I test gear and clothing so you don't have to. This is not a place to look at brand new gear. I take it to the field and use it, then give you my honest opinion. If it is junk I will tell you. If it is the best thing since sliced bread I will clue you in on that to.
I have been getting a steady stream of gear in the last few weeks. This is goo and bad. Good because I love gear, bad cause I am getting poorer by the minute. My biggest purchase has been a new pack. Been lookin for a good pack for a few years now. I have tried a bunch. I hope this is the "one".
This Karrimor is a beast!!
I have also received a few different types of pouches. These are the MK-7 EDC pouches from 20$Bandit.
Along the same line is this sweet little map case from Lucky 1-2 Sutlery.
I got news that I will be getting another really cool item to give away in the near future.
About a moth ago I was asked to do a review of the Strike Master Survival Tool. I will not lie, I am usually not to keen on combo firesteels. But, I agreed to do it. I told Jeff that I was going to be very honest, he understood where I was coming from and sent me 3 of these fire starters for free to test. He also sent me some history.
Charlie Hutchens is the maker of these. His dad and him started selling
firestarters at the Portland Saturday Market in 1981. Gun shows,
survival expos, and sportsman's shows were all worked up until Charlie's
dad passed in 1995. Charlie now strictly does the Saturday market, and a
small handful of sportsman's shows.
They come in 3 sizes. I used the mid-sized one, and I am going to give away the other 2.
I was used to using the magnesium on the Doans bar. That is about a miserable experience. I was very surprised at how easily the mag shaved. Now here is my problem with magnesium, I feel it makes people think they can use marginal tinders. This is a very bad practice to adopt. I tested some wet dead grass with the mag.
It smoked like crazy then went out.
I also used some damp Cedar bark.
I had a much better result. Bottom line is that marginal tinders should not be used when a fire counts. Just my opinion.
I really love the firesteels on these units. They are not mishmetal. They are just like the Light My Fire type, which is my favorite. It works great on shavings.
You can also scrape the African hardwood handle to produce a ready to light tinder. You can also see that the scraper which is provided is not a piece of crappy hacksaw blade. It is thicker and ground to a 90 degree angle which scrapes well.
I also used this to light my new MSR Universal.
Bottom line, if you like using magnesium you will love this product. For ordering and pricing check out this thread at Bushcraft USA.
Now for the giveaway. just post a comment on this entry. This is what I will send you.
If you are a member of Bushcraft USA, post your screen name and I will enter you twice. Good luck.
Had a really great time last weekend teaching a survival class for 88 Tactical. Got a lot of shelter and firecraft practice in. Had about 20 people in camp. This means I was very, very busy. I did not take a lot of gear pictures but I did get some.
I got my Don Rehmke drop point some good field time. While I was walking the creek at camp I found some Red Mulberry root that was exposed. It is a great cordage resource.
The shelter of choice was a free standing A frame. This is a great pic of one of the guys after he got it completed.
We also built a real nice natural shelter. Came out great.
I got a chance to shoot this new offering from Glock. I am no expert on pistols but it is very cool. I was up at 88 Tactical to set up for my class and Shea said shoot away. Pretty neat little gun.
I have been busy packing for a class this weekend at 88 Tactical. Teaching these type of classes is where a lot of my real world testing comes into play. If I have wet cold students, I am using this gear to make fires,drying racks, and fast shelters. If it is time to feed them there is food to prep, wood to gather, and utensils to make. I think you can see where I am coming from. I have taken a few pics of just a small amount of the gear I am taking.
I am going old school for my pack this weekend. This Kelty has been around a long time. I saved it from a dumpster, sawed the frame down, and did a bunch of repairs and small mods. It has seen a bunch of miles.
Sleeping gear is pretty simple. MSS and a therma rest.
Gonna be a great weekend. It was supposed to be a Winter Survival class, but temps will be to nice for that. So, we will make due with what Ma Nature gives us. Hope to do a video. See ya next week!!!
Congrats to Barbarossa4U, former US Army. is the winner. Send me your mailing addy and I will get the kit out to you in a few days. FYI I am teaching a class this weekend and I have a lot on my plate right now. so be patient.
Well folks I am sending a brand new piece of steel to DCM over at Bushcraft USA tomorrow. Sorry I have not been postin for the last couple of days. Gonna get out for a while tomorrow. Also I will be posting up the winner of the Ti Heavy Cover Canteen set up on Tuesday. Stay cool fools!!!
