Documentary on Legendary Portuguese Knife Sharpeners in the Works

March 28, 2014

“Knife sharpeners existed in great numbers, in a time when the hope for the return of a lost king wasn’t needed. Today only one exists.”

That’s the log line of The Last Knife Sharpener, a new documentary in the works about a search for the last knife sharpener in the storied southern Algarve area of Portugal. Five student filmmakers from the United Kingdom are raising production funds to travel to Portugal to shoot the film, based on a centuries-old legend.

The idea was borne in the myth of King Sebastian of Portugal and the Algarves, who disappeared after the Battle of Alcácer Quibir, known as the Battle of the Three Kings, in 1578. Ever since, a myth has persisted in the subconscious of the Portuguese people that one day, the legendary lost king will return and return Portugal to its former glory.

“It is known that when there were many knife sharpeners around, Portugal really flourished – especially Portimão,” the filmmakers said. “We want to find [the lost king] because we think he has the solution for the depressive state the city of Portimão is now in. We believe he could be the reincarnation of King Sebastian of Portugal and the Algarves.”

While the premise may seem far-fetched, the project may prove an intriguing look at a how knife makers and sharpeners contributed to a nation’s history and culture. Got a favorite knife-centric documentary or film? Post it on the Sarge Knives Facebook Fan Page.

Introducing the Panther – New From Sarge Knives

March 25, 2014

Three Great Books about Knives

March 20, 2014

If you love a great knife AND a great read, read on. We here at Sarge Knives have three recommendations for some of the best books on knives.

Knives 2014: The World’s Greatest Knife Book: If the title sounds a bit brash, there’s good reason. Editor Joe Kertzman has compiled an exhaustively comprehensive literary and pictorial collection of the world’s finest knives including everyday carry pieces, hunting knives, bushcraft blades, flipper folders, wood-splitting mauls and highly embellished artistic knives. There’s a comprehensive overview of knives and their famous makers, a complete directory of custom knifemakers and a slew of feature articles on a full range of topics from camp and climbing knives to automatics, antiques and art knives.

An Edge in the Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Knives, How to Buy them, Keep Them Razor Sharp and Use Them Like a Pro: We know – the subtitle’s a mouthful. But it’s kind of necessary to effectively convey all this hardcover book has to offer. Penned by Chad and Regan Ward with photography by Bryan Regan, An Edge in the Kitchen solidly addresses an issue to which few admit – the fact that the majority of American homeowners are woefully uninformed about the various types of kitchen knives and their proper use. Ever heard of a cow sword? Yes – it’s a real thing. And you probably want one., you just don’t know it yet. Luckily, this book aptly instructs home cooks on all they need to know about assembling and maintaining a kitchen knife collection. Using anecdotal references, the authors dole out practical guidelines on all manner of topics including knive history, cutting techniques, sharpening and storing.

Official Scout Blades:Periodically since 1997, author Ed Holbrook releases a new issue of this handbook, a must-have if you’re involved in the Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of America in any way – as a scout, a scout leader or a scout’s parent or guardian. In the book’s current fifth edition, you’ll find a comprehensive collection of all official knives and axes of the two organizations. With an emphasis on identifying and dating knives, the 130-page handbook includes a price guide, detailed index and vintage advertisements.

Do you have a favorite knife book not on our list? Share it with your fellow blade enthusiasts on the Sarge Knives Facebook Fan Page.

Roughing it for a Few Days? You’ll Want These Three Essential Camping Knives With You

March 13, 2014

Springtime is here. And that means outdoors enthusiasts and families nationwide are planning camping trips. Whether you’re “glamping” in a decked-out RV or roughing it with little more than your tent and backpack, chances are it won’t be long before you’ll find your self in a situation wherein a blade will prove quite handy. Make sure you’re prepared by packing these three essential camping knives:

• Fixed blade: Fixed blade knives often get left behind by campers out of a notion of inconvenience – because of their size, weight and the fact that they require wearing or carrying a sheath to protect the blade. But that could prove a mistake, particularly if you’re roughing it in seldom-traveled territory. Fixed-knife blades are the strongest because they have just one continuous piece of metal running from the blade through the handle. This kind of strength will prove critical for big jobs like clearing brush or making kindling.
• Single folding blade: A single folding blade knife, or pocket knife, is an absolute must-have on camping trips. It’s lightweight and will fit in your pocket. While it lacks the strength that a fixed-blade knife offers, a quality folding knife certainly is enough to get lots of jobs done, including cutting branches or gutting fish. Hopefully you won’t, but if you find your self in quick need of a makeshift splint for a broken ankle or leg.
• Multi-tool: A solid multi-tool ins another camping must-have. The smaller knifes can be used for a multitude of tasks like slicing fruit and cutting twine. If you’ve watched one-too-many Hollywood survivalist flicks, then you know a small blade comes in very handy when performing an emergency tracheotomy, too. And depending on the model you chose, a multi-tool come outfitted with a range of additional devices, including bottle and can openers, forks, awls, flathead screwdrivers, serrated foil cutters and corkscrews.

If you plan a camping trip soon, check out the fixed-blade and folding knives and multi-tools offered by Sarge Knives. Have another favorite camping knife, blade or tool we didn’t mention? Post your thoughts on the Sarge Knives Facebook Fan Page.

Top Knife Photography Tips

March 6, 2014

Last week, we filled you in on the essential tools you’ll need to snap great shots of your favorite knives. This week, we’re adding some technique tips to help assure your pictures won’t turn out fuzzy, shadowy, washed out or dotted with hotspots. Grab your camera and let’s get started…

• Fill the frame: Even if you’re not a classic film fan, you’ve probably heard the famous line, “I’m ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille.” That Norma Desmond (Sunset Boulevard, 1950) might have been crazy, but she clearly knew the value of a great photo – one that fills the frame with its subject, focusing attention on its glorious detail. Such is the case when you’re photographing your bladed beauty. Don’t let your knife get lost I a sea of background or a clutter of extra props. Instead, place it on a solid background, zoom in close and focus.
• Go diagonal and curvy: Diagonal lines and curves are far more dynamic to the human eye than are vertical or horizontal lines. Plus, the diagonal corner-to-corner dimension of the frame is longer than the straight side-to-side dimension, allowing more of your frame to be filled with your subject rather than the background.
• Snap a side view: The profile (side view) of your knife will show off the most design-wise, including the shapes of your knifes’ blade and handle, their proportional sizes, patterns, engravings and construction technique.

Do you have additional tips you’d like to share with fellow knife enthusiasts? Post them on the Sarge Knives Facebook Fan Page.