MKC FIELD NOTES

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.
An MKC blade lies on the ground over a large paw print, representing the best hunting knives for different types of game.

The Best Hunting Knives for Different Game Types: From Big Game to Small Game

Learn the art of choosing the perfect hunting knife! From blade to handle, we break down what features you need for every type of game.
Master bladesmith Josh Smith holds up his hunting kill kit while dressed in camo out in the field.

The Essential Gear You Need in Your Hunting Kill Kit

Learn the importance of preparing a hunting kill kit to bring on all your outings. Our essential guide ensures you’re equipped for any outcome in the field.
A man practices tightening a SOF tourniquet over his pants around his upper leg before he goes hunting.

Expert Advice on Using a SOF Tourniquet to Stop Leg Bleeding

The proper application of a SOF tourniquet to your leg (or a friend’s) in a crisis can sway the odds between survival and fatality. Learn the essentials here.
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.
Three kitchen knives lie scattered around a Work Sharp whetstone and a leather sheath.

How to Sharpen a Kitchen Knife Like a Pro

Learn effective strategies from a master bladesmith for maintaining sharp kitchen knives, ensuring safer and easier slicing, dicing, and chopping.
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 hunter’s best skinning knife lies across a deer rack on grass.

From Field to Table: Essential Tips for Selecting and Using the Best Skinning Knife

Not all skinning knives are created equal. To ensure a clean cut every time, learn how to choose and maintain the best skinning knife for your needs.
The MKC Med Kit sits near hunting gear in camouflage and orange, representing hunting first aid kits.

What You Need to Have in Your Hunting First Aid Kit

Stay safe in the great outdoors with our comprehensive guide to an effective hunting first aid kit. Don’t head into the field underprepared.
A man uses his best camping knife to nudge kindling in a campfire.

What Separates a Good Camping Knife From One That Outlasts You

Learn how to pick the best camping knife and the significance of our Generations Promise. Invest in quality now for a lifetime (or two) of memories!
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.
A tin of MKC Blade Wax sits open next to an MKC Speedgoat knife, representing why blade wax is the best knife oil.

The Best Knife Oil for Your Fixed Blade (Isn’t an Oil)

Discover the secret to maintaining your fixed blade — hint, it’s not oil! Learn why MKC’s Blade Wax is the best “knife oil” to shield against moisture.
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.
9 Clever Uses for Blade Wax You Never Considered

9 Clever Uses for Blade Wax You Never Considered

Unlock the full potential of Montana Knife Company’s Blade Wax. From unjamming zippers to preventing rust, learn 9 clever uses to keep your gear in shape!
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 hunter wearing camo and a pack demonstrates the art of ultralight backpacking.

The Art of Ultralight Packing: Tips for Backcountry Hikes and Hunts

Planning your next ultralight backpacking trip? Learn how to cut down on weight and increase efficiency when you’re packing light for the wilderness.
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.
The black handle of an MKC Bushcraft Knife meets the blade atop rock and wood shavings, representing survival knife uses.

11 Survival and Bushcraft Knife Uses — The Ultimate List

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Check out this list of 11 survival knife uses to make sure you are!
A black-handled MKC bushcraft survival knife lies across its Kydex sheath on top of a black bag.

How to Choose the Best Bushcraft Knife: 5 Things to Know

With so many options, how do you find the best bushcraft knife? Here we break down five bushcraft survival knife characteristics to look for.