Buck Knives - A Cut Above Most

Buck knives are an American tradition. Do a search on the Internet for hunting knives and Buck knives is the most common brand searched for. Buck knives are known around the world for quality, blades that hold their edge and the Buck Knives lifetime guarantee. At Buck knives they work hard to achieve their mission of building the highest quality knives and giving their customers plenty of choices in knife products. With normal use and care a Buck knife should last a lifetime.

Buck Knives were first made in 1902. Hoyt Buck found a way to temper steel so knife blades would hold their edge longer. Hoyt hit upon the idea to use worn out file blades for the blades on Buck knives. During the Second World War Hoyt made as many Buck Knives as he could as his part of the war effort. When the war ended Hoyt founded H.H. Buck & Son in San Diego, California with his oldest son, Al, in 1947. Hoyt died in 1947 and Al continued leading the company.

Today, Buck Knives are manufactured in Post Falls, Idaho. The company is headed by third and fourth generations of the family. Buck knives produces knives for many different types of users. Most people are familiar with the Buck hunting knives. There are also Buck knives for fishermen, campers, military, law enforcement as well as limited edition Buck knives for collectors. You can even have a custom made knife from Buck knives.

Buck Knives was still using old file blades to make until 1961 when the business was incorporated. Al Buck created the Buck knives Model 110 Folding Hunter lock blade knife in 1963. This knife, which is still popular today, was brought to market in 1964 and changed the knife industry. The model 110 helped move Buck knives into a prominent position in the knife world.

As stainless steel was invented it was found to have better qualities for knife blades and Buck knives started using the stainless steel for their knife blades. As knife steel evolved Buck knives kept looking for the best steels for their knife blades. Now Buck knives uses several different types of steel in their blades to give the customer the best product based on what the knife is intended for.

The heat treating process used by Buck knives today has been developed over many years. After the blade is initially shaped the steel is hardened through a heat-treating process. This process involves heating and cooling the steel in extreme temperatures. Through this process qualities are put into the steel based on what the intended performance of the knife is. This heating and cooling treatment by Buck knives results in knife blades that are ideally suited for their purpose.

Buck knives are super sharp. Using geometry, lasers and new technology Buck knives was able to change the angle of the sharpening, the length of the taper and the bevel. Automated grinding, hand edging and laser measuring is used to create a blade that is sharp out of the box, holds an edge longer and resharpens easier.

Select several handle types on Buck Knives. Just like Buck knives uses several types of steel they also use several types of materials for their knife handles. Plastics, composites, wood antler and horn are used. The wood comes from places such as Africa, South America and Hawaii. The natural horn comes from around the world, normally from naturally shed antlers.

You can see why Buck knives have and deserve the reputation for quality they have. The care and attention to detail that goes into each Buck knife is clear. They provide a lifetime warranty to Buck knife purchasers for repair, adjustment or replacement related to any defect in materials or workmanship on any Buck knives. If you bought one of their very first knives it would be over 100 years old and still under warranty.

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Grouse Shooting Things You Need to Know Before Going For the First Time

Going grouse shooting is perhaps everybody's ambition that has picked up a shotgun. Stories of fast moving birds in wide open spaces set the pulses running. As do tales of vast amounts of money being spent on large driven grouse days. There is also the fear of an accident happening to temper the excitement, so what do we need to consider before accepting an invitation or digging deep into our pockets.

Grouse shooting is incredibly exciting and as the birds can fly at a different trajectories and speeds to other types of game often coming through hugging the contours at head height it presents several problems from a safety angle. When driven shooting the guns typically stand in a line of butts that are perhaps some 30 to 60 yds apart. The beaters drive the moor towards the butts in a line. They also use flagmen on the two flanks so the whole operation is a bit like closing a net. The guns are allowed to fire forward for the entire drive until usually a horn is blown when the beaters are too close to fire forward.

The guns are then just allowed to fire behind the butts until the beaters arrive on them. It is imperative to have a discipline whilst shooting that stops you swinging through the line following a bird and shooting a fellow gun, loader or flanker. I always stand in my butt and look in front and pick out a feature in front of the butt on either side that will catch my eye that I will not swing past. I then look behind and pick out features again behind each butt that I will bring the gun back down onto. Then when you run out of time to shoot in front when your gun reaches the features lift the gun right up and then swing around still watching the bird and bring the gun down behind catch the bird up and shoot. Many moors have butt sticks to attach to your butt on either side to help prevent you swinging through if they have these do use them but do still specially orientate yourself as well.

The other area of concern can be the flagmen who act as flankers. Sometimes because of the topography they have to stand quite close to the end guns and can interfere with your field of fire. If you are near the end of the line you must concentrate and be aware of where they are standing. It is your fault if you shoot them not theirs! It is also your problem if you shoot somebody in front in the line. As drives on a grouse moor bring in such large areas the beating line is often closer at one end than the other so sometimes the horn is late. As a rule of thumb if you can make out a face on top of the body then they are too close a stray pellet in the eye does not need much velocity to do damage so if in doubt do not shoot!

Clothing is also important as grouse moors due their height can be very harsh and hostile places where the weather can change very quickly so it is important to have proper protective clothing that is warm. They are also often wet so wear wellington boots or proper walking boots and gaiters so your feet stay dry and warm. As the birds are totally wild you also need to blend in so do not wear bright clothes and wear a hat or cap to hide your head. Enjoy the time on the moor and especially all the hospitality that normally goes with it but do not drink to much alcohol as this makes mistakes more likely to happen.

If you get a chance to go walked up shooting then most of the points made above apply. However the single most important thing that many people struggle to manage through lack of fitness or concentration is to walk in line. To shoot safely in front and behind you need the guns on either side to be level with you. For them to shoot safely you need to be in line! Otherwise it is imperative not to swing through the line as discussed earlier but you do not have the luxury of everybody being stationary so it is essential to concentrate on the position of the guns on either side of you. Some walked up days can be very physical so do check on what level of personal fitness is required. Not being able to keep up is distressing, not much fun and spoils the day for everybody else.

If you get the chance to go grouse shooting do take it as nothing is as exciting and stimulating . However concentrate on being safe, dress in the correct comfortable clothing and a fantastic time is assured.

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How to Choose the Best Hunting Dog

Every hunter worth his salt is eager to find some quality hunting dogs that he can train and use in the field to improve his hunting. After the breed is decided upon, there is still much work to do if you want to find the best dog possible. Here, we will take a look at several factors you should consider when deciding which dog is the best hunting dog:

1. Age of the dog. This is an important consideration because the older the dog, the less years they can provide in the field and may be less amenable to training. On the other hand, getting a dog as a pup allows you to train the dog up, but you won't exactly know what you will get until it gets older. The selection here hinges on how much training you are willing to do and how long do you need this dog to hunt for you.

2. Breeder source. The breeder is very important to getting a quality dog. They should have a solid reputation for breeding excellent dogs. Getting a good one ensures, the dogs are taken care of and less likely to have diseases that are untreated or are possible ticking time bombs. The good breeders are also more likely to have groomed the dog in a loving environment that will help with their general disposition as opposed to less reputable ones that may create an environment that negatively impacts the dog.

3. Pedigree. You will want to know what are the bloodlines of this pet. This will help you zero in on what this dog was bred to do and how it might perform for you in the field. It also may give you some information on how best to train the dog as well.

4. Physical characteristics. This taken a look at the build and makeup of the dog as well as learning of its general health. All dogs are different, but you can generally get a good idea from certain characteristics of the dog to see how well it can potentially perform. Also, some knowledge of its medical history and health can help you decide whether this dog will be a good investment or one that could be injury prone.

5. Knowledge of its parents. Having a working knowledge of its parents mannerisms and efficiencies can help you learn more about the individual dog. The offspring tend to be very much like their parents in what they can do so knowledge of what the parents excelled and their quirks can be invaluable knowledge in training and later performance in the field.

By keeping these different factors in mind, you are far more likely to find a solid hunting dog regardless of their breed. It is important to take some time with the process to ensure you are getting a quality dog that will work well for you for many years into the future.

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Learn The Secrets Of Bow Hunting - Hit The Target

Bow hunting can be a progressive challenge for anyone who likes to go rifle hunting. Bow hunting can make you feel much more accomplished as a hunter as you're using ancient technology. Not only that using a bow can also teach you some new skills that will help when you use your rifle again. You need certain skills to get anywhere near your target even if you hire a guide. Sudden movements or even just your scent can alert your prey to your presence and they're not going to stay around for a chat! This adds a little more excitement to the hunt.

You can be successful with your bow hunting if you learn a few basic secrets:

If you are using a deer stand, you need to space out the time you use it. The more often you're out there, the more the animals will get to know that you are there. They may even get to know your routine and avoid the area altogether. It's important to get more than one stand and switch between the ones that you use.

You will need to waterproof your arrow fletches for hunting in the rain. Using hairspray will work, but make sure that it's of the unscented variety. Use three or four light coats of hairspray on the fletches, make sure you allow each coat to fully dry before adding another coat.

You will need to try to mask any human scent possible. Perform this de-scenting before you get to the stand. You will need to observe which direction the wind is blowing in. Animals can easily pick up your scent from a long way away. You don't want the wind blowing the scent in their direction. If the stand you are using is not well suited to the wind direction, then go and get to another one. Remember, animals are designed to sniff out scents and use this as part of their early warning system.

When elk and deer are out of season, you can still practice all aspects of your bow hunting skills. When out of season you must also regularly maintain and check your equipment so that you're ready for the season to start.

Both elk, and deer have a habit of cramming that last bit of feeding in before the winter hits. This extra feeding will result in more activity than usual. Watch the weather carefully for any snow or rain storms, this would cause the temperature to change. Animals notice these changes in temperature and act accordingly. If a major storm is forecast then ideally you want to hunt before or after for better results.

Cold weather will make hunting with a bow more of a challenge, in winter your draw back will be much more difficult. You will need to drop the draw weight by a few pounds if you plan hunting in really cold temperatures.

You can have a really exciting time when you go bow hunting. It's a fantastic challenge and you can really learn some great secrets that you can't when hunting in any other way [http://www.deerelkhunting.com/deerhunting/Taking-Down-Deer-in-Texas.html]. Thousands of people all across the world are hooked on bow hunting, why not join them?

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Ryobi 18v Cordless Drills Review - It's Cheap, But Effective?

Is the Ryobi 18v Cordless Drill worth the money or not? Here's a quick review of the 4 most important features to help you find out:

#1) Price

Obviously with the 18 volts you'd expect to pay a lot of money-but it's SURPRISINGLY CHEAP. It costs just $800.

Just to give a comparison...

There are tons of 18vs out there selling for $400-600 so this is a real bargain. But as you might expect it's not nearly as powerful or durable as those ones.

#2) Features

The Ryobi 18v Cordless Drill comes with 2 bits, a flashlight, and 2 battery packs... all the things you'd expect in this price range. It has a nice tray that keeps your screws while working, and it comes with some high quality driver bits as well.

#3) Batteries

The batteries do tend to go very quickly... often times in 12 months or less of using them. And remember that new batteries aren't cheap. Just make sure you get a warranty on them... some places offer 1 to 2 year warranties on the batteries which you might need.

#4) Power

Don't be fooled by the 18v... this one is more comparable to most 12 to 14vs. It does go to 1600 RPMs which is respectable... but the amount of torque is somewhat lacking for a machine of this voltage.

Conclusion

On the whole this is a good machine with decent power... but it's more for homeowners than the construction site. If you are a professional would recommend a Milwaukee or Makita. But for a homeowner the Ryobi 18v Cordless Drill is a reliable option. It's certainly not going to cut through steel or metal... but it will do the trick with most wood.

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Buck Knives and Knife Sharpeners

Buck knives are among the most popular knife brands for both hunting and kitchen cutlery. Buck knives are known for their distinctive shape. The edge of each knife is carefully researched and designed, and is made of high-quality materials that allow it to hold a super-sharp edge.

The Buck knife brand was founded by Hoyt H. Buck. A Kansas blacksmith, Buck developed a method of heat-treating steel so that it would hold an edge for much longer than ordinary tools. This tempered steel was developed to keep the farmers' tools that Hoyt worked on from breaking so easily, but it was soon adapted for use on knife blades. By 1941, Hoyt had moved to Idaho, where he began making knives using worn-out file blades as the raw material. With the entry of the United States into World War II, the government began asking for donations of fixed blade knives for the troops. When Buck learned of this, he set up shop in the basement of a church, and began manufacturing blades for the troops.

After the war, Hoyt Buck and his son Al set up shop in San Diego, beginning as H.H. Buck & Son in 1947. Until his death in 1949, Hoyt Buck personally made 25 knives per week. Handmade and more expensive than mass-produced knives, the Buck brand really took off in the 1950s, when it was first marketed through dealers.

The most popular knife, the Buck Folding Hunter Model 110, was first produced in 1963. With a four-inch blade, high-tension lock, and low-pressure release, the Buck Folding Hunter is actually one of the most popular knives ever produced. Often imitated by other manufacturers, this Buck knife was the first successful folding lock-blade knife ever. In fact, "Buck knife" is sometimes used to mean any folding lock-blade knife, though of course Buck Knife is a specific company, making many more styles than just this popular model.

1984 saw the introduction of the Buckmaster, a survival knife featuring a 7.5 inch serrated blade and hollow storage handle. This knife was made popular through the Rambo movies. In 1992, the Nighthawk fixed-blade knife was introduced, with a 6.5 inch blade and black, ergonomic handle.

With a full range of folding knives, tactical and hunting knives, and cutlery, Buck knives are available to meet any need. Today, many Buck knives are produced with licensed graphics from a wide variety of companies and organizations, making them not only practical but also collectible. All Buck knives come with a lifetime warranty and are built to withstand heavy use, even those designed as collectibles.

Buck recommends that all of their knives are sharpened with a sharpening stone. In fact, sharpening with a power grinding wheel can remove the temper from Buck blades, making the edge brittle and more likely to chip. Using such a grinder voids the Buck Knife lifetime warranty. For this reason, always use a sharpening stone on your Buck knives. Wet your diamond or natural sharpening stone before sharpening a Buck knife.

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How to Make Your Street Fighting Training More Realistic

How you train is how you will respond in a real life threatening situation but remember just because you have trained for a situation doesn't mean you're necessarily prepared for it if you're training habits are self defeating. You are also only half as good as when you are training when it comes to defending yourself in the real world. You have to make your self defense training realistic and you have to make it count. So here are some tips.

Instructors: Having a teacher who has had first hand experience with violence and understands the effects adrenaline plays on the body is who you as a student want to learn from. Individuals such as bouncers, bodyguards, military personnel and ex convicts will give you realistic tactics that will work in a full out violent attack because they themselves have experienced violence and know what works and what doesn't. The last person you want to be taught by is from an instructor who runs a strip mall martial arts dojo. They focus on technique, tournaments, and trophies, have had usually no experience with violence and just work on the basis of "guess work" theory.

Clothing: Train wearing clothing that you would normally wear while going about your everyday life. You don't have time before a street fight to take your shoes off, put on a white martial arts uniform and stretch before your enemy attacks you. Clothing will restrict your range of motion and the speed of your techniques. You should be practicing your techniques while wearing jeans, boots/shoes and a jacket on to give you a realistic feel of what it's like to fight with restrictive clothing on.

Training Environments: Train in real world environments, set up your training area as an apartment and back ally setting. Try to have objects and furniture such as bricks, bottles chairs in your environment made of plastic, foam or sponge so you don't injure your partner while using them. This way you will learn how to fight in confined areas such as inside a house, night club or back alley and use your immediate environment to take out your attacker. There are weapons always around us, if you can pick it up, use it to beat the snot out of your attacker.

Note: The issue of training in martial artists dojo's is that practitioners are used to fighting in large wide open spaces, put furniture around them and they lose focus on their attacker and begin focusing on how restrictive the areas that they are in.

Weapons Disarming Training: When training in weapons disarming train with rubber knives that have ink, food dye or lip stick on the blade, that way you will see where you were cut. Perform random attacks on your partner so they do not know what weapon you will use and when you will pull it out just like in the real world. After my students become proficient in "static" or "stationary" knife disarming techniques, I then begin using a real knife while training with them this way they mentally condition themselves not to freeze up when cold steel is presented to them.

It's a great way to mentally condition yourself so you are not afraid of knives. I highly stress that you only train this way with someone who has complete control when using a knife. This exercise is not for amateurs, for you can seriously injure or kill someone using this training method, this should only be practiced by a highly skilled instructor.

When executing gun disarming techniques use airsoft guns, this way you can see if you got shot while trying to disarm your attacker. Remember to use protective goggles and masks when training in this method. When practicing pipe, pool cue and machete disarming tactics, use pipe insulation. This will do the job. It's soft on impact. This way, you can swing the pipe insulation at full speed using your full range of motion without worrying about hurting your partner.

Weapons Training: When it comes to weapons training do not get caught up training with weapons that were used two hundred years ago. No one walks around with bo staffs, samurai swords or kama's any more. Learn how to use modern day weapons such as batons, knives, and pepper spray. Practice drawing your weapon during training sessions and pulling it out while your partner randomly attacks you. Use weapons made of rubber, foam and containers filled with water to represent pepper spray.

Crisis Rehearsal: Randomize your attacks just like in a real world situation. You must learn how to improvise to become a skilled street fighter. Your training partner should not tell you how or when the attack is going to happen. It may start off on your feet but it may end up on the ground. While on the ground your partner might pull out a needle, knife or gun. Also train against multiple attackers so you know what to do in situations such as these.

Triggering: Before executing your street fighting tactics you want to trigger your "killer instinct mindset" so you become aggressive and control fear. What you want to do is get angry before executing your tactics, this way you are angry and fear doesn't set in when you are threatened. By having a trigger image, word or a piece of music that goes off in your head and makes you angry before executing your techniques correlates a habitual response to become angry when a threat occurs and before you execute your tactics. Remember we respond just like how we train.

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Mouth Call Tips From a Turkey Hunting Expert

Turkey hunters are constantly looking for tips to improve their hunting ability and success rate. In this article I am going to give you a tip about your mouth calls and using them. I would really take this advice to heart. Once I figured this out, it saved me quite a bit of money. It also improved my hunting because I always keep good quality sounding turkey calls.

The plain truth is that it is a toss up finding a good turkey mouth call. Most of the calls out there are mass produced and usually tuned very poorly. I have pretty much quit buying the big name brand calls that you can buy at your local discount retail store. If you do want to try some of them, stick to the pro-series of the particular brand you are buying. They usually retain some of their quality and tone.

My best mouth calls have come from some of the less available brands of calls. These have included Pittman, Heart of Dixie, and Woodhaven. Woodhaven, usually, has the most consistent sound from call to call. What I mean is, if I bought five Hornet mouth calls at the same time from Woodhaven, they would all sound almost identical. It is not that way with many other brands of mouth calls.

The mouth call that I had that turkeys seemed to respond to best was the Pittman Black Diamond. However, I did not take care of it and the reeds wore out. I probably bought ten more before I found one that sounded close to the first one and it still didn't measure up.

The moral of the story is: When you find a mouth call that sounds good and turkeys come to it really well, guard it with your life. Every day after I get through using my calls they get washed, disinfected, and stored in the freezer. Not refrigerator freezer. It will extend the life of a mouth call ten times over. I have a really productive mouth call from Heart of Dixie that I have been using for seven years. When you keep them this long you really need to keep them disinfected because you can pass germs form one year to the next.

Take this tips to heart because they will make it much easier to find and keep good calls. I have been hunting turkeys for twenty years the tips that I just gave you have been a blessing to me. I hope you benefit from them in the future.

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Desert Nightmare

It was a dark night, it was like a dream, no, more like a nightmare. I found myself walking in the infinite land of dunes. My comrades are nowhere to be found. I called their names but I heard nothing in reply. It was a deafening silence. I was tired as hell but I moved on. Not knowing where to go. It was as if my feet have minds of their own. I was crying. I was a slave of my consciousness, or not. My army desert boots seemed heavier every step.

It's like fate is playing with me. The constant pestering of bad luck is starting to take its toll. I wish I could fast forward every moment - but it seems to last like forever. Every minute is like years trapped in misery. I have a faint memory of what had happened. We were in the camp, talking, sharing dreams when a loud explosion was heard from outside. Then it went blank. I saw feet, tens or twenties of them, no, possibly even more. Their army desert boots are different from ours.

Smoke, there were smoke all over the place. I was lying on the ground. I felt like a boulder or something else was all over me. I couldn't move. I struggled. There was water on the floor - the sand was wet. It smelled different though, the pungent smell of. I couldn't remember. The flash back of feet in army desert boots keeps coming back. People, they were dragging people. There were gunshots.

My body finally gave in. I dropped on the cold desert sand under the glowing moon. The moon was particularly red that night. As if it was bleeding. I thought I was going crazy. I heard screams. Then the memories are starting to have colours. It was our enemies. They infiltrated the camp; they used explosives to get through. They barged in the place where my comrades and I were. They shoot us with no remorse. I immediately dropped on the floor. All I could see were their army desert boots.

It wasn't a boulder or tables or whatnot that covered me. They were the dead bodies of my comrades. The enemies must have thought I was dead, so they left me. But I could remember them dragging one my superiors. I could still hear his moaning from pain. He must've been wounded. His army desert boots left some marks on the sand wet from water, no, it was blood.

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Why Exactly Does the United States Spend So Much on Defense?

The United States is notorious for spending a tremendous amount of money on their defense budget. The Department of Defense gets hundreds of billions a dollars a year, more than almost any other program in the entire United States. More interesting, the United States has a defense budget that is more than half the world's defense budget. Fifty six percent of the world's defense spending is done right here in the good old United States of America.

People often ask why the budget is the way it is. Another thing that other people often say is that it is necessary for the United States to spend so much money because we have bases in the world. This article isn't one about our bases; however, that is one thing to take into consideration. So, we have two sides. Some say that we need to spend this money, but others say that it is unnecessary. Here's why so much money is spent.

The mentality of the United States, when it comes to their defense program, is because they are stuck in the Cold War even after so many years. We spent fifty years forty five years fighting this war with the Soviet Union without ever having to go into a heated war with them. It was a case of which nation could build the biggest bomb. The Soviet Union would win and then the United States would win and it would be a constant back and forth.

Because of this, there were programs that were put into place that the country didn't really need. However, how was the United States going to cut these programs when there were people who thought they were absolutely necessary? All of this started the ridiculous trend of programs being funded when they weren't even necessary. The United States was used to needing the biggest and the best and therefore, they invested in the best.

If the United States honestly wants to try and save some money, they need to stop spending money on a bunch of ridiculous programs. Getting rid of things like the F-22 and the Future Force Warrior program is one way of ensuring that we don't spend too much on our defense. Cutting these ridiculous programs will ensure that the money can go towards more important things.

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Picking Hunting Binoculars

Now that we have given you some tips on what to look for in picking out a pair of binoculars let's talk about what type to get for a specific use. As we have already pointed out there are many different uses or reasons to use a pair of binoculars. In this article we are going to talk about hunting binoculars.

For hunting you want something that is compact and lightweight, but you also want something with a good field of vision. Binoculars in the 8X40 or 8X42 range are most commonly recommended. They will give you a good clear field of vision and will also be good in low light conditions. Also keep distance in mind when deciding on which binoculars to buy. If you are hunting longer distances then you might want to consider a 10X power set of binoculars.

If you choose a higher power for the distance remember that it will make the binoculars a little heavier, so you might want to consider a pair that has Image Stabilization. Some other considerations when looking for a new pair of hunting binoculars are water proof or water resistant and the type of prism in the binoculars. Roof prisms or lighter in weight and more durable then porro prisms.

These are just a few things to think about when purchasing a new pair of binoculars for that next hunting trip. We have several different brands and brand names of binoculars that will give you just want you are looking for.

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Custom Knives For Sale - Collectible Custom Knives

Custom knives are the oldest known tools. Throughout history, knives have not only been essential for survival but have proven to be one of the most versatile tools. From its earliest form, the knife was developed out of the necessity for survival, and its evolution may be traced through the paths of history and technology.

With a history nearly as old as mankind itself, it's no wonder why so many people have such a fascination with knives, especially when it comes to collecting unique and versatile Custom Knives.

We all marvel at a product when the word "Custom" is included. It shows individualism, uniqueness, creativity and a love for the gadgets being customized. There are many Custom Knives For Sale. Deciding on your needs, if you really have one, can be a challenge.

One thing for certain is the quality of a Custom Knife can exceed your typical production model. Most avid Custom Knife collectors already possess the knowledge required to quickly recognize a mediocre knife from that of a high quality, precision built model. Knife steel is a critical component of the custom knife. Making fine Custom knives for sale is a work of patience, and a dedication to precision craftsmanship.

High carbon and stainless steels are both acceptable if properly alloyed. The high carbon steels are typically the steels that are forged. They can be differentially tempered. This property gives the knife maker more options. He can better control the hardness of the cutting edge, and still have a tough knife with a springy back.

Whether you are looking for the perfect hunting knife, the ideal executive desk knife, or a tactical folder. In the making of a fine custom knife there is a dedication to precision craftsmanship and a refined work of patience. A custom knife maker understands the metallurgy science and knows about choosing an appropriate knife steel.

As with anything, you must take into consideration why you are choosing a specific knife and then examine the different choices. For instance, there are three different style blades for hunting knives. There are folding blades, fixed blades, and replaceable blades.

Fixed blades are used in knives without moving parts. A sheath is required to carry a fixed blade knife in. Folding knives are easily carried in pockets, pouches, or hunting kits and are as effective as fixed blade knives. For the most versatility choose hunting knives with replaceable blades. Blades can be switched with ease according to the size of the game being hunted.

Some of the better brands for Pocket knives are W.R. Case, Schrade, and Kershaw. These knife makers often carry good quality commemorative knives in pocket knife style. Harley Davidson and Winchester create some of the more popular designs for a commemorative pocket knife.

If you want to start collecting pocket knives, the more popular knives are a good style to start with because they are traditionally less costly and simpler to find.

With a heavier grade of knife, most are single blade and a little larger than a traditional pocket knife and are often referred to as folding knives. The larger blade folds back into the handle when it's not in use.

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What To Do Before Joining The Army

When you have decided to join the US Army, there are several things you can do to make the transition easier.

The first step is to begin a physical training program. Life will be much less painful if you are already in some sort of condition. An exercise program that works the whole body is best, and it is probably best to emphasize endurance over raw strength. The simplest method is to practice push-ups, sit-ups, run for two to five miles and perhaps practice some marches while carrying about a third of your body weight. Care must be taken to practice safety. If possible, consult with a physician or an expert who can help you achieve best results without injuring yourself, and life will be much simpler if you can practice the standards the Army will demand. The more time this has to work before you join, the more effective this will be. Standards vary due to age and sex, but plan on reaching fifty push-ups and sit-ups and a two-mile run in less than fourteen minutes. You’ll do better than that by the time you complete basic.

Another important step is to prepare your affairs. When you join, you will be treated as a recruit and will spend a period of time in basic training. You will not normally have contact with the outside world on a regular basis during this period and ensuring that your bills are handled, your friends and family know you will only be able to reach them when permitted will prevent much heartache. Some will also find it valuable to learn to live without their normal vices. Learning how to live without a music system, computer, telephone, books or whatever else will happen in basic, if not before.

You will be expected to learn a great deal. While some of this will be job specific, and some will be difficult to research if you can’t talk to a veteran, there is much else which you will be expected to know which you can find beforehand, and knowing such information will be of potential value as it will allow you to study on other information when time permits, or even maximize rest periods.

Naturally, talking to a veteran is one of the most effective methods to prepare. Someone you trust who can tell you stories and answer questions is a valuable resource to exploit. More recent experience is more applicable, as many details change over the years, but even a veteran of World War II can talk of the standards of military life like making a bunk, cleaning a latrine, talking to sergeants and many other valuable skills and techniques.

Some of what you will have to do will be terribly exciting. Sitting in the doors of a helicopter, flying fast and low, looking up at trees is as exciting as anything you can do. Others are horribly boring and perhaps even demeaning. A wise man told me that if there is any skill which is characteristic of a soldier, it is picking up trash.

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Brief History of Archery

Archery, one of the first methods of hunting game, was developed more than 25,000 years ago. Archeologists have uncovered archery equipment used by the ancient Egyptians, and it was also used by the nomadic tribes of Mongolia, as well as the Goths, Visigoths and other warring peoples of Europe. The peoples of the Americas, Africa, and the Arctic also used bows and arrows for hunting as well as for sport.

Archery as Sporting Event

In 1780 the Royal Toxophilite Society was founded in England in order to promote archery as an amateur sport as well as to popularize the game. Archery was also prominently featured as an Olympic sport in 1900, 1904, 1908, and 1920 and was reintroduced in 1972 after more formalized rules for Olympic archery were created.

Types of Bows and Arrows

Unlike bows and arrows of yore, which were constructed out of wood, metal and animal sinew, most archery equipment is now made out of composite materials, although wood and aluminum are still used. A variety of bows exist to suit the needs of today's modern archer. These include:

o Compound bow - made up of a system of pulleys and cables and became widely used in the 1970s. Crossbows are a type of compound bow.

o Straight bow - traces its origins to the English longbow and was one of the most popular types of bows.

o Recurve bow - the recurve bow is the only type of bow used in the Olympics and is also the most popular of bows on the competitive circuit. It is made out of a composite material.

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A Sharp Knife is Safer

Keep your Hunting Knives, Bowie Knives and Survival Knives sharp! Sharp Hunting Knives, Bowie Knives and Survival Knives cut through things quicker making your cutting tasks less tiring. Less force is required to make a cut so the knife is less likely to slip and cut you. As we talk about knife sharpening here we are talking about heavy bladed outdoor knives like hunting Knives, Bowie Knives and Survival Knives.

A key point in knife sharpening is to keep the original angle of the blade. You should be able to get an idea of the original angle by looking down the length of the blade, at the cutting edge from the front. The angle will vary based on what the purpose of the knife is for. Generally Hunting knives have a blade angle of 15 to 20 degrees. Heavier blades like those on Bowie Knives and Survival Knives have blade angles up to 30 degrees. Lansky and Timberline make knife sharpening kits that will help you maintain the proper angle as you sharpen.

There are a few choices on how to sharpen your knife blade. If the blade is still in good condition and just needs to have the edge touched up you should use a natural stone like an Arkansas stone. You may need to start with a course stone and then finish with a finer grit stone. People find they get a better edge that stays sharper longer by using a natural stone. You can purchase stones that can be used dry, or that need to be lubricated with oil or water.
If your knife needs some serious sharpening help, start with a Diamond sharpening stone. These stones tend to work on the blade faster. Then finish sharpening your blade with a natural stone.

A word of caution. Some people have used a power-driven grinding wheel to sharpen dull hunting knives. This can cause excess heat and take the temper from your blade, making the blade brittle.

There are two basic styles of sharpening your knife blade.

The first style of sharpening is using a circular motion. Start by holding the blade away from you at the proper angle. Run the blade in a clockwise motion on the stone until you have sharpened that side of the blade. Turn the blade over and repeat with a counter clockwise motion. An advantage to this method is the simplicity. The disadvantage is you have to be careful not to grind too much off one side of your blade. This will cause the cutting edge to be uneven and crooked.

The second style of sharpening is to use the entire length of the stone and sharpen the entire length of the blade with each stroke. Start with you knife blade edge facing away from you. Place the handle end of the blade on the end of the sharpening stone nearest to you. Push away from you, using the entire length of the stone and draw the entire blade across the stone so the tip of the blade swings off the stone at the far end. Make sure you keep a uniform pressure on the entire blade and hold the correct angle. Turn the blade over and repeat the process, pulling the blade towards you. Make sure you do an equal number of strokes on each side of the blade. The advantage to this is you sharpen your entire blade at the same time. The disadvantage is some people have trouble holding the proper angle and maintaining a uniform pressure.

How do you tell if your knife is sharp? Some people want their knives sharp enough to shave with. You can VERY CAREFULLY run you knife along your arm to see if it will cut the hair. Watch how much pressure you put on the knife or you could end up going to the hospital. We do not recommend this method. Another method, and the one I use, is to lightly and gently draw your thumb across (NOT ALONG) the blade. Your thumb is usually sensitive enough that you can feel the sharp edge of the blade. A lot of people disagree with this method but it has worked for me and I have yet to cut my thumb. A third method that has been used for a long time is to see if the blade cuts paper. We do not recommend this method. Paper is basically wood that has been mashed together in a criss-cross pattern and we feel this is hard on the blade. If you want to cut paper, use scissors.

Keep your hunting knives, bowie knives and survival knives sharp all the time. That way they will be ready to do the job you bought them for when the time comes. An added plus of spending the time at home getting a quality edge on your hunting knives is that should you find your blade needs a touch up in the field this can normally be accomplished quickly with a small pocket sharpener. Enjoy your time outdoors, Stay Safe, and always return home.

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Choose the Tactical Knife That is Right For You

A tactical knife is a high performance knife; it's a type of knife the user can employ quickly and forcefully. It may be used as an everyday tool or a survival weapon; it can have a fixed or folding blade. Quality tactical knives are very sharp, in order to accomplish their major purpose of cutting or separating one thing from other. There's no strict definition of what is and what is not a tactical knife because what is tactical for a suburban civilian is different from what is tactical for person in the military. The basic requirement is that you can get to it, open it, and use it quickly and easily with one hand.

Because of the great variety of tactical knives, you need to consider a number of options before deciding what knife is best for you and your purposes.

Plain vs. Serrated Edge. The application determines whether a plain or serrated edge will do the job better. A plain edge is better for push cuts, where you push the blade through whatever you are cutting. A plain edge is also the better choice when accuracy, clean cuts, and extreme control are required to do the job. The serrated edge works better with slicing cuts, where you make the cut by dragging the edge of the blade.

Blade Shapes. The clip, modified clip, and drop point are the most popular blade shapes. The sharp point of the clip blade is ideal for detail work, but not very strong. The modified clip comes in a variety of shapes; it's good for high-tech knives. A drop point blade has a thick point that is good for heavier jobs, but does not penetrate easily.

Automatic knives. Also known as switchblades, automatic knives open at the push of a button, a particularly important feature if you are unable to access and open a traditional knife. If you expect to be in situations where you can't put down something in order to open up your knife, an automatic knife may be the best choice.

Survival vs. Rescue Knife. Survival knives have sharp points and work well for general purposes. They usually have clip blades and are double bladed. The blunt tips of rescue knives make it safer for rescuers to cut seatbelts or clothing without injuring the victims. Some rescue knives even have glass breakers to assist in automobile rescues.

Pocket vs. Folding Knife. A pocketknife is a small knife with a number of blades, small enough to fit in a pocket, like a Swiss Army knife. It folds, but general does not have a locking mechanism. A folding knife is larger, usually has only one blade, and has a locking mechanism and a clip for carrying.

There is considerable crossover when it comes to knife types and uses. A traditional fixed blade hunting knife, for example, can be a fine knife for everyday use. Many tactical knives serve multiple purposes. When you buy a knife, consider the quality and what you want the knife to do.

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How You Can Prepare For USMC Boot Camp

They say that the Marine Corps training is the toughest training in the US Armed Forces and it will probably be the longest 13 weeks of your entire life. Reading and researching about what really happens in the boot camp is not meant to scare you but it should help you prepare for USMC boot camp. A lot of recruits fail because of their lack of physical and mental preparedness, some couldn't just take it. The main reason why you want to be prepared is because you want to increase your chances of being successful.

Gather as much information as you can and read about true experiences from former Marines themselves. There are a lot of books that are available online. It would also help if you can join in some forums and chat with people who are considering the same path. If you're lucky, you can talk to a real Marine. This will make you prepare for USMC boot camp. Although you will still be shocked once you enter the camp but at least you know more or less what to expect unlike others who did not read at all.

Start a fitness routine as soon as possible to prepare for USMC boot camp. Make sure you run on concrete and practice running for 3 miles everyday. Do a lot of pull-ups, push-ups and sit-ups. If you're overweight, find out about the weight requirements and shed off some pounds if necessary. Also, you have to be comfortable in water because you cannot graduate unless you pass the swim qualification.

Lastly, if you have a nearby local recruiting office, take advantage of it. They can offer support to help you become physically and mentally fit for the Marines.

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Garrett Super Scanner

The Garret Super Scanner is an industry leading hand-held scanner used by hundreds of law enforcement officers and security personnel all over the world.

What Does the Garrett Super Scanner Detect?

The device will alert you to the presence of any metal weapon, no matter how small. Medium sized pistols can be detected from 9 inches away; large pocket knives up to 6 inches away; razor blades from 3 inches away and hat pins from 1 inch away.

How Does it Work?

Press the "On" button, and the Garrett Super Scanner will notify you if it detects any metal weapons, using both an audio cue and a visual cue. The large scanning surface provides a quick and effective way to thoroughly scan for potential hazards, as well.

What Features are Included?

The Garrett Super Scanner offers many convenient features, including:

- Automatic retuning (You will never have to manually adjust the scanner)
- Ability to limit sensitivity (If ambient metals are interfering, you can use the reduced sensitivity mode to avoid this problem)
- Automatic battery check (You'll be warned when the batteries are running low)
- Easy battery changing (No tools required; an end cover allows you to quickly change the batteries without any other equipment)
- Lightweight, durable construction (Housing made from polycarbonate-fiber reinforced materials)
- Detects multiple metals that could pose a threat (pistols, pocket knives, razor blades and hat pins)

The Garrett Super Scanner offers comprehensive security protection against even the smallest metal weapons. With its large scanning surface, multiple metal detection capabilities and lightweight yet durable construction, this device will ensure that nothing gets by security.

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Your First 90 Days in Company Command - Advice For New ARNG Company Commanders

As a leader in any type of organization (especially company command) your first 90 days are critical. In essence, your first three months will probably determine what the rest of your tenure will be like. If you start out strong, you have a better chance to achieve success.

As a part-time company commander in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve, your first 90 days is different that your Active Duty counterparts. In essence, your first 90-days is your first three drill weekends. In other words, you must accomplish the same tasks in 6-7 days, compared to the typical 90-days reserved for Active Duty commanders.

Don't worry though. It is manageable. Your secret to success is to have a game-plan. If you don't have a plan, you will fail because "failing to plan is planning to fail."

So, what can you do to set yourself up for success? Here are a few simple strategies that worked for me.

Month 1

o Conduct Unit Command Climate Survey (has to be done by day 90)
o Conduct Initial Counseling with your Boss, the Battalion Commander
o Conduct Initial Counseling with all Direct Reports

Month 2

o Review Standard Operating Procedures
o Review Mission Essential Task Listing (METL) and submit proposed METL to Battalion Commander
o Conduct formal Platoon inspections of soldiers and equipment

Month 3

o Conduct Officer Professional Development with Officers
o Review Family Care Plans and Family Readiness Group
o Conduct unit level Army Physical Fitness Test to assess physical fitness

Once again, these were my objectives. You don't have to have the same exact objectives I did.

However, you must establish your own objectives and share them with your subordinate leaders. Show them you are the leader. Show them you have a game-plan. They will respect you that much more.

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Properly Folding and Displaying Your Memorial Flag

Did you know that not all 5' x 9.5' burial flags are the same size? Some will fold up beautiful the first time, giving you 3 stars on the bottom and 1 star on top. Others will not, this is what you do.

Here is how to fold a Burial Flag so that the end result will give you that perfect look.

For respect of our flag and what it stands for - Do Not put flag on floor!




Just to let you know: There is no disrespect involved in refolding a Memorial Flag.

*This is a two person task.*

First have flag unfolded and one person at each end of flag (one near the stripes and one at the stars).

1)Fold the flag in half (long ways) two times. You will now have a long rectangle (approx. 15 or 16 inches wide and 9'6" long and the brass ring holes will be up and to the right of the folders view).

2)Start at the "stripes" end and fold from bottom right, up towards the left to create a triangle. Continue folding flag (end over end) until you have "less than" a full fold left over. Place the excess in the crease (flag layers) to keep flag together.

If you turn this flag over and see three full star on the bottom and one on top (with portions of others), you are done. If your stars do not look like this (most wont), please read on.

*Not all burial flags are exactly 5 foot by 9 1/2 foot. They very considerably. This first step will define where the stars will set in your triangle on the last fold. Please pay attention.*

2a) On this First fold, instead of a full fold make a 3/4 fold. If your overall width is 15" make the first fold at 13" . (see chart for details, on my site) On the chart, this shows A,B,C and D. A is for the first try, how to see where your stars line up. B,C and D show you how to start with a partial fold, then continue the fold until you just have enough for tucking into the crease. Adjust the size of the first fold until you get your stars just the way you want them.

The thing about 5' x 9.5' burial flags are that they are manufactured from various companies. These companies may start with 5'x9.5' measurements, but after turning and sewing the ends they usually are various sizes. I have 4 burial flags and none of them are the same measurements.

Make sure that the flag is placed in the case properly. No brass rings are to be shown, nor white or red either. Only the Blue background and the stars. (Preferably 4 - 3 bottom, 1 top center) A very good example is on my "About Page". That flag folded up beautifully the first time. Other just don't.

One more thing; I have had visitors ask me about placing ribbons, casings and photos in the flag case with and on the flag. Well, this is totally up to you. Nowhere have I ever read or seen anything that says it shouldn't be done. This is your loved one, you call the shots. I made a flag case where I have placed three casings in with the flag (on site, "western") in pilot holes, and the customer was going to pin his fathers ribbon on the left side of the flag (which is where a soldier would where their ribbons).

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The Great Betrayal Of The Indian Soldier - The Indian General Staff

India was granted Independence by the British in 1947. I use the word 'granted' because that is what, in effect, it was. Not withstanding minor pinpricks like the Indian National Army led by Subhas Bose and Gandhi's civil disobedience movement the British left the country after 200 years of rule of their own accord. The basic problem was the cost involved in keeping India after the devastation of the Second World War.This loaded the dice in favor of their leaving India.

The British retreated from India but left behind a well oiled civil structure and the army in place. The Indian state thus inherited a first class army that had shown its mettle during two world wars. It was an excellent fighting machine with a high morale as can be seen from the fact that in 1897, 21 Sikhs of the British Indian Army faced a horde of 10,000 Moslems for the sake of the queen and the British Empire at Saragrahi now in West Pakistan.

But after independence the Congress led by Nehru had little idea about military power and hard politics which was replaced by idealism and naivety. The result was disastrous as a large area in Ladakh was lost to China. In addition the Pakistani raiders occupied a third of Kashmir just after independence(1948). The Army general staff at that time could not make any impact on Nehru and the Congress party and only played a passive role. Thus a view gained currency, that the army was an unnecessary appendage more to be tolerated than nurtured. This state of affairs was the result of the Indian general staff who with a trained force under them allowed themselves to be dominated and overawed by the civil authority.

The Indian general staff thus abdicated their decision making ability and allowed the army to go to seed. No concerted effort was made in any forceful manner to impress upon the government the need to upgrade the infantry or the armored corps. This had its repercussions and India got a bloody nose from the Chinese in the 1962 India China conflict. This neglect resulted in the Indian soldier facing the well trained and equipped Chinese Army with obsolete.303 bolt action rifles. Worse no winter clothing was available and the army soldier was expected to fight in snow with conventional clothing. Thus defeat was a natural corollary. The situation reached its nadir when Gen Thaper a four star general accepted orders from a joint secretary of the Government of India.

Thus the seeds of subservience were sown in the minds of successive general staff officers including the Air Force and Navy and they abdicated their primary responsibility of equipping and modernizing the army. In addition the welfare of the officers and men under them was neglected. Thus when Indian army faced Pakistan in 1965 the vaunted Patton tanks failed only because of the poor training of the Pakistan army and individual bravery of the Indian soldier though he was handicapped by obsolete tanks like the Sherman tank and the AMX tank.

Over a period of time the lot of the Armed forces officers and soldiers deteriorated further. So much so that in the eighties and nineties becoming a Lt Col became very difficult as only one out of four was promoted. This adversely affected morale and cynicism set in. The government under the then Defense Minister Venkatram proposed that full Colonel Ranks be introduced after 16; 18 years of service. Unfortunately the Indian general staff did not accept these proposals.

The mid eighties was again a period where the Indian general staff allowed matters to drift. The anomaly of pay fixation where in rank pay was to be given in addition to basic pay was not effected. This was contrary to the recommendations of the pay commission. But the general staff did not represent this to Government at all. It was left to Individual officers to file writs in courts, an unheard of proposition.

To make matters worse the Air Chief SK Sareen got a proposal through that enhanced the flying pay of air force pilots without any increase for technical and engineering officers. A severe agitation in the officer ranks followed and the government had to intervene and restore normalcy. The extra flying pay was suspended.

Over the years the chiefs allowed a systematic down gradation of the officer rank vis a vis the civil counter parts in the order of precedence with disastrous result on morale and general status in society. An example will suffice. In 1947 a district police chief was equivalent to a Major but now he is equated to a 2 star general! The chiefs have themselves been downgraded to 14 or 15 in the order of precedence.

The chiefs have allowed matters to drift and at no stage have put any pressure on the Government. The result is that the officers and men have suffered. The recent episode where the government refused to implement a supreme court ruling on rank pay and in turn filed a writ for revision of the judgment is a case in point. The chiefs literally were not consulted nor could they exert their authority. Even the one rank one pension demand of the soldiers and officers is not accepted and is simmering for more than 30 years.This makes sad reading.

The country today is held together only by the armed forces-this is a thought that is anathema to the civil authority. In case the Army is withdrawn from Kashmir and the North East will these parts still remain with the mother country? With the Maoist insurgency also rearing its head the Chiefs of staff have all the aces up their sleeve. But it is a sad commentary that their writ does not run with the Government.However as the general staff has failed, it is incumbent on the government to act swiftly and restore confidence in the troops. Delay could be dangerous.

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Timeline For World War 2 - The Beginning of War

Aside from the mistake of allowing the German annexation of Austria, when the French and British tried to take affirmative action to stop Hitler's quest for power and land they made another significant mistake. Grossly underestimating and misinterpreting their soon-to-be enemy, Hitler was given a large part of Czechoslovakia at the Munich Conference in September 1938, in an attempt to keep peace. Instead of appeasing him and ceasing his thirst for conquest, this gift only increased his desire for more power and land.

Less than half a year later, Hitler had taken the rest of Czechoslovakia. At this point, the French and British still did not do anything to stop him, as they did not wish a repeat of the death tolls and trench warfare of WWI. To prevent encountering armies from the Soviet Union as he moved east, Hitler signed the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact in August 1939, just over a week before attacking Poland, the soon-to-be first battle of World War II. The events of the timeline for WWII officially began on September 1, 1939, at 4:45 am, when Hitler staged what appeared to be a Polish attack on a German radio station. He manipulated the situation to make it appear as if Poland had attacked first, but in reality he took a prisoner, dressed them in a Polish military outfit, and shot them in the head. From the beginning, Hitler proved himself to be manipulative, calculating, and bloodthirsty, as this attack demonstrated.

While all of this was happening in Europe, conflict was simultaneously brewing between Japan and China. The Second Sino-Japanese War officially began on July 7, 1937, after decades of "incidents" between the two Asian counties. Japan wanted to dominate China so that they could control a number of resources; the rising notions of Chinese nationalism and self-determination aided in the fierce resistance against these invasions. These battles were not considered a part of the timeline for World War II until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941, which brought Japan and the United States - and their resulting allies - to war with one another.

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Clip Point Hunting Knives - Perfect Knife For the Dedicated Sportsman

Clip point hunting knives are the perfect knife for the dedicated sportsman who is looking for a solid knife that can be used both for hunting and general tasks. While the design of the clip point blade gets the job done when it comes to skinning, cleaning and butchering wild game, it is also designed with a fatter blade than some hunting knives. This thicker blade makes it a little less efficient than a truly dedicated hunting knife, but the same feature lends it to being easier to handle for other outdoor tasks, making ideal for the occasional hunter.

Clip vs. Drop Point

There are two primary blade designs when it comes to hunting knives: drop point and clip point. A drop point knife is specifically designed with a curved blade for efficient skinning that makes it a perfect knife if it is only going to be used for hunting. The clip point design, on the other hand, only is only curved right near the tip of the blade, leaving the rest of the blade similar to a typical, general duty tool. Both blade designs are curved to make skinning game easier, but the clip point design is otherwise a basic work knife with an otherwise traditional blade. Drop point knives, on the other hand, are a little better for most hunting tasks but not as useful for more general tasks.

Clip Point Uses

Due to this hybrid design, these hunting knives are useful for just about every back country task. While they are a great knife, they are also very useful for fishing tasks such as filleting fish or cutting bait, as well as all camping and backpacking tasks. If you are looking for a single knife to use for all of your outdoors adventures and plan on squeezing in the occasional hunting trip, a clip point blade is almost always the best choice. Clip point blades can be found on both fixed blade hunting knives as well as folding hunting knives, but a fixed blade knife is considerably more robust and easier to use on big game.

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The Complete Gun Cleaning Kit You Must Have!

If you're looking for that perfect birthday present for your gun crazy parent or partner or just in need of a new gun cleaning kit for yourself the most innovative gun cleaning system in the Otis line of products is the Otis Elite Cleaning System. It is what you need.

This product is perfect for all gun owners from hunters to clay shooters to rifle and pistol target shooters. Whatever make or caliber gun you have this cleans them all from.177 rifles to 10 gauge shotguns. It also includes model 710 and 110 small caliber cleaning systems, this is the complete gun care kit.

The Otis Elite Cleaning System has over 40 cleaning components for use with all rifles, shotguns and pistols. It comes with the entire Otis line of bronze bore and chamber cleaning brushes and a detailed gun maintenance DVD guide. This is by far the nicest cleaning kit on the market.

The Otis Elite contains the world famous Tactical Cleaning System, and the entire line of bronze bore and chamber cleaning brushes, six Memory-Flex cleaning rods, an all purpose nylon receiver brush, a T-handle, three slotted tips, obstruction removers, small and large Patch Savers, a bore reflector/flag safety, small caliber and all-caliber 100% cotton patches, and two 5oz. tubes of Otis O85 Ultra Bore Solvent.

Another great feature with this cleaning kit is it has cleaning accessories for cleaning your scopes. It all comes in a nice black nylon case which has a lock and key for security. And for the target shooters there is a small pouch. You can take only a couple parts of the kit for the one or two guns you're taking with you to the range and leave the rest at home. All in all this is the best gun cleaning kit around.

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Pocket Knives

I grew up in the Upper Snake River Valley in Idaho. It is roughly 100 miles south of West Yellowstone, Montana. My uncles were sheep ranchers, grazing three large herds in the mountains of eastern Idaho and western Wyoming. As a young boy, I learned the value of having a pocket knife. It was and is a very essential tool. We used our knives for cutting a lot of different pieces of outdoor gear. We repaired bridles, saddles, and even cut wood shavings to start a fire. A quality knife was something to cherish and care for. We carried our pocket knives in a dual leather case which fastened on our belt. The knife was on one side and a sharpening stone on the other. A dull knife just wasn't used. We considered our knife sharp if you could shave hair from your arm. Many men wouldn't lend a knife for fear of it being damaged.

The knife has continually improved over the years. There is a type of steel for each use. A mechanic would use a different type steel than an electrician. It also must be cared for like any other fine instrument. A cutting tool works better and is safer to use when it is sharp. The uses of the knife are as varied as the person who owns it. I carry a full sized 3 blade knife in my pocket and one in my car to be sure I have one. I always have a use for one and miss having it if I don't have one.

Some of the excellent brands are Gerber Blades, Columbia River Knives, Cold Steel, SOG Knives and many more. As a tool, a quality knife is limited only by the user. You don't have to wear out your shoes looking for one. You can find what you want simply by going on the internet. You can find old fashioned knives, collector knives and much more. There is one that fits almost everyone. You should have a knife which benefits you by having the strongest and toughest blade for the application.

Ductility, or toughness has its place in knives that are subjected to hard use-or even abuse-as tactical and work knives must be , and so selected higher-toughness steels in many of these applications, as opposed to high-hardness steels. An individual who gives his work knife hard daily use will benefit from the durability, stain resistance and ease of sharpening found in AUS 4 steel. In contrast, the buyer of AUS 8 steel expects an alloy steel with its higher hardnes and edge-holding ability.

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Retired Or Looking to Retire From the Military? You Should Use Your GI Bill Before it Expires

It's about that time to retire from the military to relax and enjoy all the things you've fought for over the pass years. Yet, unlike jobs in the civilian world, you're still relatively young to be retired already. Some veterans lay back during their retired years, but most veterans can't get used to sitting at home all day.

The military gave you a great life, but maybe you need a hobby or another career. As the years go by the harder it is to get jobs that don't require some type of certificate or degree. Better reason for you to take advantage of your G.I. Bill before it expires. There are currently over 4000 different institutions listed as military-friendly schools that will accept the G.I. Bill and provide tuition assistance.

You should consider all of the factors necessary when considering which school is good for you. Some of these factors to consider would be:

o Available degree options
o Cost of tuition per year
o School policy on ACE credits and CLEP
o ...and the school's accreditation

The trick is to find the school that fits your lifestyle the best. That school will present the most opportunity to you than any other military friendly school. The G.I. Bill could give you up to $49k to pursue a higher education if found eligible.

Today, you can have some of the money go to your family. Your spouse and children can also benefit from your G.I. Bill for the first time beginning August 1 of this year. Request more info on how you can take advantage of this and get more than $49k a year for school before your G.I. Bill expires and it's too late.

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Alcohol Abuse in Soldiers

A lot of soldiers returning home from wars have become alcoholics. It is true that the loneliness as well as the pressure while out in the battle field makes soldiers resort to drinking sprees, alcohol dependency and sometimes drug dependency.

Soldiers should remember though that the abuse of alcohol as well as the misuse of medications or drugs can result to harmful and risky behaviors that include but are not limited to pub fights, spousal abuse, even unexpected deaths so it is a must to engage in responsible drinking. Below are some tips that would help one drink responsibly:

Before drinking and in the course of drinking, make sure that your stomach has food because eating food with starch and high protein will slow down the rate of the effects of alcohol hitting you.

Drink slowly but surely as fast drinking will make the drinker more intoxicated. Drinking no more than one drink every hour will result to the drinker not being drunk fast

Try drinking non alcoholic drinks in between your intake of alcoholic drinks as this will result to alcoholic drinks not having a greater effect on you.

Remember this HALT! This is easy to remember and stands for "Never Drink if you have the following feelings: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired."

And of course, let us not forget (though it may be a cliche, it can save lives). Do not drink and drive. Always make sure that the person who will be driving the vehicle is sober, otherwise, just take a cab or any other public transportation.

Following these tips will help you (soldiers) avoid alcohol abuse as well as symptoms or ailments partnered with alcoholism such as: PTSD. PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when coupled with alcoholism will automatically cause a lot of trouble. It is a type of anxiety disorder that usually results from trauma that comes from physical injury, a serious threat of death or the death of someone close. As early as the 6th century BC, PTSD has been observed in war veterans.

It has been observed that people with PTSD have a greater risk of developing alcoholism and most alcoholics are even diagnosed with the said disease. Around eighty percent of war veterans undergoing treatment for PTSD have been detected with alcohol abuse disorders. These people have a tendency to commit suicide once they become depressed especially if they are over the age of 65. Binge drinking is also a frequent activity in soldiers/veterans as it is used as a tool to forget traumatic memories for a short period of time.

Alcoholism also disrupts your relationship with your partner and may lead to violence as it is evident in spousal abuse committed by intoxicated soldiers. Aside from conflicts, problems in intimacy have also been observed. PTSD symptoms are stimulated more with alcoholism. The effects of PTSD treatments are also lessened by alcohol abuse. Soldiers amongst all professionals have the great responsibility of avoiding alcoholism. It is a must to follow tips in avoiding too much drinking not only for your safety but also for the safety of your loved ones and the people who look up to you.

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