Benchmade’s Infidel

IMG_0293I’ve carried numerous out the front (OTF) knives in my day and they all seem to fall apart relatively quickly. While looking into a new one that would stand up to daily use I kept finding links to Benchmade’s Infidel. Although the price tag was a bit on the high side it was a great looking knife and met my needs so I decided to buy it. The Infidel is one of the sleekest, most aggressive looking OTF knives on the market but, can it do more than just look sexy? You bet it can.

With my work and life style I use a knife numerous times a day and need something that is reliable and holds an edge. I’ve had the knife for more than a year now and it has performed how I need it to everyday. The action and speed on the blade deployment and retraction is just as fast as the day I got it. The handle, made out of machined 6061 T-6 aluminum, is of ample size and the bi-directional tread pattern makes it easy to hold onto. The double edge dagger blade is made from a corrosion resistant D2 steel hardened to 60-62HRC. Its double auto blade action means that you have to commit to opening or closing it using the ambidextrous thumb slide. This double action lock style makes the chances of an IMG_0292accidental deployment while its clipped in your pocket nearly impossible. A deep pocket clip comes attached to the body but It also comes with a MOLLE compatible soft sheath in case you don’t want to use or choose to remove the clip.

While I was doing research on new knives I found some articles that had negative things to say about the Infidel. They complained about the spring configuration and the speed of the blade deployment. Since purchasing mine I have put this knife to the test against other OTF knives and the speed is just as fast as most of the other OTF knives and in some cases faster.

After having this knife for a fair amount of time and having used it on a daily basis it has quickly become one of my favorite every day carries. It opens and closes quickly and reliably, and stays sharp. While the price is a more than most OTF knives it’s well worth it and if you met the criteria Benchmade offers discounts to active military and law enforcement officers. If your looking for a new everyday OTF knife it would be hard to find one better than this.

Manufacturer: Benchmade

Website: www.benchmade.com

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 pints.

Sweet Water’s 420 Extra Pale Ale

IMG_0290While Sweet Water’s 420 Extra Pale Ale’s name first conjures images of those like Jay and Silent Bob, it gets its name from the day it was brewed. Originally created on April 20th 1997 it gets it’s amusing title.

Since 420 Extra Pale Ale is part of Sweet Water’s year round selection and their most popular so I picked up a sixer at the local liquor store and give it a try. It poured nicely with about two fingers worth of head at the end. There was an average amount of carbonation so the head vanished rather quickly. Do to the average carbonation the lacing on the glass was apparent but still minimal.

The color was a light gold to strawberry blonde. It has a full aroma of hops with hints of jasmine and a light citrus odor. The taste is light and clean, with the hops at the front and a bitter finish. Hidden in the mix is a light floral flavor, citrus and the taste of cut grass. Sweet Water describes it as “A tasty West Coast Style Pale Ale with a stimulating hop character and a crisp finish.”

There’s no shortage of Pale Ales out there and with most of them having no noticeable difference between them, it is nice to find one that has a fuller flavor to it. 420 would go nicely with most any activity and most foods. If you haven’t tried this beer yet I recommend giving it a try.

 

Brewer: Sweet Water Brewing Company

ABV: 5.4%

Rating: 4.1 pints out of 5

Love Sick

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Have you ever found yourself on the nursing end of a relationship? Your significant other is snuggled up in the covers, coughing, nose running, and for lack of better words, not the embodiment of beauty that you are accustom to. You hate to leave her in that vulnerable state however, work is calling. Well here is a little idea that may help with the separation anxiety and if nothing less will gain you brownie points for a “thinking outside of the box” effort. Create her a “Love Sick” care package.Prepare the gift bag by placing 2 sheets of gift paper in the bottom of the bag. Place orange juice, OTC medicine, and chicken noodle soup over top of the previously laid pieces of gift bag paper. Take the remaining paper and fill the open spaces inside of the gift bag. Fill out your get well card and be sure to leave a sweet message for your significant other. It doesn’t need to be a biography but just enough to let her know you were thinking about her.

To make a “Love Sick” Care package you will need:

1. Gift Bagls1
2. Gift Bag Paper
3. Small Orange Juice
4. Over the counter medicine
5. Microwaveable Chicken Noodle Soup
6. Get Well Card

This small gesture can cost you less than $20 and mean the world to someone who you truly care about. There aren’t many small investments that guarantee high returns.

Take care of your lady at her weakest and enjoy her at her best. Ruffians, put on your scrubs it’s time to play love doctor.