Autumnal Equinox in the Allegheny National Forest

Work has consumed my life the past 12 months and it was time to get the hell outta dodge.

I've been planning a 3 day trip to the Allegheny National Forest for some time now, and since the weather cooled off and its the first day of fall, I figured today was a good day to scout for some campsites. Here just a few pictures I took.


Someone wanted to tag along. Not this time unfortunately.

Pack was a little heavier than I would have liked.

Kinzua Dam on the Allegheny Resevoir

Arose at 0600, showered and ate in an attempt to get my body aligned with what my mind was telling it. Hit the road at 0712 and made it to the trailhead at 1016. Would have been 3 hours exactly if I wouldn't have stopped at a gas station for a 4 minute bathroom break.

Sorry my camera was having trouble focusing. Only 3 hours away but these woods were very different from what I'm use to. No endless briar patches with 5 feet of visibility. No complaining here.

Here's a better shot.

1st of about 20 HUGE rocks.

This one reminded me of the movie "The Quest for Fire."

Another one.

Cool tree.

Only thing more frequent than the huge rocks, were the little toads and frogs.

Finally made it out!

How convenient, some one left a camp for me!

Nice view from someones else's camp.

My three work horses.

Now you guys can stop busting on me for only using a big knife and not having an axe/hatchet. I bought a wetterlings!

Relaxing enjoying the fall air.

Sneak Peek on my next review...

Thanks for looking and happy fall!

DIY How To Make A Knife Handle With 550 Paracord

In this video I have detailed the process for using a technique called "whipping" (aka common whipping) to create a handle for a knife using 550 paracord.  This technique is commonly used on the end of a thick rope (with a smaller rope as the whipping) to stop the end from fraying.  You can also use the technique to make a knife handle, or essentially any tool that could use a little cushion where you hold it.  Survival knives, axes, shovels, you name it.  This can be a great option in the field, or made at home for a tool that has a loose handle, or to provide an extra cushion for times when its cold to save your hand from a little extra pain.

DIY How To Recondition An Old Knife

In this Do It Yourself video I walk you through a knife recondition.  I recently found a knife that belonged to my grandfather who sadly is no longer with us.  This knife is conservatively 40-50 years old, but I'm thinking it might be slightly older than that.  I think it was his personal knife while he was in the service.  Anyhow, as a tribute to him I decided to recondition the blade and bring it back to life.  It was rusted, dull, blemished and missing a handle.  I walk through the step by step process I used to recondition it.

Tools and Materials Used:
Loc Tite Rust Remover (Naval Jelly)
Blue and Rust Remover
Dremel Tool With Soft Cloth Head
Steel Wool
Brasso Metal Polish
Soft Metallic Bristle Brush
Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener
1.5' 550 Paracord
Scissors
Lighter