Some stuff for Sale or trade

Here is some stuff I got:

.38 special belt holder dump pouch. Holds 6. I have two pouches. $5 each.

Snub Nose .38 Special

I just wanted to say, my all time favorite is the J-Frame .38 special. Mine is a Taurus 85 Ultralite.

Moving!

I will soon be moving to Branson West, Mo. If you live there, drop me a line! mixplix@netzero.net

Testing! testes!

Does anyone actually read this stuff?

Kidney Walk for Awareness

If you will be in the Springfield area, check it out this June!

How will I laugh tomorrow?

Here I sit and watch my world come crumbling down
I cry for help but no one's around
Silently screaming as I bang my head against the wall
It seems like no one cares at all

Always an emotion, but how can I explain?
Kind of like the scent of a rose, with words I can't explain, the same with my pain
Caught up in emotion, goes over my head!
Sometimes I got to think to myself is this life or death, am I living or am I dead

The clock keeps ticking, but nothing else seems to change
Problems never solved, just rearranged
And when I think about all the times that I've had
Some were good most were bad

I search for personality and I look for things I cannot see
Love and peace flash through my mind; pain and hate is all I find
Find no hope in nothing new and I never had a dream come true
Lies and hate and agony; thru my eyes that's all I see

If I'm gonna cry, will you wipe away my tears?
And if I'm gonna die, Lord please take away my fear
Before I drown in sorrow, I just want to say;
How will I laugh tomorrow, when I can't even smile today

You think it's so funny...
...laugh at this!

So when I look outside my room
I see the world, but not the reason
What is done to me is not fair
You call it fair I call it treason
But I don't know what to do
Give me a sign I'll take whatever
But if you want me here I am
Ain't gonna die forever

And I tried to warn ya
But you just turned away
And I tried to tell ya
But not a word I say
I cried out so loudly
But you just covered your ears
I gave you all the signs,
but you ignored my tears

So if you want me here I am
I sit here waiting for your decision
But my body fights my mind
We're headed straight for a collision
So am I getting near or am I still
Looking in all the wrong places
But the only thing that seems to change
Are the looks on your faces...

Doesn't anyone...seems like no one cares at all
I search for personality and look for things I cannot see
Does anyone even care at all?
Love and peace flash through my mind; pain and hate is all I find
Seems like no one cares at all
Find no hope in nothing new and I never had a dream come true
Does anyone even care at all?
Lies and hate and agony; thru my eyes that's all I see
Seems like no one cares at all

How will I laugh tomorrow? When I can't even smile today.

(c)Suicidal Tendencies

New website

This is a new business of mine. I decided to keep it separate from the magic for obvious reasons. www.sheepdogprotection.com

Great prices on personal defense and security supplies. Full line of Mace brand pepper sprays, and Pepper shot brand. Spy gear. Gun vaults, Knives, Diversion safes. Professional made in USA security cameras for home or business. Complete DVR systems. Spy and hidden nanny cams. Cheaper than you may think. Web site is under construction, but you can email always me with requests. sales@sheepdogprotection.com We want to help you take care of your flock.

New Content and Online store

Hi. I know it's been awhile since my last update. Things are changing! check back often for gun and knife reviews, tactical gear and shooting accessories. My online store will soon be featuring name brand knives, gun safes, flashlights, optics, like scopes, binoculars and night vision. Military supply, large selection first aid, kitchen cutlery, swords, replica weapons like axes and spears. Airsoft, Beeman airguns, slingshots, blowguns, and more! coming soon at www.ozarksmagic.com
Check back soon in the garden for reviews of: Taurus 85 UL .38 special, Bereta Tomcat .22, Springfield XD9SC 9mm, Skyy CPX-1 9mm. Desantis Nemesis pocket holster, blackhawk! pocket holster, Don Hume Pancake holsters, Fobus ankle and paddle holsters, smartcarry, Benchmade 530 pardue and much more, very soon!

How Did I Get Here Part 2

Well, I definitely wanted this job. I had a long talk with the guy who was leaving. He filled me in on what they where looking for. “They” were the two owners of the magic shop I would run. One was also the producer of the show. The other was the star. The producer was all business. He just wanted me to sell tricks and make money, however I could. The star wanted me to perform and do mini magic shows at intermission and before the main show. Since I knew this before hand, it was easy to get the job. This was a dream come true. I had the run of the magic shop. They basically just turned it over to me. I loved checking out all the new stuff. I got really good at selling, and performing. The people were always real hot to buy after seeing the show. I was also given sales goals, and when reached, I could choose free tricks to keep. I am not bragging, but I set a couple records there. If I had had another person to run cash register, wow. I really hit it off with the star, Kirby VanBurch, or KVB. He let me borrow anything I wanted to use in my own shows. We became good friends after a while, and I had free run of the entire theatre. This place was huge! It was called the Magical Mansion. Very fancy, tons of cool rooms and places to explore. I was under the stage, above the stage, behind the stage, everywhere. I learned very much about show business, and Illusions. KVB also kept a white tiger, 2 orange tigers, 1 lion, 1 spotted leopard, 1 black leopard, and a big snake. I got to spend a lot of time very close to these animals. Very cool! As time went on, KVB officially took me on as his apprentice. Major career boost for me. We performed together at some outside charity events, and generally just hung out. At one point, the owners of the theatre where getting out of hand, and KVB’s contract was up. So, he bought his own theatre, much, much smaller. But, it was still really cool. There was no place for a magic shop. So, it was decided we would lease a small building and open a magic shop at the local theme park. Silver Dollar City. I would be manager, and this time I would have help!
Part 3 coming soon!

Benchmade Snody 426 Gravitator Hybrid

Length, Open: 8.25"
Length, Closed: 4.77"
Blade Length: 3.46"
Blade Material: 154CM
Handle Material: G10
Locking Method: Locking Liner
Opening Method: Thumbstuds
Clip: Yes
Weight: 4.54 oz


When I first got the Benchmade 426 I was worried I didn’t like the handle design. After using it for a few weeks I have found that I actually like the design very well. The knife has many, if not all of the features I look for in a premium brand folding knife. In no order, the things I really like about the 426 are:
1. Black blade
2. Plain Edge
3. Titanium liner lock (extra thick)
4. Bronze washers
5. Open back design
These features, along with the attractive silver and black G10 scales make this knife a fantastic EDC. The only thing I would change at this point is I would like a black pocket clip over the silver. Overall, 4.5* out of 5.0*.

Knives with Black Coated Blades

Do you like them? Hate them? Is the coating neccessary? Does it work? Are some better than others? Full article coming here soon.

The EDC as a defensive weapon

I have read a lot of posts about using your EDC as a weapon. In my life I have had four times when my EDC was being considered as my only defense. Each time I chose NOT to pull my blade. I never got hurt, but I think you all may be interested in how it all happened and how I made my decision. In no order;
1. I am with three people. Two males, both carrying knives, and an unarmed female. We are all out very late after the bars close in a familiar, but pretty large city. Murder is rare, but assault is not too uncommon. My knife is a standard swing guard switchblade with a 5 inch blade, illegal to possess for me. We are sitting in the old town square now a park. There are very few other people around, we notice a guy on the pay phone not too far way. We also notice two skinhead types. They are appear to be fixed hard on the phone guy. We notice this and worry about the guy, but decide it would be best for us to go. Since this is the town square, there are four roads in and out, so we took an exit opposite the skins. We were walking the mile home. A few minutes later, we heard glass breaking and suddenly the sound of pounding feet. We turned and the skins were coming right at us with broken off wine bottles as weapons! My two male friends, ran way. The stupid girl refused to run. I am bound by my honor to protect her as the only male left, damn fat cow. Anyway, skins arrive and stop short of killing me. The look at me and say “You’ve got balls” and turned around and left. My knife never left my pocket. Main reason, it was illegal. When choosing it, I didn’t think we would need it. There was four of us after all, three armed. I don’t know what I would do these days. I did impress myself by not leaving the girl, even though it scared me bad to stay.
2. I am with one male friend, unarmed and obviously not a fighter of any kind. We have ended up in a car with a strange man, older than us. It’s his car. I have a knife, can’t remember what but likely a 3” locking blade of some type. The guy is supposed to be taking us to our car, but turns the wrong way. When questioned he starts getting froggy and states he just wants to go out in the woods with us and drink some beer with us, or maybe go see his finished basement and get more beer. Anywhere but our car. I was getting a little freaked out, but we finally talked him into taking us to our car by saying we would follow him home. If he wiuld have refused to take us to the car, or not let us out, I would have definitely used the knife.
3. I am alone, in my own home. I am young, like 13. My mom has recently come home from a bar with my aunt and both are passed out in a back room. I am in the living room sleeping on the couch. A guy comes in the door, my aunt’s boyfriend. He goes off to her room. His friend also comes in, both very drunk. His friend mistakes me for my mom in the dark. I have a small switchblade, about 3” blade within reach. He keeps mumbling crap and trying to get in bed with me. I am trying to get out, knife in hand, closed telling him I am not my mom and he is about to bleed cause I have a knife. That seemed to work and he shuffled back out the door.
4. Also early teens, mom is still at the bar, my cousins are there. About four of us. No adults. I am outside in my yard, pretty late. A man grabs me from behind and threatens to break my neck if I don’t tell him where my mom is. I have the same 3” switchblade as before. I seriously thought about stabbing him in the thigh when he had me in the hold, but illegal knife, immature mind. He let go after a few seconds, and went to let the air out of the car tires. I ran inside, locked the door and got a shotgun.

So, that’s it. Lots of details left out because of length. I will answer any questions though. I imagine things may go different if similar happened today.

How did I get here?

Well, it all statrted long ago. You see when I was a kid, I always wanted to be a magician. I worked the usual odd fast food jobs, at one, I was hired to do any birthday parties kids had there. My fee was min. wage for one hour. I only did a fifteen minute show, so I thought it was good. Then at about age 19, I got my first real magic gig. I would work tablehopping at BoB Evans Restaurant in Branson, Mo. I mainly worked for the kids and old people. I got paid about $3 more than anyone else. It was super fun and easy, every day. I learned to juggle while getting paid by them. Well, when business was slow, magic acts are less important than cooks and stuff, so out the door I was sent. I didn't immediately find another job performing. I mainly did kids b-day parties, company picnics, etc. But had to have a real job too. That is how I eneded up working in a giant refrigerator, literally, at a Tyson chicken plant in Arkansas. Yes, jobs were so scarce, I drove out of state to do nasty things to chickens. It was VERY HARD, every day. I forgot how to juggle. But, I kept up practicing my magic act and dreaming. I also bought a white dove to go with my rabbit. I was very desperate to perform again and leave that cold hell behind. I dressed up in my magic clothes, I hate to say costume, lest you think I was a clown. I was not. I asked every restaurant in town, no go. I was in Branson, Live entertainment capital of the world, full of shows. Including magic shows. I was in the right place it seemed. Well, as luck would have it, one day I am in the local magic shop, taking a break. There is a guy there I kind of know, he works at a theatre where a magician performs. Not just any magician either, this man has been dubbed the "Prince of Magic". He was International Magician of the Year, he has had several TV apperances. He performed for sell out crowds for years in Las Vegas, then came here to slow down. His name is Kirby VanBurch. Well, this guy works for him. At his theatre Kirby has a shop selling magic tricks. This guy runs it, but wants to move away. He lets me know he is getting ready to quit, and the job will be available. I of course, decide to try for it.

Motorcycle for sale

For sale 1980 Kawasaki KZ 750H LTD. Fully custom. Frame has been chopped and raked to look like a hard tail harley. The bike will currently start and idle, it does need some minor work before it can be ridden. Mainly the clutch, and carbureator adjustments. Newer tires and brakes. Needs paint and clean up. One of a kind. Post here for more info.

UPDATE: The bike has been sold! Thank you Wiliam G.

Motorcycle update part deaux

Well, it is May 2. I have been looking everywhere for some springs that may work to fix the chopper, but nothing. I even bought a large assortment, but of course they where all too small or too big. I really didn't want to order the whole $30 rebuild kit, since I just put a new kit in last season or so. I also don't trust those kit springs, as they didn't last. So, I was REALLY starting to get discouraged. Then I remembered that I have a schematic of every single part on my bike complete with manufacturer part numbers. I looked up the spring numbers and found that www.bikebandit.com had them for $2.65 each. I need three, but $7.95 was a lot better than $30! But, wait....$6 shipping. I decided to call the local bike shop www.performancecycle.com and they will order them for the same price, no shipping. As a bonus, the time I wait will be much shorter too. It's nice to help a local business too. Now if it would just stop raining, maybe I could get on the road!

Motorcycle update.....

This is driving me crazy! Everytime I se other bikes on the road it makes me want to ride too! My bike currently is in many pieces. I finally got the carb problem fixed, I think. Now, the starter clutch springs broke, again! So, it looks like I will be waiting until the first tyo be able to buy new springs. I do hope to be on the road by Cinco de Mayo.

The long awaited Ringed Razel Review!

The knives arrives safe from KC on Friday the 30th. When I first saw this unusual type of knife, I knew I had to try one. I was very interested in the unique tip shape. When the stars & stripes Razel arrived, I was very attracted to them. The stonewash finish is very nice. The kydex sheaths are minimal, and hold the knife secure, still allowing a smooth draw. I give both sheaths an A. The tek-lok option makes carrying the knives on the belt easy. I really like the horizontal cross draw carry for these knives. Most people so far has seemed to enjoy the smaller knife more. I am not ready to make a choice yet, but an early guess is the smaller knife really isn’t that much smaller. When the two are held side by side, the difference is very minimal. You gain very little blade on the larger. Basically, a bulkier, heavier, knife with about the same cutting ability as the smaller. Also, preliminary findings show that to me, at 5’ 3” and about 120 lbs. the smaller knife has the more comfortable handle. Still, I am not able to comfortably hold the handle with my pinky through the ring on either knife. Handle scales or paracord may alleviate this problem. I should state, I am NOT a fan of skeleton knives, so that may factor in as well. I would like too see the handles more rounded on the edges, the cut outs can also feel “sharp” to your hands.
This knife also has a long handle to blade ratio. Large blade is about 3 1/8” cutting edge. About 5 1/4” handle. Small handle is about 4 3/4” and blade is about 3.0”. As you can see, not much reason to go large, unless you have giant size hands.
I have been carrying the smaller version as my EDC. Choice of carry is via teklok, horizontal, set up for right hand cross draw. I find the knife comfortable to wear, and it conceals well under a t-shirt or jacket. I have found the Razel to be useful when it comes to my personal EDC use.
My usual EDC is a Benchmade Vex, so the Razel is pretty different. The design of the knife reminds me of a wood carvers tool, or maybe a specialized cutter used in some kind of construction work. In my mind, it doesn’t look like a weapon, but I am sure it could be used as such. The lack of a sharp point can be annoying, especially if you use the point of your knife a lot, i.e., cleaning fingernails, etc. Otherwise the knife performs well. I never do any type of skinning, so the straight edge cut most everything I needed to cut. I really didn’t find any use for the flat tip yet, but it does look strong. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will have these knives long enough to accurately judge the edge holding of 154CM Vs. S30V, So I will leave that to others. At this point, I like the smaller one, but I don’t see one of these on my short list. Maybe if one was available in some nice handle scales , with a bit thinner blade, and better handle ratio. If I chose, it would be the smaller one. This is just my opinion, of course. There is still some time left on my turn, so we’ll see. A copy of this review appers on the excellent site http://www.bladeforums.com/forums

Knives for sale!!!!!

Bark River HedgeHog. Amber bark Bone $50.

Case Seahorse. Orange G10. NIB. $40.



Shipping is $6 priority mail. email me to purchase. mixplix@netzero.net

Spring Break!

Too bad it's raining every day of the break. Motorcycle trouble! Bike wil idle, but won't run. Cylinders 3 and 4 are okay, 1 and 2 have spark, but yet for some reason they don't fire. I thought it was a carb issue, but some experts at www.kzrider.com told me to check my valve clearances. These should be checked every 3,000 miles. I don't guess I have ever checked mine..... I will let you know what happens.

Leatherman is back...

Fixed up real nice. It took thirty days though.

Ice Storm From Hell!!!!

Crazy. We had no power for 13 days. The whole area was out. The trees broke off and the damage is great. Lots of very large branches fell on homes and cars. We are still cleaning up.
There is a giant pine over my home, and the sap froze, the ice built up and huge limbs crashed onto my roof. Luckily, I just put a new roof on, and it was strong enough to hold up. No damage.
But, the limbs are too big to carry by myself. I think i'll tie them to my motorcycle... I may try to get some pics or something... We made it through by using a kerosene heater. K1 (kerosene) was very hard to find and cost like $4 gallon. We got 5 gallons about every other day, plus we ate most all meals out, it was sucky to try to cook at home. We blocked most of the house off and we all slept in the living room, it was kind of fun. The kids liked it of course. It seemed the power would never come on, but aside from no hot water, I really didn't miss electricicity that much, and I could definately live without. You can't .....Could you? Would you want to?

Knife with no tip

I will soon be recieveing the Graham Brothers Razel knife in two sizes. The brothers are sending these out to myself and nine other people for review. You can see the full review right here. I expect the knives in about four or five weeks.

Benchmade Vex....A Winner!

I just received the Benchmade Vex I ordered last week. I must say I am very impressed. I would gladly pay twice the asking price for this knife. The knife is a great design, the size is about perfect for an EDC blade. One thing I really like is the way the spine of the blade is rounded. Just like on the Sebenza. I also like my folders to have an open back design, the vex is built this way. The opening hole is legend, especially when carried tip down. Opening is lightning fast using the "spyderco drop". Handles are G10, no sharp edges and fit is excellent. The pocket clip is unique, it has a wavy pattern. It is supposed to be designed to help grip the knife when removing from the pocket. The knife opens smoothly on it's bronze washers. Lock up is achieved with a linerlock which rests on the left side of the tang when open. The blade has a cool looking blued type finish. Time will tell how the finish holds up. I think anyone would be hard pressed to tell the difference between this Red Class Benchmade and a Blue Class. If the blade didn't say "China", you would never know. The quality is just superb, and I reccomend this knife to anyone.

Incomming! Condor Tool & Knife

Looking forward to the next few weeks. I am expecting some new knives. I have been itching for a large fixed blade. I really have no use for it, but I still want one. ;) I was looking around and found the Condor tool and knife company. This is a newer company. They seem to mostly make fixed blades and machetes. There are also some nice looking axes available. The prices are VERY reasonable. I picked up this Combat Machete for only $41.90 shipped UPS.

Visit the link above to purchase. I am not associated with Knifecenter.com. I am just a satisfied customer. The knives are mostly made of 420 steel in Argentina. Normally, I would stay well clear of anything 420, as this is considereed bottom of the barrel crap steel to most. Even though almost all Buck knives currently use 420HC as the blade steel. I am okay with it in this knife. Mainly because I expect this knife to see little or no hard use. I bought it as a dispaly, or self defense piece. I likely won't carry or use it, except maybe to review it for others. Let me know if you want me to put it through the paces. Condor also makes some axes. I like the combat axe and the throwing axe. Some of the wood handle double bit axes look cool as well. It seems the throwing axe is made of 3/8" thick 1075 carbon steel, heat treated and tempered to about 53 Rockwell. That is good. 420HC w2ould make an awful throwing weapon. Use of the high carbon 1075 at the lower RC hardness shows they are picking good steels for the intended use. I have high hopes for this company and it's products.

Broken Leatherman!

The locking piece broke off my leatherman blast. It is on the way in for warranty. Currently on order I have A Benchmade Vex. I want to try out theses new, Chinese made BMs. I always liked the round opening hole. I am also expecting a KABAR 1092 slipjoint. This is a small stockman with yellow handles. Carbon blades. My grandfather carried the larger 1097 for years. I think it will be a nice bit of nostalgia.

CRKT sting Impressions

The Sting seems to be a HEAVY well made knife. It is purpose oriented as a weapon. The blade is double edge, not great for utility. The weak link, at least in this version is definitely the sheath.

When shipped from the factory, the way the sheath is made, it is nearly impossible to draw the knife. It has a high back, you just can't hardly get the knife out. Especially since it is held securely and snaps into place. A fairly simple mod was to just cut that part off. It now looks like in the pic above. It didn't hurt a thing, the knife is super secure, and easy to access. I would like to see a boot clip on it. It only has a velcro belt loop on back. You can remove it without taking off your belt though.

On to the knife. The blade is marked as "Forged 1050" This is a high carbon steel, maybe prone to rust. The black coating should help with that. The steel is also extremely tough, and I think this knife would be a great thrower, due to weight. I really like the knife, sheath can be okay, if you are not afraid of modding it. I bought this knife, mostly because of it's history. If you like it, I say OKAY for the price! This knife gets 4* the sheath gets 2*.

Knives and Flashlights, oh my!

New knife news! I have a AG Russell Sting made by CRKT incoming. It should be here tomorrow. I will leave my initiial impresssions later.

What is your EDC?

My current EDC load is working out well. For those of you who don’t know, EDC stands for Every Day Carry. Basically, stuff you carry everywhere you go. Your car keys are definitely an EDC item. The key ring is a great place to put more than just keys too. Many people will put a small flashlight or knife on their keychain. Those two items can be very handy, and you will have them when you need them. There are many other keychain accessories available as well, containers for medications, tiny computer storage devices, even tiny multitools, like the Leatherman Micra. My personal keyring at this time holds keys only. My lovely wife carries an ASP Defender, a pepper spray/kubotan combo. She also carries an ARC AAA flashlight, but not with the keys. I carry basically the same items daily, they are Benchmade 710 knife, Leatherman Blast multi-tool, Fenix P1 flashlight, Arc AAA LE flashlight, and sometimes a Dorcy LED light too. A Motorola V170 cell phone, a Zebra telescoping pen, a small pill organizer with important meds also rides along. I carry the knife clipped in my right front pocket. Everything else fits into a Nite-Ize Mult-Pockits belt pouch. It is not much bigger than the phone carriers you see everyone wearing. I also have plenty of room, in case a new item makes it into my EDC. I am thinking of adding some small note paper of some sort. And although I don’t smoke, I think a disposable lighter can come in handy. Band aids would be good too. I am always open to suggestions and appreciate you comments. I considered a concealed firearm, but at this time in my area it is not necessary. I do have my own pepper spray available, but it is not part of my EDC, maybe it should be…..



What can you put on keyring: What UNUSUAL things have you seen, or have?
Flashlight
Camera
Flash Drive
Clippers
Tools
Pens
Knives
Containers
Kubotan
Pepper Spray
Knuckle weapons
Keys
Whistles
Wallets

My bike when it was blue........

This bike has changed a lot since the photo.

Monday...back to Dialysis.......

I love to ride my motorcycle. Ride to live -Live To Ride as they say. I won't really die if I don't ride, but I will die if I don't go to dialysis. I go on Monday- Wednesday and friday. I am on the machine from 12-4 PM.

Sunday again......

My wife is screaming because she hates me again. She likes to throw me out, and when I actually get ready to leave, she screams about how she can't believe I'm leaving and i'll never see my kids again. Makes me feel bad, and pisses me off because she keeps telling me to go and pulling that crap when I try to leave. Sometimes she hits me with her fists. I never hit her or even touch her. She can't hurt me anyway, although she thinks she can. I really don't see the point of staying married to someone you can't stand, yet I have to think about my kids, and especially the one with special needs. Well, there's more, but for now I just want to keep track of how my life is going now.

Today Sucked

As usual. I got into a big argument with my wife. I did get my chopper started. I had lost the key and was getting upset about it.