Macbook Pro Anti-Glare Screen

I originally bought a 15 inch MacBook Pro with the glossy screen. After using it for several months, and loving it, I decided to upgrade to the 17 inch with the Anti-Glare Hi-Res screen. I read some reviews that the gamma needed to be adjusted and that the Anti-Glare screen wasn't as bright. I noticed no difference between the two and I absolutely love the Anti-Glare after having used it for several months. The higher resolution makes it hard to read some text on most web pages. The magic trackpad makes this really a non issue as it is really easy to make any text bigger with a simple gesture. Another nice feature about the screen is it's not nearly as much of a finger print magnet that the glossy screen is. The $50 charge for the Anti-Glare screen is worth every penny.

 

 

ITS Tactical

I discovered ITS Tactical about a year ago while looking how to tie a specific knot. I bookmarked it and moved on. Then on another random search they popped up again. I took a closer look and was impressed. The guys that write all of the articles and keep it running are military veterans and members of the special operations community and they write some very useful articles.

I became a Plank Owner as soon as they offered it. The 250 slots filled up pretty fast but was definitely worth it. They now offer a Crew Leader membership. Both offer discounts and other perks like discounts in there online store and discounts at participating partners. ITS does a lot of giveaways as well and you can win some pretty cool gear. The articles are top notch and very informative and useful. Check them out definitely worth the time and you may even learn something new.

Zero Tolerance 0300 in all black

It's been awhile and I picked up quite a few things since my last post. I'm off to Iraq here shortly and will more than likely have some time to add some new posts. On to the Zero Tolerance 0300.

I have been using this knife for about 6 months now and I definitely love it and usually don't go anywhere without it. Weighing in at over 8 ounces this folder is heavy. It features a re-curve blade in S30V steel and Speed-Safe assisted opening. G-10 scales and titanium make up the handles and the pocket clip is 4 way adjustable. The thumb studs are a little too close to the handles to really be useful so the design has included a flipper that you can use in conjunction with the Speed-Safe. The blade is sharp and stays that way for quite awhile.

I had to send this knife in once so far for warranty and sharpening and must say that I am impressed with the warranty service. The whole process took about 3 weeks round trip and was covered under the warranty no questions asked even though I modified the knife slightly, if you noticed the parts that I sanded silver. I also disassembled it once to see what made it work as I like to take everything apart.

This is a solid knife that once you get used to the size you will love it. The price is on the upper end at a suggested retail of 295 but I was able to pick one up for 275 shipped. If you want a solid always ready folder the ZT 0300 will definitely do the job the first time every time.

Eberlestock Halftrack Inital Review

The Eberlestock Halftrack is one amazing bag. I purchased this bag because I wanted an updated bag that not everybody had like the Camelback BFM. Military Times gear scout did an assault pack Cordon and Review of different assault packs with guys in Afghanistan. The Eberlestock was well liked and rode well with body armor which is one thing that I looked for. The addition of the radio rack and the ability to carry 4 bladders was also a plus. The quality is the great, Eberlestock didn't cut any corners which is rare these days.

 

The logo and a spot for an American Flag or other morale patch.

 

Carry Handle, just the right size.

 

Behind the molle webbing is another stash 

pocket which is convenient for small items. 

The buckles are all tactical style and are pretty

quiet for a plastic buckle. A nice feature that

surely wasn't as cheap as they could have gone.

 

The top cave is really nice for storing your camera,

Gerber, or other smaller item that you need quick,

convenient access to. 

 

Another view of the top cave with my Surefire G2 LED.

 

The inside with the shelf folded down and radio rack up.

 

 With the shelf up and radio rack down. There are plenty of small

pockets on the inside that are great for organizing all of your little

accessories and random gear. I was also able to stash my ACH helmet

inside which I was unable to do with the BFM.

 

This compartment was designed for the built in rain cover. You are 

able to stash a knife, flashlight or a small handgun if you were to 

take out the rain cover. You may not be able to get to it super fast but 

it very well may be overlooked by someone going through your bag in a hurry.

 

The cave when empty.

 

 The harness is very adjustable. There is also molle webbing 

on the waist belt. Internal adjustable aluminum supports are 

another solid feature that helps with the stability of the pack.

 

 Multiple steps for adjustment to suit many different torsos.

 

The top has additional rows of molle and a spot for a name tape

for identification purposes.

I've only had the chance to use this for a week during Bradley Gunnery. I will definitely follow this up with a long term review to see how it is holding up and any additional features that I find or forgot to mention. You can get one HERE starting at $229 for most colors. Not all colors are available at all times but they are very good at responding to emails. I had to wait about 2 months to get the ACU pattern to match my uniform. Overall it's a very solid pack that I don't see myselrf replacing anytime soon. Thanks for stopping by.

Trebec

Sterling Pocket Knife Sharpener

I picked up a Sterling Knife Sharpener the other day. It cost me $13 bucks and change. The purpose for the sharpener was to have something for the field that I can use in case my knife becomes dull and I need a quick edge to complete whatever task is at hand. I tested the sharpener out on one of my more dull knives and I was impressed. I was able to put a sharp enough edge that I could shave hair off my arm. Not bad for a cheapo sharpener. The best part is it's made in the USA. Pick one up for your key chain and your BOB.

Trebec

 

Gatco Knife Sharpening Kit

I was looking for a good way to sharpen my knives instead of continuing to buy new ones which was getting expensive. So I was talking to a guy I know at work and he recommended the GATCO Edgemate professional knife sharpening kit. So I searched the internet and found the best deal at Cabela's. I also ordered the ultra fine finishing hone. Cabela's also threw in the pedestal mount for free which was nice of them.

My first impressions were good. The quality was outstanding and the kit was exactly what I was expecting. It comes with an ultra coarse and coarse hones, which unless your blade needs re-profiling you won't need. Some have complained about the aluminum bracket that holds the knives. I have no doubt that it will last a very long time, after all it is aluminum with  metal screws. I immediately started to sharpen one of my older knives that I've had for some time. I was somewhat disappointed.

So I set out on the internet looking for the reason I couldn't get the razor sharpness I was looking for. I stumbled upon this guy on YouTube. He has 4 videos at almost 10 minutes a pop but it's well worth the time to watch them as he shows you how to properly use the system. As a side note he has the diamond system but many of the tips apply here as well. After I watched the videos and applied the tips my knives were much sharper than I had gotten them following Gatco's directions.

 

 

 I spent a little less than $70 to my front door. I've sharpened 3 knives so far with it and I like how easy and fast it is. It puts damn near a razor edge (I still haven't quite got the technique down) on my knives and I would recommend this to anybody that can't sharpen with a stone or that needs something that is no nonsense.

Trebec

Boker Plus M-type by Chad Los Banos

Last week I ordered a Boker M-type by Chad Los Banos in black. It was on sale fo $39 and change. The knife is made in Germany and ships from the Denver area. My first impressions were good. It has a nice feel to it, not too heavy but just right, and is extremely sharp as I would expect from any knife. The blade is 3 5/8" but looks a lot bigger and it's made out of 440C stainless. Blade play is nonexistent which I did not expect. Blade finish is outstanding and seems to be durable.

 

The pocket clip is reversible plus it has nice tension. The frame lock is a little tighter than I would like although I would rather have that then have it fail and I lose my fingers.

 

Overall for $39 bucks it's a great knife. Low profile pocket clip/carry. I recommend picking one up as a backup or as a second EDC knife.

Trebec