How to Wear a Boot Knife

How to Wear a Boot Knife

 

How to Wear a Boot Knife
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A boot knife is great for survival and defense.

Whether worn for protection or survival in the wilderness, boot knives or shoe knives prove themselves very useful in times of need. If you are thinking of carrying a knife in your boot, here is a simple tutorial on how to wear a boot knife.

What is a Boot Knife?

It is a blade that is made specifically to fit most calf-high boots. It is essentially a small fixed blade knife dagger with a sheath to protect the wearer from accidental cuts.  Often this type of knife has a double edge.

Generally, These knives serve the purpose of protection so that you can have a concealed and easy-to-reach weapon to defend yourself with in times of need.

Moreover, boot knives can be used as an additional weapon or tool to bring during camping or hunting. Since they are easy to carry around, these knives can be useful when cutting rope or splitting bark without having to rummage in your hunting backpack.

If you are reading this article, then you probably have interest in carrying a boot knife yourself. Don’t worry, wearing a knife on your bootis very easy. But to be sure that you do it right, here’s how to wear one.

How to Wear a Boot Knife

Boot knives are convenient tools or weapons just like tactical pens. They can be concealed and are easy to carry. If you want to wear a boot knife for yourself, follow these general tips that we have put together for you:

Step One: Select a particular pair of boots

Some hunting boots are equipped with a special straps or built-in compartments for boot knives.  If you already have a pair of boots that do have this special compartment, then you are ready to go.

You can try purchasing a new pair of hunting boots with this function.  If you do not have boots that have built-in straps for your knives, you can still use regular boots.

However, the ease of use of boot knives will depend on your boots.  Generally, boot knives fit well in boots that come up to the low to mid-calf.  These types of boots are said to be more comfortable to use with boot knives.

Step Two: Pick out your boot knife

Choose the boot knife that most appeals to you.

Knives come in all shapes and sizes. However, not all knives can be used as boot knives.

Most boot knives are generally made to fit into a shoe and provide easy access.  They also often come with a sheath to keep your feet safe. So, if you don’t already have one, you can try finding the best boot knife available on the market.

The best knives are easy to conceal, generally easy to carry, and provide you with good protection against hostile people or animals.

When you carry a boot knife with you whether you are only out in public our going hunting in the woods, they can provide you with more peace of mind and definitely more security than going without it.

What to Do if You Don’t Have Special Boots

If you don’t have boots that have built-in straps or compartments for boot knives, you can still easily wear a boot knife. How to wear a boot knife with regular boots just requires a string added to the equation.

Generally, a shoelace or thin rope will do. Simply insert your boot knife into the ring of your boots and use the string to secure the handle against your calf. This will prevent it from falling out of your shoe or getting moved around a lot.

On the other hand, if you are feeling a bit more creative, you can try sewing in a sheath for yourself into the boots. To do this, simply take a sheath and sew it into the interior of your boots, obviously where you want your boot knife to be.

Tips on How to Wear a Boot Knife

Tips on how to wear a boot knife

  1. Check local laws and regulations

Before you go on and wear a boot knife out in public, read up on your locality’s laws about wearing concealed weapons like boot knives.

  1. Wear your boot knife on your dominant side

In times when you need to use your boot knife, you can easily access and use it if you place it on your dominant side. For example, if you are right-handed, place your boot knife in your right boot, facing outwards. This will make it much easier for you to access your boot knife.

  1. Make sure the sheath is always secure

The sheath in your boot or the sheath that comes with the boot knife functions to keep your calf safe from any accidental cuts or stabs. Make sure that you always keep the sheath secure.  That way you won’t end up with an unnecessary trip to the emergency room.

  1. Choose high-quality equipment

The best tactical pens are considered the best for a reason; and that is because they perform their function well based on pre-set standards. Just like with boot knives and the boots you will be wearing, you need to pick out quality products that would meet your needs. Otherwise, the boots or boot knife may be worn down quicker than you want them to.

  1. A boot knife doesn’t always have to be in your shoe

Boot knives are versatile weapons. Since they are small, they can fit into your glove box, purse, waist, backpack, and basically almost anywhere.

Conclusion

Boot knives are great for serving as self-defense weapons as well as tools in hunting/camping or in emergency situations. Needless to say, they can help you perform tasks easier and defend yourself better due to their ease of access and concealed nature. We hope this article on how to wear a boot knife enlightened you on the necessary steps you need to take before buying your own boot knife.

Got any friends interested in concealed weapons? Share this article with them and let us know what you think in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

 

Serrated Vs Straight Edge

Comparing Serrated Vs Straight Edge Knives

Serrated Vs Straight Edge I have heard many arguments in regard to the serrated vs straight edge knife dilemma. The truth is that there are pros and cons of both types of knife edges, and the choice of which type is better largely depends on the function you expect it to serve and the situation you will be using it for. For slicing, I would recommend a serrated edge, but for push cutting you should choose a knife with a straight edge.

Straight Edge Knife Benefits

The benefits of straight edged knives are many. They are extremely sharp and pointed, which allows for better control and precision when using them. This type of knife is great for push cuts, such as cutting potatoes, chopping wood, shaving and other cutting tasks. Plain edged knives are also much easier to sharpen as compared to serrated ones. The main problem with this type of knife is that it can slip and fly off the object you are attempting to cut or slice. Also, if the edge is too short, you can’t use it for deep cutting. Even though they are easier to sharpen than the serrated blades, very sharp straight knives tend to get duller faster than knives with serrated edges.

Serrated Edge Knife Benefits

As for the knives with serrated edges, they are great for slicing things, such as: ropes, bread, tomatoes and others. Its contact area is smaller than that of the straight edge knife which is another benefit, so there is minimum resistance from the material which you cutting. This makes this type of blades perfect for cutting hard and tough items and materials, such as plastic and wood. Also, it is a great choice for cutting in situations when you can’t achieve a stable grip of the object you are cutting. The geometric design of serrated blades allows you to use lateral movements instead of just friction when cutting.

Partially Serrated Knives:

There is actually an option to choose a hybrid knife which incorporates the best of straight edged and serrated edged knives. This type of hybrid knife with a straight edge on the top and serrations at the bottom is a multi-functional knife, which is a perfect choice for survival purposes. Choose a hybrid knife with small serrations located in the right place, and you will get a knife with excellent functionality and great speed when inflicting cuts.

 Choose the edge depending upon the intended use:

If you are looking for a knife for survival and/or self-defense, then you should get a straight edge type. Serrated edges can get caught to the fibers you are cutting and this can limit the depth of the penetration of your cut.

  • Utility

If you are looking for a good utility knife, then one with a serrated edge is probably the better choice because they are better for slicing soft fruits, vegetables and other foodstuffs.

Final thoughts:

The problem with serrated knives is that they are tricky to sharpen and it is difficult to make very smooth and controlled cuts with a blade like that. Make sure that the serrations are not too large, because they will likely tend to get caught up in the material you are cutting. If you choose to use a straight edged knife for utility purposes, you need to make sure that it is sharp enough at all times, for a better performance as well as for safety purposes.

Tennessee Laws on the Use and Carrying of Batons

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I am NOT a lawyer and am not giving legal opinions.  The following information is copied directly from the State of Tennessee website and is the code of law for the state.  I believe that if you want to carry a baton, you need to be familiar with baton law.  Law also changes, so please check the most recent version of this code.

Since in my state it is illegal to carry a club or baton, I like to use a tactical pen to use for wrist locks and strikes.  with proper training they are a very effective weapon and aren’t as legally suspect.
39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.

(a) (1)  A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4″), or a club.

(2) An offense under subdivision (a)(1) is a Class C misdemeanor, except it is a Class A misdemeanor if the person’s carrying of a handgun occurred at a place open to the public where one (1) or more persons were present.

(b) (1)  A person commits an offense who possesses a handgun and:

(A) Has been convicted of a felony involving the use or attempted use of force, violence or a deadly weapon; or

(B) Has been convicted of a felony drug offense.

(2) An offense under subdivision (b)(1) is a Class E felony.

(c) (1)  A person commits an offense who possesses any deadly weapon with intent to employ it in the commission of or escape from an offense.

(2) An offense under subdivision (c)(1) is a Class E felony.

[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 1029, § 6.]

39-17-1308. Defenses to unlawful possession or carrying of a weapon.
(a)  It is a defense to the application of § 39-17-1307 if the possession or carrying was:

(1) Of an unloaded rifle, shotgun or handgun not concealed on or about the person and the ammunition for the weapon was not in the immediate vicinity of the person or weapon;

(2) By a person authorized to possess or carry a firearm pursuant to § 39-17-1315 or § 39-17-1351;

(3) At the person’s:

(A) Place of residence;

(B) Place of business; or

(C) Premises;

(4) Incident to lawful hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, sport shooting or other lawful activity;

(5) By a person possessing a rifle or shotgun while engaged in the lawful protection of livestock from predatory animals;

(6) By a Tennessee valley authority officer who holds a valid commission from the commissioner of safety pursuant to this part while such officer is in the performance of the officer’s official duties;

(7) By a state, county or municipal judge or any federal judge or any federal or county magistrate;

(8) By a person possessing a club/baton who holds a valid state security officer/guard registration card as a private security officer/guard, issued by the commissioner, and who also has certification that such officer has had training in the use of club/baton which is valid and issued by a person certified to give training in the use of clubs/batons;

(9) By any person possessing a club/baton who holds a certificate that the person has had training in the use of a club/baton for self-defense which is valid and issued by a certified person authorized to give training in the use of clubs/batons, and is not prohibited from purchasing a firearm under any local, state or federal laws; or

(10) By any out-of-state, full-time, commissioned law enforcement officer who holds a valid commission card from the appropriate out-of-state law enforcement agency and a photo identification; provided, that if no such valid commission card and photo identification are retained, then it shall be unlawful for such officer to carry firearms in this state and the provisions of this section shall not apply. The defense provided by this subpart shall only be applicable if the state where the out-of-state officer is employed has entered into a reciprocity agreement with this state that allows a full-time, commissioned law enforcement officer in Tennessee to lawfully carry or possess a weapon in such other state.

(b)  The defenses described in this section are not available to persons described in § 39-17-1307(b)(1).

[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 1029, § 7; 1993, ch. 200, § 1; 1996, ch. 1009, §§ 20, 21; 1997, ch. 476, § 3; 1999, ch. 295, § 1; 2003, ch. 144, § 2.]

In the State of Tennessee, it is against the law to carry a baton for self defense (TCA 39-17-1307).  However if the person carrying the baton is either a licensed security guard or armed civilian with a valid certification card then they have an affirmative defense to the charge (similar to carry permit for handgun).

How to Shoot a Slingshot without Losing Accuracy?

Slingshot
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One of the best ways to improve hunting skills is to use a slingshot. But how to shoot a slingshot is something that not many of us know. But that’s okay because the learning process is pretty basic and easy. And most importantly, it’s essential that you learn how to use the tool properly if you want to avoid casualties or damages.

A slingshot is a weapon that needs to be handled with care and responsibility. So please continue reading if you want to understand the correct away how to shoot a sling shot safely.

We’ve listed a detailed guide on this particular topic so that you can enhance your hunting skills. The article also includes some valuable tips on how to use the tool properly. So let’s begin!

Here’s a clear idea of what awaits below:

  • What you need in order to learn how to shoot.
  • Ammunition loading.
  • The correct way of aiming your shot.
  • And finally, getting ready to fire.

Gather everything you need

When learning how to shoot a weapon like a slingshot, there are a few things you need to gather beforehand. This helps in saving ample of time and directing your complete focus on the process of learning instead of struggling with finding materials.

What you will need:

  • Ammunition
  • Slingshot

We would advise you to use dense and round objects. For ammo, feel free to select from fishing sinkers, small rocks, glass balls, and marbles. Ball bearings and marbles are considered to be the best since they come in striking colors. And this makes the process of tracing and evaluating your shots easier.

The method

  1. Ammunition loading

Once you gather all the required materials, it’s time to begin loading the ammo. Hold the bottom of the slingshot with either the right or left hand, whichever feels more comfortable. Use the opposite hand to place your ammo in the center of slingshot’s pouch.

Please make sure that the ammo doesn’t swing away as this tends to mess with precision and accuracy.

Use the fingers, preferably the index finger and thumb, to hold the ammo in place. At this point, the strap and thumb need to be in a parallel position.

  1. The correct way of aiming your shot

 Hold the slingshot properly

To shoot in a more comfortable position, you need to use the principal arm. This also helps in producing a better and more accurate shot. The secondary arm is to pull back the ammo. Such a posture provides the principal arm with the much-needed strength to hold the slingshot in a steady position while releasing.

Now grip your slingshot in a perpendicular or flat manner. This you can do by holding up the weapon and raising the arm. Some shooters prefer to allow the forks of the slingshot to point upward while some like to angle the tool slightly along the side.

Since slingshots come in different lengths and widths, you might have to tweak the way you hold it based on the size and form.

  • Watch your stance

The way you stand determines how comfortable and confident you are with your aim. Place the right foot forward while drawing back the left one. At this stage, the left foot needs to point slightly outward. This applies to right-handed shooters. Left-handed hunters can do the exact opposite. Once the feet are positioned properly, bend your knees a little bit.

Such a stance enables you to create a solid foundation by keeping the feet pointed in the forward direction while also maintaining a shoulder-width stance. Failing to do so might keep you from striking that perfect balance in order to aim accurately.

  • Place the slingshot sideways

The shoulder of the principal arm needs to front the target. So you can do this by raising the slingshot perpendicularly while also making sure that it marginally slants away from your body. This gives you plenty of space to free the arm to yank back the band.

  • Breathing is important at this point

Before releasing the thing, it’s important to take a deep breath. This prevents the possibility of any bodily movements, which improves your aiming capacity.

  1. Getting ready to fire

This part is crucial when it comes to learning how to shoot a slingshot. Take your time to aim to the target. There’s no need to rush, you can do it slowly too. Your head needs to be positioned in such a manner so as to marginally enable you to check the target. And this way you will also stay clear from those bullets.

It’s best to use the dominant eye only, so closing the second eye is not such a bad idea. But if you wish to train with both eyes open, then that’s okay as well. Because such a practice goes a long way in improving your skills and performance level.

Once you’re ready with the correct posture, it’s time to take the shot.

  1. Fire the shot
  • Pull the slingshot band

Make sure that the band is completely stretched and that all triangles are clearly visible. They also need to be shaped by your slingshots’ splits.

  • Discharging the band

It’s time to flick the wrist forward to shoot your ammo and strike the target. Keep your thumb away from the projectile at this point. Failing to do so might lead to a painful injury.

Congrats, now you know how to shoot a slingshot!

If you’ve gone through each and every step discussed in the article above, then you’ve gained a little more confidence as a shooter. We’ve made it a point to make this guide of how to shoot a slingshot as simple as possible. So the instructions are easy to understand.

You need to keep in mind that practice is key. You have to keep going at it if you want to improve your skills. The goal is to make not only shooting but also aiming a more comfortable experience.

So please continue learning while also helping us improve by providing your feedback at the bottom. Feel free to leave all your comments in the section below. We hope you enjoyed reading the article!

About the author:

Tony Lohman (the founder of OutdoorHole) has been writing about outdoor sports and activities for many years now. As an outdoor enthusiast himself, he knows what kind of gear to use and how to use it. And that is what he shares with fellow adventurers on this platform. His valuable guides and tips are useful for beginners seeking to find the reliable answers.

Sources:

  1. http://deerhuntingfield.com/how-to-shoot-a-slingshot/
  2. http://melchiormenzel.de/info_shoot.html
  3. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/slingshot-shooting-tips-how-to-shoot-a-slingshot.html

How to Make and Use a Sling Bow

 

Sling Bow
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I got this idea from Dave Canterberry so I cannot take any credit.  This has been done on youtube many times, but I don’t like seeing, I like doing…

This Sling Bow was a fun project, and if I spent the time to practice, this has the potential to be a useful tool.  However, right now I am only shooting it for fun.

You do need to be careful with this, its not a kid’s toy, there is a potential for injury if its misused.

At the base form a sling bow is just a normal sling shot with some type of rest built between the arms to hold an arrow up.  On my sling bow, I used a split ring held in place with two pieces of cord.  More advanced sling bows use archery whisker biscuits.

The problem I had was that since I was just experimenting I used very cheap kids arrows, so they were not long enough to fully achieve the power this little device could make.

I think with experience and practice this would be a useful tool.  I also think it needs a better set-up than my split ring.  Canterberry’s bow uses a whisker biscuit to hold the arrow.  I need to try that.