Giveaway: A Customized Benchmade 818 Mini Loco Premium Tactical Knife

By Chase McPeak Published December 19, 2019

The tactical knife is, without a doubt, the single-most useful tool you can have in your every day carry arsenal. Weather you need it for something as mundane as finally getting into one of those impossible-to-open, ridiculous plastic packages or as heroic as rescuing a trapped motorist from a fiery wreck by cutting through a seat belt, a good tactical and survival knife should always be on hand.

And because hardly anyone makes tactical knives better than Benchmade, we teamed up with the brand to reward our readers for their longstanding support with another fantastic giveaway. If you’ve always wanted a custom-engraved Benchmade knife, now’s your chance. Simply enter below to add your name to the pool.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

One first-prize winner will receive the Benchmade 818 Mini Loco Premium Tactical Knife with custom laser engraving. According to Greg hall, Benchmade Product Line Manager, “This overbuilt, premium tactical knife features refined custom hardware. Smaller than its big brother, the 818 is perfect for everyday carry or as a backup knife.” And with an AXIS lock mechanism, a reverse tanto blade style, a blade made from CPM S30V premium stainless steel, and a black G10 handle with stainless steel liners, this knife is as strong and refined as it is useful. The blade’s length comes in at 3.38 inches, with a total open length of 7.62 inches and a total weight of a mere 4.47 ounces, meaning it’s light enough for even the most discerning of backpackers.
Total Retail Value: $225 + $50 of customization

Image used with permission by copyright holder

One second-prize winner will receive a “Food, Water, Knives” t-shirt, a Benchmade 30th Anniversary water bottle, a guided field sharpener, and a folding tool kit. All of these are great additions to any man’s every day carry kit, especially the folding tool kit, which will help keep your Benchmade knives functioning properly long into the future.
Total Retail Value: $115

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Chase McPeak is the former Lifestyle Editor. Chase regularly appeared on Beards, Booze, and Bacon: The Manual Podcast where…

Outdoors

How to stay warm outside: Essential tips for winter adventures

Don't freeze another day out there with these winter warming hacks

Skiers on Mountain Quail at Telluride Colorado

When wintertime comes around, most people put away their camping gear and spend their time bundled up indoors. But if you're one of the adventurous few, you'll know that winter time is the best time to experience the magic of our treasured outdoor locales. Snowcapped mountains, powdered trees, and the wildlife rival anything you might see in summer, but in order to enjoy it, you need to know how to stay warm outside. In my experience, staying warm is the key to your wintertime enjoyment. Those who follow these tips are sure to stay out longer than ever.
Look at your layering system

Let's start at square one: your layering system. The layering system includes three layers. First, your base layer the closest to your skin. These will be your under shirts and thermalwear. To avoid chills, avoid cotton at all costs, and choose merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetic fibers to draw any moisture away from the skin. These should be close-fitting but comfortable.

Outdoors

How to adjust ski bindings in 10 easy steps

Your ski bindings are the link between you and the snow, so set them once and set them right

Ski boot clipping into binding from behind

When you’re riding the chairlift or gondola up your favorite ski mountain and picturing your next great run, there’s a good chance you’re not explicitly thinking about your ski bindings. I know that I really don't ever give my bindings much thought, except when I'm stepping into them. However, once you get to the top of the mountain and plant your skis in the snow to clip your boots in and start down the slope, you’ll be reminded of how crucial ski bindings are to the whole skiing experience.
After all, ski bindings attach your ski boots to your skis, allowing you to stay in control of your skis. Therefore, having properly adjusted ski bindings ensures you can ski safely and comfortably without risking injury to yourself or others by accidentally losing control due to an equipment failure.
Adjusting your ski bindings isn’t particularly complicated. Still, it must be done correctly -- and that's true if you're participating in the Winter Olympics skiing events or if you're like me, hitting the slopes for some weekend fun! With that in mind, let's get you set for the best ski season yet as we show you how to adjust ski bindings.

Can you adjust your own ski bindings?

Outdoors

How to use a compass for navigation when GPS fails

Don't get lost this hiking season: try out a compass!

Baseplate compass on top of a map

In the days since GPS was invented, many of us have lost the skill of navigating by a good old compass and map. As a family on the road in a 1991 Airstream Motorhome, we were early adapters to the GPS, but I still remember a time when we had to navigate New York with the crinkled old maps in the glovebox. Out in the wild, things are a little bit different. Milestones don't often sweep you by while you're busy using a magnifying glass to figure out what intersection you're on, but it can still be a challenge. Today, compasses are still considered to be a top 10 safety item by the National Park Service, but it's a shame how many people don't know how to use a compass. Here's how to get started.
Parts of a baseplate compass

There are so many compasses to choose from, but if you're just starting out, I highly recommend using a simple baseplate compass. These are attached to a ruler, so you'll be able to easily take your bearings. Experts from REI do a great job of explaining the basic parts of a compass and how to use them, but here is the breakdown: