Chickens

Built chicken yard and started on a gate. We went to Atwoods and bought half a dozen chicks (all hens) which are now living in the mud room. I also bought my first hatchet and a mill file (Yay!!!!). Plants are doing well.
Josh

Chicken Hutch

Built chicken hutch from scrap lumber today. When I say today, I mean ALL DAY LONG! bought a hand saw, some basic hardware and a staple gun today for use in building coop, and for my "pioneering tool kit".
I am exhausted.
Josh

Fighting Utility Knife Review

I received a ‘G.I. Style Marine Corps Combat Knife’ from http://www.campingsurvival.com/ back in July of 09. I sharpened it to a shaving edge and put it through the following tests.

First I batoned through a half inch thick piece of cedar, it took about five seconds to get through.
Next I batoned through an inch thick piece of pine wood in about twenty five seconds.
I decided to see how it did at chopping, so I broke out some big wood. It took one minute to chop through an inch and a half of cedar.
It took a good six minutes to chop through two inch’s of solid oak wood.

I write this in February of 2010, in the six months since I got it, it has chopped through countless types of wood, served as a pry-bar, dug holes and sliced fruit. After months of abuse the guard has come loose and wiggles when you chop with it, but other than that its still in good shape. I recommend it as a hardwearing, throw down knife, good for everyday utility use and chopping.


Manufacturer: http://www.campingsurvival.com/
Model: GI Style Fighting/Utility Knife
Blade: 7”, clip point
Handle: Brown Leather
Overall: 12”
Genre: Fighting, utility, chopping
Made in: Taiwan

Storm Cleanup

In the past week Oklahoma has experienced severe ice storms, leaving many without power and heat, some even having branches fall on their homes. The prime offenders here are; below freezing temperatures, wind, rain and snow, and ice on trees, branches, power lines, and roads. Branches falling on power lines have left whole blocks without power. My family has been fortunate enough to maintain power for the week, losing it only for a couple of hours. We have however experienced plenty of downed branches and storm debris. When the storm found us I felt very unprepared, my cleanup gear consisting of a cheap machete purchased at the Walmart down the road, a small hunting knife and a basic tool kit. While you can get by with a small ax or machete its a lot easier with some extra tools.There are several things to keep in mind when purchasing storm clean up gear. First address what you are up against. If you are in the heart of hurricane country and usually receive heavy debris then consider getting a good chain saw. If, on the other hand, you only expect the occasional ice storm you will probably be safe with a good ax and at least a small bow saw. Check with your local Lowes or Home Depot. A sales associate will be glad to help you find what you need. Also when selecting hand tools make sure to stay away from hollow plastic handles, as when they are used in below freezing temperatures they become brittle and crack very easily (voice of experience speaking). We were able to limp through the week with only slight difficulty, although I don't intend to have to do it again.