Factor 85 Labs

Everyone knows you don't use your wife's sewing scissors to cut paper or tape, and you don't use the hair cutting scissors to open boxes. So what you need are some scissors you can grab for every job without worrying about them. Trauma shears are pretty inexpensive, and generally very tough. They work quite well at handling a variety of tasks around the house and shop, and can handle most scissor sized cutting tasks. Obviously some tongue in cheek is intended here. Shears are not the best option for cutting branches, or dowels, or hair. They are intended for cutting through clothing, belts, shoes, boots, seatbelts, bandages, and whatever first-aid and trauma needs might arise. You should definitely include a pair in your first aid kits and EDC bags whenever possible. But they make some pretty cost effective utility or hobby scissors to keep around too. Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs This Rumble channel is an archive of all past Factor 85 Labs content from YouTube, and will have new content as it is created. This may lag a bit behind YouTube uploads. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Any music used is from the YouTube Audio Library.

Building first aid kits can be expensive, so I have a few tips on how to save some money and build up a stockpile of supplies while you are putting together your first aid kits. Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs This Rumble channel is an archive of all past Factor 85 Labs content from YouTube, and will have new content as it is created. This may lag a bit behind YouTube uploads. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Any music used is from the YouTube Audio Library.

No offense intended to Irish people, snakes, or druids. Americans, I am absolutely making fun of some of you. Sorry for the wind noise. Hope you all have a great St. Patrick's Day! If you really want to read, well, everything about St. Patrick, then go here: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/18482/18482-h/18482-h.htm Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs This Rumble channel is an archive of all past Factor 85 Labs content from YouTube, and will have new content as it is created. This may lag a bit behind YouTube uploads. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Any music used is from the YouTube Audio Library.

I like multitools, and I like tools that are really good at doing one or more tasks. But I also really like silly and useless gadgets. These multi-tools are pretty odd, and mostly useless. They don't really work for any of the intended purposes very well, and are very cheaply and poorly made so it doesn't take much to destroy them. But I enjoy these tools, especially the marketing of these types of things, and trying to figure out who (besides me) is buying these things. There has to be a market out there for a hammer plier knife axe wrench combo tool, I guess? Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs This Rumble channel is an archive of all past Factor 85 Labs content from YouTube, and will have new content as it is created. This may lag a bit behind YouTube uploads. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Any music used is from the YouTube Audio Library.

Watching the recent storms roll through parts of the country that aren't prepared for ice and snow, leaving those areas without power for many days of end, got me thinking about my CPAP machine. Sleep apnea is very under-diagnosed, because it isn't always easy to know if you have it, and a lot of people (mainly men) don't want to deal with it, and would rather fight the excess fatigue than wear a CPAP at night. But sleep apnea can have a lot of major health effects, and treating it is important. But, running a CPAP take power, and the machines are annoying to lug around. I have heard from many people that they don't use their CPAP on vacation because it is "too much hassle." I am here to tell you that no, it isn't, it just take a little planning and some extra work. Even camping is possible. And if you use a CPAP, you should start looking at an emergency plan for when the power shuts off, and you still need to breath. Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs This Rumble channel is an archive of all past Factor 85 Labs content from YouTube, and will have new content as it is created. This may lag a bit behind YouTube uploads. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Any music used is from the YouTube Audio Library.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there, and to any dads-to-be waiting with trepidation, don't worry, you will be fine. Mostly. I take the matter of being a father pretty seriously. It isn't all about turning off lights, mowing the grass, adjusting the thermostat, and dressing in questionable fashion, it is about being involved with your kids, and actively participating in their life instead of just dragging them along through yours. I won't claim to be an expert, I only have a few years of experience myself, But I am learning, and the most important thing I know is kids with dads who are engaged in their life grow up to be healthier adults, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Here are some links to some information that everyone should check out: "THE FATHER ABSENCE CRISIS IN AMERICA" Nat'l Fatherhood Initiative: https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/135704/file-396018955-pdf/RyanNFIFatherAbsenceInfoGraphic051614.pdf "DADS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!" Child & Family Research Partnership: https://childandfamilyresearch.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/TXFS17_Poster1.pdf "The Science of Dad and the ‘Father Effect’" Fatherly: https://www.fatherly.com/health-science/science-benefits-of-fatherhood-dads-father-effect/ "The Importance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children" US DHS: https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/fatherhood.pdf#page=1&view=The%20Importance%20of%20Fathers%20in%20the%20Healthy%20Development%20of%20Children "THE IMPORTANCE OF A FATHER IN A CHILD’S LIFE" Pediatric Associates of Franklin: https://www.pediatricsoffranklin.com/resources-and-education/pediatric-care/the-importance-of-a-father-in-a-childs-life/ Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs This Rumble channel is an archive of all past Factor 85 Labs content from YouTube, and will have new content as it is created. This may lag a bit behind YouTube uploads.

This is a full review of the Eberlestock F5 Switchblade EDC pack. This is the "Gray Man" version. I have been using this pack for several months now, and have some thoughts and a few pros and cons to share. Pack Overview: 1:10 Pros: 7:36 Cons: 11:03 Final Thoughts: 18:22 When I was looking at backpacks that could be an EDC pack, could be used for off-body carry, but would be tough and comfortable to carry fully loaded for a long hike, I came across this Switchblade pack and thought I would check it out. It is a great pack, and I liked a lot of things about the pack. Ultimately though, it wasn't the EDC pack I was hoping it would be. It is one of the most comfortable pack I have used and is great for hiking, but it lacks some features that I would like to have for a daily use pack. I also struggled with the CCW pocket. I feel this is a great EDC pack for someone looking to carry larger items, or perhaps specific items that the pack was built for, but it isn't a pack for the average dad looking for a pack to EDC his stuff for work and his toddlers stuff to the park. Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs This Rumble channel is an archive of all past Factor 85 Labs content from YouTube, and will have new content as it is created. This may lag a bit behind YouTube uploads.

Well, I meant to have a review of the Eberlestock F5 Switchblade up today, but I didn't get it done, so here is something goofy. Thanks to Balefire Outdoors for the tag, check that channel out: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57loLv56t_B2c8iIh1q1JA I will have the complete F5 switchblade review up next week! Maybe. And if you want to may a video answering these questions or you enjoy this sort of thing, here are the questions! Questions: 1. Do you like blue cheese? 2. Coke or Pepsi? 3. Are you in a relationship? 4. Whisky, tequila or vodka? 5. Hot dogs or cheeseburger? 6. What's your favorite food? 7. What's the first thing you drink in the morning? 8. Can you do 100 push-ups? 9. What's your favorite season? 10. What's your favorite hobby? 11. Do you have any tattoos? 12. Do you wear glasses? 13. Do you have any phobias? 14. Do you have any nicknames? 15. What's your favorite sweet? 16. Do you believe in ghosts? 17. What's your biggest downfall? 18. Do you prefer rain or snow? 19. Do you have any piercings? 20. How old are you? 21. French fries or onion rings? 22. Do you have any children? 23. What's your favorite color? 24. Can you sing? 25. Can you whistle? 26. Where were you born? 27. Do you have any siblings? 28. Can you cook? 29. Can you swim? 30. Are you religious? 31. Do you prefer a bath or shower? 32. Big city, nature or countryside? 33. Are you a good friend? 34. Have you broken any bones? 35. How many TVs are in your house? 36. What's the worst pain you've ever felt? 37. Do you dance? 38. Do you like camping? 39. Are you weird? 40. Who are you tagging to do this? Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #40Questions #BalefireOutdoors

A hitch is just a way of securing a rope to something. Here are 7 simple and useful ones to get you started. Half-hitch: 0:21 Two half-hitches: 1:15 Round turn and two half-hitches: 2:10 Pipe hitch: 2:52 Timber hitch: 4:03 Timber hitch/hitch for pulling: 4:59 Tautline hitch: 5:40 Clove hitch (1): 7:40 Clove hitch (2): 8:54 Like my previous knot video, these all start from a simple basic knot anyone can do, and build from that starting point. (Note: knots can go by a lot of names, and sometimes there are several knots or variations of a knot that all get lumped under the same name. For example, I have learned at least four different hitches all called a "pipe hitch." I just use the names I first learned, or what I think is the most "common" name.) Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs A hitch is just a way of securing a rope to something. Here are 7 simple and useful ones to get you started. Half-hitch: 0:21 Two half-hitches: 1:15 Round turn and two half-hitches: 2:10 Pipe hitch: 2:52 Timber hitch: 4:03 Timber hitch/hitch for pulling: 4:59 Tautline hitch: 5:40 Clove hitch (1): 7:40 Clove hitch (2): 8:54 Like my previous knot video, these all start from a simple basic knot anyone can do, and build from that starting point. (Note: knots can go by a lot of names, and sometimes there are several knots or variations of a knot that all get lumped under the same name. For example, I have learned at least four different hitches all called a "pipe hitch." I just use the names I first learned, or what I think is the most "common" name.) Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd83ejDY5NMvTlz2qhG1aTQ/?sub_confirmation=1 Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #HowTo #Knots

The Ontario Knife and Tool Company SP-16 Special Purpose Axe, also known as the SPAX, is a great tool. But it is often sold as a camp axe or survival hatchet, and those are not it's purpose, and it doesn't perform really well in those roles. I asked an expert about the purpose of this tool, and it is designed for use in extraction, breaching, and rescue. This is an old style of axe, dating back at least to WW2, and Ontario just upgraded it. The SPAX has been around for many years, it has been deployed with Army units around the world, and it has shown up in a number disasters to work as a rescue tool. This is a great tool for a car kit, and urban survival kit, or for a home emergency kit. Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #SPAX #Ontario

Our kitchen suffered a disaster that could have been a simple little 5 minute fix if the floors and dishwasher had been installed correctly by a previous homeowner. A broken supply line to the dishwasher caused enough damage that the entire kitchen had to be ripped out and rebuilt. Fortunately our homeowners insurance is covering it, unfortunately that means it is taking quite a bit longer to fix. Our house has quite a few of these little "DIY" projects that I have been fixing (or paying someone to fix) since we moved in. Some of them are silly and simple, like a light fixture installed wrong, some are annoying like the exterior doorframe not being shimmed or even attached to the house, just held in with spray foam (there is a lot of spray foam in this house) and some are expensive fixes, like this kitchen and prior to this, a bathroom with some pretty wild plumbing and floor. Don't DIY unless you know how to D. Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #DIY HomeRepair

IF YOU ARE MY WIFE, DON'T WATCH THIS VIDEO UNTIL AFTER MOTHER'S DAY! Everyone else can watch it though. My wife is a pretty awesome mother. Since the kids are only two years old, I thought I would help them out by making a gift that they can give her. This is a pretty simple project, and I used some scrap wood from the kitchen cabinets that were torn out from the water damage last November. (no, we still don't have a kitchen. Yes, it has been 6 months. No, I don't want to talk about it. And have you seen the price of lumber these days?) I am pretty happy with it, and I think my wife will like it. Be nice to your mother this Mother's Day. Get her flowers or a card or something. And if you have kids, get something special for your wife, because being a mom is an important, hard job, and she deserves some recognition. Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs This Rumble channel is an archive of all past Factor 85 Labs content from YouTube, and will have new content as it is created. This may lag a bit behind YouTube uploads. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Music from YouTube Audio Library.

This is just a quick first look at the Eberlestock F5 Switchblade Gray Man Backpack. I have an Eberlestock pack that I bought for hunting many years ago, and I really like it. When I was looking at backpacks that could be an EDC pack, could be used for off-body carry, but would be tough and comfortable to carry fully loaded for a long hike, I came across this Switchblade pack and thought I would check it out. Initial first thought are that this is a really nice looking pack, and built very tough. It is very comfortable to carry. It has some nice features, and a couple of things that I need to test further to see how they work out. I will use this pack for a few months, and do a full review after giving it a workout. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs #Factor85Labs #Eberlestock #EDC

If you are planning on driving to spend time with family for the holidays, make sure you arrive in one piece! These are usually the busiest travel days of the year, and it is also the onset of winter weather. That means the roads can be treacherous, and if something happens, it could be a long wait for a tow truck. It doesn't take a lot to be prepared for the road. Just a little planning and a few items can change your trip from roadside disaster to a memorable experience. This isn't a survival kit for your car, although it could be the start of one. This is just some things to think about when you are on the Thanksgiving road trip, on pretty well-traveled roads and highways. If you are heading into the woods or into the country, then you need to pack accordingly. See, this is a Thanksgiving poem! https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43942/the-new-england-boys-song-about-thanksgiving-day If you are looking a car survival kit, check out this Playlist from Balefire Outdoors: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCHCidFrUbwZfuewj7bTxAtY9tA8R3jGj Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs #Factor85Labs #RoadTrip #HolidayTravel

My five items that I would grab if I had 10 minutes to get ready to leave to go to initial rescue on a small disaster-struck island: A multitool, the first one I grabbed was a Gerber Truss Leatherman Raptor shears Ontario SPAX Morakniv Robust Sharpener of some sort, like the puck sharpener here. Click here for Paddy's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acN1FWfvtV0&ab_channel=paddyspotatopeelers Balefire Outdoors: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57loLv56t_B2c8iIh1q1JA Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/factor85labs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #PaddysPotatoPeelers #10MinuteMission

This is the Boba Fett inspired knife I got a couple of years ago from Ravencrest Tactical. OTF (out-the-front) knifes are a lot of fun, although not legal in all places. (Know the law where you are, folks) There are a few different types of OTF knives, and different actions. They all have there place I guess. I don't use an OTF for an EDC knife, for a few reasons, but I do enjoy them. I have bought a few very cheap OTFs that are fun but not at all useful, and I have looked many times at Benchmade OTF's but could never bring myself to pay for one. Then I came across Ravencrest Tactical at a gear show, and they have some tough knives that can take a lot of use, cost less than half what a "high end" OTF will cost, and the company offers a fantastic warranty and services. If you want a knife that functions as well as a knife that cost three times as much, and is custom built for you, check these out. Please Note: These are affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of these links and buy something, I’ll receive a commission. You can find Ravencrest Tactical knives here: https://ravencresttactical.com/ref/248/ You can build a custom RCT-1 here: https://ravencresttactical.com/shop/build-your-own-custom-full-size-rct-1-raven-otf-tactical-knife/ref/248/ Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #RavencrestTactical #BobaFett

Anyone can tie a knot, and with a little bit of practice, anyone can tie a good solid knot. These are six knots, starting with the most basic overhand knot, and then building onto it to tie several other knots that use an overhand as a starting point. Click here to skip to a knot: Overhand knot 0:50 Stopper knot 1:40 Overhand on a bight 2:15 Lariat Loop, or Bowstring knot 3:12 Square knot 5:30 Water knot 6:55 Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd83ejDY5NMvTlz2qhG1aTQ/?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you.

Thanks folks! Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you.

If the year 2020 was an axe, it would be the Boker Plus/Max Venom Tomahook. I bought this axe several years ago, mostly because it looks cool, but it has mostly been disappointing. A lot like 2020 has been for so many folks. This is a design that I think started from a good idea, to make a more utilitarian combat axe, but it has some design issues that just really prevent it from being truly good at any of the tasks it is supposed to accomplish. That leaves it capable of doing a lot of things pretty well, but not well enough to overcome the flaws, and it certainly won't replace an ordinary camp axe and a knife anytime soon. The Tomahook it almost more of a fantasy/wallhanger axe; very cool to look at, but not so great for actual use. Maybe I just dislike this thing because I paid $180 for it, and it is so uncomfortable to use that it has sat in the garage mostly untouched for six years. Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd83ejDY5NMvTlz2qhG1aTQ/?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you.

Santaur is real! I hope you enjoyed this tale. I have really enjoyed making little silly short videos for holidays, and I hope they make you laugh at least half as much as I laugh making them. (I know the sound quality is pretty bad in this one, all the background humming is from the fans and de-humidifiers running in what is left of the flooded kitchen.) Have a very Merry Christmas!! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #Santaur #Christmas

I like gifts. I like giving them, and getting them. My wife does not really like either. We have both learned a lot from each other through our roundabouts with gifts, and the importantance of understanding other people. I think there is a lot of emphasis on giving and receiving gifts, and sometimes that may not be the best thing to do at Christmas. Do you give gifts because you want to, or because you feel like you have to. Do you feel like the people you give gift to want to receive a gift, or is it just a thing you do at Christmas. People give and receive appreciation, care, and affection differently, and it can be important to pay attention to that, especially within your own household. (especially with your spouse) There is nothing wrong with gifts at Christmas, but if you can show someone that you love and care about them in a way that truly speaks to their heart. Have you ever spent a lot of time (or money) on a gift, and then watched as the person you gave it to seemed to struggle to like it? This might be why. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs #Factor85Labs #Christmas #DadTalk

Most everything I know about making things I learned from my Grandpa. He was a carpenter among many other things, and I spent a lot of time as a kid helping him make things and do little jobs. I think all of my siblings learned at least a little but of how to operate tools and build projects from Grandpa. I needed to put up a shelf in out girl's room, and instead of just simple supports, I decided to use this bear pattern. It was a pattern my grandpa had for some sets of shelves he made, and one of several patterns I rescued of various projects of his. I ran out of time, and didn't get all of the bears made that I wanted (I really need a bandsaw, I spent way too much time cleaning up the bears and sanding them down to match each other) but I will go back and replace the simple supports with more bears later. The music I chose for this video was things that reminded me of working with Grandpa. I learned about polka, jazz, swing, Sinatra, Don Ho, and a host of other classic music while riding to and from the lumber yard. And also Rush Limbaugh, every day from 11am - 1pm. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #woodworking #carpentry

Wishing you and all your family the best of holidays, and hoping that despite all of the worst that 2020 has offered, you still find a lot to be thankful for this year. Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #Thanksgiving #Turkey

With three kids in diapers, the diaper bag is a necessity and we never leave the house without it. I have the diaper bag with me more than I do an EDC backpack or bag. We have learned about what is really necessary in a diaper bag, and have some basic essentials that are always in the bag, and then we add whatever other items we need for our day. In a sense, this is my EDC bag most days, and my wife often uses the diaper bag instead of a purse and will carry her wallet, keys, and other items in the diaper bag. One of my pet peeves is guys who don't, won't, or moan about carrying a diaper bag. I see a lot of "tactical" baby products targeted at dads, and there is nothing wrong with those products. (we have a "tactical" diaper bag, it just got too small for three kids) My issue is that some guys seem to think that a diaper bag isn't "manly" or that carrying one around looks "girly", and a lot of marketing for baby products draws on that and emphasizes it to sell products to men. Get over it guys. ________________________________________ Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #EDC #DiaperBag

I bought a Notch hat a couple years ago sort of on a whim, because I thought the design looked cool, and not because I had any sort of issue with my sunglasses and hat colliding. I have a big head, and most hats don't fit low enough to cause any issues. That first hat didn't really do anything for me, and I felt a little silly for buying it just because I thought it looked cool. Then I was wearing my prescription glasses at work one day, and had to drive a long distance. I am pretty sensitive to bright light, so I had my hat pulled down low, and if kept pushing the frames down, and my glasses kept digging into my nose. And that is when I realized that Notch hats are a brilliant design. These hats aren't for everyone. But if you have ever pulled on your hat, and them been irritated and had to push your glasses back up, these might be the hats for you. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factor85labs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Factor85Labs #Factor85Labs #NotchGear #NotchHat