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
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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
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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!
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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
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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!
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Best Multi-tool? Gerber or Leatherman?
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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.
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Best Swiss Army Knife
Which one to chose for normal everyday life?
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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 ?
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The
Best Scissors - Fiskars Soft Touch Multi-purpose
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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. |

Also available are these micro tip scissors for delicate work like
needlework and also house plants.
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Best and easiest to use Knife Sharpener
Best Kitchen Knives - Which ones last the longest?
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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)
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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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