The Cape Skinner

Last year, I was given two identical knife kits by a fellow Scouter. They are comprised of a through-tang blade, a guard, a pommel, and a block for the handle. For months they sat on my workbench as kits, but a few months ago I was inspired to start on one.


I decided to make it ergonomic, which involved a lot of trial-and-error sanding with my Dremel--pretty much the whole thing was done with my Dremel using sanding drums or engravers.

A great big thank you goes out to John Sharp, who donated the leather, rivets, tools, and expertise for making the sheath.

This knife will be given to the Scout who completes the most Merit Badges between now and February. I hope it inspires them to work hard!

I *just* may be a little bit crazy

In addition to working lots of hours at my "real job," being Scoutmaster, Den Leader, Father of three, Husband of one, Crossfit junkie, and having more hobbies than you can shake a stick at, I have decided to add one more thing to the mix: The Paleo Challenge.

My gym is having a one month challenge (starting today) to stick to the Paleo Diet: Meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar. Kara and I are going to try it for a month and see how it goes--she'll be diligent about blogging it and I won't, but I will keep an "analog" journal.

Anyone who knows me will probably be gaping in amazement right now. One month without bread? Yeah. I know. But I'm only half doing this for me--if I bake fresh bread, it'll make it that much more difficult for Kara to keep to her goal. So we're doing this as a team, and it'll be great. :)

What's for breakfast?

Thick-cut deli meat (maybe cajun roast beef today)

Strawberries and grapes

Dry-roasted almonds