Man Fights Back – Podcast #01

podcastWe finally did it!  Ed & Andrew took the audio equipment on the last business trip & recorded the first of many podcasts to come.  We had some technical difficulties, but all in all we think it turned out pretty good!

Look for new episodes in the near future.  Enjoy!

Man Fights Back – Podcast #01 – Streaming
Man Fights Back – Podcast #01 – Download MP3

Visit the Man Fights Back website!

The Leatherman Super Tool – Multi-Tool

Leatherman Super Tool
Leatherman Super Tool

I’m a guy & guys like to fix stuff.  I’ve had a Leatherman Super Tool for as long as I can remember.  It’s the original version with the tools on the outside when you use the pliers (ouch!).  You can use this tool for just about any task around the house and it’s built like a tank.

The Super Tool has the following features:

  • Needle nose pliers
  • Hard wire cutters
  • Regular knife
  • Serrated knife
  • Wood/bone saws
  • Small screwdriver
  • Medium screwdriver
  • Large screwdriver
  • Philips screwdriver
  • Electrical crimper
  • Awl/punch
  • Wire stripper
  • Ruler – inch/metric

The Leatherman Super Tool is another one of my Daily Carry items that help me get things done at work ad at home.  The newer models have fixed the problem of the tools digging into your hand when you use the pliers. They fixed this by moving the tools to the other side of the handle.  This also has the added benefit of not having to open the tool to get to the various blades.

If my original model ever gets lost/damaged I’m definitely going to invest in the new model.  Until then I’ll keep using what I have.  If you’re looking for a tool you can use around the house for a variety of tasks, do yourself a favor & check out the Leatherman line of products.

Hoppin’ John

Hoppin’ John

Legend has it that eating this soup on News Year day will bring you luck throughout the year.  I’m not sure I really believe it but we’ve fixed this on January 1st the past several years just in case!hoppin_john

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large ham hock
1 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 pound black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and rinsed
1 quart chicken stock
2 Bay leaf
1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves
3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion (garnish)
3 cups steamed white rice (serve Hoppin’ John over this)

Heat oil in a large soup pot, add the ham hock and sear on all sides for 4 minutes.

Add the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic, cook for 4 minutes.

Add the black-eyed peas, stock, bay leaves, thyme, and seasonings.

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the peas are creamy and tender, stir occasionally.

If the liquid evaporates, add more water or stock.

Adjust seasonings, and garnish with green onions.

Serve over rice.

The Surefire 6Z – Flashlight

sf_6z
Surefire 6Z and (larger) 9Z

Time for another “Daily Carry” post!

I’m pretty mobile & like to carry as many of the tools I might need as I can (Lift my Timbuk2 messenger bag & you’ll find out!).

A flashlight is one of those tools that you don’t really think about until you need it.  I use my Surefire 6Z several times a week.  It’s small enough to carry in your pocket yet it puts out an incredibly bright 65 lumins.  That’s brighter than a 4-D flashlight!

I purchased my The 6Z several years ago and after years of abuse it still works like a charm!  Unfortunately the 6Z has been discontinued but it’s been replaced by the (very similar) Z2.  It’s machined out of aircraft grade aluminum and weighs 4.5 oz.

The 6Z is considered a tactical flashlight because it is designed to be used as not only a source of illumination but as a weapon to disrupt the vision of a would-be attacker.  It’s also designed to be used with a firearm (held with your secondary grip hand and lined up with the barrel).  The 6Z has a large rubber button on the tail cap that’s used to turn it on/off  (you have to hold the button to keep the light on).  You can also screw down the tail cap to keep the light on.

led-head
Surefire LED Conversion Kit

I recently purchased the Surefire LED conversion kit that boosts the light output to 80 lumins and increases the battery life from 1.5 hours to 10+.  Not only is this going to save on the cost of batteries its also keeps the flashlight from getting hot during extended use.

With both lamps you get a really tight (non-adjustable) beam of light.  The LED lamp produces a super bright white (slightly bluish) light that can travel a great distance.  It’s great for inspecting plenum spaces at jobsites and for scaring off racoons in the backyard.

If you’re in the market fo a well built, reliable, and super bright flashlight check out the Surefire line of lights.