MKC FIELD NOTES

An MKC hatchet lies on a stone, representing a lesson on how to sharpen a hatchet or axe like a pro.

How to Sharpen Your Hatchet or Axe Like a Pro 

Learn how to sharpen your axe or hatchet with two common methods, and make sure you have a sharp edge for your next adventure!
In a field, a man’s hands prop up the rack and head of the deer he brought down on a hunt.

How to Field Dress a Deer Faster and Cleaner Without a Bone Saw

Planning an ultralight backpacking hunt? Discover how a basic hunting knife can outperform a saw in field dressing a deer, saving you weight and time.
A bloody hand holds an MKC knife, representing a discussion about the best small-batch hunting knives on the market.

The Best American Made Hunting Knives of 2023 (According to a Master Bladesmith)

Explore beyond our top-notch knives! Our Master Bladesmith endorses several US-based competitors who deliver quality. See his recommended picks here.
An MKC hatchet stands upright with its blade buried in a lot for a post about the best camping hatchets.

How to Choose the Best Camping Hatchet for Any Hunting or Backpacking Trip

Explore why a hatchet is vital for outdoor adventures. Learn a hatchet’s applications and key features for camping, hunting, or backpacking trips.
A Damascus steel blade missing one handle scale lies on a concrete surface.

What Is Damascus Steel? (And Everything You Need to Know About It)

Dive into a treasure trove of professional insights and advice about Damascus steel, a unique knife material famed for its layered aesthetic and craftsmanship.
Josh Smith wears an MKC hat as he pulls back on his bow and aims at an outdoor target.

The Ultimate List of MKC’s Favorite Hunting and Outdoor Events for 2023

Meet MKC’s list of the top hunting and outdoor events of 2023 and early 2024! Connect with like-minded enthusiasts and plan your next adventure.
A man reaches behind his back to grab the EDC fixed blade horizontal carry knife clipped to his belt.

EDC Blades: How to Choose the Right Fixed Blade Knife for Everyday Carry

Looking for the best EDC fixed blade knife you can bring with you everywhere without drawing too much attention? Learn how to make your selection here!
A hunter wears a headlamp in the dark while using his drop point blade to skin an animal out in the field.

What Is a Drop Point Blade and When Do You Need One?

Discover what a drop point blade is, when you need one, and why it’s one of the most popular knife types for hunters.
Six MKC knives lie in a row from shortest to longest on a dark table, representing differing knife length laws by state.

What Size Blade Can I Carry? Knife Length Laws by State

State knife laws are notoriously difficult to stay on top of, and can vary even by city. Learn what to look for when researching knife laws by state.
A dark Speadgoat blade with a neon orange paracord handle sits diagonally across the feathers of a bird.

How the Speedgoat Knife Got Its Name

If you’re not from Montana, you may not have heard of a speedgoat before. Find out how MKC’s flagship knife — the Speedgoat — got its name.
A man wearing camo sits by a fire he started by using one of his skills for surviving in the wilderness.

11 Survival Skills You Need to Know for Surviving in the Wilderness Alone

Preparation is key for surviving in the wilderness, and that includes more than just gear. Check out the 11 essential survival tips and skills you’ll need!
A son helps his father begin to dress an animal in the field while learning knife safety for kids.

Knife Skills for Kids: How to Teach Your Children Safe Knife Use

Teaching knife safety for kids early is key to helping them respect knives, use them properly, and avoid injury. Learn how and when to start teaching them.
Six MKC Stoned Goat blades with varying paracord handle colors lie at an angle on a dark background.

Introducing the Stoned Goat Knife

The new MKC Stoned Goat Knife is the perfect companion for hunters who want a light, reliable, USA-made blade without all the extra point.
Hands hold an MKC Beartooth skinning knife against a grinder to sharpen the blade to a working edge.

Why We Sharpen Our Knives With a Working Edge

When it comes to sharpening knives, we at Montana Knife Company prefer an aggressive, working edge over a highly polished razor finish. Find out why!
Several Montana Knife Company blades with G10 knife handles are laid out on a table.

Why We Use G10 Knife Handles on All Our MKC Knives

Curious why we use G10 knife handles on all our blades? Learn why this composite material is a superior choice for lasting durability.
An MKC knife leans up against a knife-sharpening stone.

How to Sharpen a Knife With a Stone (9 Steps)

Sharpening your knives regularly is key to their longevity. Want to learn how to sharpen your favorite knife with a stone? Try these 9 simple steps.
Four Parkerized blades lie side by side in behind the title, Knife Coatings: Parkerizing vs. Cerakote Compared.

Knife Coatings: Parkerizing vs. Cerakote Compared

We compare Parkerizing vs. Cerakote and explore the pros, cons, and use cases of each coating on different types of blades.
Josh Smith, Master Bladesmith at Montana Knife Company, uses his Fieldcraft Survival Knife.

Introducing the MKC Fieldcraft Survival Knife

Montana Knife Company is excited to introduce the Fieldcraft Survival Knife, a multipurpose, everyday carry knife. Learn what makes it unique here.
Gutless vs gutting method for field dressing a deer, with a dark overlay.

The Gutless vs. Gutting Method for Field Dressing a Deer

We talk about how to field dress a deer with the gutless vs. the gutting method, compare the pros and cons of each, and share tips on gutting.
Two hands use a Montana Knife Company flathead fillet knife while hunting.

Introducing the MKC Flathead Fillet Knife

The MKC Flathead Fillet Knife has both the flexibility needed for filleting lots of fish and the rigidity and strong point needed for breaking down meat.
Tattooed hands place a fixed-blade knife in its sheath, at their belted waistband.

5 Reasons to Consider Carrying a Fixed-Blade Knife Daily

Just about everyone knows they should carry a fixed-blade knife for hunting, but here are 5 reasons to consider carrying a fixed-blade knife daily.