not the ideal use for a smaller, pocket-sized blade, your knife can do the deed of chopping meat, fruits, and vegetables when you don’t have an alternative. Cleaning Fish If you don’t have any standard kitchen knives, pocket knives have been a go-to for outdoorsmen who need to gut and clean fish in the wilds. If you have a pocket knife with a gut point, that will be especially useful. Deboning While it won’t be as easy to use for butchering larger cuts of meat, a pocket knife can more than do the trick of cleaning meat off the bone. Crushing Spices If you haven’t got a mortar and pestle, you might be able to get away with using the butt of your knife handle to crush whole spices in a pinch. Opening Cans If you haven’t gotten bigger knives on hand, you probably don’t have a can opener with you either. You can make do with your pocket knife to cut open a can, just make sure not to slice your hand on any jagged edges. Spreading It may not be the intended use for a sharp pocket knife, it will do fine for spreading condiments when you need to. Slicing Bread Especially easy if you have a Swiss Army knife or another jagged blade, you can use your pocket knife to slice bread. Outdoor Activities If you are a fan of the outdoors, then you already know how useful a pocket knife can be if you are camping, hiking, or otherwise spending time in nature. That said, there may be a few uses for your trusty folding knife that you haven’t considered. Fishing You already know about cleaning your fish with a pocket knife, but you can also use your knife to cut the fishing line and prepare the bait. Hunting While it will definitely be easier the smaller your game is, hunters have used pocket knives to skin and clean their kills for millennia. You probably shouldn’t attempt this if you are not already a seasoned hunter, or have one to show you the ropes. Making Kindling Kindling can be a lifesaver when you’re building a fire with damp logs, and a pocket knife can be a lifesaver for cutting small twigs and wood chips into usable fire starters. Splitting Firewood It will certainly take longer than using a hatchet, but splitting firewood with a pocket knife isn’t as grueling as it may sound. Using a mallet, stone, or other strong material you have on hand, you can hammer a pocket knife into your firewood to split it. Cutting Rope Rope can come in handy when tying down your equipment, setting campsite perimeters, and all sorts of crafty things. If you need to cut your rope, a pocket knife is about the best tool you could hope for when you’re in a rush. Removing Splinters As with any other time you have a blade close to your skin, you need to be very careful when removing splinters with a knife. That said, a pocket knife can be an even better option for removing splinters than tweezers in many cases. Picking Your Teeth Something that usually isn’t considered when going camping is toothpicks, but a pocket knife can be a very handy tool for getting bits of food out from between your teeth. Cleaning Your Nails It is incredibly easy to get dirt under your fingernails after a day or two outside without a shower. You can use a pocket knife to carefully clear some dirt from under your fingernails if you haven’t got a better option. Cutting Zip Ties Zip ties are very useful for tying things down firmly, but can be a pain to remove when you tighten them too much. If you do have trouble getting one-off, you can use your pocket knife to cut through. Sharpening Other Knives While this isn’t recommended for the health and appearance of the blade you use for sharpening, you can use the flat back of a blade similar to honing steel. Throwing Though not the safest activity, and certainly not of particular use, throwing knives is an addictive pastime that feels at home in the outdoors. Work on your aim and blow off some steam by trying to peg a nearby tree trunk (just make sure there isn’t anything you could hit on the other side). Other Uses Outside of the ordinary things your EDC can do for you at home or outdoors, pocket knives can also come in handy in less expected situations, even emergencies at times. Emergencies They may be situations that you hope never to face, but it is always possible that you find yourself in a life-threatening situation. In times such as those, a pocket knife can save your life by cutting a caught seatbelt, stripping cloth to make a tourniquet, or even defending yourself against an attacker. Arts and Crafts Pocket knives are a classic tool for hobbyists who enjoy whittling, engraving, carving, or otherwise crafting. Gifting A high-quality blade with a unique design is one of the most personal gifts a person can give. A tool or accessory that can last more than a lifetime, a pocket knife can be a wonderful thing to pass along to a friend, spouse, or child. William Henry has a stunning range of beautiful and elegant pocket knives with artisanally crafted Damascus steel and other rare and incredible materials, perfect as gifts for both others and yourself.
Kingman Turquoise

Kingman Turquoise

By Matt Conable May 16, 2022
https://youtu.be/gYMfMEzJnOM WH and zinc-matrix Kingman turquoise William Henry founder Matt Conable speaks about zinc-matrix Kingman turquoiseand how we use it in our collections. A Complete Guide to Kingman Turquoise At William Henry, we are dedicated to creating heirloom-quality pieces that tell an incredible story. This month, we are excited to feature Kingman turquoise, a gemstone with a rich history and striking beauty. From its origins in the famous Arizona mine to its use in bold jewelry, Kingman turquoise is a treasure worth exploring. Our creations often use various iterations of this storied material, whether that be the stone itself, or infused into a matrix of zinc, delivering a bold and unique look. What is Kingman Turquoise? Kingman turquoise is one of the most sought-after varieties of turquoise, known for its vibrant blue hues, sometimes mixed with a green tint, and its striking veining patterns. Sourced from the Kingman Mine in Mohave County, Arizona, this turquoise has been prized for thousands of years by Native American tribes for its cultural significance and beauty. Each stone is unique, with a matrix that ranges from black to brown, adding character and authenticity to each piece. Kingman turquoise is often regarded as a symbol of protection and good fortune, a tradition passed down through generations. The Kingman Turquoise Mine The Kingman Mine is one of the oldest and most productive turquoise mines in the world. Located in northwestern Arizona, it has been a source of high-quality turquoise for over a millennium. The mine’s turquoise has been used for centuries in Native American jewelry, and its rich history makes Kingman turquoise especially significant today. Mining Process Mining Kingman turquoise is a meticulous process. Miners carefully extract the turquoise stones from the earth to preserve their natural beauty and integrity. These raw stones then undergo precision cutting and polishing, ensuring they meet the high standards of luxury craftsmanship that William Henry is known for. Kingman Turquoise Jewelry & Accessories At William Henry, we incorporate Kingman turquoise into our jewelry, pocket knives, and other lifestyle-centered accessories, creating pieces that are as rare and refined as the material itself. Our pocket knives, bracelets, and pendants featuring Kingman turquoise combine heirloom-level craftsmanship with modern luxury design. Our artisans and jewelers employ deeply nuanced techniques making every turquoise-adorned piece a true masterpiece. For example, the Jerome Pocket Knife and Turquoise Pendant are perfect examples of how this stone enhances both form and function. How to Care for Your Kingman Turquoise Jewelry Caring for your Kingman turquoise is essential to maintaining its beauty. Here are a few tips: Cleaning: Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, which may damage the stone. Storage: Store your Kingman turquoise jewelry in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent scratches. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or excessive heat. By following these simple care tips, your turquoise jewelry will remain a treasured part of your collection for years to come. Why Choose Kingman Turquoise? Kingman turquoise is not only beautiful, but also holds deep historical and cultural significance. Its unique characteristics, such as its vibrant color, make it highly desirable among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Additionally, the rarity and history associated with this turquoise make it a valuable investment, particularly when incorporated into William Henry's finely crafted creations. Kingman turquoise is more than just a gemstone—it’s a piece of history, an expression of artistry, and a statement of luxury. Whether you’re a gemstone collector, an admirer of Native American culture, or someone looking for a unique and meaningful addition to your jewelry collection, William Henry’s Kingman turquoise pieces are designed to be cherished for generations. Explore Our Kingman Turquoise Collection Kingman Turquoise FAQs How to identify Kingman turquoise? Kingman turquoise is known for its vivid blue color, often with a unique matrix of black or brown veining. Is Kingman turquoise still mined? Yes, the Kingman Mine in Arizona continues to produce some of the finest turquoise in the world. Why is Kingman turquoise so expensive? Its rarity, historical significance, and exceptional color make it one of the most prized forms of turquoise. What is the significance of Kingman turquoise? Kingman turquoise has been revered by Native American cultures for centuries, symbolizing protection, healing, and good fortune. Is Kingman turquoise good quality? Absolutely. Its vibrant color and natural matrix make it a high-quality and valuable gemstone.
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Why Skulls?

By Matt Conable May 11, 2022
https://youtu.be/7ZP8WNA53pE WH Founder Matt Conable speaks about the importance of Skulls in our designs.
Guide to Buying Your First Pocket Knife

Guide to Buying Your First Pocket Knife

By William Henry April 29, 2022
As far as shopping experiences go, there are few as personal and, perhaps, spiritual as buying your first pocket knife. As common and versatile tools, people looking to purchase their first knife often face the pitfall of there being far too many options. For a lot of shoppers who do not really know what they are looking for in a knife, aside from it fitting in a pocket, this can make the process a little daunting. This helpful guide will help you find the perfect pocket knife with qualities to suit your need, be it as an everyday carry (EDC), or a closely guarded heirloom. What Do You Need It For? When out shopping for your very first pocket knife, the most important thing to bear in mind is what you need to use the knife for. Everyday Carry Unless you have a specific knife use in mind for a pocket knife, you are most likely a jack-of-all-trades looking for a quality EDC. Something you can use to open boxes, and envelopes, and take care of other little things that come up in a day, this pocket knife blade should be handy. If you are looking for an EDC, you will probably be looking for a pocket knife you can clip to your pocket or belt for easy access, so it needs to be light enough to be comfortable on your waist. You may opt for a more automatic knife that you can open with one hand or a more versatile multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife. Every aspect of the shopping experience is personal and specific to your needs, so be sure to consider them. Carving If you fancy yourself the outdoorsman or woman who likes to engrave and whittle, you will have to narrow your search a little. While someone with more experience may be able to comfortably carve up wood with any knife they happen to have on hand, beginners should definitely be particular about the type of blade they go for, as well as the blade length. Generally, and especially for those just getting started, the best knives for working with wood will have longer, thin blades that are not as rounded on the end. For those who lack the control and experience to comfortably work with a longer blade, it could be worth considering a penknife, or other style pocket knife that has both a long and short blade included. Another thing to bear in mind when searching for a carving knife is the thickness of the blade steel. Try to avoid buying a pocket knife with a blade thicker than 15mm as it may hinder you from making more surgical cuts. Hunting and Fishing For the next-level nature buff who prides themselves on cutting and cleaning their own meat, there are different things to consider. Unlike the blade types preferred for working with wood, a pocket knife intended for working with a game will have a very different point and blade length. For working with smaller land animals, the best blade types are most likely the drop point, clip point, and skinning blades. These blades have wider bellies that allow more control when cutting through flesh. If you enjoy fishing as much as you do the hunting, these blades will still do the trick, but it is worth looking for one that includes a gut hook if you prefer to use one. Oftentimes the same style pocket knife can be found with or without a gut hook, but it is not a requirement as the hunting knives are still more than capable of accomplishing the same thing without one. Heirloom Knives When buying any pocket knife, it is absolutely worth doing your homework and taking close consideration of the options. That said, when you are looking for a knife you can pass down to your descendants, you will have to think even harder. If you have a bigger budget, this is a knife to spend it on. While you will consider the design and quality of any pocket knife before you buy it, heirloom blades have to have a deeply personal feel to them. Just about any high-quality pocket knife should be able to withstand a few lifetimes, not just any good knife is necessarily worthy of being passed down. Look for materials and designs that speak to you. You may consider some gorgeous waved Damascus steel blades, or handles that use materials such as priceless gems and ancient petrified mammoth bone knife material. It should have a good amount of corrosion resistance. Whatever look you go for, just make sure that you feel drawn to the pocket knife in a truly personal way. Types of Pocket Knives Once you know what you plan to use your knife for, it will be much easier to choose the type of knife which suits you. Locking Knives One popular style of pocket knife is the locking knife, both safe and convenient. While they all accomplish the same task of keeping the blade from closing on the users’ fingers, there are several kinds of popular locking mechanisms. Most common are likely the frame lock and liner lock, both of which allow the user to fold away the blade by physically pressing the lockout of the way. If you want a little extra security, Lockback, midblock, and ring locking mechanisms involve more powerful braces holding the blade open. Most of these need two hands to close, so there is definitely an element of convenience that needs to be sacrificed in exchange for safety. Slip Joint Knives They may not be as safe to use as locking pocket knives are, a slip joint knife is probably what comes to mind when a person imagines a classic pocket knife. These knives have a small spring in the handle that uses pressure to keep the blade extended. Users do need to be a little more careful, though, to avoid any accidental closures. Despite seeming like a disadvantage in terms of safety, the ease of use makes slip joint knives one of the best choices for light and common tasks. Tactical Folding Knives Another common type of pocket knife is the tactical folding knife. These knives were first designed for soldiers to use in the field, allowing them to open and close the knife single-handed and instantaneously. Manufacturers began to add studs and small holes to their blades to circumvent the need for the nail nick, letting the user swing the blade open or closed with as little as their thumb. These blades are often thinner, lighter, and have built-in clips for easy carrying. Size and Weight While the actual size and weight of a pocket knife tend to be the last thing a buyer thinks of, and only once the knife is in their hand, it is one of the most important things to bear in mind in your search. Blade length is incredibly important to consider, and again strongly depends on what you plan to use your first pocket knife for. Shorter blades afford you more control over the knife but may hinder your ability to make certain kinds of cuts. Too long of a blade, however, and it may feel like working with a kitchen knife, at which point the pocket knife loses any kind of convenience it provided before. Like blade length, the weight of your knife is similarly important. Make sure the knife feels comfortable in your hand. You want it to be light enough that you can use it at will without worrying about exhausting yourself, but heavy enough that you have total control over the direction and angle of the knife. Accessories Not as important as the pocket knife itself, but still worth considering, are the accessories that come with a knife. Nowadays, many knives intended more for everyday carry come with a clip built-in. If you prefer keeping your pocket knife right on your belt or stopping it from dropping to the bottom of your pockets, the clip might be very handy. For fancier blades that you hope to pass down, you may want to consider more ornate wooden display cases. If you still want to keep your heirloom on your person regularly but are worried about losing or scuffing it in your pockets, you might prefer a sterling silver chain to wear your knife as a pendant necklace. Once you start looking at more high-end knives, whether intended as heirlooms or simply high-quality utility pieces, you will need to think more seriously about general care and maintenance. Some knives will come with specific instructions for sharpening and cleaning based on the blade steel or handle material. How often a blade may need to be sharpened depends on the specific knife manufacturer and materials. For example, William Henry pocket knives are recommended to be sharpened every 18 to 24 months. William Henry will periodically sharpen your knife for just $10 (the cost of shipping it back to you). Just compile the appropriate form here, ship it to us, and we will get it done for you.
The K19 Chef Knives

The K19 Chef Knives

By Matt Conable March 20, 2022
https://youtu.be/DyW-i7faS-8 Matt Conable unboxes our K19 Kultro Chef knives
Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

By Matt Conable December 23, 2021
https://youtu.be/w-7fEwoqerU End of Year message from WH founder Matt Conable
SLG-THUMB

Personal Leather Goods

By Matt Conable December 18, 2021
https://youtu.be/HQF107tlIkM WH Founder Matt Conable speaks about the creation of our collection of personal Leather Goods