Tag: Pocket Knives - page 2

Camping In Minimalist Form

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is amazing what you don’t need when you camp. Camping is all about the experience and enjoying everything nature has to offer. It is important that you realize that survivalists have lived years without the conveniences that we now enjoy. Consider the minimalist approach on your next camping trip.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in outdoor survival gear including paracord, fixed blade knives, water purification and waterproof matches. For more information on brand name knives, cutlery and specialty gear visithttps://www.knifemule.com

Necessities To Help Survive The Great Outdoors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Last but not least, something that can’t be carried in your pack, bring along a friend.  If this is not possible and a solo adventure is planned leave behind a detailed plan of your endeavor just in case you don’t arrive home when you are expected.  A detailed plan will give rescuers an estimate on where to begin searching for you.  When minutes can mean the difference between life and death it is important that people start looking in the right direction from the start.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in outdoor survival gear including paracord, fixed blade knives, water purification and waterproof matches.  For more information on brand name knives, cutlery and specialty gear visit https://www.knifemule.com.

Choosing A Solid Folding Knife

Folding knives are perfect for any man or women. They are practical and can function as a tool and for security.  A folding knife can be easily stored in a pocket or backpack.  The blade folds perfectly into the handle of the knife for safety.  When using this invaluable tool you will find it practical to carry at all times no matter what you are doing.  A folding knife is good for inside functions such as opening boxes and cutting off tags and outdoors for cutting rope and fishing line.  This is the only type of knife that is practical for all people from laborers to politicians.

When it comes to choosing the right folding knife there are several characteristics that are important to note. Take some time to learn and research different brands and components available in a quality knife.  The more you know about exactly what you are looking for in a pocket knife the easier it will be to narrow down your choices.  Below are some key characteristics to consider before making a folding blade knife.

Blade Material

Steel: A steel knife blade is one of the sharpest blades available.  Steel is simple to sharpen and holds an edge well. The major disadvantage to a steel blade is the wear and tear; steel blades tend to rust, stain and corrode over time and use.

Laminate: Laminate folding knife blades are popular because they use a combination of metals layers together to create your blade.  The use of multiple metals layered together gives you the benefits of each type while alleviating the major pitfalls.

Titanium: Folding knife blades created out of titanium are the most expensive available.  Although they are expensive you will find that titanium is incredibly resilient, wears well and tends to give more than steel does.

Ceramic: If you are looking for a lightweight knife to carry in your purse or pocket one with a ceramic blade will be desirable.  Ceramic is highly fragile however can be easily maintained for years with proper care.

Forged vs. Stock Removal

Forged: A knife blade that is forged is made with one piece of metal.  It is shaped using a press or hammer while the metal is very hot.

Stock Removal: This method creates a knife blade by shaping the blade using grinding away the metal. Stock removal is a simpler method of making knife blades and therefore knives made from this method tend to be less expensive than forged knife blades.

Knife Handle Material

Wood: A wooden knife handle provides a stable grip that stays warm in the user’s hand.  The one disadvantage of wooden handles is that they tend to wear quickly when not properly maintained.

Plastic: Plastic handled knives tend to be slippery but offer the benefits of being easy to care for and inexpensive.

Rubber: If you are looking for highly durable knife that offers a cushion a rubber handle may be right for you.

Stainless Steel: For durability, reliability and low maintenance a stainless steel knife handle is your choice.  The one thing to be careful about though is when using the knife around heat.  A metal handle will conduct heat and become too handle if exposed to heat for a fair amount of time.

Opening/Locking/Closing Mechanisms

The mechanics of the knife are one of the most important points involved in folding knives. You must determine how easy or difficult you want the knife to be to open and close.  Do you want the knife to lock in place when open or be held in place by a spring mechanism? When closing the knife do you want to press a button or slide the blade into position?  Carefully examine the different option mechanisms available for opening, locking and closing your folding knife blade.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including folding knives made from a variety of materials.  More information on brand name knives, cutlery and specialty gear can be found by visiting https://www.knifemule.com/category.php?cat=Folding+Hunter+Pocket+Knives