I wanted the Mini Adira Benchmade Knife because it had the specs I needed: drop point, fish scale lines, lock back, blue scales and a high-contrast orange lanyard. However, I am pretty good at losing knives (in the water, the woods, the yard) so I decided not to “drop” over $200. For around $20 I bought the SOG Adventurer LB, since I could lose a dozen and still be ahead of the game. Later, I learned the SOG is made in China. It’s no Benchmade either – no slide lock, softer stainless blade and some side play. If you’ve got the money, the Benchmade is a great knife and American made in Oregon City, OR. Find it at Amazon…

Recently, I started learning how to weave items from paracord, such as knife lanyards, keychains, and zipper pulls. Experts at this recommend snipping the ends with micro-shears before melting the tips for a more polished finish. At first, I bought some cheap-o clippers that lasted only 10 minutes – the tip broke off on my third snip! My second pair are these XURON 410 Micro-Shear Flush Cutters, and they have truly stood the test of time. They use a patented bypass method that produces a clean, flat cut. I appreciate their accuracy, sharpness, and ergonomics as well. The handles are made of soft-touch TPU-style plastic. Recommended. Made in Saco, Maine. Find them at Amazon…

I’ve owned four Leatherman’s (including the original version made over 35 years ago) but this little Leatherman Squirt is easily the most handy, since it lives on my keychain. For me, it’s more useful than the pricier Leatherman Micra because it has needle nose pliers with built-in wire cutters too, which I use a lot. Plus, it has a better two-sided file. Small, light, perfect for Amazon boxes, filing your fingernails or defusing a bomb (always cut the red wire!) Perfect stocking stuffer for a man or woman. All Leatherman tools come with a 25 year warranty. Built in Portland, Oregon. Find it at Amazon…

I’m impressed with the ergonomics and pinpoint precision of these little tweezers. As a woodworker, I get lots of splinters and these perform perfectly! Uncle Bill’s Sliver Gripper’s small size and wider width let me grip close with accuracy – an intuitive tool that just feels right. Good for small work like tick removal, sewing or grabbing a brush hair out of a paint project. They click into a tip guard making them perfect to keep on a keychain. Made from high quality spring-tempered American stainless steel. Lifetime guarantee. Grab a three pack and give them for stocking stuffers. Find it at Amazon…

Stuck bolt, seized shaft, rusty metal part? For years I’ve applied WD40, PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench with hit or miss results. This month, I tried Kroil (formerly called Aerokroil) and it is far superior, in fact it’s a bit amazing in its abilities. I work on boat engines, chainsaws and repair our John Deere tractors. Recently, I had a frozen muffler nut that would not budge until I hit it with Kroil. Worked! Everyone from aircraft mechanics to plumbers gives it 5 stars – because it works like no other. Also lubricates, prevents rust, removes corrosion and sticky stuff too. Proudly made in Nashville, Tennessee since 1939. Editor’s Choice. Find it at Amazon…

I’ve kept a Fisher Space Pen in my front pocket for years. It’s perfectly balanced and fits into a pocket for every day carry. Originally designed for NASA, this pen writes on wet surfaces, dry surfaces, upside down, in extreme heat or cold (-30F), underwater and even in zero gravity. Closed it’s a short 3.75 inches, but for writing it grows to a comfortable 5 inches long. Made of brass and steel with a tungsten carbide tip. The replaceable ink cartridge lasts 3 times longer than most pens. Comes in many colors – our choice is the matte black with clip. Lifetime guarantee. Perfect EDC gift for a friend (or yourself). Made in USA. Find it at Amazon…