Why An Apocalypse Wouldn't Be All Bad.

Ok for arguments sake lets say the chance of an actual nuclear war was even remotely likely, yes if you didn't get each and every single atom within your body ripped apart and survived the initial 'War'(if you can call it that it probably wouldn't last much over a week), many or most of the people you knew and loved would be dead.

Yes this is terribly sad and you may be lonely however, just imagine you have crawled out of the burning pit that you used to hide form the explosions you now have so many perks and opportunities that you may not have thought of as a result of this terrible catastrophe.

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No law.

So this can be a gift and a curse, on the one hand plenty of things you might have to do to survive that may be frowned upon in polite company would now be, to all intents and purposes, legal. Due to the fact the is no law and no one to maintain it. 

So taking as many tinned goods from abandoned super markets as you could carry WOULD now be very easy. Feeding yourself would not be a problem. However this also means other people could also steal, kill and torture without the threat of arrest. Silver linings right?

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All of those great 'Apocalypse' weapons you see on youtube could be yours!

Again this goes kind of back to the no law thing. You could happily ransack peoples houses and make as many brutal weapons as your heart desired and indeed use them. Defending yourself would be very very easy and you could have fun experimenting with different kinds of weapon to find the best to crush the skulls of those who would otherwise do you harm. Double ended chainsaw sledge hammer?

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Do what ever you want

Now there are significantly less people to insult and harm, it enables you to treat the world as your playground. Want to take a shit off the Eiffel Tower(Provided it's still standing) you go and take a shit off the Eiffel Tower.

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All the time in the world.

No people means no job, that means no worries of money or time. You could spend all week just smashing up a house, or learn to speak Chinese(not sure you could do it in a week but you get the point). Without time restraints in your life and no one to answer to, you would be free to exploit your surroundings to the fullest.

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Pretend your in a Fallout game.

For those who game, you could reenact the whole of the Fallout franchise and even build a house or find a dog(if there is an uncooked one available). An apocalypse really is a gamers dream come true.

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Own anything you set your eyes on.

That really nice classic car your neighbour has? he's dead he won't be needing it anymore, take it out for a spin. Did I mention no speed limit? Is that a great sword in Buckingham Palace? better line up the water melons.

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The world may be a giant sandbox now(quite literally I can imagine there would be a fair amount of dust) but you could go anywhere and do whatever you pleased(all while listening to 'The Wanderer' by Dion). The initial shock would be terrible but surviving the bombs would be well worth it. Every person could become whoever they wanted to be the possibilities are endless and all you need is to find a lead lined fridge!

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And my Instagram: @strollingmenblog

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- Find That Fridge -

- Louis -

Why Every Man Needs To Have A Swiss Army Knife.

The Swiss, are good a making many, many things, watches being one (Rolex is undisputedly one of the best watches available), chocolate being another. Knives are no exception to this.

Most peoples first knife would be a very small Swiss Army Knife with a tiny little blade and they would either cut themselves, or loose it. Then over time they grow out of it and move onto bigger and better knives, leaving the modest Swiss Army Knife behind. But no matter what knife you have, it will almost always be beaten by these brilliant little multi tools.

Sure you could get a Leatherman, but one, they cost a bloody fortune, and two they aren't that compact, it is literally like walking around with a pair of pliers in your pocket.

I'm on my second Swiss Army knife due to my first one disappearing....I started with a Huntsman which had more than enough tools for me at the age of 13, but it was still a brilliant knife.

I've since downsized to a Spartan which is much more basic but I carry it everywhere due to the fact I use it on probably a everyday basis. My point about these knives are that they are the perfect tool for anyone to have. They are classically designed, all the knives are razor sharp and hold an edge ridiculously well, and it is a world recognised brand for a good reason!

I read an article on SAK's once about a lifeboat captain who through one way or another ended up over board getting pulled down into the water, had he not had his swiss army knife with him he would definitely be dead, you could argue that any knife he would have had could have saved him but just a single blade knife, or a shoddy multitool might not have had quite the same effect. Why carry a single blade when you can have two plus extra tools! 

I will always support SAK's because of the brilliantly strong design and their reliability, and I recommend every man to get one, you never know when you might need it.

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Follow my Twitter - @strollingmen

And my Instagram - @strollingmenblog

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- Louis -

Why Every Man Should Know How To Sew.

The way our world seems to work now(aside from maybe cars) is that once something gets a little worn out or broken we throw it away and just buy a replacement. This could not be truer in the case of clothing.

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Sewing and repairing clothes goes right the way back to the stone age. Sewing up clothing with bits of animal sinew.

Even in this time and age it is important to practise and use the skill of sewing and repair. 

I have a old pair of jeans that has been in my possession for a good 3-4 years and they are, I suppose, shabby. They have big holes in the knees and lots of parts are beginning to fray. But they were not cheap when I bought them. They were hand made Japanese denim, and I refuse to throw them away.

I have resewed the pocket twice, does several small stitches on cuts on the legs and (poorly) attempted to so up the bum.

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Big cut I know.

Now many men(wrongly) believe that sewing is a job for women(that is not something I agree with). This goes back to when women stayed at home and cleaned, cooked, and did knitting. But you should never rely on someone to do something for you all the time. Sewing should not only be recognised as a manly thing(or not gender specific) but also a practical important skill.

I'm not talking about learning 17 different stitches and 4 different ways to achieve each with 5 different types of needle. Just any simple stitch that is effective in keeping the damage from opening(I'd suggest doubling up the thread). It does not have to be pretty, only functional, if you are able to sew things up, your clothes and shoes will last a lot longer saving you money and time(also lets be honest here, everyone loves a practical man).

I have a pair of sheepskin boots that had torn all the way down the right side. Because it was just sheepskin(or suede whatever you want to call it) I could sew it up really easily and it has continued for 2 years since and still going strong. 

You should always have a needle and thread even if it's just for sewing a button back onto your shirt while your out. Be secure in your masculinity, it doesn't matter if you can sew. You'll be able to fix your jacket while dim, sexist men have to go buy a whole new one.

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Follow my Twitter: @strollingmen

And my Instagram: @strollingmenblog

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- Start Being Practical -

- Louis -

How To Survive A Job Interview.

Everyone has to have a job interview at least once in their life and they are not always a pleasant experience. There is lots of stress that comes before, during, and after.

This guide SHOULD help to make any interview you have a bit easier and reduce some of the stress that you feel around it.

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Firstly your clothes are SUPER important. You cannot go to an interview half dressed because, however sad it may be, we make up our mind about a person, typically, within the first 7 seconds of meeting them and most of this decision is based on the way they look. Obviously that opinion can be changed, but in an interview it's important to start with a good impression.

The few most important things are:

Make sure you are either clean shaven or that whatever kind of facial hair you do have is neatly trimmed.

Make sure your hair is clean and tidy.

Your nails have recently been cut.

Whatever you wear make sure it is washed, ironed and matches well(so don't wear a navy pair of trousers with a grey blazer).

Make sure all of your clothes fit(seriously if your ankles are sticking out under your trousers it WON'T look good).

Clean whatever smart shoes you're wearing and check they aren't scuffed up.

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For your clothes it goes down as pure common sense. Don't look like a scruff and remember it is much better to be over dressed than under.

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Next is the first 7 seconds. 

When you come in you need to make sure your body language is right. No hands in pockets or anything that folds yourself inwards. Enter with you chest out, your head held up, and for the love of god SMILE. 

If you come in looking like a wet blanket no one is going to be interested in talking to you.

Make friendly acknowledged eye contact with all of the people in the room greet them in a clear happy voice.

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Now your sat down and the interview is underway one key thing that is very easy to remember is DON'T LIE. If they ask you a question don't 'bend the truth' because it will come out and you will turned away immediately. 

Maintain regular eye contact and keep smiling. Have open body language and remain relaxed. Chat and talk without fear, they are just people and if you are a nervous wreck it will not do you any favours.

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Ask any questions you have about the job, interviewers like people who can think on their feet and are able to work under pressure and find out more information. 

Up until the very second you leave the room remain as friendly and positive as possible, shake every persons hand(try to sneakily wipe your hands if they are clammy) and leave having tried to leave the best impression possible.

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Post interview you must not sit around wondering if you have the job or not. Once you leave the room there is nothing you can do what so ever to increase your chances of getting it, worry will get you no where other than stress you out. So relax, safe in the knowledge you did your best.

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I hope this guide will help you on your way to getting a job and just remember to just be friendly, confident and happy.

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Follow my Twitter: @strollingmen

And my Instagram: @strollingmenblog

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- Stay Happy And Relaxed -

- Louis -

Top 5 Toiletries Every Bearded Gentleman Should Own.

Every bearded gent should have a set of helpful toiletries to help care for him self and his fuzz(This is not a girly post, promise)(not that there is anything wrong with being a girl).

I have got together my top 5 toiletries that I use on a daily basis and would recommend them to any man.

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5.

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VO5 Surf Style Paste.

I use this on a daily basis and it is much better than any wax or gel I have used(I know this isn't technically for beards but go with it).

It isn't sticky and feels exactly the same as if your hair had been in the sea it works really well and controls you hair without looking fake(no i'm not being paid to do this, I genuinely use this).

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4.

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Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream.

For those men who do touch up their cheeks and neck, this shaving cream is super hydrating and stops nearly all razor burn and smells amazing as well as having classic looking packaging.

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3.

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Champneys Face Wash.

Champneys is a spa chain who also sell some of their products, I use their face wash every night to get all of the oil and crap off my face(It does not damage your pride to take care of yourself). 

It is slightly exfoliating which is good for getting into the outskirts of your beard to prevent any spots that might become visible, it also smells great and it is really cheap.

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2.

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The Audacious Beard Co.'s Beard Oil

I have used the Audacious Beard Co.'s beard oil for a while now and have done a few posts on them(I finally got the complete set). This has to make my number two because of how amazing they smell and how great they make your beard feel. Soft as silk. Any bearded man would do well to own one or all of these beard oils for the scent and the beard benefits.

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1.

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The Audacious Beard Co.'s Beard Shampoo Bar.

This has to make number one as my favourite 'Bearded Mans Toiletry'.

Ever since I received this bar I have used it every night. It cleans you face and beard so much better than you can imagine. The way your face feels after wards is an indescribable feeling. For any one who hasn't got one of these yet. You are SERIOUSLY missing out. Mine is very worn already but I know I will be ordering another bar the moment I run out.

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I hope this guide helps you in keeping clean and sharp in the bathroom. Click any of the names to go to the website for them.

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Follow my Twitter: @strollingmen

And my Instagram: @strollingmenblog

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- Stay Clean And Stay Sharp -

- Louis -

Mad Max Paracord Bracelet.

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I loved the film Mad Max: Fury Road, partially because it was a brilliant film, partially because I love Tom Hardy.

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I noticed the bracelet he wears throughout the film and wanted to make one. After looking at several videos I figured out a way to make them.

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Apologies for the less than average photos I don't really know what was going on today.

You Will Need:

About 4 arm lengths of paracord(roughly, hold one end, measure to shoulder and repeat).

I used my swiss army knife to cut the ends but you will also need some kind of small stick. The thick end of the tooth pick works really well with that.

A means to melt the end, I used my stove.

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Firstly, get your paracord and find the middle point. Bend that in half and from the bend measure it around your wrist. Pinch the length you want it to be the reduce it by about an inch.

From that point, bend each end of the cord to each side like shown.

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Then move the left side over and pull the right cord so it is on top.

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Put the right cord behind and back up through the left loop.

Then pull it not completely tight as you need to go through this one later on. Every knot after these are to be tight however.

It is VERY important to remember that the same cord always make the loop first. It is the cord that always crosses over the top.

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I'll put an uninterrupted sequence here and just repeat it till you get close to the bottom remembering to keep the lead cord as the first loop, always over the top.

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Pull tight each time.

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Continue the tying until you get down to a point where it is very difficult to keep going but you have enough room to easily still do at least one more knot.

This point is when you will need your little stick or pokey thing to get the cord through the hole at the very bottom.

Now I must admit I am faintly confused by these photos, I was getting angry with my camera and probably should have made these clearer.

You need to put the main cord(that main loopy one) through first then push the opposite one through(It's very possible you bracelet at this point might be the other way round just reverse the instructions). You need to make sure the main loop is on top of the other one and pull each of the cords tight THROUGH the opposing ones loop once you've done that you will have tied the stopper knot.

If you don't tie a stopper knot you can easily pull every single knot off the bracelet taking it back to a massive stretch of paracord.

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Once you've loosened the first two loops at the top of the bracelet use your stick like thing to push each cord through to the correct loop. 

From here, you need to put the bracelet on and note where you want to knot to be on the ropes so you can still get it on and off(do it a little tighter than you think as the rope it slightly stretchy and the knots on the bracelet will adjust).

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This stopper knot is similar to the knots on the bracelet. Start it like you did on the first knot and place one cord over the top and another under the bottom.

The cord on the top is then going to go round the back and go through itself, and the cord on the bottom is going to go over the top to go through itself.

It sounds more confusing than it is.

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Pull it tight and it should look like this.

Trim off any extra cords.

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Use some kind of fire to melt the tips so they can't become undone.

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And there you have it. Your own Mad Max bracelet made with nothing but paracord.

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Follow my Twitter: @strollingmen

And Instagram: @strollingmenblog

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- Don't Go Mad -

- Louis -