CRKT Lil’ Guppie

Sorry its been so long since my last post. I have been going thru some major life changes and have been busy.

I recently purchased a new toy, and boy is it pretty fucking cool. Its called the Lil’ Guppie and is produced by Columbia River Knife & Tool. I recently bought my first CRKT product and I can tell you that it was not gonna be my last, I plan on buying a lot more of their great products. If you want a little background on CRKT then read my previous post on the RSK MK5.

The Lil’ Guppie is part of CRKT I.D. Works tools product line. The product line is motivated by design that is inspired and functional, CRKT’s vision is that of painter Leonardo Di Vinci who said “Observe Everything in Nature”, great man, great quote but that’s the last thing I am thinking of when I am skinning a dear, or fixing my motorcycle(Just kidding). CRKT is going for products that are ergonomic and organic shapes that are sometimes whimsical but always useful. CRKT’s I.D. Works designs are nothing like the traditional Leatherman tools, their tools are ready to go right out of the sheath or pocket. Just a flick of the finger and the blade is ready to slice and dice, or the pliers are ready to pull and pry.

The Lil’ Guppie was designed by Launce Barber & Tom Stokes, who also invented its bigger brother the Guppie. There is a few different versions of the Guppie, they come in different colors and also with different tool line up. Currently the one I have is the all black version with the standard vise grip, bottle opener, flat head screw driver, and Phillips head screw driver, and a 1in blade, and of course the carabiner that it is the base frame of the Guppie. The Lil Guppie is 3in long and only 1.9oz so you will hardly notice it when in your pocket or hooked to a belt loop or backpack/bag.

The adjustable wrench opens up to about 10mm for light repair and assembly, along with small jobs such as building model cars or Lego’s. The small carbon blade really does come razor-sharp right out of the box and it can be convinently opened with one had using the small blade slot at the top. The tail end of the Guppie flipper is where the flat head screw driver is located which comes in handy for many small screws that plague our everyday lives. The clip on the little Guppie can be used to attach to your pants or backpack but it can also be used as a nifty little money clip.

I really enjoy this little tool, I keep it hooked to my backpack so that I have it near me whenever I go out hiking, riding my motorcycle, to work, etc. I also get a lot of comments on how cool of a little tool it is. I recommend it to everyone who is looking to buy a carabiner for your keys or to clip to your backpack/bag to hold different items for you, remember that this is not a load bearing carabiner so it cannot be used to climb with or for any type of substantial amount of weight. Why buy a plain old normal carabiner when you can purchase one with a knife and a bottle opener, right?? Lets get drunk and then be armed(lol). After purchasing the Lil’ Guppie I defiantly plan on buying its bigger brother the Guppie, so I can attach it to my backpack. If you have any questions regarding this post please don’t hesitate to leave a comment with your question or comment.

Thank you for reading and go out and buy one NOW!!!

Columbia River Knife & Tool Ritter RSK Mk5

Hey ya’ll blade fanatic’s,

Move over Kershaw, Gerber, there is a new kid on the block and he is one badass SOB. Well CRKT is not too new but compared to some of the big name brands they are the wild and crazy teenager. They make all types of different knifes and tools, ranging from small 2 inch neck knife Ritter RSK that this blog will review to the 13 inch tactical sword, the Hisshou, which is a totally badass sword specifically designed for our men who operate in the shadows and need something that can kill quietly and efficiently. They also make many different incredible tools that range from you basic field utensils such as the Eat N Tool which looks like a spork on steriods, that has a fork, spoon, bottle opener, 3 hex wrenches, and a carabiner, to a multi-tool that has 10 different tools all in one.

Columbia River Knife & Tool or otherwise known as CRKT was found in 1994 in Tualatin Oregon by Rod Bremer to bring the end user the best quality products and most innovative tools and knives on the market at an affordable price. Personally I love CRKT’s products and plan on purchasing there products as much as possible.

The Ritter RSK is a little tiny thing that comes with an Altoids looking tin box to carry it in. The Ritter RSK is made out of 3Cr13 Stainless steel and its only 3.81 inches long and weighs less then an ounce with and comes with a stone wash finish to prevent corrosion, and it comes with a fitted kydex sheath that makes it the perfect for a neck knife or for a women to carry on her key chain or attached to her purse for easy access. The knife comes sharp right out of the box so be careful don’t underestimate it due to its size.  I think it would be great for a survival kit because of its size and weight, one of the most important things when putting together a survival kit is to find items that are small and light but still a quality product that will be there when you need it the most. The ergonomic skeleton grip is perfect for a two finger grip to make fuzz sticks, gut a fish, or dress game, wrap some para-cord around it to improve the grip and give it more real estate to hold on to. In my opinion this is a great little knife, but you have to remember that this is only $20.00 and is less then 4 inches in total length. It is a small knife but a quality product that is less then an ounce.

I hope this post gives you a good idea about what you are getting when you purchase Ithis product. I have read negative reviews online with one person stating that the knife is small and doesn’t weigh anything, well duh thats what the description says. I love it when people don’t read the description and when they pay only a few dollars for a product and then get angry when they didn’t get a 7 inch fighting knife made our of 1095 Cro-Van Stainless steel with powder coated finish. Anyways thats my rant for the day. Thanks for listening. Please don’t forget to leave any comments or questions in the comment section and also don’t forget to click on the “follow” button so you don’t miss out on any great posts.

Thanks

nw Tactical

Gerber Skeleton Frame Knive’s – Bare Essentials

What’s up Steel Junkies,

It’s been a while since I have reviewed a new product, I only want to review products that I actually put to the test for you so you are getting a real honest review. So today we are going to go back to the basics and review two different blades from Gerber. We are gonna be learning about the Gerber Paraframe I Stainless Steel Serrated knife, and the Gerber RipStop Stainless Steel Straight Edge. These two blades are some of Gerber’s more affordable knives. I purchased both these at Target. The Paraframe I was roughly $30.00 and the RipStop I was about $15.00. First lets learn a little bit about the history of Gerber.

History of Gerber:

Gerber was founded in 1939 by a gentleman named Joseph R. Gerber in Portland Oregon. Gotta love that this is a good old North West company. It started out as a small batch of handmade cutlery sets that were given as holiday gifts. It quickly turned into thousands of retail accounts around the country. Gerber makes different knives for different purposes.

Military:

They specialize in Military were every design is based on direct feedback from members of our Armed Forces. Iconic knives such as Mark I, Mark II, and the Guardian series are some of the inspirations for Gerbers Military knife lines. Some of the innovative products that they have developed for the Military is the Cable Dawg, LMF II and the De Facto which serve alongside the standard issue Gerbers such as MP600 and the Gerber Strap Cutter.

Hunting:

From the smallest game to the epic trophy, Gerber equips the great predator on earth The Hunter. They focus on making their blades evenly balanced and tough as nails, they focus on making specific gear with long lasting blades, tactile handles and all weather sheaths. Their most famous hunting knife is the Gator which has paved the way for some of todays most innovative blades on the market.

Survival:

Some men enjoy hunting in the great outdoors and some men just enjoy being in the great outdoors. For the men that enjoy nature for what it is they have created the Bear Grylis line of knives. They specialize in knives for the first timer boy scout on their first trip to the seasoned adventurer exploring some of the highest mountains in the world.

Tactical:

Gerber created the Tactical line to service the men and women who protect us on the home front from Police officers, to firefighters, to EMTs. One staple of that line is the Covert series which was developed in conjunction with one of the greatest close quarters combat and fighting instructors Colonel Rex Applegate.

Outdoor:

Gerber takes being outdoors to the next step and they do not generalize they specialize by making knives that are specific to all activities, Their Outdoor line specializes in Hiking, Camping. Be the man who is prepared for everything with E-Z Out Rescue, and don’t forget the new Steady blade which are breaking ground in the industry and challenging the status quo on what tools can do.

Essentials:

Next they have what they call the Essentials. Gerber Essentials are the tools and knives that get us out of unexpected jams every single day. They are the pocket tools, multi-pliers and everyday carry. One of their top sellers is the Compact Sport MP400 and the Gerber LST, they both utilize their famous one handed open and close technology.

Industrial:

Last but not least is the Industrial line. We cannot forget the men and women who build out countries infrastructure. They are constructed with advanced materials, both lightweight and indestructable, every tool is designed for all-day efficiency and durability. One of the top sellers is the Gerber Legend and the Gerber Groundbreaker.

Over the last 70 plus years Gerber has taken your grandpa’s wooden handle folder blade and took it to the next level.

Now lets get back to business and review the Paraframe I. The Paraframe I  has eight different knives in the series. I carry the serrated for those extra tough cutting jobs. The Paraframe I is based on a minimal frame lock design. It is wonderfully simple, open frame(skeleton) knife with a serrated locking blade that is super lightweight, it cleans easily and opens effortlessly. The Paraframe is built with a smooth stainless steel handle and a pocket clip to secure the blade to your pocket. The knife has an overall length of 7.01 inches with a blade length of 3.01 inches. Closed it is only 4.11″ with a total weight of 2.6 oz. The blade of the knife is a Clip Point that is made of High Carbon Stainless Steel. The Paraframe is a great everyday folder. I personally used it as my EDC for about two years and didn’t have to sharpen it once. It could have used one but it was not necessary. I mostly used it for cutting boxes, rope, paper, and fabric and anything else that came across the blade, it made quick work of everything I put to the test. For the price it is a great knife, and I really like the skeleton handle. It was the first knife I owned that was this style and I was a little concerned about the lack of grip but I didn’t have any problems. After owning the knife for 4 years and it being my EDC for 2 straight years the knife has no blade play at all. It is as tight today as it was the first day I took it out of the package which is pretty amazing for a $30.00 knife.

Next up we are gonna be reviewing the Gerber RipStop I, the blade I own has a fine straight edge with a Clip Point tip. Gerber built these knives for the non-conformist in you. The RipStop I is super lightweight from lock concept that delivers bold strength and high functionality. The weight of the all Stainless Steel blade that is only 5.75″ in overall length, with a blade length of 2.3″ and when closed it is only 3.4″ is only 2 oz because of the intriguing handle and blade design. All bulk has been stripped off this streamlined race car of a blade. The RipStop has dual thumb studs that make opening the blade a snap for either left or right handers, and closing it is just as simple one handed. I have really enjoyed owning this knife. I bought it only a few months after I purchased the Paraframe because of the skeleton style handle like the Paraframe. I actually carried both blades most of the time, I would carry the larger Paraframe in my back pocket and the smaller RipStop in the front pocket. Sometimes you just didn’t need a 4 inch blade to do the work a 2 in blade could just as easy. It is also not as threatening when whipping it out at work and cutting open a box especially when you work with all women, or when they ask to use something to open a box or package. I could hand them the smaller of the two blades and they don’t look at me like I am some blade freak for having a huge pocket knife even though secretly I am. bwahahahaha(that was supposed to be my evil genius laugh). Once again this knife has cut everything I asked it to but unfortunately it dulled rather fast on me and after years of abuse the blade has quite a bit of play on it. It wiggles back and forth and side to side, and with the design you cannot tighten it without specialized tools. For $15.00 the blade is a good buy and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a small pocket knife for light duty jobs. I recommend this knife for any women who want a small knife they can carry in their purse without adding much weight at all.

So today we reviewed two different Gerber knives, the RipStop I, and the Paraframe I. Both are lightweight and stainless steel blades that I would recommend to anyone who needs a lightweight durable knife for light duty jobs. I hope this review will help you in deciding if one of these knives is right for you. If you have any questions or comments please leave them in the comments section and I will answer them. Also don’t forget to click on the follow link so you don’t miss out on any updates.

Thanks for reading and keep buying those blades, in my opinion you can never own enough. Blade Junkie for life.

nw Tacitacl

Survival Tips – Backpacking/Hiking/Camping Kit

Aloha,

Since my last post was on first aid kits I am gonna keep with the general theme. I will be covering what you should pack in a kit for either hiking, backpacking, camping, or hunting. Remember that you should always modify your kit depending on your particular traveling conditions, size of the group, and season and duration of travel. Alright lets begin with the basics of every kit

• Knife (all-in-one tool) I recommend that you carry a Leatherman. One of the basic Leatherman knifes will suffice but I would recommend spending the extra money and getting one of the top of the line ones with all the different tools. They are extremely durable and handy. My family bought one for my Marine brother-in-law and he said it was the most important tool he had in the sand box. He couldn’t thank us enough and said that the tool was passed around his entire platoon.
• Ka-Bar Utility/Fighting Knife or SOG SEAL Pup. These are not required but I highly recommend them. In my honest opinion I think they are the top two knife’s on the market. The Ka-Bar is strong and durable, and the SOG is light and can be used for many different tasks. ( I recommend reading my previous posts on the Ka-Bar and SOG to learn more.)
• ESEE Candiru Blade – This little knife is one badass MOFO. It will make any task that much easier. I also recommend you reading my previous blog post on this. You do not need to carry all of these because that would take up to much room and add to much weight but they will be great additions to any pack and in my opinion you can never have enough knives when out in the wilderness.

• Wire Saw
• Lighter/stainless steel matches
• Candle

• Magnesium block & Striker
• Magnifying Glass
• Signaling Mirror
• Water Purification System
• 2 Percent Tincture of Iodine
• Water Containers
• Pots/Containers for Cooking
• Tarp
• Tent

• Para-Cord 100 feet ( I recommend reading my previous blog post on Para-cord)
• Colored tape
• Needle and Thread

• Pealess Whistle
• Flashlight
• Compass and/or GPS
• Mirror and Reflective Red Square incase your electronics fail and you need to signal for help manuelly
• Spare Batteries
• Maps
• High-Energy Foods (Granola, Hard Candies, Etc)
• Powdered Drink Mixes, including one with Caffeine
• Padlocks – To Secure Gear, if necessary

• Head Lamp
• Ace Bandages
• Antifungal Foot Cream
• Duct Tape (If you can duct if F*@k It)
• Sports Drink Powder for Rehydrating (Especially for Combatting Diarrhea)
• Waist Bag (Front Accessible)
• Antibacterial Liquid

• Silica Gel
• Hand Wipes
• First Aid Kit ( Please see previous post to get a good idea of what you should include)
• Insurance Documents, Money Belt
• Books To Read
• Playing Cards

The next set of items are not required but are recommended when traveling in a Temperate Forest:

• Bear Spray: Bear Spray is a stronger form of Pepper Spray
• Fishhooks and Line

• Thin Wire For Snares
• Solid Containers for Sealing Food

• Bear Bell
• antivenom Serum

Next set of items are recommended if traveling in a Rain Forest:

• Over-The-Counter Treatment for Diarrhea
• Antihistamine Treatment for Allergic Reactions

• Epinephrine Auto-Injector Pen; Injection counter severe allergic reactions to stings and bites
• Cream and Shampoo to repel insects and treating head lice
• antivenom Serum and Elastic Bandages for snakebite management
• Lidocaine Hydrochloride (relief for excruciating stings from conga ants, caterpillars, stingrays)
• Sunscreen
• Oral Rehydration Salts
• Insect Repellent (Deet)

 

• Mosquito Netting
• Hammock
• Fishhooks and Line

 

The next set of items are recommended when traveling to the Desert:

• Extra Water, Easily carried
• Small Stove w/ Fuel Canister
• Oral Rehydration Salts
• Sunglasses
• Lip Balm
• Sunscreen

The next set of items are recommended when traveling in the Mountains:

• Small Stove w/ Plenty of Bottled Fuel

• Sunglasses
• Avalanche Transceiver

 

• Crampons
• Ice Ax
• Avalanche Probe
• Bear Bell
• antivenom Serum

 

The next set of items on the list are recommended for traveling in Cold Regions:

• Small Stove w/ Fuel Canister
• Sleeping Pad (also make sure that your sleeping bag is rated for the correct temperature. IE -0 degrees or -5 degrees)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Cross Country Skis or Snowshoes



• Snow Saw or Shovel
• Vitamins

Last but not least this set of items are recommended for travel on Water:

• Fishhooks and Line



• Signal Flares, Whistle
• VHF Radio, EPIRB
• 2 Solar Stills, Containers to Catch Rain



• Life Raft Repair Kit

All these items are not required but highly recommended that you carry with you when you travel. You can also add or subtract any items that you think you will or will not need. Also remember to adjust the amount of items you bring depending on the size of your party, that will be one of the most important things to remember. I didn’t add this to the list but I recommend carry some sort of weapon strictly for protection. I recommended two different knives that are great for many different tasks but they both are also great and protecting you and your loved ones. The Ka-Bar is extremely sharp and has a 7 in long blade that will cut through most any animal, the name means to Kill a Bear. Also the SOG SEAL Pup is probably one of my favorite knives on the market right now, it is relatively affordable at only $50.00. The SOG comes crazy sharp and can be used for a dizzying number of tasks and the shape of the blade is designed for maximum damage when thrust into soft tissue. The shape of the blade was actually designed by a super secret group of soldiers in the Vietnam War. If possible I honestly recommend carry a gun of some sort. You can easily pack a hand gun in your backpack or carry on your waist, or if you don’t mind carrying something bigger a shotgun would be the ideal weapon to carry. It is not necessary to carry and weapon and if you do not feel comfortable carry then I recommend that you do not but if you do not mind and are comfortable using a gun then definitely bring one with you. I hope this list comes in handy for anyone who is planning a trip soon. Please leave any comments or questions below and don’t forget to click on the follow button at the bottom of the screen so you don’t miss out on any nwtactical blog posts.

Thank you for reading!!!

Survival Tip – Basic Survival Kits

Howdy NW Tactical Family,

Today will be talking about basic survival kits. You should always have a survival kit ready to go in a closet and also if possibly one in each car you own.

There is no such thing as the perfect survival kit. The right kit will vary depending on the nature of the trip or disaster. In general, it should be simple, small, affordable, functional, and waterproof. Most of all, in the hands of someone lost in the wild, it should be as familiar as a razor or a toothbrush. Any kit prepared for use in an emergency should be field tested before it’s needed. A wire saw for cutting limbs should be field tested in your backyard, a magnesium rod should be sparked in your fireplace or on a routine camping trip even if you have plenty of matches around. Having a kit but never using it until “do or die” day is like jumping on skis for the first time and heading to a black-diamond slope(which in my case I have actually done, but not on purpose. My friends took me on a double black-diamond on my first snowboarding trip. Lets just say I ended up walking down 3/4 of the mountain do to a gear malfuntion).

Items that can serve a multitude of uses are most desirable because they conserve space and weight. Remember those two commodities are very important especially weight. You do not want to hauling around a ton of weight if you are lost and weak. The boy scouts red scarf is a great example. It can be drawn across surfaces to collect dew for drinking, soaked in a stream to cool the head, knotted to make an arm sling or ankle brace, or used as a signal flag. Also like my previous post, paracord has many different uses such as snare to catch wild animals for food, it can be used as shoe laces, it can be used to tie up food high in a tree to keep away from bears, you can pitch a tent with it, it can be used a turniquit. Items such as these are very important and take the time to figure out things that can be used for multiple purpose. Elastic Bandages can be used in splints and as part of the treatment for snakebite. A shiny space blanket can be used for creating an emergency shelter, signaling to a seach-and-rescue team, or melting snow and ice to make drinking water. Get creative and have some fun.

Crucial items such as a stout knife(read some of my earlier blog post to find a good knife for you, all the ones I have done are great for survival purposes so choose the one that you like best and fits your needs), a compass, and a whistle to attract attention should be tied to paracord and hung around your neck, or you can contact me and I will be more then happy to make you a paracord braclet that has a whistle that is part of the clasp. Its a two in one item that takes up no room in your kit and weighs next to nothing. If you are in survival situation, water and shelter likely will be your greatest needs. A kit that includes the means to purify water and provide for an emergency shelter is invaluable. Some things that you should keep in your kit are…

• First aid items, I recommend buying a simple first aid kit that comes in a small case for car kits and a bigger one for home kits
• Water purification tablets or drops such as iodine. You can also have a purification system but those are kinda bulky and space is your best friend.
• Fire-Starting equipment, magnesium rod will be the best since it will work even if wet, metal matches or wood matches, zippo lighter
• Signaling items, such as a small hand mirror, flare gun, or a folding red panel.
• shelter items, such as a tent, or hammock, or even as simple as a canvas blanket that can be drapped over some paracord to create a tent when tied down
• knife – i recommend having two knives. You will want a small knife like the ESEE Candiru for everyday tasks and simple slicing or cutting and also a survival knife such as the SOG SEAL Pup for protection or bigger tasks also the SOG SEAL Pup is extremely light and remember weight is your enemy so the lighter the better.
• Needle and thread, paracord has 7 threads inside the outer sheath that will double as thread and fishing wire
• Wrist compass
• Fish and snare lines are good to have since they are specific for that purpose but paracord can be used and will save room. I would recommend to just use paracord
• fish hooks or if you do not have them you can use a paperclip or a safety pin.
• Candle
• small hand lens
• solar blanket
• surgical blades
• water bladder or plastic bottles. Water bladders are recommended cause when empty they take up virtually no room and weigh next to nothing. Be careful not to puncture the bladder cause it will be a major lifeline.
• High calorie and protein foods such as powerbars and granola. Non-perishable items
• flashlight, hand crank radio
• glow sticks
• sleeping bag
• hand warmers, they don’t seem important but a little warmth will go a long ways in lifting your spirits and keeping you going
• Utility tools, one of those leatherman 16 in 1 tools
• waterproof folding poncho
• duct tape
• note pad and pencil
• hygeine supplies such as a bar of soap and deoderant
• Playing cards. This doesn’t seem like it will save your life but it will save your sanity. Small games go a long ways to keeping you alert and your spirits up.
• Batteries, make sure to have a few of every kind. Do not bring items that rely solely on batteries but if you do have something in the kit that requires them make sure to have backups. A good rule of thumb is to bring electronics that can be hand cranked or solar powered.
• my favorite Para-Cord atleast 50 feet, i recommend a 100 feet though.

Also I personally recommend to have a weapon of some sort available to use incase you need to protect you and your family or to hunt for food. If it is a car kit make sure you carry weapons that are legel(read your local laws regarding weapons). In a car kit have a survival/tactical knife or a gun that is safely secured in your vehicle. If you do decide to have a weapon in your vehicle spend the extra money to have it safely secured somewhere that you are the only one who knows where it is and make sure that it is locked and out of sight and reach of children. I also recommend have a weapon at home, which is a personal opinion and I understand if you do not feel comfortable having firearms in your home especially if you have children. You should always have your weapons in a safe that is locked at all times. You can also have bow and arrows or blow guns which are great weapons when used correctly but make sure to practice. Also bow and arrows can last longer then firearms and are easier to make ammo for then a gun. You can make an arrow out of sticks and you can buy arrow tips for really cheap.

You do not need every single item I listed above but make sure to have most of them. If its a car kit then you can pair down to the essentials. If it is a home kit then have as much stuff as possible and remember to have plenty of clean drinking water. It is recommended to have one gallon per person a day. So plan accordingly and have about a weeks supply of fresh water, and canned non-perishable foods that are high in calories and protein. All the items should be put in a bag or backpack of some kind, even if its a home kit just incase you need to leave the safety of your home. All bags and backpacks should be easy to carry and most important be waterproof and fire resistant if possible.

So in conclusion remember light and small is better, and do not have items that do the same function. If you have paracord then do not bring rope, if you have metal matches do not bring wood matches, and most of all when you are putting the kit together get creative and have some fun. Even though you will use this kit when the shit hits the fan doesn’t mean you can’t have fun putting it together, and if you have a family make sure everyone is involved in putting it together and testing the equipment so that they will know how to use it incase you are not there to do it for them. Also last but defiinitely not least make sure to have a list of everything that is in the bag/kit incase you don’t use it for a long time. Also try not to borrow things out of the kit, because most of the time it doesn’t get replaced and you will be kicking yourself when push comes to shove and you don’t have something that you need.

Thanks again for joining me, please leave comments, or if you like this please share using the buttons below. Also make sure to click on the follow button so you don’t miss out on great survival/tactical tips and reviews on gear.

Para-Cord is amazingly versatile and could save your life!!!

Welcome back to nwtactical,

Today I am gonna review a product called Para-cord. There are a lot of people out there familiar with this product but there is also way to many people who have never heard of it. I personally love Para-cord for many reasons. Today most people know of Para-cord because of the new fad that is sweeping the nation, Para-cord bracelets. Para-cord comes in every colors imaginable. I personally think the bracelets are a good idea, they look cool and honestly and if you are in a pinch they can be used to save your hid in many situations. One of my favorite uses for Para-cord is wrapping my skeleton knife handles to give them better grip and make them a little more comfortable to hold. See my previous post on ESEE Candiru knife to see how I wrapped the handle using Para-cord.

Here is a little information and history lesson on Para-cord. Para-cord is a lightweight braided nylon sheath with anywhere between 3-7 fine nylon yarns on the inside. The all nylon construction of Para-cord makes it fairly elastic. The most popular and used Para-cord is called 550 cord or Para-cord 550, 550 cord has a minimum tensile strength of 550 lbs and is required to have 7 inner nylon strands. There is other versions of this product with less inner strands and a lower minimum tensile strength but I do not recommend purchasing it, it is the same price but not nearly as strong. So buy the better, stronger cord, trust me you will thank me when push comes to shove and you need it for one reason or another. Alright now here comes the history lesson. 550 cord was first introduced during WWII, the 82nd Airborne and many other Para-Troopers used this cord as Para-shoot cord, hence the word Para-cord. Once in the field Para-Troopers found this cord to be very useful. The Para-Troopers used it as dummy cord to tie their gear to ones person such as cooking pans, canteens, and also turning it into a sling for their M16, or tying rucksacks to vehicles, and securing camouflage nets to trees and vehicles. They would also use them as backup shoe laces, and hey would even gut the cord and use the finer cord as sewing thread to mend torn/ripped gear.

Today 550 cord is available to civilians and is used for almost everything. Like mentioned above the most popular use of 550 cord is to make bracelets. The cord comes in hundreds of different colors so you can pretty much make one to match any outfit you wear. It is also hugely popular in the tactical/survivalist community. Survivalist see this as a survival bracelet and it can be used if you are stranded in the middle of nowhere without many supplies. In a survival situation you can use the cord to pitch a tent, use the inner guts as fishing wire, or as a snare to nab you some dinner. It can also be used in emergency situations to assist in water rescue, or use it as a tourniquet. You can also fashion it into rope to climb up mountains or to lower yourself off cliffs. It is not just used as a fashion statement or survival equipment, it can be used to thread musically instruments such as xylophone, marimba, vibraphone. Some of my favorite uses for Para-cord is of course as a survival bracelet, dog collars/leashes, lanyards, and using on my skeleton handle knives.

I have read online a few stories where these bracelets have come in handy when you least expect it. In one story I read a man was working on his roof when his latter fell down and he was trapped. With no one around in shouting distance he decided to use his Para-Cord bracelet as rope. He nailed one end to his roof and used it to lower himself down safely from his two story roof. Another story I read about was a women who got her vehicle stuck in snow and instead of paying hundreds of dollars to get a tow truck she called a friend that owned a truck and used her Para-cord bracelet to attach to the truck and tow herself out. Another one I read was about some young men who where out 4×4 and the steering arms snapped from the axle bracket on their Jeep. They used their Para-cord bracelets to tie the steering arms back to the axel bracket and it work sufficient enough to get them back home without having to tow it for hundreds of dollars. These are just a few instances where the bracelet came in handy, these people never saw these situations coming but being prepared and it saved either their lives or saved them hundreds of dollars.

So in conclusion Para-cord is a complex piece of equipment that can be used for many different applications then just a fashion statement. I highly recommend everyone to keep at least 25ft of cord in theier vehicle, homes and defiantly in your bug-out bag. Also get created and have some fun with it, make a belt for your brother, or a new matching dog collar and leash for fido, use it as a fun craft for the kids to make friendship bracelets for their friends.

If you have an interesting story about how Para-cord saved your butt please write about it in the comments section. I would love to hear them and so would my readers.

Thanks again for joining me and don’t forget to leave a comment and become a follower and don’t miss out a review. If you want a bracelet, or dog collar, or leash, or lanyard leave a message in the comment section and I will be more then happy to make one for you in your choice of color. Also stay tuned for more reviews.

Smith’s SK2 2-Stone Sharpening Kit

Howdy Y’All,

The Smith’s SK2 2-Stone Sharpening Kit is a great beginners sharpening kit. This kit would also work great for a season knife sharpener too. When I first ordered this kit I was terrified I was gonna ruin a couple blades before I figured it out but to my surprise the kit has all the tools and instruction for a beginner to make any blade you own razor sharp without grinding the blade flat. It is a four piece kit that comes with a 5″ Medium Stone, 4″ Fine Arkansas Wet Stone, Premium Honing Solution, Sharpening Angle Guide. All the piecing are made of high quality materials perfect to get any blade hair splitting sharp. Smith’s has been in the knife/tool sharpening game for over 100 years! They offer a full line of easy to use sharpeners, the different ones they offer are Diamonds, Ceramics, Bonded and Abrasives, and Carbides. Not only are there products top of the line but they also have the lowest prices.

Now lets talk about the different pieces that come in the kit. First off it has a 5″ Medium Stone that comes on a plastic base that features a built-in stone storage for the Arkansas stone on the bottom. The Medium Stone quickly sets the edge on the knife or tool and starts the sharpening process. This stone will last a lifetime of sharpening if taken care of properly. One review I read on Amazon was by a guy who bought the Smith’s kit in the 80’s and is still using it today. Wow!!! Now that is how products are supposed to be made. This was the stone that I was worried about using the most cause I was afraid that I was gonna have a flat dull blade after a few strokes, but to my surprise that wasn’t the case.

Next up we have the 4″ Fine Arkansas Stone. The marbling on the stone looks awesome. The Arkansas Wet Stone is a fine stone that you use after the Medium Stone that will polish your knife/tools as it brings your blade to a razor sharp edge. The Medium stone with the base has a great storage spot for the Fine stone on the bottom of the base. It has two rotating arms to lock the stone in place. What a great idea, makes storage easier and traveling easy too. The less pieces to pack the better in my opinion.

Next the kit comes with a Premium Honing Solution that Smith’s says to rub on the sharpening stones before each use, and once your finished just rinse it off. The Honing Solution is a pink liquid that is non-petroleum formula that assists in a smooth grind while cleansing the stone and also has a rust inhibitor in it to help keep your blade rust free, which is important if you use your knives in a wet/moist environment.

Last but definitely not least is the most important tool in the box, its also my favorite. Like I mentioned I was terrified to get the kit but once I opened it and saw the Sharpening Angle Guide a wave of relief swept over me. This tool is amazing and I gotta give Smith’s a big time shout out for adding this to the kit. The Sharpening Angle Guide is a little yellow ramp(picture above) that assists you in making sure your sharpening at the perfect angle every time. The guide is set at 23 degree’s to give you the optimum blade edge. This tool is a must have for a beginner sharpener like

The first time I used the kit I pulled out an old straight edge Gerber RipStop knife(I will be reviewing that here pretty soon) that if it got ruined it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I definitely wasn’t gonna start on my new Ka-Bar USMC Fighting Knife that came with a super sharp edge, I would probably just have made it duller. After opening the packaging and discovering the guide I wasn’t as nervous, now I was more anxious to bring my older knives back to life. Per the instructions first you must apply a layer of the Premium Honing Solution over both stones. Then place the guide at one end of the stone and gently slide the knife across the stone using the guide to get the perfect angle. After a couple of passes on each side I switched to the Fine Arkansas stone and gave a couple more strokes and boy did it make a huge difference. Before I sharpened the blade it wouldn’t even cut paper, after I was finished the knife made quick work of a sheet of paper and turned it into confetti. After that I was sharpening anything I could get my hands on. Once finished sharpening all my knives just run the stones under some water and presto the sharpener is clean and ready for the next time. Smith also recommends that after sharpening 3-4 knives to use some gentle soap and warm water and give it a little scrub to make sure all the pores are free of metal particles that could damage the stones and shorten their life span. In my honest opinion I think every knife owner should own one of these kits to keep their weapon/tool in optimum condition. You never know when you are gonna need your knife/tool and you don’t wanna get caught with a dull blade.

Please keep an eye out for the video that will follow giving a presentation of how to use the Smith’s SK2 2-Stone Sharpening kit.

Once again thank you for visiting my blog and please leave any questions or reviews in the comments section. Also stay tuned for my next review.