Fixed Knife
Many times bowhunters are frustrated by a loss of accuracy and a change in impact when shooting broadheads instead of target tips. To fix this problem and get the best accuracy out of hunting arrows it is important to do what is commonly called "tuning your broadheads."
Every arrow as it leaves the bow is undergoing a series of flexes that do not dampen out until the arrow is many feet clear of the bow. Slow motion photography shows these flexes to be up to several times the thickness of the arrow itself. Often multiple flexes are occurring and the arrow appears like a snake as it leaves the bow.
The arrow point follows these flexes. When that point is a broadhead these flexes are pushing the side of the blades against the resistance of the air causing a defection (or planing) of the arrow. Tuning broadheads is positioning the broadhead on the arrow shaft to minimize the effects of these deflections.
The first step in broadhead tuning is having a well tuned bow with properly matched arrows. Arrows from a tuned setup wobble and flex less, and will often group broadheads very well without any extra work. However, even a tuned setup can benefit from the next two steps.
The second step is to orient each broadhead on the shaft so that its blades are in the same position in relation to the cock vane as every other arrow. By orienting all broadhead blades identically the deflection they cause will be the same for each arrow. Arrows that undergo the same deflections will group tighter then ones that deflect differently.
For three bladed broadheads the easiest and best way is to align the blades with the vanes. With four bladed broadheads pick an orientation and make them all the same. For two bladed broadheads or broadheads with two main blades and small bleeder blades it is best to orient the main blades so that their cutting edges align with the dominant non-forward movement of the arrow.. To determine the dominant movement shoot the arrow through paper, if for example you have a slight up and down tear, align the blades vertically, If your tear is left-right set them horizontally.
If your arrows are aluminum with hot melt glue holding the insert, all you have to do to change broadhead orientation is warm the insert and shaft until the glue softens, turn the broadhead and insert until it is positioned where you want it, and let the glue resolidify. On carbon arrows with hot melted inserts do not heat the shaft, instead thread a field point into the insert and heat the tip, letting the heat work its way back the insert until the glue softens and and it can be turned. After it cools exchange the field point for the broadhead and recheck alignment.
Carbon arrow inserts are often glued with epoxies or other permanent glues. The best way to orient broadheads is to have them in the inserts when they are glued. If that's not possible try your broadheads in each arrow, often several will orient in your desired position. There are two ways of aligning the rest. My preferred method is to refletch the arrow, setting the jig to align the fletching to the broadhead. The other method is to use small plastic or rubber o-rings between the broadhead and the shaft. These rings compress and hold the broadhead even when it is not screwed firmly against the shaft, however they add weight and make it harder to complete the next step in broadhead tuning.
The next, and final step, is to center the broadhead on the arrow. Off center broadheads are ones whose blades are not parallel to the shaft of the arrow. Either spin the arrow on the point of the broadhead like a top or spin it in spin tester tool. If you can detect any wobble in the broadhead or shaft the broadhead will need centered.
If the insert is hotmelt glued soften the glue as when orienting the broadhead and with gentle finger pressure push the tip towards center. Let the glue harden, re-spin the arrow, and repeat if needed. If you are good this step can be completed at the same time you orient the broadhead.
With permanently glued inserts the best way to center broadheads is with the ASD tool (stands for arrow squaring device) from G5. With this tool the arrow shaft is turned against a blade which shaves any high spots from the insert and "squares" it to the shaft. A broadhead that does not spin true after being screwed firmly against a squared insert is itself at fault. This problem can mostly be avoided by purchasing quality broadheads to start with, 12.99 Walmart specials just won't make the cut!
Once your broadheads are tuned shoot them and check your groups. If you are still not satisfied try adding more helical or longer fletchings to your arrows. The little bit of velocity you sacrifice by doing so may be a good trade for an increase in accuracy.
Many archers are not happy until their field tips and broadheads impact the same point. This is because they do not want to change sight settings when practicing with different tips. If your arrows with tuned broadheads still do not impact with field tip arrows sometimes they can be brought together by microadjusting the arrow rest in the direction the field tip impacts. For example, if the field tip arrow strikes higher in the target then the broadhead tipped arrow, raise the rest a very small amount and try again. However this will not always work and can have negative affects if carried to extremes. Sometimes it is best to accept the changes from the broadheads and set your sights accordingly.
by Tim Stahl
The author has owned an archery proshop for more then 15 years. He maintains the websites http://www.crossbow-reviews.com and http://www.compound-bow-review.com
Cold Steel Urban Pal (Fixed Blade Utility Knife)
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Pocket Hunting
deer hunting question need answer?
i know when im at the range i need earpluges. when i go hunting should i take them in my pocket and put them in when im going to shoot.
No it is not necessary!*
Wild Boar Hunting Texas Part 4: Hog Trapped POCKET PIGS!!!
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Knife Fixed
Firefighter knives are designed based on the intended function, or manner in which it will be used.
For instance, the Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife has several features that can be utilized as a firefighter knife.
They are:
- Heavy duty serrated blade for cutting through thick obstacles.
- Window punch for breaking car windows during an extrication.
- Oxygen tank wrench for treating patients needing O2.
- Seat belt cutter for removing victims from motor vehicle crashes.
As you can see, the features on this knife have several functional uses that aid the firefighter on the scene.
Another such rescue knife is the MAK-1 (Multiple Access Knife) made by Columbia River Knife and Tool. If you were to analyze the construction of this tool, you would find that it is basically one solid piece of heavy duty (3Cr13) stainless steel. However, incorporated in this design are the following features:
- Window punch.
- Cutting edge.
- Pry bar.
- Battery (car) terminal wrench.
However, unlike the Gerber Hinderer, the MAK-1 is a fixed blade, and measuring in at ten inches, is not something you would carry in your pocket.
Both of the above mentioned firefighter knives are designed with an intended use in mind. Having said that, the lesson to learn is to know what it is you want your knife to do and then find the one that is the best match.
Unfortunately, due to the large selection of firefighter knives available, it may be difficult to determine if a particular knife will fulfill the desired function. It would be very time-consuming, not to mention costly, for a fire fighter to purchase and test every available firefighter knife. So, what is the answer to determine the best knife for the job?
May I suggest that as firefighters we share our knowledge on the subject.
Let me explain.
I imagine that there are literally thousands of firefighters that carry a knife while on duty. As a result, each of these members are thoroughly familiar with how their particular knife performs. It would be safe to say that these rescue knives have been put to the test in some pretty harsh conditions, and either performed well or failed.
When you consider that some of the personal firefighter knives have been involved in rescues, vehicle extrications, firefighting, EMS and HazMat calls, it is easy to say that they have been tested to the max. So once a fire fighter is familiar with a particular knife, and how it functions in the real world, then that valuable knowledge can be passed along to fellow members of the fire service.
What are some ways to pass along this first-hand knowledge?
Here are a couple of suggestions:
- Share your experience with members in your own station and department.
- Post your findings on fire department related forums and blogs.
- Write an article describing the pros and cons of your particular knife.
When looking for a new firefighter knife the choices may be daunting. However, the expert advice of a fellow firefighter can often help in deciding on the "best rescue knife."
If you would like to submit a quick and easy report on a firefighter knife you can do it at http://www.firefighter411.com/firefighter-knives.html.
Knife Overview : Busse ASH-1 (Fixed Blade)
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Survival Folding
If you have extra time to spend with your family and you have little kids with you, camping is a very good option to make. Children and adult alike truly love both adventurous activities and family gatherings. Camping can be the perfect family activity you can plan for; it's fun, inexpensive, and worth all the effort.
When it comes to the perfect camping, all you need to do is to prepare the things that you need. While preparing, you might want to keep your budget in mind so the family won't feel any financial strain whatsoever. You might spend a little now and then but every penny spent will all be worth a smile and the echo of laughter. If you want the most out of your camping, there are two things you can prepare: Camping equipment and camping activities.
Preparing the Camping Gear
If have camping equipment stored somewhere in the house, it's a good sign that you could save more with the activity. Since your budget is limited, buying new stuff might not help, instead it will only add up to your burden in budgeting what your money can afford. There are many options available if buying new camping equipment is a strain. You could try to borrow from your friends or neighbors. If none of them has the necessary equipment, you could try to visit some stores where you could rent some camping materials instead of buying them.
If worse comes to end, don't lose hope. Gather the family and try to think of alternatives and be resourceful. The house is full of materials which you could substitute to the formal camping equipment. You just need to be creative. For example, you could substitute wide tarpaulins for tents. Camping is not a luxurious activity after all. The main objective of the activity is to experience new things with the family gathered as one. Sometimes, the most valuable things in the world can actually come from things that are free.
Preparing the Camping Activities
Unlike other usual activities, camping will explore the survival skills of any person. You get to experience things different from your usual chores. This is the right time to experience fun along with the environment. The family could include activities like swimming, fishing, boating, and making camp fire. This is also the right moment where the family could bond together especially during the fun activities. Think ahead and pack the necessary things for your games or activities.
Safety is also a Priority
Camping equipment should always include safety gears like flashlights, emergency light, bandages, and necessary medicines good for the whole family. Always assess the place where you would like to camp. Make sure that your family is safe to stay in the place. Try to check the weather report since camping is much enjoyable with a fine weather. If a bad weather is expected for the day, it is better to postpone the trip.
Make sure that necessary things are ready for camp and all things are packed before leaving the place. There are lots of good places to camp with which includes lake, forest, hills, and springs. But any place is a great place to camp with as long as the family is gathered as one.
For more tips and information about camping gear, check out http://www.summitcampinggear.com/camping-gear.html.
The Coghlan`s Survival Folding Stove!!!
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Folding Hunting
If you do plan on going duck hunting in Texas, there are some very important things you need to keep in mind to make your hunting trip a success. Texas is a very popular location for duck hunting, as it offers a lot of different lakes, streams, and other waterways where ducks usually reside. Therefore, you'll have no trouble finding plenty of ducks to hunt, whether you plan on going on a trip to Texas or live in the state.
One of the first things you might consider doing, particularly if you've never hunted duck before, is to play a duck hunting game on the internet. Believe it or not, this gives you a real good feel for what's involved in catching these birds, because it forces you to analyze factors such as wind speed, the kind of boat you take out, where you hide, etc. You can usually find these games on the internet free of charge, and in addition to being a lot of fun to play, they can actually improve your real life hunting skills.
First of all, keep in mind that there are two different ways to go duck hunting; either by water by land. If you do go by land you have to find a way to get the ducks out of the water and into the air in order to shoot them. This is more long range hunting, and you will need a gun that can fire long distances for this, as you will need to pick the ducks out of the sky.
If you do plan to hunt by land, then try to find out where the ducks live and where they will be feeding; such as waterways, etc. Once you know this, simply go in between their path where they will be heading when they either go feeding or go back home, and you can intercept them.
If you're planning on by water, try to find a duck hunting boat that is camouflaged, so that you will blend in with your surroundings. This way, you can get up close to the ducks without them seeing you, and get close to them rather easily.
Also, if you find a good marshland, it will usually contain some taller reeds that you can hide your boat, and you can approach the ducks rather easily as well. The most important thing by far is to avoid having the ducks seeing you; when they don't see you, you can shoot them very easily.
Some other important tips for duck hunting in Texas or anywhere else is to always wear camouflage clothing, and make sure you don't have any smell on you. Very simply, when they can smell you coming, they will always make a point to stay away from you, so make sure you do this. Try to hunt upwind of the ducks, so that your smell doesn't carry over to them.
Also, make sure to buy warm clothing, because quite simply when you are sitting out on the boat for hours on end, it can get to be very cold. Also make sure the clothing is waterproof. There's nothing worse than sitting out in the cold weather in sopping wet clothes, particularly if you plan on being out there for awhile.
Finally, remember to look for folding hunting knives to bring along on your trip for when you do catch a duck. These are the most effective at skinning ducks and getting as much meat off as possible. Use these duck hunting in Texas tips to catch as many ducks on your next Texas hunting trip.
For info on folding hunting knives, visit thebesthuntingtips.com, a popular site that gives reviews Gerber Hunting Knives and provides info on anything else related to hunting.
Buck Knife 055 Folding Hunter Knives 55 Small Pocket Folder Brass Hunting
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