Month: June 2014 - page 3

Buying a Pocket Knife Part Two

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

We left off our last installment on choosing the perfect pocket knife looking at the options available in blades for your new pocket knife.  As mentioned pocket knives are sold with single blades, two blades and multi-blade often referred to as a Swiss Army Knife.   In this installment on the pocket knife we will look deeper into the edge of the blade you are looking for in a pocket knife.

The great debate continues on the edge that makes up the perfect pocket knife.  There are three main types of blades to choose from including: fully serrated, partially serrated as well as plain. In understanding the type of blade that you will use the most it is important to also be familiar with the two basic cuts that a knife will perform; the push cut and the pull cut.  A push cut is used to shave wood or peel an apple where as the pull cut is used for cutting rope or bread.

First we will look into the plain edge pocket knife. The advantage of owning this type of blade is that is performs clean, precise push cuts.  The sharp edge allows you control and accuracy within your cuts.  The plain edge is also easier to sharpen and can be done at home.  With a plain edge blade you will not be able to perform any pull cuts which makes it unable to use it to saw.  If you are in need of a knife to cut through wood or rope a plain edge is not for you. If you will be using the knife to shave or skin this is perfect for you.

When it comes to the fully serrated edge of a pocket knife you will find it is perfect for cutting through the tough materials that a straight edge blade would never be able to get through. A fully serrated edge gives strength to the blade from the serrations.  All of this working together provides a pocket knife that functions well as a saw blade.  This blade however does not provide clean, precision cuts and requires sharpening that can only be done through the factory.

Another option in pocket knife blades is the partially serrated edge, partial straight edge.  This blade offers you both options in one.  The combo knife blade is growing in popularity because it gives you the advantages of both knives.  The one thing to consider is the placement of the serrated edge on the blade to ensure the tasks you need it for can be accomplished.  The other thing to consider is that you will have to send it in to the factory to have the serrated edge sharpened.  Pocket knives with the combination straight edge and saw are becoming more and more popular every day.  It is the perfect tool for camping, hiking and is an all around solid survival pocket knife.

In our next installment on pocket knives we will explore the different blade size options along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

 

Knife Mule

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Cleaning Precious Stones In Jewelry

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

There are a billion home methods to cleaning jewelry online but how do you know if the method is safe for the metal that it will be safe for the stone set within.  Most metal methods of cleaning; when it comes to jewelry do not take into consideration the precious stones within.  As with different methods that best suit each type of metal found within jewelry there are best methods of cleaning precious and semi-precious stones as well.

Gemstones

When you are cleaning gemstones never soak them in water especially when the stones are set in using glue. The water will loosen the glue and cause the gemstones to be come loose and fall out.  The best way to clean gemstone jewelry is using a soft, damn cloth that has been soaked in a mixture of warm water and soap, wring out the cloth and wipe the piece down thoroughly.  After this process has been completed you will want to hang the piece; this will help ensure that the water does not stay between the glue and the stone.

Pearls that are dirty to the naked eye should be washed using a solution of one teaspoon of Woolite diluted with a quart of warm water.  The piece should only be soaked in the solution for about ten to fifteen seconds.  After this has been done the pearl should be wiped with a soft cotton cloth and laid flat to dry.  After the pearl is clean and dried it should be stored in a cotton bag.  Never store pearls in plastic or with any other types of jewelry.  Pearls should be stored alone and not allowed to rub against other pieces or one another.  Where pearls regularly as your natural oils will help keep the luster of pearls.  Dry cotton cloths can be rubbed over the pieces before they are worn to bring out their shine.

An old wise tale with diamond jewelry is that the luster is brought out using a mixture of warm water and toothpaste.  This is not a method I recommend.  Diamond jewelry and its sheen come out better using warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush.  Brush the diamonds with the soft bristled brush under the mixture of soap and water.  Rinse the piece with warm water and allow it to air dry.

Turquoise is cleaned using warm soapy water.  Never submerge turquoise as the material is incredibly porous and will allow the water to seep in.  This will eventually cause discoloration.  You should avoid all types of commercial cleansers as they are overly harsh for turquoise.  The same is true for pearls. Commercial cleansers tend to be overly harsh for semi-precious stones and precious stones alike.

Cleaning your stones is as important as cleaning the metals that house the piece.  Be it gold, white gold, silver, platinum or titanium the metal is as important as the stone set inside.  Be sure to clean each of your pieces of jewelry taking into consideration both the stone and the metal.

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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Cleaning Gold Jewelry

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Jewelry made out of gold does not tarnish like silver tends to however it does dull out with the accumulation of filth that builds up over time. The good news is that it is easy to restore the luster and shine gold is known for. Gold it the easiest material jewelry is made from to bring back its gleam with ordinary things that can be found around the home.

The first method is cleaning gold jewelry using dish soap.  Fill a small bowl with warm water, seltzer water or club soda and a few drops of liquid dish soap.  The carbonation of the seltzer water or club soda is better for loosening thick grime and build-ups.  Note that the liquid should be warm but not boiling.  Boiling water would be hard on fragile precious stones and may cause them to crack.  Soak the pieces in the solution for fifteen to twenty minutes.  It will soak into all the crevices within the jewelry loosening up the dirt.  After soaking, gently scrub the pieces with a child size toothbrush.  Rinse with the piece with warm water and blot the pieces of jewelry dry and leave them out to thoroughly dry in a safe spot.

Another method that works well to clean gold jewelry is using ammonia.  This is a more powerful cleanser and is best to be used only for deep cleaning.  This is not the method that should be used for weekly cleanings on your gold jewelry.  When using ammonia mix one part ammonia to six parts water.  This will ensure that the mixture will not be overly powerful.  The pieces should soak for no more than one minute as ammonia tends to be corrosive.  Remove the pieces carefully using a strainer and rinse with warm water.  Dry the pieces off with a soft polishing cloth and allow to thoroughly dry off in a safe spot.

If your gold jewelry includes gemstones that are glued in you will want to clean them using the next technique.  Gemstones that are glued in should never be soaked in water.  The water will loosen the glue and the gemstones will be compromised. Wipe gold gemstone jewelry with a soapy wet cloth and gently scrub the pieces. Rinse the pieces using a wet cloth and plain water.  Places the pieces on a soft cloth or hang them upside to ensure a thoroughly dried.  If the piece is not dried appropriately the water could lead to lost gemstones.

Another method that brings out the shine in gold jewelry is a mixture of toothpaste and water.  Take a small amount of toothpaste into the palm of your hand and mix in some water making a paste.  This can also be done in a small bowl.  Using an old toothbrush, take the mixture and scrub the piece of gold jewelry. Rinse with warm water and let the piece dry.  This is a quick method to remove grime and bring out the shine in gold jewelry and precious stones.

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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The Ins and Outs Of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to roofing for your home asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for homeowners and roofing contractors alike.  The advantages that come along with asphalt shingles when compared to numerous other roofing materials are plentiful.  Advantages with shingle roofing ranges from ease of maintenance to the cost savings in materials and installation.

Upkeep and Shingle Roofing Maintenance

The most advantageous characteristic with asphalt shingles for homeowners is the ease of maintaining and keeping up with the roofing material.  With many different types of roofing materials there is a standard amount of maintenance required to keep the roofing’s appearance up as well as the function of the roofing.  With asphalt roof they continue to look fresh and updated for years after initial installation with very little maintenance and upkeep. Shingle roofing is also easily repaired if damaged from the weather and often does not require hiring a roofing contractor to repair the roof.

Shingle Roofing Installation

Roofing contractors have mastered the art of installing asphalt shingles.  They are the simplest of roofing materials to be installed.  A normal home can be stripped and re-shingles in one day.  Some varieties of shingles require special tools to install.  Asphalt shingles are durable, solid and are suited for a variety of roof designs.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Appearance

Asphalt shingling comes in a variety of colors and textures.  Any style home, no matter what can be shingled with asphalt while maintaining its true identity.  Asphalt shingling can be created to achieve the presence of natural materials while maintaining al of the advantages.  If you like the look of cedar shakes, wood, tile or slate a shingle can be created to take on the look and feel of the ideal material.  Why is this good you ask?  This is ideal for shingle roofs that wish to appear expensive while keeping with the benefits of asphalt shingle roofing.

Costs Associated with Shingling

Another major advantage of roofing shingles is that they remain the most inexpensive materials to apply to your homes roof.  Shingles are readily manufactured in large volumes so they remain a low-cost product to produce.  Roofing contractors are also less expensive to hire when installing shingles.  As mentioned earlier shingle roofing is easily removed and applied.  It takes fewer days to install a new roof or replace an existing roof with shingles.

Shingle Roofing Weight

Another advantage that comes along with shingles is that they are incredibly lightweight and durable in comparison to other types of roofing materials.  They are suitable to use in most any type of roofing structures.

These are some of the benefits associated with asphalt shingle roofing. They are easy to maintain to stay looking fresh and up to date as well as being inexpensive to manufacture and install.  The price of roofing is always going to be costly but using shingle roofing keeps the cost of materials and installation to a minimum while being a material that is durable and made to withstand a number of climates from harsh winters to warm summers.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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The Appeal Of Metal Roofing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Metal roofing is one of the most sought after materials for new roofs.  There are a number of benefits that make metal roofing appealing to both homeowners and roofing contractors alike.  When comparing metal roofing to shingle roofing you will find that the cost is almost double however the longevity of the roofing material more than doubles.  We will look deeper into metal roofing advantages and disadvantages throughout this articles.

As stated above metal shingling is known for its durability and longevity.  An asphalt shingle roof is warranted to last anywhere between twelve to twenty years.  This will be determined by the type of climate the home is located within as well as the shingle material that was purchased.  Metal roofs have been thought to last upwards of fifty years.  This is quite impressive when it comes to roofing longevity.

Metal roofing is created from materials that do not decompose and withstand the wrath of even the most difficult climates.  Shingles are created from fiberglass and asphalt granules. Shingle roofing literally starts to decompose the minute the roof is installed.  This will vary according to the climate in the area in which the roof is installed as well.

Metal roofing comes in a variety of colors, style, patterns and designs.  The choice of metal roofing you decide upon will come from any number of factors including the preferences with your region, the style of architecture that surrounds your home and neighborhood as well as the climate in the area that you reside.  Metal roofing can be found to match literally every homeowners needs.

As with asphalt shingling you can get metal roofing in a variety of styles to resemble a number of styles associated with roofing.  If you like the look of shakes, slate, tile, shingles or traditional vertical and horizontal roofing, metal shingles can be created to match your desires.

Another benefit to metal roofing is the environmental impact it has.  Asphalt shingles are slowly taking over landfills due to their inability to decompose.  Think about this picture.  In one year twenty billion pounds of shingles land in fills throughout the United States.  If you were to fill semi-trailers full of shingles, this would create an unbroken line of traffic from New York to Los Angeles and back again.  This is not the case with metal roofing.

Metal roofing comes from fifty six percent recycled materials from production to installation.  This is far superior to shingle roofing.  Metal roofing also lasts for over double the amount of time a shingle roof does which means less waste to fill our landfills.

Metal roofing is a premium material which means it adds value to your homes resale value.  If you are considering living in the home for quite some time after installing a new roof metal saves you the hassles of hiring a roofing contractor to install your roof once again.  With the use of metal you will install the roof once, increase the value of your home and never worry about the costs or hassle associated with roofing in general.

For more information on metal roofing consider looking online for local roofing contractors and metal roofing suppliers.  Getting quotes from a number of sources will assure that you get the best deal, warranty and roofing contractor to install your new metal roof.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township,  including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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