The site has been a passion project of mine for sixteen years now. I like writing this stuff and I like interacting with readers. I like the folks in the gear industry and I love the design aspects of gear. And so I write this because I love it.

But it can be expensive. And I have taken steps that I believe increase the integrity of the site that make it even more so. About a year ago I decided to eliminate “return to sender” review samples. I feel limited in what I can do and how I can use the item. So I got rid of them. I still take manufacturer review products, but I always disclose that. They also never see a copy of the review before you do. But even with these manufacturer supplied review samples, I still put a lot of money into the site for both site upkeep and purchasing new review samples.

I used to have sponsors but that was a hassle. I also used to use affiliate links for different retailers, but Amazon crushed them all. Finally I did some freelance writing. First I worked for Jon Stokes at All Outdoor. When Jon left, so did I. Then I worked for Gear Junkie. But that has slowed down too. And so now, to keep the site running, and to make sure I get review samples of stuff you want to read about, I started a Patreon. This and the Amazon affiliate links will be the only revenue sources going forward and they will allow me to keep writing and maintain the high level of integrity I strive to bring to reviews.

It’s simple, there is no garbage, no paywalls or restricted content. $3/month is the only tier and it is only that because Patreon wouldn’t allow me to go lower. I don’t want to kill anyone and I don’t want to make this a big commitment, just enough to keep the site going. I am also going to make the rewards simple. Twice a year I will pick a donor at random and send them a review sample. If I get enough Patreon Supporters, let’s say 10, I’ll do the first giveaway in January. I plan on giving away the Strider PT CC. It is a wonderful knife and mine is in great shape, but I just don’t carry it enough.

With all that said, here is the Patreon link. If you can give, great. If you can’t, I understand. No content will ever be restricted here.