SecondIron's Blog

Sharpening Iron to Live Second

Happy Father’s Day, Every Day

Ever meet someone that is adopted and wonder what it was like to be them on days like today? Being “Father’s Day” there is much that is implied with the word Father. The true definition is “ a man in relation to his natural child or children.” So if you were born into this world and abandoned by your biological father, should you not celebrate “father’s day?” There are many men that happen to have a biological relationship with their children that come nowhere near being a father. They just happen to have played 50% in the creation but not always the development of the child. In my case, 100% of my biological relationships walked out on me as a child. After spending the first few years of my life in foster care, finally, I was adopted. Adoption is not all that it is cracked up to be through. Even then I really never understood what having a father meant. It was the relationship a boy looks for in his father, that was still something I sought. Don’t get me wrong, I had a dad and a mom, who both took care of my necessities like clothing, food, and shelter, things many people take for granted. Yet, a father seemed to still be something or someone that I was missing. I can remember clear as day when I had acted up and spouted off and talked back to my dad. The words rang in my ears for days, months, years after. “I am your father, […]

Every Man needs a Band of Brothers

Men as they grow older, usually lose a great number of their childhood friends. If we are fortunate enough to get married, many times we leave our drinking buddies, college pals behind. Lately, some of my own brothers have been taken home way too soon. At some point, adult males begin to long for the fellowship of their brothers. Our work, our wives, and our hobbies are no longer enough to feel fulfilled in our journey. There is something to be said for a group of men that can share life together. I am not talking about a bunch of guys that sit around drinking beer every night after work instead of going home. Nor am I speaking of those that gather to belittle or pass judgment on others as they stroke their own egos. I am talking about the kind of brothers that you can lock shields with and fight the battles we face on this earth together. “Brothers don’t necessarily have to say anything to each other – they can sit in a room and be together and just be completely comfortable with each other.” It’s been a couple of years now since I found a couple of groups of brothers to lean into. One group is a spin-off of a bigger Facebook group I belong too. It was developed as a safe place for guys to share and well be guys. The other group is founded on 5 core principles or in this case stones with the foundation set around the story […]

Think You Know How to Get a Close Shave (Review)

There is something visceral about having a razor scrape clean across your neck as you get a close shave. Leaving the skin smooth as butter, yet one slip and imminent death. It used to be that men would go to the local barbershop for a shave. Putting our trust in another man as he puts a straight razor to your neck took courage. One slip and your jugular would become exposed. All you have to do is watch most any old western to see what I mean. Recently I came across a product made here locally in Jacksonville that gives a similar type shave. I shave normally alternating between my electric razor and a disposable depending on the kind of shave I want. One thing about disposables I took for granted was the shaving cream I used. I looked for the cost efficient way of keeping things clean. That is until now. I was at the Riverside Arts Market a couple of Saturdays ago. As I perused the usual wares of homemade items, produce and mostly goods geared towards women. I stumbled across a merchant tents that caught my eye. Mancanics, shaving products for men. A bit skeptical I stepped in under their tent and looked around. After spending several minutes talking to the founder Corey and learning about his line of masculine goods. He educated me on the importance of the proper blend of ingredients, such as essential oils that went into making his line of products. I left the market with some all […]