nick lefort
208 articles

Nick LeFort

Title: Contributing Writer
Email: ragged@rmkw.net
Location: Middletown, Connecticut, USA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlefortrv/

Expertise

  • Topics of Expertise: Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Knives and Tools, Knifemaking, Mechanical Engineering, Product Development, Marketing Strategy, Roof Racks and Accessories, Off-Roading, Overlanding, Being a dad
  • Years of Expertise: 25+

Education and Certifications

  • Education: Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing, Minors in Native American Studies and American History
  • Years of Writing: 25
  • Certifications: SolidWorks Certified Mechanical Design Professional, Cicerone Certified Beer Server
  • Clubs or Association Memberships: Overland Bound, Member #2183
  • Awards or Recognitions: Being a father to two of the most amazing people on the planet
  • Previous Publications: Gear Institute

A Word From Nick LeFort

I am a contributing writer for GearJunkie and make guest appearances in a handful of other outdoor and craft beer publications. I am also the author of my own blog, The Tribe of Flannel, and part-owner of Ragged Mountain Knife Works.

I have been writing for over 30 years but spent 10 years writing professionally about knives and tools, off-roading, overlanding, and outdoor living. Prior to GearJunkie, I was the Director of Knife and Tool Testing for Gear Institute.

Based in Connecticut, I am an avid wanderer and love spending as much time as possible in the outdoors with my two daughters. That includes doing my best to find all the best muddy ruts throughout New England to see if I can ever get my 4th Gen 4Runner stuck. So far, so good.

In 2017, I helped open a brewery in Connecticut and am an avid supporter of local breweries and helping them market themselves successfully in a real bear of a market.


benchmade dacian fixed blade knife review

The Best Survival Knives of 2026

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Best Work Boots Review & Guide

Wilderness Guide ‘23 next to colorful climbing ropes and outdoor gear

A DPx Gear HEST/F 4.0 folding knife lies open on a rock

man holding work sharp folding sharpener and hatchet

ozark trail 7.5in knife

A packed hiking backpack with an axe and carabiner rests on rocky ground

Knife with a brown handle beside a bowl of red berries on a wooden surface

sennheiser momentum sport earbuds

crater blue benchmade shootout otf knife balancing on a watermelon

BioLite Charge 100 Max power bank

Close-up of a Benchmade knife with a firestarter and wood shavings

Stainless steel helix-shaped tumbler lying on its side on a wooden surface next to a Tumbler knife sharpener

close up of weber traveler 22 griddle

Back to Basics Knife Sharpening: Sharp Pebble 1000/6000 Whetstone Review

packed fjallraven kajka 35 pack next to a car, surrounded by essential outdoor gear ready for an adventure.

cjrb hectare knife rope and cardboard

Acebeam X75 flashlight - Bulb Layout

SENCUT Traxler knife A Cut Above

Benchmade Mini Bushcrafter - Stabbed into wood

Rugged, Refined, and Recraftable: Danner Mountain 600 EVO Hiking Boots Review

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filson oil finish single tin cloth pant review

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vosteed griffin knife review

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the fox knives chillin folding blade