Knives, Torches, and Sharpeners

The latest and best tested by Fred-in-the-shed

Updated 3rd March 2010

Led Lenser Police Tech Focus wins Golden Shed Award

World brightest handheld torch?

Latest waterproof Wind up torch with improved capacity

Best torch ever!

Latest LED reflector technology

New technology bulbs and reflectors now enable torches to be significantly brighter AND last longer!

The torch shown right is the latest hi tech torch and is designed for the Police to use. It is only  5 inches long and weights 148g but is bright enough to dazzle a crim at 100 yards. For the tech-heads this torch gives out 105 Lumens!

It also runs of 3 normal AAA batteries, held in a secure cartridge that fits perfectly inside the torch.

This is easily the best torch I have used in my 47 years on this planet!

The Led Lenser Police Tech torch can be focused by twisting the end and comes in a range of colours.

Gold plated connectors on  the battery cassette ensure total reliability from the 3 AAA batteries.

I have used this torch for 3 years now and it is something I would not want to lose. If you are looking for a practical present for someone look no further!

You wont see one of these in a charity shop along with the footspas, electric steamers and other tat.

Use the link opposite to get an unbeatable price or the link below if you dont believe me!

 check prices and see different coloured Police tech torches

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Head Torch with  no batteries required!

This new headtorch  is charged up by connecting the small wind up generator that has a Nokia type connector. 1 minute of winding gives up to 20 minutes of bright light from its 3 super efficient LED bulbs.

The wind up part has a long enough lead to be kept in  a pocket and quickly accessed. I even managed to put some charge into my Nokia phone but you would need to do lot of winding to charge a phone properly.

This torch impressed me so much I nominated it for a Golden Shed Award

And now a new hand held waterproof,  wind up torch with 3 light modes,

single LED, triple LED and emergency flashing mode

This torch stays on for hours after a couple of minutes winding,

It is bright and the best one I have tried so far.

Leave one in your car for emergencies

A must for campers, builders and repair men.

Ideal for slug hunting gardeners!

 

 

 

 

 

CORDLESS LED INSPECTION LAMPS

These new style inspection lamps use LED bulbs to make the battery last longer and make the lamp more durable.

I think the Black and Decker version is the best as the LED's are encased in solid shatterproof resin which is almost indestructible.

You can see me on you tube trying to smash one 2 years ago.

I still use my Black & Decker lamp highly recommend it.

The lamp shown right is made by Concept and is not shatterproof but has a useful magnetic pad for holding onto car bonnets and other steel objects.

 The introduction of LED bulbs has revolutionised the lighting market and will continue to do so. I am currently testing a lamp with the amazing Nichia LED that is 10 times brighter than normal LED's.

click the link below to see me trying and failing to smash the toughest LED inspection lantern

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEHdvBV_wqw&feature=channel

 

 

 more details on the concept LED inspection torch

 

 

Best Key Ring Torch for Car keys

Having a little torch on your key ring is so useful but most of them will only just about light up a keyhole.

Advances in battery and bulb technology now mean that you can have a proper torch measuring just 2 !/2 inches on your keyring and the great thing is the batteries will last ages.

I have been using this LED Lenser V8 photon pump for over 2 years on the same batteries and absolutely love this handy torch.

Now a new smaller brother is available which has 24 carat gold connections and the option of flashing mode.

This incredible torch weighs only 17gms, and is about the size of a little finger.

Buying  the new Led Lenser V2 nano keyring torch could be the best tenner you ever spent!

 

 

 

 

 

Best Multi-tool? Gerber or Leatherman?

so nice to handle

 

I tried the Gerber Legend but much preferred the cheaper Gerber 600 as it was simpler to use and has the option to take normal screwdriver and hex bits to suit your needs.

If you want a smaller lighter multitool the 600's baby brother the Gerber 400 is the same but lacks the saw, file and does not come with the extra screwdriver bits although you could make up your own.

Having owned a multitool for many years one thing I don't like about them is the price. As I have lost a few and only use them occasionally I like to have a cheap one that I dont have to worry about. The Draper 21 function tool fits this job and for just over a tenner the quality is surprisingly good and perfect for occasionally use.

Gerber 600 Deluxe 

There are so many multi-tools to choose from now. I have tried quite a few and often swap with friends for a while to find the ultimate multi tool..

I always end up back with this one, the Gerber 600 Deluxe. It is a  medium size  multi-tool  with a great combination of tools and can even accommodate different screwdriver and socket bits, (6 included). There are bigger more expensive ones but I find them cumbersome to carry.

Super for many jobs in the garden and maintaining equipment. The ultimate present for the woman (or man) who has everything.

 

I don't have one yet but my gadget addicted friends assure me the Leatherman Skeletool is the latest AND best Multitool.

 

Best Swiss Army Knife

Which one to chose for normal everyday life?

  

Swiss Champ

Swiss Cyberknife

 

This is my 20 year old Swiss Champ Knife that contains so many useful tools. There are 14 blades and 5 hidden things like tweezers, toothpick and even a PEN! - (I lost the other 2)

The Swiss champ makes a perfect gift for anyone, mine is still sharp, I know as I just cut my finger again- Doh!

A more recent addition to the range is the Cyberknife which has a small screwdriver with separate sockets designed for working on computers and electrical goods.

I find the Cyberknife even more useful than my trusty Swiss Champ due to these separate little accessories designed for today's living. My Swiss champ is good but I have yet to remove anything from a horses hoof!

If you are looking for a fantastic gift for any practical person then a Swiss Army Knife is the ticket.

 

Traditional champ or modern version with more screwdriver bits ?

 

The Best Scissors - Fiskars Soft Touch Multi-purpose

Having used these scissors for 8 years I can honestly say they are the best I have tried. (and I own dozens of different types)

The precision ground blades are ideal for cutting soft foliage, string, twine bags and sheeting.

 The soft touch handles are very comfortable and give good control. The bright orange safety catch is centrally located for left and right hand use.

Made by Fiskars in Finland from the finest steel available.

 

most comfortable too!

Also available are these micro tip scissors for delicate work like needlework and also house plants.

 

Best and easiest to use Knife Sharpener

Best Kitchen Knives - Which ones last the longest?

In my kitchen I use a 15 year old Sabatier kitchen knife which cuts better than anything else I have tried and will probably last longer than I will.

The secret to fast, easy, cutting and making your kitchen knife last as long as possible is careful sharpening.

On the TV you see the chefs wavy around furiously with a big steel rod and hear lots of grating and gnashing sounds. Whilst this makes good TV it is not really necessary and can be dangerous if you slip.

A modern alternative is this specially designed "wipe twice" tungsten carbide knife sharpener that has a V shaped blade to give you the correct angle.

This is the original, top quality, American made Tungsten carbide knife sharpener and not one of the many cheap and nasty Chinese copies that may ruin your knives. Another great knofe sharpener that uses the same tungsten blades is the Anysharp Global which sticks itself down on your worktop by suction. It claims to be the worlds best knife sharpener - I would say it's pretty good.

 

The small tungsten blade in the USA made Accusharp is reversible and replacable. So I think its better than the Anysharp.

Sabatier knives are made in France and refer to a family of knife makers from one area and not a specific company.

Buy a good quality Sabatier knife and you will grow to love it.

Sharpening Knives

V shaped safety sharpeners

My Fishmonger loved the sharpener

I like this simple sharpener that you slide along the blade. It has V shaped tungsten carbide teeth that create the perfect sharpening angle. The finger guard makes it extra safe and quick to use. (10 seconds)    

 

 

Sharpening Secateurs

(and knives)

Keeping your secateurs sharp is very easy and will make a lot of difference to your plants and possibly your joints and tendons.

Bahco make a neat little sharpening tool with a tungsten carbide blade whilst Felco opt for a small dual sided ceramic stone. Both work well but the important thing is to use them regularly and clean the blade well before sharpening.

 

 

 

 

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