Apex found & Heaven bound...

Great vid from the always enjoyable Adventure Journal! The Joy of Air! Great reading from a little dude accompanied by great footage, perfect for the kid in all of us! Enjoy!




The Joy of Air from ARC'TERYX on Vimeo.

CRKT Folts Minimalist Bowie Review

First off, I LOVE knives! Ever since I was a little guy, I've been known to dabble with some nifty blades. One of my favorite birthday presents was a throwing knife given to me by my Dad at age 8 (still have it too). How did I learn not to run with a knife in hand? Busted my ass in the pasture with a garage sale survival knife and ripped my hand open. Lesson learned. That said, I'm a somewhat credible source... somewhat.

Over the last few months, I've been on the lookout for a good fixed blade for everyday carry. As much as I love my quick flip pocket knife, I thought the fixed blade might serve well, and my pockets were getting full. I'm moving into town, and will be rambling around via bicycle a LOT. I've heard the horror stories of people being ambushed, jumped, etc, and wanted a layer of protection in addition to my beard and 190 lbs of manliness. I also know how handy a quick blade can be when a stray shoelace makes its way into the chainwheel and plants you in the middle of the street. But ultimately, I wanted a justifiable way to try out a cool fixed blade, and at $20 I figured this was the ticket!

First off, there are several carry options with this knife. It comes with a secure kydex sheath that locks the knife in place when not in use. I'm sure it will smooth out as it breaks in, but I like that there is no risk of it just falling out. The sheath has several holes for different setups. Many people refer to this class of blade as a "neck knife" made to be hung and worn around the neck via paracord. This way its always right there under the shirt and ready. I don't care much for this, but it may prove useful as the weather gets warm and I start wearing bike shorts without belt loops. Instead, I opted to put together the belt loop option. It comes as a kit with a couple screws and spacers that allow for several angles and mounting options. My favorite thus far is a cross-draw belt mount that is easily accessible, yet remains hidden.

After toting her for a couple weeks now, it's become part of my wardrobe while my folder stays home. Now I keep my real weapon in the right pocket, my trusty Sharpie. I've been moving furniture, boxes, and working on the new house most days, and the Folts design has been magnificent. With one hand I can get it out and do whatever I need. The blade is VERY sharp out of the box, and makes quick work of any cardboard, tape, or zip ties I've encountered. The grooved grip locks in perfectly for two or three fingers, and gives a confident feel without the risk of the blade folding back in during heavy use. Sitting here typing, it doesn't dig in or get uncomfortable. It's always there and ready, never a nuisance  and gives more confidence than a folder if trouble were to arise.

That said, I'm a worst-case scenario type of thinker. What if I get cornered, charged, clotheslined off the bike, etc by some would-be attacker? Having a slight limp and a hot wife, defense is often on my mind. Here's my thoughts on a blade for self-defense: If you're in a situation, draw a gun, and drop the the attacker, your troubles have just begun. Even in Texas, you're in the position now where you have to stand before authorities or possibly even a jury and convince them that it was the only option. As a dude that's 6' tall, bearded, active, and a little rough looking, I'm not leaving my fate to a panel of people that couldn't even get out of jury duty. Take the same scenario: one to several attackers corners me and the lady, or ambushes me. I whip out a 2 inch utility blade from my belt, take a couple hits, and proceed to slice and dice my way out of said situation. A blade this small moves as fast and accurately as your hand. If I can move quick enough to slap the assailant, that's another leak for them. A few slaps and a lot of blood later, most people lose their fight and revert to a childlike state of terror. Then I can stand in front of that same panel with my beautiful wife and a black eye, show them the little knife I bought from the local outdoors store, and damn near be hailed as a hero. Much better in my opinion. I also don't have to worry about "brandishing a weapon" or carrying a weapon into an illegal setting. This is a concealed utility blade that can serve in those worst case moments, not a weapon.

Concluding, I'm very happy with the purchase. Great knife! And now begins the goal I have with all my equipment (and body): use it and abuse it for its entire useful life!

Describe Vita Brevis...

After 7 years, I still get hung up here...

In my mind, I'm being asked for a paragraph when I have an entire novel to share. VB has roots so deep within me, it still surprises me. I'm almost offended when it's referred to as a "brand", but that's a simple way to say it in one sentence. It's just so much more in my heart and mind.

Vita Brevis is my true identity, free of all the bullshit that I carry and the masks that we're all guilty of wearing.  I've seen it evolve over the years, always a bi-product of my life. The history has distinct chapters, phases, and the mandatory ups and downs that come with life. I'm so proud of what it is becoming, of the people it has united, of the message it is spreading. It isn't fake, or hiding behind any sort of labels. It's more than shirts and hats, more than stickers, more than all of that. This is my dream manifesting, a dream that I was never even aware of before. It's my opportunity to impact the world around me.

I came across this a while back, and as simple as it is, it spoke to me. 

As I sit here in the old studio, it seems borderline lifeless as everything is packed up and readied for the move. The only things left are a mess and the paintings on the walls. So many great memories, and the promise of so many more. So many of the great moments I've had have been serendipitous, right place at the right time type of happenings. Moving forward, I grin as I realize my ability to see such opportunities, as well as feel my proactive nature. Surround that with positive people and a world primed for my message, and you've got quite a recipe. 

Zero arrogance, a humble heart, and a bold voice. The pen in my hand is my weapon of choice, my creativity the strategy, your inspiration my motivation. Who knows what the next chapter holds for all of us, whether we're blessed with a hundred years or die tomorrow. All I know is I'm blessed to have Vita Brevis, and it's time to make the world feel blessed to have it as well! One life, one love, one chance. This is it friends, bust a grin and carry on! And if your style and wallet will allow it, support the cause and fuel the fire by snagging some gear from the store! 

"A pinch of art, a heavy dose of lifestyle, and a crushing amount of awesome. Vita Brevis (Latin for Life is Short) Clothing (vbclothing.com) is my artistic outlet. I create products and attempt to inspire my fellow people through shirts, art, pictures, videos, words, and promotion. It seems to draw a wide variety of free-thinkers, artists, and general wild-asses, all of whom I think the world needs more of! 

My focus is on casual adventure wear, apparel that has a place in virtually everyone's closet. I place as much emphasis on the feel of my product as I do the appearance. My goal is for your favorite worn out t-shirt to have my logo on it, and for something I do to bring value to your life. Dig in and see if you share the same vibe!"

There you have it friends, Vita Brevis described! And you know it's legit, cuz it's Facebook official! ...Until I decide it needs updating!

-Jeremiah Stone aka "Scratch"

Owner, sales manager, PR director, designer, IT tech, Web Admin, Treasurer, writer, model, janitor, and all-around good guy. "The Connoisseur of Chaos"

Moving Sale this week!