Best torch ever!

Latest LED reflector technology

Years ago my metal bodied Maglite was my favorite torch because it was solid and reliable and didnt fall apart when jsut when you needed it like many plastic torches. The other attractive thing about the Maglite was its "geek appeal". It felt hi-tech and cutting edge.

Sadly Maglite didn't move with the times and 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 48 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 4 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 foot spas, electric steamers and other tat.

Use the link opposite to get an unbeatable price or the link below to compare prices if you don't believe me!

 check prices and see different coloured Police tech torches

COMING SOON

LED LENSER VERSES THE NEW CHALLENGER ICON LED TORCHES!

The shiny green torch at the top of the page is an Icon It also runs of 2 normal AA batteries and produces 100 Lumens from its LED bulb.

It is extremely bright and is beautiful to look at too. For more details on this and other LED torches see my new page

NEW MODEL  EVEN MORE POWERFUL THAN THE POLICE TECH!

The image above shows the new Led Lensor T7 tactical torch which is only slightly bigger than the police tech focus but is almost twice as bright!

This incredible torch uses 4 AAA batteries to give 200 Lumens and also has a very useful one handed sliding focus feature.

If you want the best LED torch then i think this is the one and I absolutely love it. It comes with a sturdy case and presentation box if you want to give it as a present. I think using 4 AAA batteries instead of 3 is a great idea as they tend to come in packs of 4 anyway. Use the links opposite to buy the best LED torch available and also help my work testing products.

USE THE LINKS BELOW FOR THE EVEN MORE POWERFUL T7 TACTICAL TORCH

Check price of Lenser T7 Torch at another Fredshed partner

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 LED lamp highly recommend it after 4 years of use.

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

The 26 LED version is the one I own and recommend.

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!

Do you lose your keys all the time?     Find your keys in the dark - every time

Being over 40 and slightly erratic I often forget where I put my keys and cant find them. If you frequently hear the words, "bollocks! where are my keys?

Then you need the amazing tritium filled Nite Glow keyring. I own  4 of these and have bought them as presents for many people too.

I have tried all 3 colours and my advice is only buy the green ones as they are the brightest. Blue and Pink just don't give out enough light.  The Tritium gives out a powerful glow and lasts up to 10 years. There are no batteries and if you cant find your keys at night just turn the lights off and look for the green glow! My Nite Glow has stopped me losing my keys on numerous occasions.

 simples!

p.s I also bought one of those voice activated keyfinders - what a load of rubbish.

See in the dark and never lose your keys with the Photon pump torch and Nite Glow keyring.

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.

Having used these scissors for 8 years I can honestly say they are the most comfortable that 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.

The best kitchen Scissors

Scissors are such an essential tool in the kitchen but I am surprised at how many people put up with really hopeless ones.

Over the last 20 years I have tested many different makes and so far my favourite are from Wusthof of Germany.

These scissors are so well made and seem to cut everything from fish, small bones, bacon, and they are especially good at cardboard, which is handy for packaging materials and something that a lot of flimsier scissors wont handle well.

The "killer application" on the Wusthof scissors is the quick and easy way they come apart so you can clean them thoroughly and properly.

With so many nasty bugs on raw meat is it essential that kitchen scissors are cleaned well and I think this is the best and safest way to do it.

If you think £20 is a bit steep for a pair of kitchen scissors ( I don't ) then Oxo Goodgrips make a similar pair that are cheaper and are good quality too.

Separating Kitchen scissors

The Wusthof ones have a crusher between the handles whilst the Oxo Goodgrips ones have a herb stripper.

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

Great for fish, meat and packaging.

They come apart in a click for easy cleaning!

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 replaceable. 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)