#knife ergonomics

[historyofguns]

The article on "The Armory Life" presents a review of the CRKT CEO knife, written by Randall Chaney. The author, who transitioned from law enforcement to a more corporate role, discusses the suitability of the CRKT CEO knife as an everyday carry (EDC) for those in an office setting. The knife, crafted by custom bladesmith Richard Rogers, is noted for its refined and discreet design, which aligns well with professional attire. The CEO's low-profile styling includes a slender structure with glass-reinforced nylon scales, a 3.1-inch blade made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel, and a sophisticated Ikoma Korth Bearing System for smooth blade deployment. The knife features a subtle thumb stud for slow dual-hand opening, preventing any dramatic displays, and a deep-carry pocket clip for discretion. Priced at $45, this knife offers style, functionality, and affordability, making it an appealing choice for corporate environments. Randall Chaney finds that the CRKT CEO excels in daily office tasks and appreciates its blend of efficiency, elegance, and value.

[nanasmanners1]

High-Quality Childrens Cutlery Sets - Make Mealtime Fun and Safe

Make mealtime enjoyable and safe with our high-quality Childrens cutlery sets. Designed with durability and safety in mind, our cutlery sets are perfect for little hands learning to eat independently. Shop now and give your child a fun and hassle-free dining experience. Visit here:- https://shorturl.at/izDMV

[kromato]

Hey what's up it's me with a special interest in weapons and I wanted to share my thoughts about Nikto's machete (no that's not an innuendo for once)

Had a bit of a solo-mandela effect going on because for the longest time I thought it had a modified 'billhook'-like feature on the back of it for whatever reason (but smaller than what would be considered a traditional billhook, more like a hoof pick blade).

I kind of enjoy still HCing that it does have it because a) it looks kind of cool and b) a terrifying thought to think this man whips this giant intimidating blade out, flips it deftly in his hand to the hook side, just to sink it into flesh and yank people back in when they try to run. Also it allows me to think about a scenario where, resident karambit knife enthusiast Sebastian Krueger, can teach proper blade hooking techniques to our beloved plural man. Anyway back to the knife - It's like a cross between a coup coup and a bola? But has a cool flare like a Tapanga for his newer mwiii model. Also like a vintage Senegalese french machete, which were known for their high quality (might technically be the same thing as the coup coup, just with the locale specified I think, both entrenchment machetes). That curve also kind of reminds me of parangs but it's not particularly drop-pointed.

I HC Nikto as a very brutally pragmatic but particular man, so it doesn't feel too far off to think that he went out of his way to acquire something niche like that. Some kind of custom-made machete that fits his needs just right. The length of it, as well as the curved, ergonomic grip makes me think he's gotten it to do some serious chopping, so it's also probably heavy and weighted forward to make that easier when swinging. I don't see him as a flashy fighter personally, and though maybe it was a stylistic choice for the game devs/artists, I think it's a neat feature that speaks to his character. I do think it's made of hefty steel; weight is important in chopping knives, and though steel rusts, it's sturdy compared to a lot of other metals. Not to mention - I feel like oiling and caring for his weapons, machete included, would be a ritual source of peace for his sometimes loud and chaotic mind. Grounding when he can feel the weight and texture where his nerves aren't completely damaged, smell the oil, have tangible proof that it's reality when he sees the maintained blade even after he becomes unmoored.

Now this is just me WAY reading too much into it, but it gives me a little giggle - The hole at the end of the handle is for a wrist lanyard, so you can loop a piece of paracord rope to secure it around your hand. It's an important safety feature just in case the machete goes flying out of your hand while chopping, lest it hit people in your vicinity (accidentally...?). In his 19 model, he doesn't have the paracord rope attached; Nikto says "Fuck your safety" but also huge ego of "I would never accidentally fling my knife!!"

Could also be because it gets caught on stuff if it dangles off his hip though - he's got one on his newer model where he wears the blade on his shoulder, which looks like a place where it's less likely to snag on things. Could also be because he's been increasingly featured in larger factions, so he works with more people and was asked to have one on hand maybe?? I don't know. In either case the knot in the middle of the rope makes it too small for his wrist which could also be read as a passive-aggressive "Here's the fucking safety rope it's on there ALRIGHT" and yet he's also made it nonfunctional for its intended purpose lmao Okay that's all byeeee

[wheelie-sick]

So you just got diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis....

A guide to coping with inflammatory arthritis written by someone who has been living with it for years

1. Warmth helps with pain and stiffness

Take a hot bath or shower

Use a rice bag to heat your most stiff and painful joints - How to make a warm rice bag (no sew) How to make a warm rice bag (sew) Adorable heated stuffed animals

Heating pads can also be good for heating specific joints (I don't like either of the ones I've had so I'm not dropping a recommendation)

2. Compression helps with stiffness

Compression gloves work really well in particular - Really cool compression gloves

Compression for other joints works well too

3. NSAIDs help reduce inflammation in your joints

Topical diclofenac is my personal favorite, it works wonders

Meloxicam is only available by prescription but has fewer negative side effects than over the counter NSAIDs do

Ibuprofen and Aleve/Naproxen are both OTC NSAIDs

Here's a full list of NSAIDs

4. Steroids reduce inflammation but are usually only used for flares. If OTC remedies are not working for your arthritis it may be worth asking about steroids to manage flares

5. Use adaptive devices

Note that I haven't tried all of these!

In the kitchen - Jar opener, pull tab opener, arthritis friendly silverware, ergonomic knife, another ergonomic knife

In the bathroom - My favorite shower chair, long handle bath sponge, shower grab bar

Dressing - Many button and zipper aids, magnetic jewelry clasps, sock aid

Standing assists - Bed rail, couch stand assist, cane with stand assist

Office - Pencil grips, book stand, vertical mouse

Other - Arthritis friendly gardening tools, so many grips adapters and holders

.... and many many more

6. Use mobility aids - I'd strongly recommend talking to a doctor before deciding to use mobility aids. mobility aids cause damage to your body so it's important to weigh the pros and cons of using them. Anyways my personal recommendations:

Canes - NOVA T cane, Carex ergonomic offset cane

Crutches - Millennial In-Motion Forearm crutches

Other people with inflammatory arthritis are welcome to add on!

[the-fandom-is-now-my-life]

Would they peel an orange for you?

Yes, I saw the TikToks and thought about doing it before I remember I don't have boyfriend

Yes, unprompted

Thoma

There is approximately 30-40 minutes between the time Thoma gives ayato his evening tea and when ayaka needed to be escorted to town.

And like clockwork Thoma would be waiting for you under a tree in the residence, on a somewhat secluded corner with a tray with two tea cups and a little platter with cut up solsettias and oranges.

Even if one day you arrive early where he is still getting settled and just about to start peeling and ask to do it for him he just smiles but refuses with his head.

“ Don't worry about it! Why don't you drink the tea? It's a new blend that arrived today, though you would like it”

Childe ( he is used to peeling fruit for his sibling)

Itto ( hear me out, he hears a girl mention a novel where the main character gets fed apple slices while sick and how attentive that was and immediately starts a competition with nobody to prove himself the 'bestest' boyfriend ever"

Yes, if asked

Zhongli

He doesn't have the same nutritional needs as humans, where we would need variety of vegetables and fruits, grains and meat in his dragon form he only needs three cows every month, now as a human his metabolism had slowed significantly, even then it would be strange to only buy kilos of meat once a month and nothing else.

That is where you help him out, going to his house for diner and lunch to not let the good rot.

“ I saw green tangerine at the stall and decided to buy them” zhongli settles the fabric bag on the table “It reminded me of such a delectable tea I had a while ago, I guessed I would have my hand at it, it will take at most 10 years only”

“ Tea inside tangerines? It sounds nice. Do you think I can eat one, I never had one” he nods from the kitchen putting away a bag of rice and other things while he mumbles about only needing the skin “I don't really want to peel it though… Can you peel it for me?”

Zhongli looks at you, head slightly turned but he smiles as he answers “ as you wish” he walks to the table and grabs a knife, before skillfully cutting the skin and stabbing a wedge “open wide”

Kaveh

Kaveh might work as an architect, loving the flow and composition of his buildings, but that love extends further away to other areas of art, from painting to rug making to clothes, so when you ask him for help when remodeling your home ( you paying) he was on cloud nine.

Walking and haggling the price all around the grand bazaar from 7 am (he insisted all the good things arrived early) to 3 pm was expectedly tiring to your legs and to your head, seeing how happy kaveh was with a 20 mora discount. So when you two stopped at alhaitham’s house to leave some bags you threw yourself on the ergonomic couch that was on the living room.

“Oh, we didn't stop to drink anything all morning, do you want some water and…” you could hear him rummaging around the shared kitchen for something to offer “ … some oranges?”

You only sigh but nod, even if you knew he wouldn't see “ water is fine. I don't want to peel anything, I hate how the smell lingers on my fingers”

Kaveh brings a jug with cool water “ I can peel it for you if you want, I don't really mind”

“... Yes, please “

Diluc ( would ask a maid the first time but when they tell him what it means he starts peeling it himself)

Neuvillete (furina said it was something sweet between lovers and it stuck with him)

Wriothesley

Not really/ doesn't find the point:

Alhaitham

At breakfast he doesn't like to eat heavy, not wanting to dirty his kitchen before going to work and not having much appetite so early. Usually a warm cup of tea or coffee and a bit of fruit or bread.

Seeing as he was picking an apple from the bowl on the kitchen you ask him to pick you an orange to which he only nods and grabs you a knife.

Leaving it in front of you he sits on the contrary chair and bites through the apple and sips his tea.

“ I don't really want to peel it, though… maybe someone could do it for me” you look at him, hinting at him

“ Do you want an apple then? You don't have to peel it” he doesn't look up from the book on the table even as you sighs

Wanderer (rat man)

Kaeya ( does it because you asked him but doesn't find the point in asking him for such a small favor. Prefers showing love/care in other ways)

[that-stone-butch]

i realize that gerber knife and gerber baby food are different brands but i am picturing a knife with like a soft pastel handle, maybe a little gerber baby face on it

we've been denying babies access to ergonomic knives for too long!

[dailypokemoncrochet]

is there a way aside from having a tension ring to make crochet less hand-hurty (so to speak)? its something i wish to learn but i have chronic hand+wrist pain, so even just making a simple chain (the only thing i learned so far) can leave my hands hurting for over a day

love the mons and your drive to make all of them btw <3 def something any true pkmn fan would look at and go damn you rule

actually, one more question: how long have you been crocheting in general and when did you first start the mons? im curious now owo

Honestly, if making a chain hurts to that degree, I'm not sure how helpful my advice would be. My hand/wrist/arm pain was only ever situational when I crocheted for hours on end, for weeks, with little to no real breaks.

That said, what helps me is doing stretches specifically for knitters/crocheters or for carpal tunnel (there's a lot of overlap), and taking a break every hour or so (physically putting down the crochet and doing another non-arm intensive activity).

Aside from the tension ring, I've also got this ergonomic crochet hook handle (Amazon link) that helps because the round shape means my hand stays in a more "relaxed" position. I crochet with the handle in the palm of my hand (knife grip), so if you crochet another way (like pencil grip), it might not work as well.

I've been crocheting since around 2011-12 I think, so 12 years now. I made a few Pokemon around that time and for a few years, but in a different style than what I do now (some tagged under #older pokes). I started this project officially on May 1 2017 with the goal of crocheting each Pokemon as a small amigurumi. It's been 7 years of on-and-off crocheting towards that goal!

[arctic-hands]

Oops my hand... actually I'm not going to say my hands slipped because in context of this post it might alarm people so moving on

[Image Description: a wood figure made of five glued together popsicle sticks and crudely carved out with a paring knife. The figure is dense enough to stand on its own, and it has a long beak, long and slender mammalian body with some vaguely webbed feet in the back, and a long, beaver-like tail. In short, (hopefully) reminiscent of a certain cartoon platypus. End I.D.]

A platypus carved out of glued together popsicle sticks?

[Image Description: same wooden figure, now with another piece of wood on the head that is roughly carved into the shape of a fedora. End I.D]

Perry the Platypus carved out of glued together popsicle sticks!??

[cartridgeconverter]

Don Giovanni characters as fountain pens

I have long postponed making this post as I was afraid it might convince me to spend more money. However, armed with a new sense of fiscal responsibility, I think I am prepared.

I've tried to have a range of prices that roughly correspond to the status of the characters, as well as many different brands. Honestly all of these are just vibes, but I've tried to give my justifications were I can.

Leporello - Sailor Profit Junior in Kohiru ($60 as part of a limited edition set, including other products)

I know I just said that I would try and match the lower-class characters to appropriately-priced pens, but look at it. It has a bunny on it. This is the best pen ever.

Don Giovanni - Visconti Opera Gold in Red ($348)

This is probably the only pen on this list that I would absolutely never buy, no matter how much opera-themed branding it has, because it is a ridiculous price and also looks stupid. But "ridiculous price" and "looks stupid" are both things I associate with Don G, and he would definitely be a Visconti whore -- it's a brand highly associated with luxury.

My other choice for him is also a Visconti model, this time the Divina Matte in Bordeaux. This is an even more ridiculous price, at $796. However, it is less obnoxiously red than the Opera Gold, so it is an alternate. He probably would have both anyway.

Donna Anna - Nahvalur Voyage in Shanghai ($130)

I have this one! She is beauty, she is grace. She is also very poorly designed but I forgive her for that. This pen is super elegant, albeit large, and is made from resin with real diamond flakes in it. I love the color also - black, with streaks of blue that show up under light. It reminds me a bit of Anna's costume in the Kasper Holten production. It's simply a very beautiful pen (with tons of design flaws and constitution issues, grr).

The Commendatore - Parker Jack-Knife with silver filigree ($5 in 1902, which is equivalent to $183 today)

This is a very lovely vintage pen from the Parker company, of which I scoured this ancient website for a picture (https://parkerpens.net/index.shtml). As an aside, this site is great; it's very well-kept and contains a detailed account of Parker models through time, with pictures. This pen, though gaudy, is exactly the type of thing that I think old men who do things like duels in the middle of the night would have. (Please work with me here, I don't exactly have a lot of content to go off of :P)

Don Ottavio - Sailor Pro Gear Slim, Shikiori Amaoto collection in Kirisame ($360)

Honestly, any purple Sailor will fit for Ottavio. They're generally on the smaller side, but the designs have an elegant simplicity to them. Also, purple. It's him! It's just him.

This will probably be the ultimate piece in my collection. It's such a lovely little thing, with a 21k gold nib. Unfortunately, I will not be purchasing it any time soon, due to my responsible spending habits.

Donna Elvira - LAMY Al-Star in Black Purple ($48)

Also another model I own -- I swear by Lamys as a great everyday pen. They're reliable and ergonomic, even if they're not as visually appealing as some other brands. The Al-Star, being made of aluminum, is a bit of an upgrade from their plastic model, the Safari with a slightly higher price. I think it's very fitting for Elvira, as a travelling woman.

Zerlina and Masetto - LAMY Safari in Savannah Green and Terra Red ($19)

The Lamy Safari is my favorite everyday pen to use, full stop. It's the same model as the Al-Star, but made from a lightweight plastic. They have a very practical and minimalist aesthetic, but it works, and it works well. They're super durable and apparently can survive being run over by warehouse equipment. I just think this model really suits these two, or maybe I'm biased since it's my favorite.

In particular, these are the two special edition colors made to celebrate the 40 year anniversary of the model, as they were the original colors to be manufactured. The green (which I own) matches Zerlina's dress in the IvH production, which is why I named it Zerlina to begin with. That seems to have been a good name - although filling the converter for the first time was a dramatic ordeal, it's been a reliable pen no matter how much wear and tear I put it through (the black paint on the clip has completely flaked off by now).

Hope you guys enjoyed this tenuous connection between my nerdy hobbies that was actually just a vessel for my rant about how much I love Lamy Safaris. I had fun putting it together, even if a few of these are out of my price point right now. Maybe I will do inks next, although I have put less thought into that.

Off of this list, I hope to eventually buy both Sailors (Leporello and Ottavio) as well as the other Safari (Masetto), although that's not a priority. I just like thinking about having nice things.

[iamarealkat]

FIRST COURSE - KNIVES

(or at least the ones I recognised from the TV-show so far)

mads mikkelsen by kenneth willardt for vanity fair italy, 2015 - aka my favorite shoot of his.

i apologize.

1. Spyderco Harpy

• appears in Hannibal season 3 in Italy .ೃ࿐

The Harpy was designed as a knife for seamen, featuring a karambit style blade that magically cuts right through rope, the serration lending a hand to the task.

Additionally, the Harpy boasts a detailed tip, which can chew through a manner of different materials, probably one of the main reasons why Hannibal found it handy for different...matters. To sum it up: This is not one of his kitchen knives, but rather one he used as a pocket knife in all different kind of situations.

Originally the japanese Spyderco Harpy was designed to accommodate the needs of commercial fishermen. The hawksbill blade is modeled after the talon of the Harpy eagle, allowing for a deliberate pulling cut where the object does not slip off the end of the edge. The hollow-ground blade incorporates SpyderEdge serrations and a thick spine for support. The handle is made of stainless steel with a drying vent, perfect for Hannibal and his exquisite taste…and of course correspondingly expensive. A good 200 euros for this fine tool, everybody. But he seems to be rolling in money, so no problem for our favourite cannibal.

2. Chroma Type 301 style by F. A. Porsche

• appear in various episodes as Hannibal’s kitchen knives .ೃ࿐

To be honest I really fell in love with the Spyderco Harpy and didn’t quite think anything could change that. But. When I tell you the design…omg. The Chroma Type 301 knife series was brought to life by F.A. Porsche (yup, the german car guy) and the chef of the decade, Jörg Wörther (austrian chef).

Japanese knives have achieved global recognition for their quality, as the Japanese hold a long tradition in metallurgy. The Japanese metallurgists have elevated the forging and sharpening of the blade into a form of art for hundreds of years, since the era of the notorious Katana swords. On the other hand, Europeans and Americans also make excellent knives, often characterized by superior ergonomics and design, but rarely distinguished for the hardness and sharpness of their blade.

The type 301 knife series by Chroma bridges the gap between Japanese tradition and the European design, this series standing out for its unique design and practical function. Porsche and Wörther closely worked together in order to develop the final shape of the handle, which is optimized for maximum usability. The result is a precision cutting tool. Each knife is carefully weighted to ensure perfect balance in the hand and in combination with the highly ergonomic handle, it feels like an extension of the user’s hand. The Chroma type 301 knives follow faithfully the Japanese philosophy, which dictates a knife to be lightweight and flexible. They are made of high-quality Japanese 301 steel, a relatively lightweight material which has a 56-58 hardness rating in the Rockwell hardness scale. This renders the type 301 knives harder than most of the non-Japanese knives and among the hardest knives within their price range. The increased hardness allows the knife to maintain its sharpness longer and also to slice better.Even though the Chroma type 301 knives are mass produced, they are carefully razorsharp sharpened by the hand of a master. Quality control is performed on one-to-one basis and not through random sampling. And by the way…did I mention the extraordinary design.

3. Kai Shun Knives

• appear in various episodes as Hannibal’s kitchen knives .ೃ࿐

Before Shun Cutlery was established in the western market, most people were used to heavy European-style kitchen knives. With Shun’s entry into the marketplace, home cooks and professional chefs alike were introduced to the lightweight precision of fine Japanese cutlery. Thinner blades, sharper edges, and lighter weight gave Shun a high-performance edge that the heavier knives couldn’t match. Each Shun still takes at least 100 handcrafted steps to complete and Shun remains true to its ancient heritage of quality. At the same time, Shun takes advantage of thoroughly modern, premium materials and state-of-the-art technology to provide that traditional quality to millions of professional chefs and avid home cooks throughout the world.

Today, Shun has become one of the most well-known names in kitchen cutlery. It has won awards for innovation and quality. It has been admired and emulated. With new styles, new materials, and an ongoing dedication to the spirit of innovation, Shun will continue to provide Japanese kitchen cutlery of outstanding beauty, impeccable precision, and the very highest performance.

4. Global Knives

• appear in various episodes as Hannibal’s kitchen knives .ೃ࿐

Global G Series knives are typically put together in what's called a three piece construction. The blade is stamped out of sheets of steel of a proprietary stainless steel alloy, while the two handles are created and welded together separately. The blade and handle are then welded together into one solid piece of stainless steel.

What makes these Global knives a bit unusual is that they start off empty. The blades are welded on without a tang and the handles are actually hollow. Instead, to maintain balance, they are filled with a very precise amount of sand.

Now it's quite unusual and you might just write this off as Japan being Japan and doing things differently because...well, they're Japan, but it seems to work very well for them.

The ability to inject a precise amount of weight (sand, in this case) as needed directly into the knife has led to them getting a reputation or having very precise and excellently balanced knives across their range of products.

That said, ergonomics are always personal.

Global G Series knives tend to feel very lightweight and evenly balanced. Some people tend to prefer a knife that is more weighted to the back for a firmer grip, or to the front for chopping action. This is the classic global knife version, but of course there are various other series one can discover. Unfortunately I am not able to tell the exact version Hannibal uses in the show by just watching...if anyone has an idea let me know!!!

[all-eyes-lead-to-the-truth]

All Eyes Lead to the Truth | The Beginning (6x01)

Make no mistake, Agent Fowley. Handle Mulder, or we will. 

The threat-laced promise shoots through Diana’s brain like a ricocheted bullet. While she pleads for Fox to accompany her in search of the entity, she runs a finger across the freshly healed gunshot wound on her ribcage. The ache serves as a harsh reminder. Her task is clear. 

And the stakes have never been higher. 

“I was given this assignment, Fox, okay?” she explains as he leaves Agent Scully’s side and marches up to Diana’s car to confront her. “They offered it to me. I took the chance…”

“I'm listening.”

“…To make sure someone served your interests. Someone who believes in the work.” If she has to pull on the thread of their shared paranormal past to reel him in, she will. “Hey, you and I found the X-Files together. Don't forget that.”

His suspicion spikes. “Who sent you?”

“I'm here on my own.” It’s a truth-coated lie. If she can’t persuade him to leave behind his partner and the most important eight-year-old weapon in their arsenal currently lying in their backseat, then Diana’s life won't be the only one on the line. 

“Why? To convince me of your noble intentions?”

“Listen to me.” An irritation rises that only years of practice arguing with stubborn men can elicit. “That thing is somewhere inside the Number Four reactor building. Now, we can let them find it and destroy it, or go find it ourselves. You need proof, Fox. You're so close.” Too close. Everyone knows it, especially Gibson Praise. “Why can't you see that?”

This is the first time they’ve spoken freely since his near-death escapade to the bottom of the earth, and for many reasons, Diana cannot risk his refusal now. She is prepared to do whatever it takes to handle him by steering his attention away from the boy to keep them safe. To urge Fox into an allied position under her watchful eye where he fully trusts her again. 

Her and only her. 

Fox hesitates as he stares at his waiting partner, then agrees. Diana exhales in relief as he folds himself into the passenger seat of her car. She glances at Agent Scully through the windshield as she throws the Taurus into reverse. Even in darkness, Diana can see big blue eyes brimming with vulnerability. 

***

Fox fidgets with the dirty ashtray as she turns onto the highway. “I quit smoking years ago. Same time as you, remember?”

He shrugs. ”Ya never know.”

“Well, I know you’re mad, and I know you don’t want to talk about the X-Files. But I also know you can’t move past this unless you have your say.”

“What else is there to say other than you really know how to twist a knife?” 

“I didn’t stab you in the back, Fox.”

“Agent Spender sitting at my desk says otherwise,” he retorts. “I want my ergonomic cushion back, by the way.” 

Her eyes roll. “Look, I fought for you to join me. Argued our unique expertise would be invaluable—”

“Fought for me to join you,” he huffs. “Thanks for the effort, but I have a partner.”

“You do,” Diana sighs. Dana Scully is a much larger problem than anyone could have anticipated. Fortunately for Diana, her new partner, Jeffrey, is as pretentious as he is pliable. “And I have no desire to argue about partners. But I’m here now, Fox. Let’s do what we do best and get proof.” 

She reaches out and places her palm atop Fox’s knee. He stares at it — her silent plea for him to listen. To believe her, like he’d done so easily before she’d left him and their marriage behind for secrets shrouded in cigarette smoke. 

He nods, “Okay.”

***

Minutes and miles fly by as she and Fox debate the details. Though their camaraderie is comforting, her duplicity is burdensome as she ruminates on how dangerous this familiar dance they’re doing is. But at the moment, she doesn’t give a damn. 

“You're not under the impression what we're looking for makes sense in any conventional way?” Diana prods.

“No,” he scoffs, a little awed at the bluntness of her unconventionality. “No, but it’s nice to hear someone else thinks it, too.”

Handle Mulder, or we will. 

The stark reminder pops their comfortable bubble of calm.

“Earlier, you wondered whose errands I was running,” Diana divulges. She suddenly feels the need to placate herself just as much as him tonight. “They’re my own, Fox.” 

He hums, considering her confession.

While it is true she’d naïvely made her own dangerous choices to get to where she is, sometimes lying to herself is easier than admitting free will is no longer hers without risk. God, how she’d wanted to be part of the Project back then — had reveled in its ground-breaking, para-scientific research when recruited out of Berlin. But now, watching as Fox’s trust in her grows, Diana feels a sharp stab of guilt slicing at her Syndicate-twisted ties. 

“There is risk seeking this thing out,” she warns. 

“Risk is my middle name,” he jokes, softening.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d believe you.”

He turns away and looks out the window. “You always did.” 

Her hands clench in time with her chest. 

The Syndicate is right about one thing, at least: Fox Mulder is dangerous. Yes, he’s emotionally damaged — partly because of her — and before seeing him again, she’d questioned whether she'd become emotionally numb in turn. But she cares about him deeply. And until recently, had nearly forgotten just how much. 

Dangerous, indeed. 

Under the security lights of the looming facility, Diana allows herself to indulge in Fox’s handsome features. This man loved her once. Maybe he could again. But will their past remain where they left it, or will history repeat itself?

Handle Mulder, or we will. 

“No matter the outcome, Fox, just remember that I’m protecting the work. Our work.”

For the first time in a long time, what Diana Fowley says feels like the truth. 

Read the rest of All Eyes Lead to the Truth on Archive of Our Own!

@monikafilefan

[maybeitsalivescribbles]

VH - The Notice

(TW: the worst, lamest knifeplay you’ve ever read)

Villain was angry, disappointed, and most of all, confused. Fortunately, nothing can clear the ideas up like a good notice. Unfortunately, this was the one they were reading:

Congratulations for your new purchase of the All-Cutting Tool™ ! The All-Cutting Tool™ combines the ancestral knowledge of mankind and the new * cutting edge * technologies by combining an elegant, comfortable, ergonomic wooden handle with a sharp stainless steel blade at the end. Simple and easy to use, the All-Cutting Tool™ will remind you that a problem with no solution doesn’t exist...as long as you have the right tool by your side ! In the comfort of your own home, connect with your ancestors by cutting your belongings with your own hands , and feel the life force you have taken from a piece of wood, a steak, a mighty carrot or your own foes !

“Yeah, yeah, a lot of meaningless stuff, what I want to know is how to deal with problems with the product – cutting objects, cutting food, cutting remarks – ah there we go, cutting your foes, section D.”

Caution ! This usage is widely considered illegal. The All-Cutting Tool™ Company does not condone acts of violence. As such you won’t be refunded in case of misuse.

“Aw man, of course the guarantee won’t work. They count on it, the bastards.”

Warning ! Most people are reluctant at the idea of being cut up. Before beginning, if your victim is alive, make sure it’s tied up for your own security. You risk to be severely injured if it can move. For more security, think to add a gag or even a blindfold (see our other products on our website).

The process is similar to cutting meat, as it is more or less the same fabric. The main difference is that if the victim is alive, it’s likely to be squeakier and twitchier. For a precise cut, secure the place you want to stab. (See 1b, 1c, 1d). Maybe write an x on the skin or something. We don’t judge. If you want to hit a lethal part of the body, stab these parts (see 2a, b, c, d).

Warning ! If you hit a lethal part, your victim won’t be able to move or to make a sound anymore (except the occasional aaaargh, maybe). This action can’t be reversed and should be reserved for experienced users. Think wisely. Also it’s illegal (for related problems, contact our lawyers).

To cut your victim, take your All-Cutting Tool™ by the handle. Take a deep breath. Look at the body part you want to aim. Think of fun One-Liners to say at this moment (for ideas, you can consult the forum on our website). Then strike (use your shoulder muscles, not your wrist so you don’t damage your joints). The pointy part of the tool should interact with the meaty part of the victim with enough strength to pierce the skin. Bleeding should ensue. If not, repeat the same movement at the same place until the expected result.

“Yeah, but that’s the problem, assholes ! The expected result is...never mind. Let’s try one more time, shall we ?”

Hero shrugged as much as a proper tied-up foe could shrug. Villain carefully put the notice away, took their shining new tool in their hand, and then, their lips pursed in concentration, recited:

“So, the pointy end towards the victim... I aim at a fun body part, let’s say kidneys...the impulse is coming from the shoulder and here goes nothing -”

They struck with all their strength in a move that would have made any notice writer proud, except the result. The blade did hit the skin as intended, but then it bounced, making a sound like this:

“Zdiiiiiiiingbonnng”

“Aw, come on !”

They shook the blade to no effect. With a skilled tongue movement that would have made many an eyebrow arch, Hero could finally get rid of his gag with which he was struggling since a while, and said:

“May I explain ?”

“I’d rather you’d bled.”

“Yeah, but it won’t happen.”

“But why ? This All-Cutting Tool™ is new !”

Hero slipped a hand out of his bonds to rub the bridge of his nose.

“It’s a knife. It’s literally a knife. Listen, my deal is that I’m actually a vampire. Hypnotism, super strength, super durability, the whole package.”

“Okay, but -”

“I’m supposed to pass myself as a victim so I can see how you act.”

“Right - “

“I swear that usually I’m smooth. But then I told you to get the notice for the knife – a fucking knife – and it was supposed to be banter, you know -”

“Uh-uh -”

“-But then you’ve actually read it out loud with a straight face -”

“Yeah -”

“-And then I’ve lost all hope about this mission. So here’s the deal: I’m going to bring you down, you will not resist and I won’t tell anyone what happened.”

“Fine. Fair enough.”

*

Vampire Hero is now a recurring character. His job is to troll current villains. Check the Vampire Hero Masterlist or Tag for more snippets with him.

Or back to Hero x Villain Masterlist.

[indeedcaptain]

Spirktober 2023, day 20: Protect

Protective!Spock is my favoriteeeeee <3 so here we go!!

Also posted on AO3 here!

☆☆☆

Starfleet, in its infinite wisdom, had changed the design of the cutlery in the mess halls, and Kirk hated the new ones.

They were balanced differently, they were less ergonomic, and --- as he bent down to regather the knife that had slipped down off his plate onto the floor for the third time in as many days --- they refused to stay where they were placed. 

He returned to upright to see Uhura and Bones staring in states of shock at Spock, seated next to him. Spock placidly spooned plomeek soup into his mouth and gave no indication that he was aware of their attention. He finished his meal, slid his spoon into the bowl, and stood. “I will be in Laboratory 7 for the remainder of Alpha shift,” he said. “Good-bye.” 

“Bye, Spock,” Uhura said faintly, and she and Bones watched him leave with that same slightly dazed look. 

“Alright,” Kirk said. “That’s enough. Why are you looking at him like that?”

Bones and Uhura looked at each other before answering, which was never a good sign. Uhura must have won whatever argument they were silently having, because it was Bones who sighed and said, “Jim, have you ever noticed that Spock is slightly… overprotective?” 

Kirk started. “Now, I wouldn’t call it over-protective,” he said, shifting in his seat. “He’s loyal. He’s a Vulcan. The ship and her crew are his responsibility, as first officer.” 

“Not with the crew, captain,” Uhura said. “It’s really just with you.” 

“I don’t think so,” he said. “Mr. Spock is the best first officer in the Fleet. Everyone says so. Protective? Sure. But we seem to get into trouble more than most, so that’s probably for the best.” 

Bones and Uhura exchanged another glance. “If you say so, captain,” Uhura said, and they finished the rest of their meal in relative peace. Kirk had nearly forgotten about the exchange until his padd pinged with a message from Bones as he was preparing to lay down for the night. 

>TheRealMcCoy: just saying

>TheRealMcCoy: [Attachment: securityfile3214-25.gif]

Kirk tapped on the gif and it opened. It was a looping video that Bones must have pulled from the security feed, or bribed someone else to pull, more likely. It showed a black and white view of the officer’s mess hall. Kirk saw the square table where he, Bones, Uhura, and Spock had shared lunch earlier in the day. He watched himself set down his knife, which promptly slid backwards off his plate and bounced to the ground. He saw himself bend over sideways to grab at it, ducking his head down beneath the level of the table. 

He saw Spock lean over and cover the corner of the table with his hand. He saw himself come back up, and as his head cleared the edge of the table he saw Spock straighten back up and return his hand to its standard position in his lap. 

Kirk sat down on his bed, expanded the .gif to fill his whole screen, and watched it again. He leaned down to grab the knife and Spock covered the sharp corner of the table with his hand until his head was safely away from it. He watched the .gif over and over again, memorizing the little protective gesture of Spock’s that he hadn’t even noticed at the time but was now immortalized in the security footage. Spock hadn’t even turned his head to look at Kirk before moving to cover the corner. How frequently had this happened? How many of these moments had Uhura and Bones seen that he hadn’t? 

>JTK: Huh 

>JTK: Okay

>JTK: I still don’t think it counts as OVER protective 

>JTK: does this happen a lot?? 

>TheRealMcCoy: the good lord gave you your own eyeballs 

>TheRealMcCoy: how about you use them

“Computer, lights to zero,” he said. He lay in the darkness, trying to sleep, unable to wipe the sight of Spock’s hand sliding over the table’s corner out of his mind. 

☆☆☆ 

Kirk watched his first officer carefully over the next few weeks, and it was an enlightening experience. Nothing in Spock’s behavior or demeanor had changed, but Uhura’s comment of “it’s really just with you” had latched in his brain and reframed how he saw the little quirks of Spock’s protectiveness. They sparred in the gym and, even though Spock threw him, Spock’s hand was behind his head before he hit the ground. They ate lunch in the mess hall and Spock inserted himself in the seat between him and the security officer with a peanut butter sandwich. And, without fail, when the new shitty knives slid off his plate and he had to retrieve them, Spock’s hand was between his head and the table’s edge every time. 

How had he never noticed this before? The Enterprise, when flying on her own, was not a particularly dangerous place. And yet almost every time he encountered something that was slightly hazardous to himself, Spock was there. Each observation warmed him. His stoic, unfeeling, deeply Vulcan first officer was protective of him. He still wasn’t sure if he would call it over-protective, though. 

Kirk did keep a small collection of .gifs on his padd when he could get the security video discreetly. He liked the proof. 

☆☆☆ 

Kirk thought that there was a slight possibility that Spock was a little overprotective of him when he went missing for only a few hours --- alright, was kidnapped like a damsel --- on an away mission and Spock went, according to all reports, absolutely berserk. His first introduction to this idea was Spock ripping the door to his cell clean off its hinges. He threw it behind him, where it hit the wall of the corridor with an almighty clanging, and stepped inside. Kirk stared at him from where he sat on the cot in the corner. Spock stared at him, chest heaving, face flushed green, and as he registered Kirk’s unharmed state and general air of relaxation his breath slowed until he was very nearly back to his normal appearance. 

“Hello there, Mr. Spock,” Kirk said, slightly bewildered. 

“Captain,” Spock said, inclining his head. He straightened his uniform shirt and clasped his hands behind his back. “I’m gratified to see that you are well. I believe you are free to go.” 

“Thank you, Mr. Spock,” he said, rising from the cot. “You were able to negotiate with the rogue faction?” 

“Yes, captain,” Spock said, and turned to follow Kirk out of the cell. “I found that they were willing to acquiesce to my demands rather quickly.” 

“That’s good, very good,” Kirk said distractedly as they walked down the hallway. He did not see any sign of his security team, and there were unconscious guards lying solo or in piles at regular intervals along the hall and down the stairs. He recognized his kidnappers from their clothing among the guards, but they were also all unconscious. 

“What, ah, negotiation tactics did you use, Mr. Spock?” Kirk asked as they ascended the stairs into the front hall and reunited with some red-shirted security officers. They stood around with their arms crossed, phasers holstered, and they gave no indication of having participated in any sort of strenuous activity. What had their role been in the fight with the guards…?

“Vulcan ones, captain,” Spock said, and if he noticed that the security officers stared at him with an interesting mix of respect and horror, he gave no outward indication. 

“Ah,” Kirk said. “That’s… good.” He had a feeling he could guess what Vulcan negotiating tactics were, but he reserved judgment until he had received mission reports from his other officers. Spock walked alongside him with his usual reserve, and as he was now free from the cell he had formerly been trapped within, Kirk found that he had no complaints of however Spock chose to negotiate on his behalf. 

On the ship, in his quarters, he read over the reports from his security team, which varied from professional to unfortunately creative, in mounting disbelief. 

First Officer Spock proved the efficacy of the Vulcan art of Suus Mahna in about thirty seconds… 

Science Officer Spock kicked down the door to the building and then neutralized the entire kidnapping party… 

Mr. Spock in combat is, in my professional opinion, somewhat of a demon… 

God help the man who gets between Spock and the captain. 

Kirk pressed his intercom button. “Mr. Spock, could you please come to my quarters for a moment?” 

“Yes, captain.” Spock’s response came immediately, and the man himself appeared in Kirk’s doorway about twenty seconds later. “How can I help you, captain?” 

Kirk handed the padds with the security reports to Spock and sat back down in his desk chair. “Could you please review these and let me know your thoughts on their accuracy?” 

Spock raised one eyebrow at him, but said, “Certainly, captain.” He stood in front of Kirk’s desk and methodically skimmed over each report. He set them down one by one until his hands were empty, and then he clasped them behind his back. 

“I believe these reports to be mostly accurate, if unfortunately unobjective,” Spock said. 

Kirk blinked. “So you did kick the door down.”

“Yes, captain.” 

“And you refused to wait for the security detail.” 

“I did not need them, captain.” 

“And you neutralized the entire threat before ripping my cell door off the hinges.” 

“I believe you witnessed the second part firsthand, captain.” 

“I see,” Kirk said, and covered his hand with his mouth to hide his smile. When he had regained control of his face and looked suitably serious, he said, “Mostly accurate? What in the reports is false?” 

Spock straightened the pile of padds on the desk in front of him, forcing them into perfect alignment. “I do not believe there is a god in this universe that could help the man that stood between us. Good night, captain.” He turned on his heel and left, leaving Kirk gaping at the space he had left behind. He looked back at the stack of padds on his desk to his closed door once more, replaying Spock’s departing words to him in his head.

“I’ll be damned,” Kirk said. He had never been one for pick-up lines, and he wasn’t even sure if that was one, necessarily, but… that was one hell of a pick-up line. He made copies of the security reports and added them to his little folder of proof and if he smiled to himself while he washed his hair in the shower then it was nobody’s business but his own. 

[rissalikelisaart]

9 Tips for Crocheting with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

I've had a lot of people ask me for advice on crocheting with EDS, so I've made a list of tips that work for me!

1. Take breaks. Often.

Taking breaks and checking in with your posture and hands can help immensely to reduce injury.

2. Find the right tension for you

You may need to size hooks up or down to make gauge for a project, but don’t force a tension that feels wrong in your hands.

3. Use accessibility tools when you need them. 

Braces, compression gloves, ring splints, tension rings, and ergonomic handles can be life savers! 

4. If it hurts, stop. 

Seems like such obvious advice, but those of us with EDS are really used to pushing through pain to do things. However, make sure to stop if you feel any pain and take a break/check in with your posture/assess if you need to use any of your accessibility tools before you continue.

5. Focus on keeping your hands neutral. 

Soften your grip to not hyperextend. This is really hard to start, but the more you practice, the easier it gets!

6. It might be beneficial to hold your hook like a knife, not a pencil

Everyone’s body is different, so pencil grip might work well for you, but I’ve noticed that using the pencil grip makes it more likely for me to hyperextend my DIP joints!

7. Find what yarn/hooks work for you

You may need to experiment with what size yarn and hooks are best for your hands. If holding thin yarn is difficult to do without pain, then you may need to focus on projects that use thicker yarn or vice versa.

8. Be realistic with your limitations

If you know that you can only work an hour or so pain free at a time, don’t commit yourself to making an entire project in a day. Be realistic on what you can and can’t do to avoid injury.

9. Don’t be afraid to frog. 

If a project is too much, don’t force yourself to finish it, just frog it! Recognizing when you’re utilizing the sunk cost fallacy is important, don’t force yourself to finish a project just because you already put in a lot of work. Your body is more important than any project!

[blade-tips]

Please check out this cool knife available on bladetips.net. knife name: “Ripper Razor”

[charring58]

Look no further! This ergonomically designed 10" draw knife (AKA Draw Shave) is made with 4130 steel for superior long-lasting