3 Things Every Knife Lover Should Do

We love knives. You love knives. We use our knives, we talk about them, photograph them, buy and sell and trade our knives.

Whether knives are simply a hobby for you, or an obsession, or something resembling a lifestyle, there are a few things we believe every knife lover should do.

1. Own a custom knife. The way we see it, you're not doing the whole knife thing right 'til you own a handmade custom knife.

Yes, that can involve a serious financial commitment. But really, there's nothing quite like a custom knife, and anyone who truly appreciates fine craftsmanship should own at least one custom.

You needn't make the jump right away, of course -- take your time and survey the myriad options available. But once you have your very own custom, trust us, you'll be one happy knife lover.

2. Visit a knifemaker's shop. There are small knifemakers all over the U.S. and beyond, and a few of them welcome the occasional visitor. If the opportunity presents itself, try to arrange a brief visit to a 'maker's shop.

Naturally, you should be respectful of their time. (It's their business, after all, so their time is money.) Try to stay out from underfoot, too, during your visit -- then again, you also shouldn't be too surprised if you get put to work.

Getting an up-close-and-personal look at what goes into making a fine knife by hand can be a real eye-opener. You'll leave with a new and greater appreciation of craftsmanship.

3. Attend a Bark River Knives "Grind-In." A few times each year, Mike Stewart and his crew in Escanaba, Michigan hold what's become known as a "Grind-In." Knife lovers -- mostly "Barkaholics" -- from all over the world come to the Bark River Knives facility for great fun, great food and unmatched camaraderie with like-minded knife lovers.

Oh, there's one other perk of going to a Grind-In -- under the watchful eyes of the patient Bark River staff, you get to make your own knife to take home.

There's a modest fee for attending, and space is limited, but a Bark River Grind-In just might be the best time you'll ever have as a knife lover. For more information about upcoming events, keep an eye on the Bark River Knives Group on Facebook.