spanky

my first EDC knife was a HK Soldat (cheapest Benchmade HK made in the USA), and it has never failed me. I do have an ESEE-5 for camping, and now several EDC knives, ranging from a Kershaw Shuffle, to my current Emerson/PDW Specwar. Like was stated before, you get what you pay for, but to answer your question, yes, US made Benchmades, in my experience, are solid.

Welcome from a fellow Scotch Plains native

It's the opposite, factory 30 round blocked to accept 15 rounds. Personally, I like the 15/20's better, so the mag doesn't get in the way when I shoot from a bench. Some guys like the 15/30 better if they're running a vest in a carbine class...more surface area to pull the mag out of a pouch, not to mention more pouch options. As far as I know, until MidwestPX released his 15 round cut PMAG's, there weren't 15 round AR mags, i could be wrong about the, I've never done much looking for a 15 round mag, when 15/20s and 15/30s are readily available. Also, I've never had anyone question me when I use 15/20 or 15/30 at Cherry Ridge, Gun For Hire, and RTSP.

Serrations=better grip

Have had my MK25 for about 1.5 years, about 2K rounds down the pipe. I love it, but I can't see it with the SRT. I love shooting outside in the cold, and the M11 with SRT is just too "jumpy" with gloves, so I can't imagine it's any better in the MK25. To each their own.

Never ordered something online, always in person, but they've always gone above and beyond.

I have, that's how I know mine work, in theory.

Faraday cages aren't as hard to build as people think. Lined metal trash can, lined ammo can, heavy duty tin foil and conductive tape around a shoe box, etc... I have a few electronics in small containers, because how could it hurt if SHTF.

Cool idea, much like the reactive trigger in Tippman paintball markers, but I'm not sure it's $500 cool.

Other than gardening and training, the only self sufficiency around my area is stocking up. We have a small water source nearby, but rather be safe than sorry. A good friend of mine just bought land in a free state, and granted me access to it whenever I want, so I'll definitely be taking advantage of that.

Simple enough, what do you hope to accomplish this year? I tried to keep mine realistic for my budget and lifestyle. Quit smoking (11 days nicotine free so far) Work out more (6 days in, sore as hell, but feeling good. Sunday is rest day) Increase food stores to at least 3 months 55 gal water drum for rain water Camp at least 6 times, including 1 mock bug out with my BOB Hike more Re-organize GHB, BOB, & INCH bag Larger garden harvest Firearm related: Get to the range more Get a dedicated BOB/INCH pistol Get another 223 upper

I have the hand guard on my POF done. The only spot it shows any signs of wear are the single rail section where I would mount/unmount my old Surefire foregrip.

Some paracord, zip ties, duct/gorilla tape, multi tool, lit source, and small FAK are also good to have (I'm sure that was part of the "etc").

I have a buddy, a Marine, that keeps a small teddy bear in his pack. Whatever keeps you from losing it.

I know quite a few people, whether they're new to prepping, younger and can't afford much yet, or just going through some hard times, that want to prep, but have this notion that you have to be an eclectic millionaire, or have your own farm to prep. It's not all about 5.11 packs, plate carriers, aquaponics, and decommissioned cylo's. I know I'm mostly preaching to the choir here, and this can go against the "buy once, cry once" mindset that most of us have, but here are a few things I picked up when I was new to prepping. LA Police Gear have a good "bang for the buck" house brand. I have 3 of their bags, and 3 pairs of their pants. The bags now serve camping, range, and GHB(get home bag) duty, and 2 of the 3 pairs of pants have kept up with a pair of 5.11 pants I got around the same time. 1 pair arrived "off", and I should have returned them, but I didn't. My fault. Harbor Freight have cheap tools, including tarps, knives, rope, etc... Of course deals can be found at Target, Costco, Walmart, and any number of stores that one may not associate with prepping. Most importantly, practice with your new toys. Scoring a $250 tent from REI for $150 is only great if you know how to set it up. Again, 99% of you will know this, this is for the other guys. Please add any tips, tricks, or even cheap alternative items (ie-home made MRE's instead of store bought).

Some things I would add in addition to what's been mentioned: Zip ties, hand/toe warmers, deck of cards(or something else to keep you sane), cheap poncho from Target(in addition to quality rain gear), some sort of "hot" food, any pet supplies(if you have a pet), any prescription stuff(including contacts & glasses), stuff to make you poop & stuff to make you not poop(learned that camping).

I didn't click your link before I posted. It's a great light.

I ran through a bunch of cheap lights before treating myself to the Surefire Fury (dual output model). 15 lumens on low, 500 on high. Runs on CR123's, $108 at LA Police Gear. Truth be told, they have released a 15/320 output since then that I would have done if it was out when I was shopping. That one is $60-70.

A bad pizza is still pizza...bad sex is still sex...a bad day of golf is still better than work...a day at the range with a Glock, is still a day at the range! To be fair, I've only shot Glocks in .40, and I haven't found a .40 that I like, regardless of manufacturer.

WRX, Focus ST, G35/350Z, 05-10 Mustang, EVO, Scion TC...

As I said before, bad for the immediate future better in the long run. The Isles time is coming. The Flyers are a scoring machine, but have nothing behind the forwards. At some point they have to realize it's the goaltending coach, or the system. I believe the Flyers woes will continue until they realize it, and do something to rectify it. The Rangers, who knows. I want to say they made the right moves towards becoming successful, but I've thought that so many times before, and have been wrong. Eh, in any case, next year will be interesting with the realigned division. Hell, I'd be up for a NJGF hockey night at a local pub, regardless of who you root for.

As a Devil's fan, I never liked him, I never liked his deal. The teams money was better spent elsewhere, not saying I didn't enjoy when he was on his hot streaks, but bulking up our D, and potentially keeping Parise and/or Clarkson would have been a better decision IMO. As a hockey fan, or more importantly, a loyal person, this was a completely d-bag move. He should have announced this decision prior to the draft, and free agency. I like what we did in the draft, but we could have focused more on keeping Clarkson(although I think Toronto overpaid), or making a big push for Ryan, Briere, or another power forward. This is better in the long run, but it royally f'd us for the next few seasons, and next years draft.

I carry a Benchmade (H&K) Soldat serrated. Suits my everyday needs.

MK23, but I haven't shot the FNH 45 yet

I usually listen to aggressive music, regardless of the genre, but I always go back to listening to late 70's/early 80's punk and hardcore...with my favorite band being the Misfits.