Ka Bar Becker 16 Custom

The Ka Bar Becker 16 is a great camp/survival knife out of the box.  But as I've noted before, I like to personalize and upgrade things myself and after a few tweaks, this knife may be one of the best out there.   

Inspired by the customization project outlined on the YouTube channel of Gideon's Tactical as I began to search for a survival/camp knife, I decided to go with the Ka Bar Becker BK 16 based on many things including its lower price point and ability to upgrade parts of the knife when you are able to and not have such a large investment up front. 

First the final results after stripping the stock coating and upgrading the handles and sheath:

 

Higo No Kami Knife Review

During the era of the Samurai in Japan, no one was allowed to carry weapons other than the Samurai or the military, hence the similarity of many Japanese weapons to farming implements.  These more familiar weapons were developed and carried by various tradesmen, farmers and fishermen. 

These tradesmen as well as peasants also developed a smaller more concealable weapon,

 

Leatherman Wave Night Shoot

I know there have been a number of changes to the Leatherman Wave since I purchased mine years ago but it is still one of my favorite tools.

I decided to take mine out tonight to experiment with some night shooting.

 

a Memphis Traveler's 2015 Christmas List - $25 And Under

The 2015 version of the annual Christmas list is here!  I have put together a list of some items I personally own and have tested and many others that I have researched and would love to see under my own tree! 

Most are geared toward the Outdoorsman and this first part is under $25 because I know budgets are always important. 

Lists for $25-$50, $50-$100, and EDC stocking stuffer lists are in the works.

EDC - 3 Good Quality, Budget Pocket Folding Knives

You can spend almost any amount of money on a pocket knife.  And there are hundreds of cheap knives out there that aren't going to hold up.  If you are like me, you want a good quality knife without spending $100 or more.  Also important to me is buying something that is going to last a long time and not have to be replaced every year.

DIY Machete Handle Upgrade

One way to save money and still have quality gear is to upgrade less expensive items yourself so they look and perform better.

I have a couple knife blanks I have been wanting to put handles on so I decided to test out technique on an old machete I have but never really used. 

I've had this machete for years but never really done anything with it. It has a two part plastic handle and the cutting edge came with a dull edge covered with paint, maybe for safety during shipping.

Can't Wait To Use This Gerber Strong Arm!

Just got a Gerber StrongArm from Amazon and I can't wait to use this thing on the next trail or camping trip I take.  I was able to get some time at least to post some initial thoughts for now.

 

Buck Knives - Compadre Camp Knife

This will be going on my upcoming 2015 Outdoors Christmas Gift List but I wanted to do a separate post about it as well because I just like the looks of this knife so much.



Buck Knives 0104WAS Compadre Camp Knife with Red Blade and Plain Edge.

 

You will either love or hate the red powder coated blade but I like it and think it goes well with the Walnut handle.

Christmas Gift For The Adventurous Gent 2011 Part 2

I just keep remembering and discovering more things that I wanted to add so I just started a new post to hold them all.

I would bet that you will have no problem finding something for that guy on your list from one of these two posts.

Part 1 is here.

Now on to Part 2:

Stocking Stuffers

Valet recently posted a great breakdown of the traditional contents of a stocking and why some of the items are in it.  Turns out Santa was right on track at my house when he puts pens and oranges in my stocking every year.  See Valet's Stocking Blueprint to get started.

Christmas Gifts For The Adventurous Gent 2011

Christmas Gifts for the Adventurous Gent

Gift Guide 2011


I consider myself a Gentleman, Scholar, Athlete and Adventurer, and pick things I would like to get under the tree on Christmas morning.
 
Be sure to check out last year's post:

Christmas Gifts for the Adventurous Gent 2010.


I hope this list inspires some great ideas or at least a related gift.  If so, let us know!
Thanks and Merry Christmas!

Father's Day Gift Guide 2011

Father's Day - June 19th 2011

Father's Day is coming up soon.  Get a jump on it with this quick gift list of items that I know I would want.  Whether your guy is a grill master, traveler, outdoors-man, sports junky or prep, there is something here for him.


Update:  Its still not too late to get something for Father's Day and let him pick it out himself.  Just print a gift certificate from Amazon.  Just Buy.  Select Print at Home.  and Stuff in a Card.  Done.





KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corp Fighting Knife, Straight - reproduction of the knife carried in WWII.



Kershaw Ken Onion Leek Folding Knife with Speed Safe- slides in your pocket smooth, and opens smooth with the assisted opening action.

Life Lessons, Inspirations and Survival Tips From Bear Grylls

I have to admit, when their respective survival shows first began airing I was anti Bear Grylls (Man vs.Wild) and pro Les Stroud (Survivorman).  Due to the fact that Bear used a camera crew and had rescue teams on call all the time.  Les Stroud, on the other hand, carried all his own camera equipment and at least seemed to be a lot more isolated during filming than Bear was.  But now as I read and learn more about his story and life philosophy I have become a fan of the Bear also.

 Man vs. Wild with Bear Grylls on Discovery

Another Good Review of the Bear Grylls Survival Knife

The ultimate challenge of approval:  a child.  This reviewer's son seems to be a big fan of the Bear Grylls Survival Knife.  (Which is still on my wish list if anyone is interested)

See the review here over at the field and stream blog.  

Starting a fire in the snow is something I definitely need to practice.  Especially if this increased snow pattern keeps up in the coming years.