I was scrolling through my feed this evening and came across a post by my mate announcing a brand new community he created, and showcasing a sweet little knife he acquired, and I thought it would be cool to help promote the community a little. You can see his post here if you're keen.
So, you may be wondering what my 5.11 boot is doing on this post...Well, it's sort of relevant to the community...Sort of...No it's not a community about boots...But see that black thing in my boot? That's a knife, and is exactly what the community is about. It's a community about Knives!
As a hunter, camper, off-roader and someone whose out and about in the outback and wilderness a lot I rely on knives all the time. I have many, and each one suits a specific purpose. I'll probably talk about a few in the future, but today I wanted to talk about one that pretty much accompanies me everywhere I go. The one that you see here slipped in my boot, which is where it lives!
I use my knives, meaning they're not for show. I buy them for utilitarian purposes and they need to perform their given task; They have to hold their edge, be robust to take the beating they often get and they need to stow appropriately.
This Kershaw knife is one of my favourites. It's a manual-opener meaning the operator has to open it rather than simply flicking a button; Spring-loaded knives are not permitted in my neck of the woods. This knife has a tricky little secret though and is actually incredibly quick to deploy.
The operator can open it one handed as there's a small lug on it that permits the operator to swing the blade open with the thumb as soon as it's pulled from the pocket. Further to that it has a little lug on it which is designed to catch the edge of the pocket on the way out and drag the blade open. So simply by pulling it from one's pocket in the right way will have it locked open and ready to use. Tricky huh?
Below you can see the closed knife, and you'll note the thumb-tab and little pocket hook I mention above. It's to the left-top of the knife.
Here you can see the blade locked open. It's not a huge knife of course, I'm not Crocodile Dundee you know! It's designed to be stowed in a pocket, hence the size. It's sharp though and can be used for a multitude of purposes and due to the strength in the hinge and handle it does a remarkable job on various tasks; It slashes, slices and stabs.
As I said above, this knife lives in my boot and as I wear these boots a lot the knife goes everywhere they do. Of course, when wearing a suit at work these boots wouldn't work so well and in that case I have a different knife which I'll talk about in another post.
I know there's a lot of people out there who don't carry knives, know how to use them or even like them I guess. But for me a knife is essential kit and it's truly amazing how many times this particular blade, or my smaller work-option one, has been required for some task or other...Has anyone got a kni... and before they finish I've got this thing in my hand offering it to them. G-dog saves the day.
I like to be prepared, to feel self-reliant and confident that should certain things happen I have a way to mitigate the impact, risk or implications. An example? I have a seat belt cutter/glass breaker in all of my vehicles, a first aid kit and go-bag in each also. Why? Because bad things happen and I like to be prepared. Laughable you think? It won't be if it's your life I save after a vehicle wreck. I like to be prepared.
Having this knife with me, the other option-knife I have also, means I am a little bit more prepared and that brings me a feeling of confidence.
Being prepared isn't all about spider-holes, 150,000 rounds of ammunition and a water purifier...It's a daily thing. First aid, situational awareness, fire-evac plan, extinguishers and a fire blanket at home, a home security plan...That's all prepping. The same as having a small knife on one's person and, if a lady in the handbag, for instance...You never know when you may need it, even if it's to cut a thread off your work suit!
Anyway, that's about it. I'm glad someone started a knife community as it works in counterpoint to the firearms community I started a while back called THE PEW a community for all things firearms, archery, hunting, airsoft, paintball and prepping.
You might want to go and check out the Knives community and if you have something you wish to add, a knife or other bladed object to share like an axe or sword, then read the rules and get involved.
Thanks for reading y'all, have a good one.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default - Tomorrow isn't promised.
Be well
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