Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Buying A Pocket Knife Part One

A pocket knife is one of the most efficient tools that you can carry around with you every day. For thousands of years knives have helped people cut food, hunt for dinner, open boxes, cut seatbelts in emergencies and a number of other tasks. This could be why choosing a pocket knife may be so hard. It also could be so hard because the variety of options available to consumers. This is a start on a series all about pocket knives. Each aspect of the pocket knife will be examined. Finding the perfect pocket knife is a bit overwhelming but hopefully this series will help you out.

The first part of the pocket knife that we will explore is the number of knife blades. There are three different variations including the single blade pocket knife, the multi-blade pocket knife and the multi-tool knife. The single blade pocket knife can come in a variety of shapes and sizes; it is the epitome of everything a pocket knife is. If you are looking for a simple a single blade pocket knife is a good option to look into. A single blade knife focuses on the design of one large blade. Most include a spring loaded mechanism that easily opens the blade and a locking device that makes the knife sturdy. The lack of variety in the blade might be the only disadvantage of the single blade pocket knife.

Multi-blade pocket knives enable you to have the benefits of different style blades all tucked in to. You can have anywhere from two to four blades that can range in variety from traditional blades to drop point blades. This style knife is good for those people who wish to have options. The one difference between a single blade and multi-blade knife besides the obvious is the strength of the blades. Multi-blade knives tend not to be as durable as one blade knives.

A multi-tool knife, also known to many as the Swiss Army Knife, is a pocket knife with several different knife blades as well as a multitude of different tools. If you may need it the multi-tool knife has it. They can come equipped with small saws, tweezers, tooth picks, can openers, scissors, wine openers, nail files and magnifying glasses. It is originally a knife that was carried by soldiers in the field as they needed a tool that could perform more than one task like the single blade knife. Many people who consider themselves jacks of all trades carry a multi-tool knife in their pocket. It is a tool that can be carried when you aren't sure what you are going to need.

In our next installment on pocket knives we will look deeper into the different types of edges that pocket knife blades can come with. We will look into the different size blades that are available as well. There is so much to the pocket knife. It is amazing that something so small can have such a rich history as well as such variety.
KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in pocket knives from top brands such as Case, Boker, Cold Steel, Ka-bar and more. For more information on brand name knives, cutlery and specialty gear visit https://www.knifemule.com.

Camping In Minimalist Form

I love camping as it allows us to get away from all the things that keep us in our materialistic lifestyles. The problem is that those materialistic things are marketed to us, the minimalists. Think about the last time you have gone camping and actually roughed it? That is what I thought, NEVER! Fact is most of us go camping and end up lugging all the "necessities" with us. We end up setting in the great outdoors surrounded by all of the luxuries we were hoping to escape. The truth is when it comes to the minimalist camping lifestyle allow yourself space to explore what it is like to go without. Prove to campers that over-packing is over rated and with the great outdoors being a minimalist is the only way to explore nature.

First things first, it is important that you remember camping is all about roughing it. When exploring the great outdoors consider adapting what nature offers to you and make so with it. The comforts of home are increasingly cumbersome when it comes to exploring nature. Don't become the camper only interested in the latest gear. Be the camper that doesn't get overwhelmed when they walk in to the camping retailer outlets. When camping camp with minimalistic expectations. Minimalist never consider walking around with more than they absolutely need. Extra gear to a camper who is truly in it for the experience is just clutter and waste.

Being a minimalist camper allot yourself a ten pound bag. More than that is an overkill. Your bag should only carry the bare minimum that is needed for you to be comfortable. In it pack clothing, extra shoes, bathing needs and anything you absolutely require. The basic rule in minimalist camping is that if you can't pack it up in five minutes and carry it more than five minutes without wanting to set it down you have packed too much and you must lighten your load.

The next thing you need to consider is what you will need to survive comfortably at a campsite. Remember you need to keep in mind what you are able to carry in. As far as sleeping accommodations consider the size of the tent that you absolutely need. Only take what you need to sleep comfortably. You don't need space for living and eating etc. As well as a tent to support the number of people sleeping you may also want to consider bringing a tarp along for incidentals. Keeping supplies dry is as important as keeping yourself dry.

When it comes to sleeping you will need one sleeping bag per person. If you are considering packing only a lightweight sleeping bag make sure that you have packed layers for sleeping clothing. Speaking of clothing, consider the fact that camping is about the experience and not what you are wearing. Consider wearing the same outfit more than once. When utilizing this technique it is important to use deodorant as well as layers of clothing to change as the temperatures change. Underwear can be reused with a quick cleansing using the soap and water or a river and they can dry in the sun.

Cooking and finding food is a bit more complex with minimalist camping. One small stove burner, propane and pan is really all you need to survive in the great outdoors. This along with a survival knife, some paracord and fire starter will prepare one heck of a meal. Consider packing some dry food goods as well as some cans of food, this along with the food that you hunt or fish for is the perfect combination for camping.

It is amazing what you don't need when you camp. Camping is all about the experience and enjoying everything nature has to offer. It is important that you realize that survivalists have lived years without the conveniences that we now enjoy. Consider the minimalist approach on your next camping trip.
KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in outdoor survival gear including paracord, fixed blade knives, water purification and waterproof matches. For more information on brand name knives, cutlery and specialty gear visithttps://www.knifemule.com

Necessities To Help Survive The Great Outdoors

When it comes to surviving in the wilderness there are a few essential items that you must carry with you.  Whether you are planning a day hike or an overnight excursion, mishaps occur.  This list of supplies will help to ensure that you are never without the necessities that will make it possible to survive until you can get where you need to be or can be rescued safely.

It is important no matter how long or short your intended adventure you take along a carry all such as a backpack.  The pack will allow you to safely store the necessities.  Let’s face the facts; carrying everything you need in your hands and pockets is just not feasible.  A pack will allow you to carry in the necessities as well as provide storage for items you may find along the way.

The first item to put into the pack is a knife.  A knife has so many different uses from general everyday camp activities to finding food in a survival situation.  A pocket knife along with a fixed blade survival knife is your best options.  Sheaths for carrying knives around your leg or waist are available and will free up space in your pack.  A knife increases your chance of survival ten-fold. They are useful in cutting rope, creating weapons, building shelter, creating fire starter and so much more; all that assist in your survival if the need arises.  

Paracord is also important to bring with you on all outdoor adventures.  Paracord bracelets have become a popular option to carry and are readily available for purchase online at knife outlets and survival websites.  550 paracord bracelets are lightweight and take up little space.  You can wear one on your wrist as well as add one to your camp pack.  They can be used to make emergency shelter, splints for injured bones, fishing line, and help with securing food out of the reach of wildlife as well as trapping. 

When it comes to camping a water canteen and purification tabs are absolutely needed.  When you go without water you dehydrate.  If you dehydrate you will die.  Enough said.  Water is a must and finding clean water in the wilderness or a way to purify water by boiling it is pretty impossible.  A water canteen will give you a place to store water that is purified using purification tabs or a purification filter.

Signaling tools are also important to carry in your pack.  A flashlight with a solar power charger is important as well as emergency whistles and waterproof matches.  A fire can provide a signal to those trying to find you as well as heat and an area to cook fish or wildlife that is caught.

A compass, tarp and first aid kit are all important pieces to add to your backpack before you leave on any adventure.  Make sure you are familiar with the basics in using a compass as well as basic first aid.  A tarp is important to provide shelter from the elements.

Last but not least, something that can’t be carried in your pack, bring along a friend.  If this is not possible and a solo adventure is planned leave behind a detailed plan of your endeavor just in case you don’t arrive home when you are expected.  A detailed plan will give rescuers an estimate on where to begin searching for you.  When minutes can mean the difference between life and death it is important that people start looking in the right direction from the start.
KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in outdoor survival gear including paracord, fixed blade knives, water purification and waterproof matches.  For more information on brand name knives, cutlery and specialty gear visit https://www.knifemule.com.