Pocket Knives Reviewed

By Ben Vinson

Frank Niro Mother of Pearl Fighter Knife: This Pearl Fighter from Frank Niro was my first knife from this fantastic maker from BC, Canada. This is probably the first really fancy knife I've ever bought, and because Frank has such affordable prices, I was able to get it at a time when I was not able to spend as much money on aknife. This is probably one of the nicer Niro's I've seen.

Spyderco Merlin Knife C21/C08: Yet another Spyderco, same FRN construction, though this Merlin here is a bit of a rarer knife. The Merlin is basically an FRN version of the Harpy, with slight differences in blade steel, shape and thickness. This Spyderco Merlin is a plain edge model, which is extremely rare as they are no longer made.

Peter Marker Micro Damascus Folder: Here is another remarkably well-made folder from Australia's Peter Marker. Unfortunately Peter is no longer making knives as far as I know, but his legacy lives on through the many knives he made during his career. My favourite thing about Peter's knives were that they were always Damascus, and always affordable. He was the only maker that would sell a perfectly made damascus folder for $350.

CRKT Side Hawg Knife CR2403: I received this Mike Franklin designed mini fixed blade as part of my birthday present from my fiance, who was my girlfriend at the time. She was so nervous giving me knives as a gift, since she didn't know much about them. I think this is a cool little knife, even though it is a relatively cheap little guy.

Mike Obenauf Small Model 2 Custom: This is a customized Model 2 Framelock from the now defunct Mike Obenauf. Though this knife is extremely similar to the other Model 2 framelock I reviewed last year, I felt that I should review it partly because Mike has also retired from knifemaking, and this peice is rather unique.

Cold Steel Hatamoto Folding Knife: My opinion of Cold Steel's knives has changed a bit with the recent acquisition of a couple of Cold Steel folders. The Hatamoto is the first of these Cold Steel knives that I have acquired, and comes from their high-end line they call their "Custom Series", and feature their mysterious and somewhat gimmicky San Mai III Steel.

Raidops LJ3MP Fixed Blade Knife: This Mini Tactical Knife from Raidops is very well made, and when I saw it, I had to have it. Raidops knives are made by a fellow named Kim from Korea, and he offers a product that is quite unique. When I posted the review of this knife on Youtube, I had a few viewers complain that a 2 1/2 inch blade could not be tactical.

Gibo Zakabi Framelock Folder Knife: Gibo Zakabi is actually two knifemakers, George Gibo and Carl Zakabi, and their collective products are produced under the name Kanaka Tech. All the knives are collaborations between the two Hawaiian knifemakers, and are very well made. I've had this knife for many years, and enjoyed every minute of owning it.

About the Author:

Ben Vinson is a fan of many things which includes writing about his hobbies. You can read more from Ben at the Affordable Switchblade Knives store and Affordable NFL Jerseys store. Enjoy! Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

Advice On Locating Good Quality Prescription Sunglasses

By Ashlee Dalonzo

If you are in the market for prescription sunglasses, you are more than likely feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the choices on the market. By keeping a few factors in mind, you can make sure that you choose a pair which will suit your lifestyle best and result in you being totally happy with your purchase.

One of the things you need to decide first is whether you want to have a separate pair of sunglasses. If you go inside and outside frequently during the course of your day you need to keep in mind that you will be changing back and forth quite often. If this is something which does not appeal to you, you may not be happy with a pair of prescription sunglasses. Instead, you might want to consider getting a pair of lenses that darken when they are exposed to UV radiation.

You want to make sure that you think carefully before opting for color changing lenses. It is true that they are very convenient since you have both glasses and sunglasses in one pair. However many people find that the lenses can become too dark for their preferences, especially in conditions which are only marginally too bright. They also make it difficult to have your picture taken out of doors or sometimes even when using a flash. If you don't mind having your eyes obscured by shades, this is not a problem.

You have a few options if color changing lenses are not something you are interested in. You can choose to purchase shades which attach to your glasses frames. These can be great because you only need to purchase one pair of frames, which can be quite expensive. Although you may need to purchase the shades separately, they are less expensive than a complete pair of frames.

However, many people find that as the magnets wear out, they tend to work less effectively. The clip on frames can also get bent which makes them attach less firmly and this may make them frustrating to deal with. They can also be lost or broken, and if you do not have a spare set, you are left with no sunglasses and may be forced to buy a separate pair in the end.

The other option is a pair of dedicated prescription sunglasses. These are a separate pair of frames with permanently darkened prescription lenses. There are different choices that you have when picking your lenses. You can choose a range of different colors such as blue, amber (brown), vermillion (pink) and grey. People often prefer different colors in their prescription sunglasses and different lenses have different effects, which a sunglass expert can tell you about. You also want to make sure that you are picking lenses that are not too dark since these will make them less versatile for use in lower light conditions.

Prescription sunglasses can range from utilitarian to highly whimsical. People who prefer very neutral frames for their every day glasses may love interesting frames for their shades and the strong colors can work well because the lenses may also be strongly colored. Trying on a variety of shapes and colors will let you discover which you prefer and which look best on your face.

About the Author:

For more information regarding how to find rx sunglasses visit the internets leading source for designer quality sunglasses today. To learn more about fashionable and designer sunglasses be sure to visit us for the latest information on prescription sun glasses and accessories.

Winterizing your Phoenix Landscape

By Julia B Larkin

Every year it is important to make sure you are ready for the winter come. When the signs of winter come along, there are a few "must do's" to make sure your home and yard are ready. The following are some suggestions of things you should remember to do before your winter comes up to bite you.

If you are using a swamp cooler or and air conditioner, make sure to cover up your unit for the winter time. There are damages that can occur if not waterproofed correctly. Some of the common problems with not water proofing your units are rust and most importantly is moisture entering your electrical box of the AC unit. By keeping the rust out, turning your unit on for the summer time is a breeze.

One thing in the yard to keep your eye on is picking up those leaves from the trees. Everyone knows how annoying they are, but it is another must do. The leaves on the ground during the winter keep the grass under them unable to get the air, sun and water they need. In the spring, your grass will have a tougher time growing to the level it needs to before the hot heat comes in.

A good way to pick up the leaves is with a mower. Some use rakes, but a mower can be good to chop down the leaves to smaller pieces for convenience of throwing them away. You may also want to consider keeping the chopped up leaves for a mulch for next spring in your flower beds.

One last tip before you bundle up for the winter, make sure you get on your roof and get those rain gutters cleaned out so that as the snow melts it has a clean run off path. This will prevent any unwanted flooding and save you money down the road.

About the Author:

Want to find out more about finding phoenix contractors, then visit Phoenix Landscapers site on how to choose the best Phoeinx landscapers for your needs.

The Chop Heard 'Round the World

By Fabain Toulouse

A chopper is a type of motorcycle that became popular after World War II. Motorcycles are assembled with an array of parts, including the rather conservative fender. After World War II, veterans came home and decided to strip down their bikes to make them easier to ride. Aping their military motorcycles, the vets were quick to make their civilian bikes capable of racing in rough terrain. A typical civilian bike was laden with unneeded parts and accessories.

The veterans modified fenders, turn indicators, front breaks, and spring suspended saddles. The tires, headlights, and fuel tanks were all replaced with smaller and lighter options to reduce the weight of their bikes. The resultant bike was referred to as a chopped up motorcycle, that is, a chopper. These choppers became so fashionable; motorcycle manufacturers began to build chopper versions of popular models.

Ironically, modern choppers are equipped with the very parts that the vets were eager to chop off. The emphasis on weight also seems to be a thing of the past as modern choppers seldom, if ever, ride on anything other than asphalt. From the rough and tumble to the corporate poser.

The chopper was never intended to be aesthetically pleasing. A proper chopper had its rake and trail, the axis where the forks and the wheel join, modified; creating that long, slanted look that is distinctive to the chopper. That look can also be a major cause for a number of accidents. The chopper is renowned as a difficult bike to ride, as most new riders are unaccustomed to the change of the rake and trail. Any riders who are not experienced could hurt themselves.

Should you find yourself on the asphalt, make sure your insurance is up to date. Insurance companies, even companies that insure typical motorcycles, do not always cover a tailored bike, like a chopper. You've got to know all the current motorcycle laws that pertain to your kind of bike. If your chopper takes a tumble, make sure you consult qualified motorcycle accident lawyers who will work with you to get results. Until then, get your motor running!

About the Author:

Brush up on all your motorcycle law codes before cruising the open road. You never know when a pinch motorcycle law can go a long way.

Have You Considered Watches As Gifts This Year For Your Friends at Christmas?

By Declan S Griffiths

Each and every year we decide to buy each other gifts at Christmas and it can be really hard to decide on something that's new and exciting. However, have you thought about buying designer watches for your friends and family? There are a good range of options available on today's market which means you should find something for everyone.

Watches are a perfect gift for someone you love and they're actually quite sentimental these days as well. They are available in a variety of styles, colours and designs these days so you shouldn't have any problems finding something that'll suit your friend or family member.

There are a large range of stores, both online and on the high street that sell them but you will need to think about what sort you'd like, before you go shopping. There are a variety of styles, as I've just said, and this means that although you'll easily find what you need, you may find it hard to choose the appropriate style for your friend/family.

Buying watches isn't always that simple. You'll need to make sure that you know which stores offer the type you're looking for. Tesco and Argos for example are the kind of stores you'd choose if you're on a budget. If money isn't a problem then you should consider a jewellers of some sort - both online and offline jewellers offer good ranges.

However, designer watches are certainly best when it comes to buying them as a gift. It shows that you've really thought about what design to choose and whether or not it'll suit them. This means they'll know that you care. Although, you'll need to get it right so make sure that you find out a bit about watches before you embark on a shopping trip!

Most of the time, buying gifts at Christmas or Birthdays is easy but this year, if you're out of ideas, why not consider buying watches for your family and friends? You may not be able to afford designer watches for everyone but there are quite a few discount stores on the web these days so you never know!

About the Author:

Expert Declan S Griffiths talks about finding watches on the web. www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk has a big range of options available, you should easily get what you're looking for.

Choosing To Attend Fashion And Beauty Schools

By Christine Mitchell

Thinking of joining the wild world of the fashion and beauty industry?

Many people always stop and think if they should take up a course and attend a beauty school. This usually does help out even if you just want to be an employee for certain big beauty and fashion brands. It also helps out when you start your own business, like a nail spa or a beauty salon and store.

When it comes to determining whether or not you should attend a beauty school, there are a number of important questions that you may want to take the time to ask yourself.

These questions may help make it easier for you to decide whether or not beauty school is right for you. A few of the questions that you should ask yourself are touched below.

Before we get to the questions, you should know that there are many kinds of schools and courses for you to take up. Depending on what you want, you can go to beauty training schools to learn about nails manicure and hair care or get a degree from a college or university taking up 2 or even four year courses.

Now that you know you have a number of different options when it comes to attending a beauty school, you may want to refocus on the questions that may be able to help you determine your goals and if those goals include beauty school. One important question that you want to ask yourself is what you want your career future to be like.

You may want to work as a beauty consultant now, but do you still want to be doing so in ten years? If you are interested in having a long-term career in the fashion and beauty industry, it may be well worth it for you to attend a beauty school or even get a degree from an accredited college or university.

Location is another question that you want to ask yourself, when trying to determine if beauty school is right for you. If you are unwilling to relocate to another area of the United States, is there are college, university, or beauty school located near where you live? If there is not, you may be unable to get the beauty education and training that you were hoping for.

Never give up though. Nearby will always be an alternative. Even though you won't get a fancy degree and diploma, you will walk away with good training from local colleges that you can take.

Can you afford to attend beauty school is another question that you should ask yourself. Beauty schools are not always cheap, but at the same time, they aren't always expensive either. If you are interested in walking away with a cosmetology degree from a two year or a four year college or university, you should expect to pay normal college tuition fees.

The good news about this is that you often have access to grants, financial loans, and scholarships. If you are on a budget, you may want to think about attending a beauty school or at least taking a few beauty classes at a nearby establishment that offers them.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration. Going to beauty school and receiving a certificate of completion or a degree is something that will likely help you for years to come, especially if you are interested in a beauty focused career; however, the decision to attend beauty school is yours to make.

About the Author:

Learn more about solar nails by visiting this website plus everything about fake nails and much much more!

Engagement Rings - The Pledge Of Love And Marriage

By Fred Gagnon

Engagement rings are a symbol of the promise of marriage, love and acceptance. This type of jewelry represents and symbolically expresses the relationship between a man and his bride-to-be. Symbolizing lifelong commitment, engagement rings mark a new beginning in a couple's life.

Given after a marriage proposal is accepted, an engagement ring is a pledge of love and marriage. It socially declares that a woman is soon to be married and no longer available to be courted by other men. It is often worn in the left-hand ring finger as it is believed to have the "vein of love" or vena amoris. Both men and women can wear engagement rings, though they are usually seen on women.

Rings of plain gold, iron and silver have been used as engagement rings for centuries. There are various versions to the history of the tradition of wearing an engagement ring. In 1215, Pope Innocent III is said to declare the use of engagement rings to have longer waiting period for betrothal and marriage.

Since, most engagement rings are designed with gemstones, finding the right setting is important. An engagement ring setting refers to the mounting which attach the gemstone to the ring's band. Its main purpose is to prevent loss and damage of the gemstones in the ring.

Here are the different types of engagement ring settings: channel setting, bezel setting, prong settings, pave setting, flush setting, tension setting, invisible setting, bar setting, illusion setting, flat-top and bead setting, and gypsy setting. Engagement ring settings highlight the gemstones by adding sparkle and shine to them.

It's hard to choose an engagement ring because you need to consider its shape, the setting, the choice of metal and the gemstones. It is also important to know your jewelry taste and the budget. The emotions and sentiments that go with it also matter. On top of all this is the love and thought an engagement ring conveys.

We believe that an engagement ring should not be too expensive. It must be of high quality, elegant, unique, beautiful, and affordable. And a wide variety of these rings are available at http://www.engagement-rings-discount.com. You can also purchase our discounted engagement rings through eBay and Amazon.

About the Author:

Author Fred Gagnon is an expert on providing tips and information on jewelries. He owns a wide collection of beautiful, glamorous and stylish jewelries. To learn more about jewelries, accessories, precious metals and gemstones, visit Sapphire Engagement Rings and White Gold Engagement Rings.

Origins of the All Terrain Vehicle

By Kent Redford

Like all things that has caught the general public's fancy, the All Terrain Vehicle, or ATV or the quad bike as it is popularly called, has a very interesting past. The first ATVs were a tad different when set side by side with their modern counterparts. Basically designed to be a valuable farming machinery, the ATV is now the hub of an tremedously competitive sporting and racing industry.

Though Japanese motoring giant Honda Motors released the first modern ATV back in'70, the first real ATVs rolled in the United States, though the exact date could not be confirmed. Various American motoring corporations have been working, sketching and tilling a concept vehicle that can go off the road and navigate unconventional driving surfaces with ease. These ATVs are fitted with six wheels, all driven, and could drive through swamps, ponds, and streams as well as dry land.

The general design of the old American ATVs was also a pole apart from the modern quad bike. Apart from six wheels, they were built for multiple passengers and were fitted with steering wheels or control sticks instead of the more familiar handlebar of a modern ATV. As for the materials, the main bulk of the ATV was made of hard plastic or fiberglass.

Like in the United States, Japans version of ATV was also designed to be a farming utility and was widely used in farming towns located in the mountains. When Honda released the US90, the popularity of the ATV soared and the demands grew exponentially. A lot of the US90's fame came when the James Bond movie "Diamonds Are Forever" hit the big screen; the movie featured ATVs in some of its scenes.

With the global reach of Diamonds Are Forever movie, it was only a matter of time when the demand of the Japanese ATV broke the ceiling. Being able to navigate trails where no other vehicles could was good news already. The concept of driving through any terrain became a rave especially among Canadian and American hunters.

But it was in the'80s that the ATV really kicked into the cultural mainstream. It was during this time when the sporting version of the ATV was introduced. Big motor companies such as Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Polaris joined the ATV bandwagon and began manufacturing their own lines of the said vehicle.

There was also an issue of safety when companies began to manufacture and market three-wheeled ATVs. With concerns from the consumers growing, the production of three-wheeled ATVs were banned I'87. Though the decree ended in'97, no significant three-wheeled ATV was marketed.

Modern ATVs are now categorized into two - the sporting type and the utility type. As the name implies, the sporting ATV is designed fro racing and high speed competitions. Sporting ATVs are made of lighter materials and are equipped with engines that can accelerate rapidly. Utility ATVs are much heavier and slower, but they are also rigged with power they for hauling purposes.

There is no doubt that ATV has captured millions of racing enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The ever increasing popularity of the ATV is undeniable. With many people getting hooked to the vehicle and many companies entering the ATV fray, the All Terrain Vehicle is certainly not going anywhere.

About the Author:

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