U.S. Concealed Carry
Tip of the Week
August 25th, 2006
Dear Friend,
You know, I've been carrying a folding knife for a long time. I've always thought of it as another line of defense. In reality, it is just a handy tool. I open boxes with it. I cut straps with it. I sometimes use it to eat my lunch.
Heck, one time I darned near cut the tip of my finger right off! (The doctor sewed it up, and no nerve damage!)
Learn how to use the 5 inch or 6 inch folding knife as a defensive weapon. Gabe Suarez covers selection, carry methods, the draw, dynamic opening methods, basic cutting and thrusting patterns, footwork basics, combination drills and an introduction to Knife "Tameshigiri", or test cutting with your knives.
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Why did I call my "second line of defense" just a handy tool? Because unlike my pistol, I have NEVER learned how to use my knife as a weapon. This recently dawned on me and I thought to myself, "Tim, you have to learn how to use this thing!".
So.... I did a little internet surfing and found a few "Knife" DVDs. I figured that before I go and find some "live" instructor to teach me the ways of my knife, I'd at least check out some of the DVDs out there.
Did I think I was going to become a "knife-wielding-master-bladesman" just by watching a few DVDs? Heck no. I just wanted to start the learning process somewhere.
So I bought this DVD from Gabe Suarez. Yes, that's right. I bought it. Even though Gabe is a writer for Concealed Carry Magazine and I'm sure he would have sent me one if I'd asked him to, I just don't like asking people for free stuff. It just bugs me.
I'll be honest. The DVD was pretty cool. Gabe taught me a lot of things I didn't know and he REALLY opened my eyes to what it will take to become proficient with a folding knife.
So now I'm on a mission to add the skill of "knife-man" to the SHORT list of skills that I've mastered. (Trust me, it's a short list!)
Quotes of the Week
Sometimes a good quote will inspire or motivate you. Sometimes, they'll just put a smile on your face! Here are the quotes for this week...
Nations grown corrupt; Love bondage more than liberty; Bondage with ease than strenuous liberty. -John Milton
Most people want security in this world, not liberty. -H.L. Mencken
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Tip of the Week
Every week I get a lot of great tips from U.S. Concealed Carry members.
Here is my favorite from this week...
Here is the knife that I carry.
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Learn Some Knife Skills
As I mentioned above, this week's tip is to go out and learn some knife skills. I already mentioned the Gabe Suarez DVD that I purchased. There is another guy that puts out a great DVD series on knife fighting skills. His name is James A. Keating. One of our great writers, Charles Ellis recently did a review on Mr. Keating's "Drawpoint Method" DVD series. Click here to read this article!
I'm sure you'll be able to find a whole bunch more knife training resources. I'd just encourage you to take the plunge and learn how to use that folder you've been carrying around in your pocket for the last few years! (Now, if you already are a master knife-man, just ignore this section!)
I've got a bunch of knives, a few folders and a few fixed blades. The one you see here on the right is my main carry knife. It is the CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) M16-14Z. It has a 3.875" AUS 4 steel blade and a Zytel frame. It retails for $70, but I bought it at a gun show for around $50 I think. I like it.
I'll be sure to keep you up-to-date as my "knife saga" continues.
Gun & Gear Review
Here we go! My favorite part of every "Tip of the Week". This is where we get to look at some neat and interesting guns and gear. Be sure to send me a message if there is something you'd like to read about in this section. Click here to go to our contact form.
Cross-Breed Holsters
A few weeks back, I mentioned a company called Cross-Breed Holsters. I had said that I had never seen one, but had been hearing a lot of positive things about them.
Well, I managed to get my hands on one of their new designs called the Cross-Breed Quick-Clip. This is one interesting looking holster! It is a large piece of heavy leather with a custom molded Kydex holster and a single Kydex belt clip riveted and/or screwed to the leather. You can adjust the position/angle of the belt clip by re-attaching it to one of three different sets of mounting holes. This allows the holster to be worn straight drop, FBI cant, or cross-draw.
I've worn tuck-able appendix IWB holsters for quite awhile. This is probably one of the most comfortable of this type that I've ever worn. The guy that owns Cross-Breed is named Mark. I talked to Mark and asked him how he came up with this interesting design. I honestly can't remember what he told me, but he sure came up with a unique design!
In my opinion, the reason this thing is so comfortable is due to the nice piece of leather that remains between you and your gun at all body contact points.
You might want to consider checking one of these out. One more thing... This guy Mark that owns Cross-Breed, well he is a really nice guy. In my book, I always prefer to deal with nice people!
Here is the link to Mark's website.
http://www.crossbreedholsters.com
Forum Post of the Week
The U.S. Concealed Carry "Member Forum" is a place where members go to get advice, exchange ideas or just talk about some pretty interesting topics. Below is my favorite new "forum post" from this past week!
Before the police arrive, it's just YOU, and ...
Police response times vary widely, depending on volume of calls, and manpower levels; you must consider how long you want to cringe in terror, hoping they arrive, before some possibly drug or alcohol-crazed psycho gets to you first. What if more clear headed burglars cut your phone lines, or your cell phone goes dead? If you don't realize that YOU are first, and foremost responsible for your own safety, in your own home, you've really missed something joining this organization... Proven fact is that burglars most fear armed homeowners, and even more so, aggressive ones, FAR MORE THAN THEY DO THE POLICE (who can't be everywhere at once), a well-documented fact!
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Don't know about anyone else here, but if I'm "holed up" in my safe room, armed the way I would be armed, I wouldn't be "cringing in terror" from any threat short of a full bore military assault! It's about mindset, and tactics. Patients is a tactic.
I'm not saying I wouldn't go "house clearing" under any circumstances. I just don't know what those circumstances would be, and they would have to be pretty extreme to force me to give up my tactical advantage.... keep reading
Member Gallery - Photo of the Week
The U.S. Concealed Carry "Image Gallery" is a great place for members to post range photos, target images, gun and holster pictures and whatever else you'd like to share.
Wow, what a great holster!
This has been EDC now for a year and a half and probably will be kept as such for a lot longer. It is carried in a K&D Eagle Defender OWB.
Thanks to "399Chris" for posting this great picture.
Click here to view more great member photos.
Tim's Favorite Web Article of the Week
The U.S. Concealed Carry website is constantly updated with new articles, reviews and stories. Below is my favorite new "web article" for the week!
Why I Got My CCW Permit
by Dan McManus
In the fall of 2001, I completed the process of securing a permit to carry a concealed weapon. I had debated for over a year as to whether to do the work necessary to apply for it. For a number of years I had been an occasional shooter, but it wasn't until the hoopla of Y2K that I began to get more serious about shooting, took some classes and become relatively proficient. I soon found that I loved to shoot. Since an indoor range was within easy driving distance, I often found myself visiting it, along with several other outdoor ranges. That, plus the advent of a new pro-CCW county Sheriff, caused me to think that I might have a chance at getting the CCW permit.
It was, however, with both some trepidation, and frankly, a lot of excitement that I finally decided to take the course work necessary, complete the required paperwork, do the interview, get fingerprinted for the DOJ, and all necessary activity to be considered for the permit. It was only after I had been approved that I started thinking about why this seemed so important to me; what was it that stirred me so? Over the last few months I have given it quite a bit of thought. Am I really that concerned about crime...we live in a pretty low-incident area. Was I on some ego trip? Was I trying to prove my masculinity? All of these may have had some minor influence, but as I probed, I found that there were other, more significant motivations that sprung more from who I am as a man and reflected certain core values that comprise my person. I'd like to put those down on paper...keep reading
Closing Thoughts
SKYY CPX-1 Giveaway
If you're a current USCCA member, don't forget to send in your postcard for the SKYY CPX-1 giveaway. There are only a few days left before the drawing is over. Just click here to learn more about this contest.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and read item #4 in the fine print for specific instructions on how to enter if you're already a member.
Member Feedback
Some of the best ideas, tips and thoughts come from other USCCA members just like you! So if you have something you'd like to share with the rest of us, please don't hesitate to send me a message. Click here to go to our contact form.
If you don't want me to use your name if your tip gets published, just say, "Tim, don't use my name." Simple as that!
That's it for this week, folks.
I wish you and your family, safety, security and happiness.
All the best,
Tim Schmidt
Founder
U.S. Concealed Carry
http://www.usconcealedcarry.com
P.S. - Still not sure if you want to join? I'm confident you'll be happy you did because you'll instantly boost your self-defense expertise with a U.S. Concealed Carry membership.
Click below to avoid frustration and confusion. ;)
P.P.S - Wow, listen to what our members have to say...
| Member Testimonial |
Dear Tim,
Can't hold back any longer; since the beginning of your magazine, I have them all, I've watched the results of your efforts go from "good to terrific" and heading toward "perfect". You've accepted suggestions from many supporters and incorporated them into a much bigger "environment" than I'll bet even you envisioned when that first issue of "Concealed Carry" was printed. The current issue's content hits dead-on what I had in mind when the "Senior's" column was first discussed and the "practical" articles far exceed the many other "rag mags" I read.
As for the cover picture: My wife's first reaction was not good until we realized it was a dad and not a pillow (sorry dad) since our focus was on the beautiful baby's face and not the "total picture".
This was a collector's issue. Wish mine hadn't been so damaged by our wonderful postal service. Keep up the good, NO-great work.
Charlie Foster
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P.P.P.S. - Don't forget to check out our new Giveaway Sweepstakes! We'll be giving away a ton of products to help you be a responsibly armed citizen.
Click below to avoid sorrow and despair. ;)
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