SanRenMu 710 Modification

I love my SRM 710.  :)  I still can't believe that you can get such a great knife for only about $8.00 shipped!  Well anyway, today, I got a little bored of the black and so I decided to sand it down.  Here's how it turned out:

This is the front handle.  I sanded off the front and made sure that that weird little fireball decal was gone. I'd decided to leave the edges a little black to give it that worn look.  :)  I left the edges black.

On the backside, I decided to leave it black with silver accents (opposite the front handle).  I had made the mistake of not masking off that little section by the clip and scratched the black portion when my hand slipped.  :(  It's alright though.

I'm extremely happy with how this "mod" came out.  Even though I did scratch that back portion, and it's not the best job ever, it's alright because it makes this knife more... MINE.  :D

UPDATE:  (31 May 2012)

I'd added a lanyard to it this morning.  :)  Yay!

Sweet, Delicious Carnage!

I'd come home today after some errands to find a gigantic jackfruit sitting out back, waiting for me to open it up.

The jackfruit, counting down the seconds to its massacre by the infamous SRM 710.

The aftermath!  Oh, the carnage!  Sweet, delicious victory!  And there stands the SRM 710 in all its triumphant glory.  :)  That thing can take on just about any job I throw at it.  So far, my favorite knife and well within budget of only about $8.00 shipped.  :)

Laguna Coast Hike (28 May 2012)

Over Memorial Day weekend, a few friends and I decided to take a quick hike at Laguna Coast.  We had a great time together it was great to finally get outdoors from some fresh air and exercise after the past few weeks of staying indoors and studying for final exams.

We first started going up the steeper trail of Willow Canyon.  After about a half mile of steep hills, the group finally got used to hiking and it was all easy from there.  When we'd gotten to the intersection of Laurel Spur/Upper Laurel/ and Laurel Canyon, the group opted to just go down Laurel Canyon and end the day early.  Which means that we would finish the hike about an hour earlier than I had originally planned.  :(

This was in the middle of Laurel Canyon trail.  I think it's our favorite spot and just the perfect picnic spot.  We had actually heard a mountain lion somewhere in the bushes across the way!  :)  We also met up with a nice guy named Chris, who joined us for a quick picnic as well.

Across the way from our picnic spot, I spotted this "face" on the side of the cliff.  :)

On the way back down Laurel Canyon, we caught glimpse of this smiley face boulder.  Depending on the angle, it can look like a teething baby or a face sticking its tongue out.  :P

It was a great hike for the beginners of our group.  Because they had such a great time, they're willing to tackle something a little longer and more challenging.

Action Man's Got a New Pet Dino

Action Man's playing dentist.

:)  Riding his dino around, training him for battle.

Action Man is Off to Battle!

Onward to battle on the fluffy bird that is his mighty steed!  :)

Straw Containers and Mini Bottles (Extensive List)

I think that Brian's blog post about straw containers have shed light on the idea of downsizing your gear for packs such as PFAKs, Altoids Kits, day hikes, traveling, etc.

Below is a list of items I've gathered that can be made and put into straw containers for your next outing, or to better EDC your supplies.  Most of these items would also fair well in small containers such as bento sauce bottles (12-pack of 6mL bottles for $1.50 at your local Daiso store), mint breath drop bottles (3-pack for $1.00 at your local Dollar Tree), or other repurposed bottles you may have laying about.  It's your call which items would serve you best in which containers since only you would know the amount of stuff you'll need, how often you'll need it, ease of dispense (capped bottle versus straw), the amount of storage space available for the end product, and whether or not you'll need to reseal the item.

Some notes, before we begin:

1. Some items should not be stored in straws, such as WD-40, DEET, and acetone, since they will corrode the plastic.
2. Sometimes (for more viscous items) it's best not to seal one of the ends prior to extruding the product into the straw since it creates a vacuum.  Instead, get the product in first, then seal the ends.
3. Experiment with different sized straws and straw materials.  Straws that you buy in bulk at the store tend to run smaller in diameter than restaurant straws.  Smoothie and boba straws offer much wider diameters, some running as wide as 0.5" in diameter.
4. Sometimes the ends will have to be cleaned prior to sealing the straws since whatever's inside will keep the straw from bonding to itself.  A quick swish of a cotton swab should do the trick.
5. As you will see, you're only limited by your imagination.  Items need not be liquids or gels.  You'll find that you can store various items in these straws so long as it fits within the vicinity that the straw allows.

FIRST AID/HYGIENE:

• antibiotic cream/ointment
• any ointment or cream, really...
• hydrocorizone comes to mind
• hand sanitizer
• toothpaste
• mouthwash
• liquid soap/detergent
• petroleum jelly
• pills
• you'll have look around until you find pills and straws that fit each other.  Or just make it easy on yourself and use a boba straw. ;)
• oils 
• mineral oil
• baby oil
• hair gel
• sunblock/sunscreen (wee bit for your face)

FOOD (make sure they aren't perishable!):

• sauces
• hot sauce (sriracha is my favorite!)
• soy sauce
• cooking oils
• spices and herbs
• salt
• pepper
• oregano...
• sugar
• baking soda
• baking powder

OTHER:

• petroleum jelly + cotton balls (fire starter)
• matches
• keeping them sealed in the straws will essentially "waterproof" them
• water purification
• tablets
• bleach
• iodine
• sewing kit
• wrap thread around a needle and seal within a straw until needed
• small buttons can fit into the straw if using a larger diameter one
• safety pin(s)
• sharpening oils for knives
• dishwashing soap for camp
• fishing kit
• small hooks
• sinkers
• fishing line
• white glue

Action Man

Got this little guy and have been carrying him around for the fun of it.  :P  He's got no name yet, so he's Action Man for now.

Action Man on one knee, presenting me with a keychain knife.

Action Man getting balloons for Baby Lego Vader.  The balloons came from Ms. Traver's birthday / Counseling 105 Final Exam cake, Spring 2012.

Daiso Mini Haul! :) EDC Edition

Today, I'd gone to the new Daiso that had opened up somewhat nearby.  I wanted to check it out since I've always been curious about Japanese "100 Yen" stores.  Ever since Marukai 98 closed a few years back, I hadn't been able to purchase any of these items in quite some time.  Everything at Daiso is $1.50, unless otherwise marked.  There were only a handful of items that were NOT $1.50, and nothing I saw was more than $5.00.

The Japanese have thought of pretty much everything.  :P  Plenty of their items can easily be transformed into "EDC" appropriate accessories.

First, some store shots:

Upon entering, I'm welcomed by a plethora of keychain accessories.  I really like the belt leash ones (or whatever they're called).

Various types of lanyards to choose from.  :)

Teeny tiny tools.

I found some waterproof cases in the sports section, similar to the Witz cases.

Lots and LOTS of various sized and compartmentalized containers.  I love the pill boxes.  :)  There were too many to choose from!

Bento goods can easily be repurposed for EDC carry.  These are various sized sauce bottles.  :)

I thought that these tiny toothpaste things were really neat!

And now, for shots of items that I'd bought:  I let myself get 10 items today.  :)

From left to right...

• Two stainless steel food containers.  I plan on using these to replace my Altoids kit and to make a fire starting kit.  I absolutely LOVE my "Altoids" kit (it's actually Newman's Own) since it's got that neat dragon on it (like this), but I want to make another that's more water resistant, if not water proof.  I know others have "waterproofed" their Altoids tins with various methods (ranger bands, electrical tape, etc.), but I didn't want to go through the hassle of putting on/taking off tape.  These are great.  :)
• Mini sewing kit.  There were many different kits there, but I went with this one 'cause it had a little case plus it came with a tiny tube that held the needles.
• 10-pack of pencils with clips.  These are plastic barreled with pencil tips at the end.  I had originally meant to grab the pen version of these but got these by accident.  Now I'm kind of stuck with them since there's no refunds or exchanges at this store.  They're pretty neat though.  They're very thin.
• 20mL syringe.  These come in handy for filling up small bottles with stuff.

From left to right...

• 12-pack of sauce bottles.  I use these for my lunches and also to fill up with hand sanitizer.  These each hold 6mL and I think are a great size for triple antibiotic cream and sanitizer.  I find that using these small bottles is much more convenient than the straw containers.  Straw containers have their place in my EDC, but for things that I'm constantly using, I'd rather use small bottles.  These hold more than the breath mint drops that I had been using (those were only 3.2mL), but are roughly the same size in height and width.  The only reason they hold more is because they're square whereas the mint bottles are round.
• Mini tripod.  I had lost my Targus one (that cost like $10.00!) during a hike.  This one's great 'cause it's got bendy legs!  :D  I'm a happy child.
• Fabric chalk.  These are going to be used for my screen prints.  Not EDC related, but I needed it. :P

And I'd saved the best item for last!  These are folding combs.  I HAD to get them because they resembled folding knives so well.  These will be going into future undisclosed surprise giveaways for EDCF members.  :)

And that concludes today's haul.  :)  Cheers!

7-Eleven: More Than Just a Convenience Store

Ah... 7-Eleven.  Home of the Slurpee and the Big Bite hotdogs.  They're around every corner down here in SoCal.  Not only are they a great stop to quench your thirst and grab a bite, but also a haven for those who go backpacking and EDC small food items.  Here's what I mean:

Before we start, let me first mention... PLEASE support your local store.  Don't just waltz in there and grab 'n go.

• Slurpee straws comes in all sorts of colors.  They can be used to color code things such as:
• PJCB
• spices
• liquids
• ointments
• lotions
• oils
• and whatever you'd normally pack into straws
• Condiments.  On my last trip, I was able to spot:  
• ranch
• barbeque sauce
• Tapatio hot sauce
• ketchup
• mustard
• mayo
• honey mustard
• sugars
• creamer cups (not very convenient, but I guess nice if you just want a little bit of the flavored ones - they have so many flavors to choose from!)

I'd bought a Slurpee tonight and while I was about to throw away my cup, I realized that I could make fire straws (with PJCB) and have it color coded in my bright orange straw.  :D  Awesome!

Again, please do support your local store.  :)  I only grab an "extra" packet or two with each visit when I purchase a food or drink item.  Should I feel like I "need" more, I always ask the cashier if it's alright. Usually they're okay with it.  Other times, I'll just toss a bit of change into the tip jar to make up for it.

Cheers!

Updated EDC Tin (02 May 2012)

After entering TEOTWAWKI's Altoids tin contest and explaining the contents of it, I had decided to give it a makeover. I wasn't completely happy with my "original" setup since most of the items I had in there didn't apply to my everyday life.  They were mostly things I'd found interesting or "too survival-ish" for day-to-day usage.

If I had applied these items to my "survival" kit, then they would be mediocre, duplicate supplies that would already be on my person or very close by.

Everything all nicely packed.  :)

This newer kit covers the basics of things that I use nearly everyday and supplements my main EDC/PFAK setups.

The items I've decided to include in this kit are as follows:

(1) razor blade
(1) antibacterial wipe
(2) alcohol wipes, 72%
(2) standard sized bandages, both fabric since they're my preferred types
(1) tube of super glue
(1) bundle of 550 cord guts, 8 feet
(1) small pencil
(1) electrical tape "pill"
(1) baggie of medication

• (4) pink bismuth tabs; generic Pepto chewables
• (4) ibuprofen tabs; generic Advil
• (2) allergy tabs; generic Zyrtec
• (1) floss pick
• (1) interdental brush

(1) tiny bottle of triple antibiotic cream - filled in a tiny 0.1 fluid ounce liquid breath mint bottle

Everything laid out.  :D

The way I'd decided to arrange my tin is different than most. I prefer to keep my flatter items on top, while others prefer to have theirs at the bottom of the tin. While I understand that they do this to save space and add more items, I'm more concerned with easy access. The bandages and wipes are probably the most used items in this setup, next to the lighter and electrical tape. Then probably the razor if I needed to do something more precise than my primary blade can handle.

:)  With the flatter things on top, I can more easily access the most used items.  The moist wipes also makes a great "cover" that keeps everything from rattling.  It's the perfect size to do so!

All of these items were able to fit perfectly without the lid coming up whatsoever.  I've tossed this kit into my bookbag and even with all the jostling, has not opened up on me once.