Month: April 2014 - page 2

Preparations For Lasik Eye Surgery

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

With any surgery it is important to understand exactly what you should expect throughout the entire process from start to finish.  Every surgery, no matter how routine to the doctor and staff performing it is unique to you.  Each experience will be just a little bit different based on the perspective of the patient and the difficulty of operating on them.  The same is true with Lasik eye surgery as well.  The information below should be used as a basic guide.  Your experience will be different based on you as a patient, the degree of your specific eye situation and your eye surgeon.

Before Surgery

When you begin to contemplate Lasik eye surgery your first step will be to step up an initial consultation with a Lasik provider.  This evaluation will allow your surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for the surgery or if it is best that you continue your current course of vision correction.  If you wear contacts you will want to stop wearing them before you meet with the surgeon.  When you call to set up the consultation they will ask you a series of questions and give you thorough instructions to prepare for you first visit.

When you meet with the surgeon for the first time you will be asked a series of questions.  This is the time to speak up about your past and present medical conditions medication that you are taking and any previous surgeries.  An eye exam will be performed and you will be told whether you are a good match for Lasik eye surgery or not.  Remember not everyone who wants Lasik will be able to have the procedure done.  For some vision issues Lasik vision correction surgery is not the best option for optimal results.

Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for eye surgery the doctor and their staff will go over the details involved with the procedure.  The risks, benefits and alternatives to Lasik will be discussed as well as what to expect before, during and after the surgery and the aftercare that will be needed.  This is also the time you will want to discuss in detail any questions or concerns that you make have.

At this point most eye surgeons will explain that the surgery is something that really needs to be thought about and will give you time to think about how you are going to proceed.  You will not be pressured to make a definite decision that day.  You may find that after a few days of going through the material and having your initial questions answered that you have more concerns that need to be talked about.  This is why it is important not to feel pressured to make a decision right away.

Once you decide to have the Lasik eye surgery performed a date will be scheduled and for your procedure.  Be sure that you understand all the directions that the doctor and his staff has given you. Make sure that you follow orders with detailed precision this will help allow for a successful outcome to your procedure.

Our next installment will go into details about the day of the surgery, the surgery and after care.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology in eye surgery available to suit your lifestyle.  To see what the leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery has to offer you can find more information at http://www.michiganlasik.com/lasik.php.

 

Rohr Eye & Laser Center

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Eliminate The Risk In Online Jewelry Purchases

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When buying anything online you may feel you are putting yourself at risk; this is especially true when it comes to online jewelry purchases. Jewelry purchases can be made with very little risk online with the following crucial pieces in place.

When looking to make a jewelry purchase online first check to make sure the site you are buying from offers a secure checkout.  Look for a SSL encryption or certificate upon checking out.  If you can’t find one or are unsure you can call to speak with the company.  A reputable company will have a quality website with employees available to take your phone calls and answer questions about their products as well as their website check out process. A professional and reputable online jeweler will have a specialized shopping cart in place with proper identification so that buyers know they are secure when checking out.

What is the online reputation of the jeweler?  Do a thorough review on the Internet into the company as well as with the Better Business Bureau.  Check any and all reviews.  Another good tip is to look at the about us section on the company’s website.  Many local, small town jewelers are expanding to the web.  These jewelers can offer you lower prices, superior quality but don’t have the money to advertise with glitz and glamour.  This does not make them less reputable than big box companies, if anything you may receive better service because they have a smaller number of clients to make happy.

Find out about the companies return policy and warranties offered.  The price of the piece should not be a concern at all when it comes to the companies warranty and return policy.  If a return needs to be processed are you limited to store credit or will you get a complete and full return of the purchase price?  Is there a restocking fee? Stones and jewelry settings should come with at least a five year warranty.  A solid product warranty, in my opinion, equals a solid company to purchase online from.

If you are looking into purchasing gemstones or diamonds you will want to find out as much information about the piece as possible.  You should have information such as the cut, color, clarity and carat weight as well as who they use to grade their stones.  Check to make sure that the stones are procured through legal sources.  If this is not clearly stated on the site you may want to call and check with the company.  It is important that you are not buying stones that are illegally being sold.  You also want to make sure the person grading the quality of the gemstone or diamond is reputable.

Purchasing jewelry online might take a bit more time and research than going to a big box store.  The benefit is in the cost savings and convenience that is gotten from purchasing jewelry online.  If you find an online company that you are drawn to but still feel uneasy about purchasing online call them.  Many online jewelers have local store fronts and would be just as happy to deal with you via phone, email and if the chance arises in person.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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Basic Lessons In Caring For Jewelry

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Properly caring for jewelry is something that many people struggle with.  When it comes to wearing, cleaning, repairing, storing and shipping jewelry these tips will benefit your pieces no matter how much or how little they cost; the value of jewelry is the value your heart places on it.

The Basics In Wearing Jewelry

When it comes to wearing your favorite pieces of jewelry take care when performing everyday tasks.  When you are performing manual tasks such as cleaning the house or changing the oil in your car wearing your jewelry leads to exposure to harsh chemical s and physical damage.  It is better to remove your jewelry before many everyday physically demanding tasks.  It is also important that when applying makeup and playing sports that you safely store your jewelry.  Makeup, perfume and lotions can damage the appearance of jewelry.  In sports your pieces could become damage or even cause damage to your or another player.  It is best to avoid wearing jewelry when participating in sports.

Correctly Cleaning Jewelry Pieces

For the longest time cleaning jewelry meant I would wear it into the shower.  This is the exact opposite of cleaning your jewelry.  Soap and chemicals in shampoos can harm jewelry.  When cleaning jewelry it is found that a homemade cleaning solution or one purchased from your jeweler are the best options.  Be careful not to soak the pieces for too long and be gentle when cleaning settings and stones.  Using a polishing cloth can be helpful as well as they prevent film build up and are free of loose strings and threads that accompany many towels.  Another tip is to always rise the piece in warm water.  Hot water can cause certain types of metal to tarnish. When cleaning each piece check for any damage that has occurred.  A detailed inspection can prevent the loss of a treasured heirloom.

Reputable Jewelry Repair

You should be confident in the jewelry check in procedure upon dropping off your piece for repair.  Make sure they document each piece with a detailed description and that they do an inspection of gemstones and diamonds.  The same documents should be matched up with the documentation you have when picking the pieces up after repair.  Ask friends and neighbors for a referral based on previous jewelry repairs they were happy with.  When you meet with the jeweler that will be repairing your piece determine if it will be sent out or if the piece is repaired in house.  In house jewelry repair is always the safest option.

Storing Jewelry For Safe Keeping

Storing your jewelry when you are not wearing it is as important as any step in the process of owning and caring or jewelry.  Keep your pieces in a secure, organized location.  To prevent jewelry from tarnishing you can place anti tarnish strips in your jewelry box that will help collect any extra moisture and oxidants to help to prevent a build up from occurring.  It is also advisable that all jewelry that is being stored be inventoried in detail with pictures and documentation.  This is helpful if your jewelry is ever stolen.  It will be simple to see what pieces are missing based on your documentation.

Shipping Jewelry Safely

When you are shipping jewelry it is essential to use more than one box.  Never ship jewelry in only the box it comes in.  A piece should be secured in a jewelry holder and placed in an otter padded shipping box.  Padding should be added to prevent the inside box from moving at all.  All jewelry shipped should be documented properly and insured.  All boxes that contain jewelry should be secured well with tape.  The receiver should always have to sign for the package.  Never allow a shipper to leave boxes without it being signed off on.  If possible eliminate any wording on the box that refers to what the contents are inside the box.  All labels referring to jewelry should be removed prior to shipping.

The tips above will help you in the future when it comes to all the faucets involved in protecting your jewelry pieces.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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Exploring The Advantages and Disadvantage Of Familiar Pool Types

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to owning a pool, maintenance is key to the pool’s longevity.  One are that will require maintenance with your pool is the surface.  There are four main types of inground pool surfaces.  Before you install an inground pool it is best to know the advantages and disadvantages of the materials available.   Making an educated decision will prevent guesswork when it comes to the care of the pools surface.

Gunite Plaster Pools

A concrete, or gunite pool, is sprayed in concrete over a hole created for the pool.  After this initial process is complete plaster is applied using a trowel over the concrete to smooth out the pools final surface.  A deck surrounding a gunite plaster pool can vary along with the flow of the backyard.  A gunite pool can be placed virtually anywhere.

Advantages

  • Can Be Any Shape or Size
  • Custom Designed
  • Designed to Fit Landscape
  • Steps and Benches are Easily Added
  • Permanently Installed

Disadvantages

  • Labor Intensive to Build Initially
  • Can Crack
  • Regular Upkeep Needed on Plaster

Vinyl Lined Pools

Vinyl lined pools are created from steel walls that are lined with a vinyl liner that is the pools surface.  A hole is dug into the ground and the liner is fitted within the space. Decking can be installed around the pool and usually is a less permanent option than poured concrete.

Advantages

  • Least Expensive Pool Option To Install
  • Construct In Any Size and Shape

Disadvantages

  • Expensive Upkeep Overtime
  • Gets Wrinkled
  • Color Fades
  • Liner Pulls Away from The Steel Walls
  • Tears Easily

Fiberglass Pools

A fiberglass pool is made from reinforced plastic and fiberglass.  It is molded into a particular shape, including a deep basin.  The pool is installed in a hole that is approximately the same shape and size of the mold.  Plumbing is installed and sand and filler is added around the structure to create backfill under the preformed base.  The pool is leveled out, hooked up and ready to be filled with water.  Most fiberglass pools will be surrounded by a concrete deck platform.

Advantages

  • Ease of Installation
  • Versatile and Flexible
  • Strong and Virtually Maintenance Free

Disadvantages

  • Depth of the Pool is Limited
  • All One Piece

Each type of inground pool material has advantages and disadvantages ranging from initial design, maintenance, expense and upkeep.  The decision on the type of pool you are looking to install will come from the time you are willing to wait for it to be installed as well.  Fiberglass pools can usually be built and ready to go within a few weeks where as vinyl lined pools take as long as six to eight weeks and gunite anywhere from ten to twelve weeks.  The most common type of inground pools in the north is gunite plaster pools and fiberglass.  Fiberglass tends to be easier to maintain but is limited in size and shape to what is manufactured.  Concrete pools with a plaster overlay are the most versatile but will require more upkeep in the long run.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote visit http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

 

Pound Pool Plastering

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Basics for New Pool Owners

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There is so much that you will need to learn as a new pool owner.  Whether you purchase a home with an inground pool installed or are having a pool installed you will need a crash course on pools.  In this article we will cover a wide range of topics from opening the pool, maintenance and closing.

Most homeowners in the North use Memorial Day weekend as their pools opening date.  This is at about the same time the kids are getting out of school for the summer and will need something to occupy their time.  Opening the pool starts with gathering all the supplies needed.  Most pool owners will find having a storage shed is the best way to store pool chemicals and supplies together.

When opening the pool for the first time you may find stagnate water has created a puddle on the pools cover.   You will want to remove the water before removing the pools cover.  Once this has been done you will start to replenish the water, add chemicals to the water and connect the pools plumbing and filtration.  While you are doing this you should remove any large debris with a vacuum or skimmer so that the filter remains unclogged.

When it comes to maintaining your pool the chemical balance is incredibly important.  Without proper chemical balance the compound levels in the water will be unbalances and could create damage to the pools plaster surface.  It is also important when considering looking after your pool to check out the pools surface for cracks and signs of wear as well as the plumbing fixtures used to run the pool.  If wear is seen and replacement is inevitable it is simpler and more cost effective to do this prior to opening the pool for the season.

Daily upkeep, bug removal and chemical maintenance are needed throughout the season to ensure your pools longevity.  It is important that even when you are gone on vacation that your pool is being looked after.  Daily upkeep is essential to avoid any downtime enjoying the pool from improper chemical balance, algae growth and a nightmare with the pools vacuum upon your return.

Closing your pool for the season is as equally important as opening the pool.  If done properly opening the pool in the spring will be a piece of cake.  When closing the pool the first item to take care of is the chemical balance in the pool.  Adjust the pools ph balance, alkalinity and calcium hardness.  This should be done about five days prior to the actual shut down of the pool.

The pool also needs to be shocked using a strong chlorine solution that will kill all the bacteria living in the pool.  From here you should add algaecide to prevent algae from forming and to kill any that is already in existence.  Thoroughly clean the pool.  Remove and drain all pool equipment and store it in a dry place that is not exposed to winter elements. Drain the water in the pool to about a foot below the skimmer and cover the pool.

For new pool owners it is best to hire a pool crew to open, maintain and close your pool for at least the first summer that you have the pool.  They can help you come up with a detailed plan of maintenance and walk you through the process in order to prevent damage.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote visit http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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The Importance Of Spring Roofing Inspections

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When spring weather hits after a long, cold Northern winter homeowners start to get the itch to revamp their homes. This includes interior and exterior improvements ranging from replacing roofs to complete kitchen renovations.  Improvements that we will use and enjoy everyday always seem like the choice we want to make when allocating funds to renovations.  When contemplating what renovation to do next it isn’t always about what we want but sometimes what our home needs.  Your roof is your homes umbrella; if you need roof repair or roof replacement it is important that this is completed to prevent damage to the structure of your home.

A new roof is a big investment financially.  Roofing contractors can help you better understand the importance of keeping your roof’s structure and shingling in top shape.  A roof that has damage to the roofing materials including the underlayment and shingles is more susceptible to costly repairs down the road.  Leaky roofs lead to mold and water saturation that can compromise the structural integrity of your home.  As costly as replacing your roof can be structural damage to your home is worse not only on your pocket book but also the disruption to your life.

To save yourself from the stress that can be caused from a leaky roof or other roof damage it is important to hire a roofing contractor to inspect your roof at least once a year.  As a homeowner it is crucial you do regular visual inspections for obvious signs of roof damage but a thorough inspection once a year by a licensed roofing contractor is critical.

A roofing contractor knows exactly what to look for when it comes to damage to your roof; especially when the damage is not obvious and is just beginning to occur.  As a homeowner look for obvious signs such as streaking on the shingles, buckled and curled shingling, missing granules from the shingle, rusted flashing, moss and mold.  Also inspect the attic to look for any signs of water damage or leaks.  If you notice any extra moisture a roof inspection by a professional is an absolute must.  Keep track of your energy bills as well.  If you see a large jump in energy use this is a pretty good sign you need to have an inspection done on your roof.

As a homeowner it is essential that you maintain your home.  The same is true for your roofing.  I mention this as it is not as obvious as maintain something visual like your homes landscaping.  Often the roof maintenance is overlooked.  At least once a year, if not twice, you should venture up on the roof with the sole purpose of cleaning your ventilation system and exhaust vents.  This is also a great time to caulk any areas of wear around pipes and vents as well as painting any metal that is exposed and rusting. This is also the perfect time to maintain your gutters.

Many homeowners focus too much on the interior of their homes especially when they are considering putting the home on the market.  This is a huge mistake.  The curb appeal and first impression that a buyer has of your home plays a vital role in the emotions buyers feel touring your home.  A fresh, clean well maintained exterior can sway a buyer because let’s be honest the idea of redoing the kitchen is more appealing to buyers and their extra funds than adding a new roof.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Home Maintenance Tips For Spring

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Spring has finally sprung in the North!  The thirteen weeks between winter and summer are the busiest time of the year for home improvements and maintenance.  After homeowners have been stuck inside for months we become anxious to get outside and enjoy the sunlight.  The one drawback, the sunlight enhances the gutters filled with decaying leaves, the burnt out landscaping, moldy roof line and deteriorating deck. Thirteen weeks till summer fun starts so prioritize and get a move on the important repairs.

The first place I like to start is with the gutters.  Especially in spring when everything is melting and rain is inevitable.  Check your homes gutters to ensure they are secured to the house.  Clean all debris from the gutters and make sure that they are flowing free of debris.  When gutters are not performing properly water can build up and cause improper draining into the crawl space or basement.  It is also important that your downspouts are in working order and draining away from the house.

Water pools in areas that are low lying within your yard.  These pools of water tend to create damage if too close to your homes foundation not to mention they foster bacteria growth and insect infestations.  Any low area in your lawn, especially those close to the home should be assessed and soil brought in.  Compact soil in low lying areas will help to create a secure foundation for your home.

Wood around your home needs to be thoroughly checked over.  One way to check for soft or rotting wood is to carry a screwdriver around and press the wood around windows, door walls, railings and decking.  If you come about a soft area it is time to replace the wood.  It is cheaper to maintain then to replace.  This is especially true with decking.  If you notice spots of your deck getting weak, replace the wood and use a sealer to minimize future wear.

The spring time is the perfect time to inspect the roof and attic.  From the ground you should be able to do a thorough check for missing shingles, loose granules and any other obvious damage from the winter.  If you see any buckling, cracking or loose shingles call a roofing contractor to come out and do a detailed roof inspection.  They will be able to assess if the roof can be repaired or if a new roof is inevitable.

If your home has a fire place and you have stored wood close to the house for the winter spring is the season you should move it.  Wood stored close to the home is a safe haven for a variety of inspects and outdoor pests.  To store the wood to keep it good for later use build a structure that is about a foot off the ground and away from the home.  You can cover the dry wood with a tarp to keep it dry throughout the season.  If you must keep wood close to your home try to move it at least two feet away from the foundation.

Turn the water on under the house for your hoses.  Also do a check of exterior faucets as well as a quick check on your crawl space entry.  Make sure the lines are open and water is flowing freely.  This is good to d once you are sure your area is free of frost and freezing.  Also check to see if the hose has suffered from dry rot if it was not safely stored inside for the winter.

Check and clean household electric and gas equipment such as your mower, weed whip, chain saws and trimmers.  Get these in working order.  This is also the time when you should check your outside grill.  Fill the propane, check the burners and grates.  You can replace defective parts inexpensively without replacing the entire grill. Don’t forget to check the central air as well; before you know it the hot summer will be upon you and no one likes to be too hot or cold when they sleep.

Enjoy the spring and the motivation it brings as you take on your homes maintenance and work to keep up on all the little repairs before they take a turn for the worse.  For instance a roof repair is ten times cheaper than the installation of a new roof.  A mower belt is far less expensive than a new mower.  Spring maintenance saves homeowners a lot of money in the long run.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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The Right Cut In Kitchen Cutlery

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Having the right tools no matter what trade you are in is important.  This is true for everyone from mechanics to artists to chefs.  Quality tools and materials to work with seem to always make every job or task so much easier.  An artist can’t use the fifty cent drug store paint brushes that come in school watercolor kits as the bristles tend to fall out.  A true artist needs a quality brush and top of the line watercolors.  The same is true in the kitchen.

Every kitchen from the novice home kitchen to a five star restaurant kitchen they all need quality knives to prepare food with.  Food preparations are not only made simpler with quality tools but presentation of the food is better as well.  With that said here is some advice on finding essential cutlery pieces for your home kitchen.

At first it is important to be equipped with the basics; a chef’s knife, a utility knife, a paring knife and a knife for slicing.  These are essential knives for all home kitchens.  Not only are these pieces a must but they also must be made of quality materials that work with your style of cooking.

You must first determine if you prefer knives that are forged or stamped.  Most people will have a preference.  A forged knife is made of one single piece of steel and cut and molded into shape.  Forged knives offer a sturdy blade option with a solid bolster and heel that helps to protect your hand during cutting.  A stamped knife is a knife that is made by machine.  They are stamped out and identical to the other knives being produced with it.  Stamped knives tend to be more flexible and inexpensive than forged knives.  Both forged and stamped knives are capable of performing in the kitchen.  They do cut differently and feel different when held so take time to test out both options until you can tell which you prefer.

Another thing to consider when choosing cutlery is the level of care that you will be able to provide when using the knives.  In busy families knives tend to sit in a sink and go unwashed after meal prep or even thrown in the dishwasher both of which are not advisable.  If this describes your busy family consider finding a low maintenance knife that is not prone to corrosion.  Kitchen knives that require regular sharpening are probably not ideal either.  It is important to note that your kitchenware needs to be ideal for you and your family. Quality can be purchased at all levels of care.

One more tip in finding kitchen knives that will help you become a meal preparation master is the handle grip.  When thinking about the four essential knives we spoke about earlier consider that if you purchase a set they will all have the same handle style.  This may not be appropriate for you.  I prefer a larger handle for my chef’s knife with a grip whereas on my paring and slicing knife I prefer a smooth small handle.

Many stores provide a knife testing station.  It is important that before you put money into a set of cutlery that you are happy with the way it performs and handles with you.  When testing knives work with a variety of mediums from meats to fruit to herb; this will allow you to see how well the knife performs for a variety of purposes.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of kitchen cutlery including chef knives, paring knives, slicing knives and more.  For more information on brand name knives, cutlery and specialty gear visit https://www.knifemule.com/category.php?cat=Kitchen+Cutlery.

 

Knife Mule

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Choosing A Solid Folding Knife

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

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

Knife Mule

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Survival Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Surviving in the wilderness is not something many of us will ever have to experience.  Most hiking and outdoor adventures go exactly as planned.  You hike into the wilderness, explore and proceed out without incident.  However, there are times in exploring the great outdoors that your adventure goes awry and there are some mistakes you should be aware of so that you can avoid them.

Without a shelter of some type you are exposed to all of natures elements; the dangers of weather and critters.  Staying dry is the first rule in survival and this is hard to manage without a shelter or the know how to create a shelter out of the tools that surround you in nature. Exposure to the elements be it sun, snow or rain are all very dangerous.  Don’t make this mistake.  When backpacking, hunting or on any outdoor adventure no matter how short the trip is meant to be pack a light tarp; this small piece of equipment could very well save your life.

Don’t ever go on any outdoor travels without proper navigation tools.  A map of the area and a compass are tools that cannot fail you when navigating unfamiliar territory.  Experienced or not any one can get turned around in the thick of the forest.  When it comes to navigation have a back up method that leads you to safety.  A GPS is good for some situations but if the battery fails or the signal is lost you will need a fall back.  This is why a map and compass are always good tools to have in your backpack.

Carry with you a flint and some waterproof matches.  Fire represents life in the wilderness.  Maintaining a fire is important for heat and for food and water preparations. Knowing how to create a fire as well as hunt for food, signal for help and prepare water are all important survival skills to have.  Don’t make the mistake of relying on others in your party’s knowledge of the outdoors; you never know what will happen when forced to be in survival mode.

No matter how many people are with you make sure someone that is not with you knows where you are going and what your plans are.  This way if you don’t arrive back when you were supposed to someone knows to alert the authorities.  Simple father son fishing trips can go wrong at the drop of a hat so be prepared by always having a contact person that knows where you were headed and what your plans are.

Dress appropriately.  Your clothing choice should always include an extra layer that can be taken off and stored in a back pack.  The day might start out beautiful and shorts and a t-shirt might be appropriate but if you find yourself lost and out after the sun has set you will appreciate the extra clothing.  Once you have caught a chill it is almost impossible to warm up when you are in survival mode.

Always carry a water filtration system or water purification tablets in your backpack.  Water is even more important than food in survival efforts.  Dehydration will make you weak, unpurified water can make you sick leading to faster dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.  Water purification tablets make even the most disgusting water drinkable.  Also, creating a fire and boiling water will help as well.  If possible boil the water you wish to drink and then add a water purification tablet or run it through a filtration system.

Last but not least an outdoor adventure should never be gone on without having a knife on you.  A pocket knife is an essential tool but even better prepared outdoorsman will carry a fixed blade knife in a sheath on them.  A solid, full tang knife can be used to kill food, cut brush for a fire, skin fish, and help create a more stable shelter and so much more.  A quality knife is essential; not carrying one is a huge mistake when it comes to surviving in the wilderness.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including fixed blade survival knives.  For more information on brand name knives, cutlery and specialty gear visit https://www.knifemule.com/category.php?cat=Fixed+Blade+Knives.

 

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