The start of the Christmas season here is marked by bringing out the decorations just after Thanksgiving.
Which was last week, correct?
Ok, so maybe not but there’s still time to get online, get some shopping done, and get your gifts before Christmas. But as they say, “The clock is ticking” so if anyone is looking for some last-minute gifts for you or another man in their life, here are some good options.
A Good Pocket Knife
Pocket knives are often overlooked today in favor of the latest and greatest tactical folder with a clip that tells everyone you’re carrying a knife. The Civivi Qubit has a clip if you want to use it but I’ve taken it off and find it works great as a pocket knife due to it’s smooth aluminum handle and closed length of just over 4 inches. Bonus, it also has a bottle opener which is always useful. Something a bit smaller, more elegant but just as tough is the Ocaso Seaton. It comes in two sizes, both with a stainless steel handle, a Japanese AUS-10A steel blade and classic styling ensuring it not only looks awesome in any setting but will hold up under pressure when called upon.
Weapon Light and Laser
Olight is a smaller company with some great products including the Baldr Mini which is in my bag with my Glock 30. Simple, easy to operate, two levels of light and has a green laser. Multiple mounting options and the charging cable is magnetic so doesn’t need to have the light removed from your weapon if you choose not to.
Multi-Tool Sets
5.11 has multiple entries for people who need a quick and easy gift idea for the “gadget person” on their list. First is the Fix-It Gift Set. For the someone who doesn’t normally carry a pocket knife, this set to help them thru their day in an office environment. The small, and SHARP, knife blade is great for opening boxes, large envelops and even those pesky molded plastic containers. The prybar is useful almost anywhere and of course, a bottle opener for those after hours social sessions.
If your intended needs a few more tools then 5.11 offers the Covert Gift Set with more capability.
Portable Washing Machine
Do you have a traveler, backpacker or Military Member who spends much of their time in the field? Get them a Scrubba Tactical Wash Bag so they can do laundry in the field. It has an internal washboard, serves as a water bucket, a dry bag and easily fits into a cargo pocket. Bonus, you can put other gifts into it and save on wrapping paper and time!
For Military History Buffs
Michael Smith produced a history of “The Activity” from their origins and chasing Pablo Escobar to capturing Saddam Hussein and so much in between. Written as a story, you can forget it’s a non-fiction book as much of it seems to be something out of a movie. Often gripping and always entertaining, it’s a great read.
Bonus selection, The RED CIRCLE by SOFREP’s own Brandon Webb. A first hand account of how he made it into the NAVY SEAL Teams, then into the SEAL SNIPER CORPS and beyond. Good stuff.
Take a Trip to Ybor City
Like Cuban food, Cigars, history and more? You can find it all in Ybor City, the old cigar factory and warehouse district in Tampa FL. During the day Ybor offers a glimpse into Tampa at the turn of the 20th century when cigar factories were plentiful and all cigars were hand rolled mostly by Cuban immigrants who lived in the area. The Columbia Restaurant is still there serving delicious food, La Segundra Bakery is there baking pastries and delivering bread all over Tampa each day. For the cigar lover, the JC Newman Cigar Factory is still active, producing cigars and offering tours but you want to book ahead online to insure you get a spot because tours fill up quickly. Easy access to downtown, the Aquarium, Cruise Ship piers, the Arena/Convention Center and Sparkman Wharf is available via the Tampa Trolley.
A Good Lighter
Speaking of cigars, if you have a cigar or a pipe smoker then Zippo offers great butane inserts for their lighters. I have a dual torch I use all the time but they also offer single torch insert and a butane pipe lighter insert. In fact if you need flame for camping, pipes, cigars or cigarettes Zippo has something for you with an EXTENSIVE array of flame producing items.
One Week Left
I’m still having trouble with that, it was just last week I hauled out the decorations. Honest….
Garfield out.
