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The most popular reviews in /r/Bushcraft:
The classic Companion is a sore dick deal - you just can't beat it!!
Heyo,
I posted a kit picture a while back and one of the items in my photo was a mini dutch oven. It can probably only hold about a pint or so and weighs 2.1 pounds. People always have opinions on what items I have in my kit, but unless I am on a super long trek with many miles and days, I ALWAYS bring this thing. It is small enough to nest inside my pot/cooking kit, so it doesn't take up additional pack space, just extra weight.
One aspect of bushcrafting I love is cooking over a fire. That can seem pretty limiting, because baking isn't easy to do over a fire. I've used regular sized dutch ovens many times before, but one day I was browsing cookware and saw this beaut. For only $10 I had to give it a go. It took a bit of time perfecting how to use it, but I can fairly consistently make correctly (cooked through but not burnt) baked items with it. I've done cake, brownies, beer bread, and so on. Basically anything that doesn't have active yeast (though I'm sure it could be done).
Why am I sharing? Because I cannot express the glee it gives me having hot baked goods on the trail. Warm bread does wonders for the soul, especially on a brisk night.
Here's a picture of the biscuit broken into two and the steam pouring out of it ;)
https://imgur.com/gallery/BQDDDjQ
EDIT: Forgot to mention how easy these biscuits are to make... I buy a small bag of this Bisquick batter at the store, its enough to make three biscuits that are about 3in in diameter and 1.5in tall. All you do is add water and mix it up! Easy to make and clean up!
I basically want to repeat what you said. I'd say use the spoon in practical application. Seriously, use it to make and eat food.
My first thought was that it's too straight. If you're going to put in a bowl, the spoon won't stay full because of the angle you're trying to scoop with.
Second, the round handle isn't great for grip, you'll most likely have a chopstick style hold on it while using it and that isn't very comfortable after a while. You can obviously still flatten the handle, maybe a thick rectangular shape would feel better.
I have a similar spoon from a Christmas gift I received years ago, all Pampered Chef stuff. I truly enjoy using these while camping. So I'd personally just copy the designs if I had the carving skill you seem to possess.
I use a caribiner on each shoulder strap to connect to loops I created on my binocular neckstrap. This keeps the weight of the binocs off my neck and barely adds anything to my shoulders. Basically something like these. https://www.amazon.com/Connector-Binocular-Backpack-Anywhere-Install/dp/B019Z6B378 but cheaper and using the strap that is already connected to the binoculars.
Edit: Just realized this is the Bushcraft subreddit not Hiking. So this isn't exactly bushcraft but still a handy little trick for those of you that carry binoculars for hunting/birding/whatever.
I carry a 26" axe for taking out dead trees, but I use a fold-able saw to process the wood to use for a fire. If you're cheap like me than this inexpensive folding saw will be perfect. It's super sharp, and can rip through wood fast.
Wool blankets aren't cheap in general. You can check military surplus stores, maybe Goodwill. I've gotten some good deals at rendezvous in Wisconsin.
Here is a decent option.
Look for "scout carry" style sheaths.
Or, get something like a tec lock that you can adjust to suit your needs.
Alternatively, if you find a knife you really like and want a leather scout style sheath made, and are willing to pay shipping from the states, PM me. Here is a dangler style sheath I just made.
Ibuprofen and benadryl probably, I get headaches and aches/pains pretty regularly and bouts of insomnia a lot.
Last time I had an actual injury in the woods, it was gauze and tape. If you have any sort of injury needing dressing you will be happy you brought lots of both.
Also, I would strongly recommend putting a compact headlamp like this in your kit. For me anyway, lots of times I'm camping at festivals or large groups where the whole area is lit with patio torches, so often times I'm wandering around camps and I don't even bother to bring a light because I can see fine to get around. On those occasions where someone needed some first aid, it's really nice to just have a light in your kit instead of having to find the kit and a light.
Another item I think most people don't pack but I recommend is a large bore needleless syringe. Perfect for spraying water into a wound for cleaning before applying a dressing. It would be best to dispose of a syringe after using once but if you had to sanitize one for reuse you'd want to draw up boiling water into it and flush back out several times.
Those old Russian ponchos that doubled as tents, you can find them on Amazon.
The Gods of Bushcraft smile upon you this day!
The BBC just happen to be rerunning the "Ray Mears's Northern Wilderness" series.
The video in particular is The Unknown Pioneer and the firesteel technique is shown at 04:15.
I've screen capped it here: https://imgur.com/a/hdxgucX
When I file axes, it is a guesstimate with occasionally checking with an angle guage. For 15 degrees I aim for about 1/8-1/16 inches above the eye of my small forest axe while 17 degrees is between 1/2 to 1/4 inches above the eye. For the secondary bevel, I gently backfile the edge with a fine file aiming about 1in above the eye then stone the edge with a 120-600 grit stone. The angles just have to be in the ball park for a good work ax, and I find that my best guesstimate is typically good enough.
No personal experience with it (yet) but I've put a bit of research into this Ektos 80 percent blanket on Amazon and with the exception of some shedding it appears to be a great blanket.
Unissued 1984 warehouse stored Soviet sapper entrenching tool! Contrary to popular believe this was not a “special” forces shovel and was issued to all branches of Russian forces, not just the spetsnaz! I’ve been waiting on this for several weeks. Uncovered this gem on amazon and there is only 7 left!
Simply can not wait to put an edge on this baby and put it to work!
The locals here often used steam bent hooks or carved them out of knots. Check out Indian Fishing by Hilary Stewart (Amazon Link) for a neat read and some good photography. The locals spent lots of time on their gear and did a lot of weir work too.
Edit: forgot a "T"
This book got me through 4 years of forestry classes. I highly recommend it as a stand alone field guide for trees in the eastern US. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/native-trees-of-the-southeast-l-katherine-kirkman/1100001723?ean=9780881928280&pcta=n&st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Core+Shopping+Textbooks_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP186&k_clickid=3x186
Have you ever used a shotgun before? Or know you can replace it with a pistol grip? I know many people that are guides in Alaska who use this setup. For someone who is trying me to shoot more, I doubt you shoot more in video games than me.
Yeah, it's making some of my favourite YouTubers harder and harder to watch. I already have to for some reason put up with them pushing NordVPN or some trash mobile game, now I also have to put up with them pushing gear, often garbage, in my face too.
I'm loving the silent type guys more and more (Bertram for example.) because they simply don't try to shove anything down your throat, and often are the actual makers of their tools (which in itself is freakin cool!)
This isn't the brand I bought, but its similar. Unfortunately, the the link to the one I have doesn't show up on my order it again page. If you search "EDC waterproof box" or EDC storage containers you'll find all kinds of boxes, capsules, and the like.
There is no more complete homesteading guide than the foxfire series.
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Collection-Anniversary-Editions-Anniversay/dp/B00MRH3RYU
Honestly, the entry level Mora is a great all-around fixed blade. I have one on my desk that I've had for almost 6 years, and a couple others kicking around in my gear.
I do some leather work and can help you out getting started.
The nice thing about getting into leather work is your sheaths and other gear will be limited only by your imagination. You can make anything, perfectly designed and fitted to suit your needs.
Pretty much every piece of leather gear I've made for myself is still going strong. I honestly can't think of anything I've made that has broken over time. Actually, there was my axe sheath I made, I accidentally cut through the welt when I was using the other side as a hammer. Took it home and fixed it.
I highly recommend watching Ian Atkinson on YouTube. He has stellar videos teaching you all the ins and outs of leather work. I recommend going to Amazon and spending a little money on a basic leatherwork kit. Having proper tools and having a basic understanding of leather craft will have you WAY ahead of the game.
As far as what my specific sheaths and other types of gear are like, they're all different but usually functionally pretty basic with some very light aesthetic elements. I like to keep it simple.
Not with Silky or Bahco. However, Opinel does have one you should look into. It's also in the $35 range, I believe.
Look up the Opinel No 12 saw. Amazon currently has them for the price I mentioned. They are great tools, but, just like the Silkys, the blade can snap if you're not careful.
https://www.amazon.com/Opinel-Folding-Saw-Gardening-Beechwood/dp/B07WHHRSQ5
> give you a clear idea
As a search through reddit posts against my username would show, I have posted extensively about UK knife law over the past 12 months.
Whilst there will be changes when the new act is brought in, at the moment I have nothing to add to u/CornedBeefKey 's explanation.
Read it, and weep for UK Bushcraft
For those interested in the legalities, the final reading in the House of Lords is due 19.03.2019.
Their amendments as they currently stand can be read on this PDF:
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/lbill/2017-2019/0162/18162.pdf
To be fair, given the public concern about knife attacks/deaths in the UK, the Lords haven't done a bad job in looking over the mess that the Commons handed them. In particular they have brought in controls over a particular type of blade, the spiral multi-edged ones, and although I'm against the degree of control to the proposed extent, and despite my interest in blades, I struggle to find a valid, non-offensive, use for such.
This is the sort of thing: M48 Cyclone Tri-Edged Spiraling Dagger
The back yard can work. Joerg Sprave has 2.93M subscribers, for example. He shoots crossbows, etc in his yard.
Your idea could work. People could find it interesting or watch for the information. (If they wanted to build their own bow, etc). Also, your personality is more important than the location or backdrop.
I watched the test footage. The video could work. The audio is a problem. I would want the mic to be much closer to you. I would recommend this one if it's compatible with your camera- https://www.amazon.com/SGC-598-Photography-Interview-Microphone-Interface/dp/B00HE9G3UQ It's the TAKSTAR SGC-598. You can also get a "dead cat" wind screen for it I'm not sure what that noise was in your video. If it was traffic noise, then the Takstar mic is directional and might not pick it up as much. If it's wind, the dead cat helps a lot. Right now the background noise is louder than your voice.
There's a really interesting crossover between Bushcraft - especially as understood in Europe - and things like Woodcraft Chivalry from which a lot of neopagan practices evolved.
Alongside that, the Kindred of the Kibbo Kift, played a part, having seceded (or expelled depending on your perspective!) from the Scouting movement.
Long before that - especially in Europe - the day-to-day integration between observance of nature, Observance as ritual, and surviving and thriving in the natural environment, is very clear to those who study the matter.
The Golden Bough: A Study of Magic and Religion by James George Frazer is one of many possible starting points on that particular journey.
their backpacks...here are two i have been thinking about.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2015-New-50L-Waterproof-Outdoor-Sport-Hiking-Camping-Travel-Backpack-Pack-Mountaineering-Climbing-Knapsack-with-Rain/32734642694.html
paracord is also much cheaper as well.
i enjoy using aliexpress, most items are much less expensive plus i do not mind the longer wait times, i am truly surprised when stuff arrives. ii have had many problems which always work themselves out but a pattern for these problems has been non establish accounts and or a order history with the product i am buying.
Many moons ago u/psilokan pointed (pun!) me at awls, and I kept the reference to hand:
Samuel Hearne who was robbed by Indians while searching for the great west passage and one of the few things they left him with was an awl to repair his shoes and clothes, they considered it a death sentence to leave him without one.
> villains [ ... ] he and the rest of his companions (six in number) had all my treasure spread on the ground. One took one thing, and another another, till at last nothing was left but the empty bag, which they permitted me to keep. At length, considering that, though I was going to the Factory, I should want a knife to cut my victuals, an awl to mend my shoes, and a needle to mend my other clothing, they readily gave me these articles, though not without making me understand that I ought to look upon it as a great favour.
Hmm. Please don't be offended if you were already aware of this, but Mora only makes small knives. So you really won't find a general purpose/utility/Bush Mora with a blade over 4.5 inches, maybe 5 inches tops. Their best selling knife is the Morakniv Classic No 2/0 Wood Handle Utility Knife with Carbon Steel Blade, 2.9-Inch It has a 2.9 inch blade and a nice wood handle. No bolster though, but according to many who own one, it isn't an issue. I've owned the Mora Companion (since lost it) and was so impressed with it that I told all my friends, even those who don't spend too much time outdoors, to get a nice carbon steel Mora, and after seeing mine, most of them did. I never heard of the Anza, but I'll definitely have to check it out. Good luck finding your ideal companion blade, ultimately it almost always comes down to personal preference.
January 7, 2007 Archive.org took a snapshot of WildSurvive.com that has a forum called
"Bushcraft and Wilderness Survival in General". The section that forum is in is titled
"Wild Survive - Primitive Bushcraft and Survival Topics".
WildSurvive.com is owned by someone in the US. (IL US 61544)
Just an example of a Bushcraft forum in use (from within the US)
before BushcraftUSA.com or Bushcraft USA LLC.
I really like the idea. You could maybe use http://elgg.org/
I played with elgg briefly -- seemed promising. You could host it yourself or use one of the hosting providers they suggest.
I believe there are other options as well, but I'm not as familiar with them.
> it's someone helping out the community with a "hey, here's something I discovered!"
Well I didn't discover it. ~~It was someone here in this sub talking about the 3V Gear Velox backpack who had one attached to it~~. Was someone on FB, and I went off to Amazon.. I thought I'd mention it since it works so well. Here's the Amazon link to make it easier.
Uhhh, holy crap! Firstly, amazon shadily makes different suggestions to you than me, based on our history on the site, so i don't see those on my page. I dug around though, and wow, this is a whole part of amazon they were hiding from me, presumably because i first started looking for the more expensive ones!
I'm wholly inexperienced and still gearing up with this, I've probably spent almost as much time watching youtube vids and reading this sub as I have in my 5 day trips to the woods in the last ~1.5 months. So I had not heard about the drawbacks of saggy nylon, (that was a good read, thx!) and had no preference other than hoping not to waste money on something that is destroyed in a few months. Most folks i've seen in videos were using sil tarps for their shelters at least, though I sure couldn't tell you why. What other uses do sil tarps have that make them worth 3x the price? I just want something i can use to make a shelter out of, I have the sleeping bag
Just after a quick browse here, would this make sense to you?
maybe this as a shelter tarp? https://www.amazon.ca/Ultralight-person-Footprint-Camping-Fishing/dp/B01E0TDH42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485452993&sr=8-1&keywords=20D%2Btarp&th=1&psc=1
and something like this as a ground sheet? https://www.amazon.ca/Oxford-Fabric-Footprint-Camping-Fishing/dp/B01D8GXI7O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1485452993&sr=8-4&keywords=20D+tarp
Or doubling up on one or the other could make more sense, as you mentioned before? Thanks so much for the detailed info!
edit: I should mention weight is a minor concern for sure, my general plans involve hiking some distance and camping, carrying ~30-40lbs of weight seems like a sensible goal for my 200-210lb frame. (Just went on my first training hike with 40 lbs on for 8km total, it was something!)
No leather or kydex huh.. welp, I like a challenge.
Get a mini binder off Amazon, 3" x 5". Snap the rings out of it (or drill out the rivets that hold all the metal stuff in), cut it to size if you want, and then wrap it around your axe with the poll in the spine, then hold it all together with duct tape (it'll peel and stick at least a few times, right?)
The Bushcraft Black is a cool knife, but I personally find that the handle shape it and several other Moras use is vastly inferior to the Outdoor 2000/Kansbol. Plus the blade geometry of the 2000/Kansbol is very good. From my experience using the Bushcraft and the Outdoor 2000 side-by-side, the slightly thinner blade thickness (2.5mm vs 3.2mm, Companion is 2mm for comparison) of the 2000/Kansbol makes it much more enjoyable to work with for fine tasks such as feathersticking, but is still plenty robust enough for heavier work. Plus the spine of the Kansbol is ground square the same as the Bushcraft for striking a ferro-rod.
You can grab the Kansbol right now on Amazon under $40.
I use an Arc'Teryx Tango 85L that I think is a "pre-run" of their Mil-Spec pack that I believe the company Propper ended up producing for The USMC. It's got a fully adjustable everything with 1000D nylon. I got mine used in the "Crocodile" colour with the Arc'Teryx branding which are super rare but the Propper ones are available all over the place with milsurp and eBay, I think they're even on Amazon but all I've ever seen is multi-cam. You can even get an add-on patrol pack that has special clips that attach it to the main pack super quick and easy.
I'm not quite your size right now since I stripped a lot of weight in the last year but the pack has been able to adjust for all of the changes I've been through. The guy I bought it from was probably 6'3" and 250 at least, I'm, 6'1" and about 190 now.
It's super comfortable, rides on my hips perfectly. I can unclip the shoulder straps and the pack stays on. The longest trip I took it on was about a 3k hike-in 5 day 4 night bushcraft outing in Northern BC last January with 2 ft of snow on the ground. It fit all of my tools, thermals, my 4 piece Military Sleep System, food and a couple bottles of whiskey.
My only complaints about the pack are that it doesn't have a lot of pockets so instead I've made a bunch of small dry bags that I keep things organized in. I should also mention that this pack, at this stage, is probably a little bit too big for me but I still love it.
Well as I suggested for another person here, the Kelty Cosmic 0 Degree DriDown bag is really good. I've heard countless people claim their good nights sleep was because of it. https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Cosmic-Degree-Sleeping-Bag/dp/B014JQA4PG?th=1 It's got DriDown in it which means that it can get a little bit wet but still stay warm. It's the cheapest good quality bag out there that I've seen. And if you store it the right way and treat it right, it'll last forever. It's cheapest on Amazon right now for $164 and free shipping. You want a regular size. Regular fits someone who's 6' at the highest. It's 3lbs 9oz.
For a sleeping pad, it's really dependent on your sleeping style and budget. If you've got money to spend, I'd get the Exped MEGAMAT 10 MW. It's $189 with free shipping. It's 72 in long x 25.6 in wide and has a R Value of 9.5 which in normal person talk, is rated to -54 degrees Fahrenheit. It's honestly my dream mat if I could ever get that much random spending money. You can sleep on it, move around, your sides will never hit the ground like with most sleeping pads, and you will just be warm. Oh, and it weighs 73oz https://www.amazon.com/Exped-Megamat-Insulated-Self-inflating-Sleeping/dp/B01NARZKSE
You'd be looking at $354 if you got those two higher quality items. Not including the shelter I assume you have.
https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Survival-Skills-Larry-Olsen/dp/1556523238
The book is from 1967. Covers Utah to a tee.
I'm not sure if it's worth tracking down a later edition. Mine is the 4th edition (1973) but reading the amazon ToC it looks like several pages of content may have been added.
I always find fatwood... on Amazon
I love my Oak Creek Lost Valley. I'll link to Amazon at the bottom.
It comes with a rainfly and an integrated mosquito net that zips up one side. Solid straps and the beeners are rated at 12KN. Only complaint I really have is that it's not really suited for anything but camping. The mosquito netting only opens on one side and doesn't fold over well so you pretty much always have to string it up as well. One extra step but worth it for my area.
https://www.amazon.com/Camping-Mosquito-Compression-Lightweight-Portable/dp/B01KGOVEI6
/u/GasMaskJack0918
You've left a personal tracker ID on your link, so for everyone's online peace-of-mind can you please edit your comment and remove the ID.
Please edit your comment to show this:
You say you're terrible at holding the right angle. That implies that you have stone/s already? Personally I'd learn how to sharpen with stones correctly as it's a skill you can use for the rest of your life. Also in bushcraft it's unlikely you'll be lugging a Lansky kit around with you when you need to sharpen after battoning. A little stone like the Fallkniven DC3 however fits into any pack.
Have you considered a set of angle guides to get yourself used to holding the correct angle? Works on small and large knives and much more adjustability than the Lansky.
Not that I'm saying the Lansky is bad, I have that exact kit in the shed. But I haven't used it since I got a full set of waterstones.
If you're dealing with ideally never using it and only want to go up to four inches, you could go crazy and just carry a swiss army knife. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Camper-Pocket-Knife/dp/B0007QCOG0
The small saw on there really is pretty effective. It would take a bit more doing on a four inch branch, but if you just cut out some wedges you could probably manually break a lot of larger stuff - worst case, cut into the wedge. (Now, you've both said you want to quickly clear and don't care about cutting speed, so that's a bit of a wild card. You will, of course, clear larger trees quite a bit faster with larger saws.)
For bonus points, you might even be able to double up with it as some of your bike maintenance/repair tools.
I used to work as a civilian military contractor after I got out, it's pretty common, lol. You can buy the patch here if you're interested.
Fiskar 😍 I have the axe version and it is easily the best axe I've ever used, hollow handle is super light, absorbs vibrations, blade is super sharp and durable, not sure if I've ever sharpened it (once if ever) and it's been through plenty
https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-375501-1001-Hatchet-Sheath-Black/dp/B00EOA4J4K
As someone that has just enough experience on a whetstone to know that I won't be able to get edges that satisfy me without significant practice I've been eyeing a lansky system to theoretically idiot-proof things for myself. I also figure I could learn free-hand with the stones, one of which could be placed in a pack for extended trips. Just thought I'd throw that out there in case you're new to stones.
​
edit: can be found for under $50 USD on Amazon
Have you looked at the Therm-a-Rest Ultralight Cot Clone? That's a good thing to keep you off the ground a little and give support.
Take a look at Marbles on Amazon, ~$42 for a Hunter's axe and with a little work getting it up to sharpness and making a leather sheath and some neck wrapping and it's a fine axe to work with...
​
Edit>> Found it out on Smokey Mountain Knife works for $23...
Don't know of any specific schematics, but it'd be simple enough to make. Just platform/basket with runners. Bring a couple dozen nails with you and you can figure it out.
Alternatively, the roll up "flying carpet" style toboggans like these are popular for ultralight sleds. Sturdier than a tarp, and very light weight and rolls up very small. Just use some paracord and a toggle and you've got a little sled.
I don't have any personal experience with this one I'm afraid. I used a variant that was really just a popup for the head/shoulder area, which worked well enough for me. Although as I think about it, at the time I was on a cot so perhaps not as applicable to your need.
​
I found a few other variants that might be worth checking out though. (again, no personal experience)
That setup looks perfect for a hammock if you can assume trees where you stop, otherwise I've had good luck wrapping some generic mosquito netting around my bivy. though if it's car camping and backpacking it in isn't a concern, these things are great. https://www.amazon.com/Atwater-Carey-Mosquito-Permethrin-Repellent/dp/B00JK8GP4S/ref=sr_1_4?crid=18BYX602JYDJK&keywords=pop+up+mosquito+tent+head&qid=1671371617&sprefix=pop+up+mosquito+tent+head%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-4
You can pound them into a stump or piece of wood and use it as a clamp to hold your work piece in place.
When it's actually cold enough for gloves, I wear a pair of rag wool glittens. Mittens are warmer than gloves, and since these are glittens, I can have free fingertips to work a phone screen or do something that requires more dexterity in a second but still have the majority of my hands warm. https://www.amazon.com/RefrigiWear-Thinsulate-Insulated-Convertible-Fingerless/dp/B09RLPCZKP
I can see yours has seen some serious use. Hard to square your experience with mine, tbh. Not like Fiskars is known for bad quality control or something and I don't lack hand strength for setting down the blade lock.
Re: the Gerber you might take a look at Boreal's version, instead. More pricey but very highly-regarded.
I prefer to take a 21" blade into the woods and make my H-frame on-site Mors-style but the Boreal is tempting.
Elk Ridge - Outdoors Fixed Blade... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0176EUSAO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
$30. Not as much for chopping, but great for batoning. I used this on a recent trip, processing finger size wood from 3” diameter logs for my tiny stove. Cheap, held it’s edge (I cut veggies and butchered a rabbit after firewood) and has a bonus hollow handle for a tiny survival kit. Comes with a sheath, ferro rod & striker, and whet stone.
YE ofc. This is the House : https://www.amazon.com/s?k=GK%26CO.+Kukri+House&ref=bl_dp_s_web_0
And this is what I bought https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01DZK03BM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You want stick your hand directly in the fire kind of protection that will last forever? Youngstown.
Schrade is what I use. That thing was cheap but feels tough and is full tang. Sharp out the box and it's been holding up great.
I got the axe and Machete combo. The Machete isn't good but it works for cutting things. Here is a link:
Interesting - I did find the outdoors model online, but for like $25. Honestly, at that price point, it loses a lot of its appeal. The swiza has a better lock, better shaped handle, and more functionality for another $10. Tweezers are pretty a pretty great thing for kids whittling out in the woods.
But, again, both are fine choices - the first folding knife i got my older kid was an Opinel - before I found the Swiza.
Opinel's kids kitchen knives are also great.
I've recently purchased the following, credit card sized so fits a wallet, they come with a velcro backing (which I removed for the wallet) to stick on rucks or clothing etc.
And their own website
https://www.polymathproducts.co.uk/
Obviously not as good as a wett stone but very handy
HTH
:)
I'm a huge fan of wool. I've got some blankets similar to the one you posted, and I keep them in my car for emergencies, but I wouldn't use one for camping. They're pretty thin, and dense, so they don't insulate as well as one would think. When I go winter camping, I take a wool throw similar to this one to use under my top quilt.
If you're wanting to use a wool blanket as a top quilt, you'll probably need to look into something more expensive like something from Hudson's Bay Company
There are a few ferro rods that are push only. The act of pushing the rod down scrapes the rod and the rod retracts into the handle.
https://www.amazon.com/UST-BlastMatch-One-Handed-Operation-Lightweight/dp/B00930XV18/
https://www.amazon.com/UST-Sparkie-Fire-Starter/dp/B00930XLTK
I bought this one. Seems to be decent for the price. Super cheap and lots of sizes. People say that the grommets have fallen off of theirs, but mine seems sturdy,Camo tarp amazon
Amazon is selling the hatchet and saw together for $71 if anyone is interested
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WHZP1BP
That's the link /u/ibleedrosin was trying to add. They all work the same though, you can find cheaper ones, and more expensive ones. Some might be made out of a better metal, but they're so cheap I'd just get the cheapest one you can get and if it breaks/bends in your pack you can replace it. You can find them around $5.
For the field, and as long as no big damage happens, I use a Sharpal 101N 6 in 1. Easy, fast and delivers a decent performance.
For the tip, both for this tool and other techniques, just go from bottom to the tip, all in one movement.
No but similar. Just a lot lighter.
Stihl Aluminium Splitting/Felling Wedge, 190g/6.7oz, About €15 https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Stihl-8812201-Aluminium-Felling-Wedge/dp/B00LX94UNU/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_i=B00LX94UNU&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Aluminum-Percolator-Coffee-Cups/dp/B001DC5HG6 can work as your only pot. and Open Country has a 5 cup perc that is AWESOME but hard to find. the 5c. is about a 1L pot with butterfly handles. use a bandana. but unless I'm going fast and light, that's what I like. fast and light is instant. but heck I'm in the woods, watching that little glug in the bubble, wondering if it's dark enough yet, smelling it. that's a relaxing morning to me.
That looks cool.
This is what I have. I'm not sure it's meant for camping as it's quite big but it's really light.
This Coffee Drip
I've been enjoying this
Coffee Drip
For really good coffee on those slow relaxing trips or car camping, I take and Aero Press and my Jetboil. Any other time it's instant. I stick to the folgers instant most of the time but if I am feeling fancy, I will pick up some Trader Joe's full dressed It seems like a really good compromise.
If they're out there often, they probably have all the basics they want so something unique would be good, like a mid tier Power Bank to keep his phone charged or run a fan in the tent.
Also good is a gift card to a local sporting goods store, like Dick's or Bass Pro.
Which one specifically? People always talk about "a Mora" as if there weren't hundreds of different models in their range.
Personally, I've had their Hook Knife 162 for years, and I've carved spoons, bowls, and mugs (kuksa) with it. Their other hook knives are different widths, depths, and curvatures, and may be double or single sided, but the 162 is probably best for the beginner.
I don't have any experience of the Beaver Craft brand whatsoever so I can't comment on them by way of comparison, but I can certainly recommend the Mora. However, they are relatively cheap - if you're a beginner, it falls into the "don't overthink it" category. Pretty much anything will far outperform a SAK.
For other tips, hunt down some basswood or similar, it's nice and soft so you can practice technique without worrying about form. Also look for a copy of Swedish Carving Techniques by Wille Sundqvist.
That’s the exact one I used to have long time ago. Decent leather sheath with plastic insert, could benefit from some leather treatment. The handle is shellacked which I prefer mine to be oiled but the lacquer will keep moisture damaging the wood since it’s around water.
Scandi grind is easiest of all. It is flat and there is no guessing the angle as you would on a hollow grind.
There are 4 things you need to bring a dull knife to razor sharp: 800 grit stone, 1000grit stone, strop, and time. Once sharpened, only honing will be necessary. Especially if you are using carbon steel blade.
You can get a Smith Tristone System. It has 3 different grit stones - 300, 800, and 1000. It is about $40 and will last decades. I've had mine for 30 years now.
You can make your own strop.
I've actually had problems with Bics in my kits. Seems like they are always going empty on me, plus the child proof gizmo is a PITA.
The UST Wayfinder lighter works better for me, and is only $8. They don't go flat in storage.
https://www.amazon.com/UST-Wayfinder-Piezo-Electric-Ignition-Backpacking/dp/B01N5XV2XE
Rope lighters work better in windy conditions and are more durable and last longer
Youre better off with a saw like this, but I respect your different strokes
>Ah okay, I just wanted to make my knife a little more multi functional you know?
Are you doing actual flint and steel using real rocks? Yea, you'll beat the hell out of your knife depending on technique.
I got an Old Hickory I use. I also use quartz rock I find locally. The edge on this kind of rock doesn't last, but we're not knapping a Clovis style spear point out of it. Just making some sparks.
If you are using a ferro rod, it should be soft enough to handle quite a bit of scraping before you need to touch up your knife spine. If your using a ferro rod, I don't know what the hell you're doing wrong.
Awesome, not many people have the opportunity to use private land. This is a settler's wrench. A simple auger for drilling out holes, and the handle has a hole the same diameter as the auger so you can make pegs that fit the holes. You can make a camp chair, table, shelves, really almost anything you can imagine. It's just a really basic type of joint for building stuff, and it's an all-in-one tool that fits on your belt.
Surprisingly, this is a great bushcraft book: https://www.amazon.com/Explorer-Scout-Manual-Scouts-America/dp/B0036KU9PC
I was given my grandfathers when he passed. It is such a wealth of knowledge. The sections on building your own tents and backpacks out of canvas and wood are awesome!
If you're looking for a good overall book that covers all the bases, try Joshua Enyart's Surviving the Wild. $20 well spent.
I have the top model and it sits rusting away in my backyard. It's literally a metal wedge on a plastic handle. It rips through soft wood but is completely useless on hard wood. I received a Husqvarna 13 in. Hatchet as a secret santa gift and haven't looked back.
Yeah, I could move it closer to the hinge. When I first did it, the hinge was stiff and I needed that much leverage to open it easily. Now that I’ve sanded the hinge, it’s easier. As far as expertise and equipment…these are just screw on studs, see link below, and I used a file to sand the notch. Anyone could do it. Cheers.
I've had my eye on this knife.
I recently bought the 30" greenwood version of this
https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-23-21-Bowsaw-Blade-21-Inch/dp/B0001IX77E
It cut great on my homemade buck saw. It's not USA made. I think the company is Swedish and their factories are across Europe.
https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Plastic-Machete-Sheath-Coyote/dp/B006VGZTVW/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=WSXDUE6VN7CA&keywords=rothco+sheath&qid=1658423308&sprefix=rothco+shesth%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-6 I buy these, then I just bately modify the tip of the machete with a file to not be quite so upswept. Checking for fitment as you go. End result is an awesome setup
This basically the same a Garberg just less expensive and better edge retention: https://www.amazon.com/Condor-Terrasaur-Fixed-Blade-Handle/dp/B07ND14RCP?dplnkId=1317b836-691e-44c2-83da-2255b5e830e2&nodl=1
It is this one!
Found it through digging on recommendation posts on this sub about tarps. I dug a lot and this one got recommended multiple times, plus it's one of the few that actually turned out to have a full 5 star review that wasn't hundreds of dollars
>The sad thing is these strike anywhere matches are super rare nowadays.
amazon sells them. 3 boxes of 300 for $9.
The one pictured in the coals is a snow peak snow peak 700 And the one on the hanger is a toaks 750ml
It’s called branded boards grate
Marbles Hunters Axe MR703 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N1FF2K8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_42MSXATST71NCFK1S96H
I have this and love it. Not sure where it is for your price range because I'm too lazy to convert USD to Pounds or Euros. It definitely needed sharpening when I got it.
Another suggestion here for the Gransfors small forest axe.
I would also highly suggest this book. It is dense with important information for how to use an axe safely. Axes can be extremely dangerous if improperly handled, and very safe if properly handled. The book includes guides and links to invaluable videos of how to maintain an axe, various techniques for axes, saws, and knives, as well as a host of skills and specific projects. I cannot recommend it enough. It is one of the most well thought out and detailed books I have ever has the pleasure of learning from.
I’ll put it this way, if I had to pick between the ideal axe like the Gransfors small for axe that came stand alone, and a much lower quality one and this book, I would pick the latter.
Wilderness Axe Skills and Campcraft
It’s wonderful to hear that you support your husband’s hobby. Reminds me of my wife, who knows more about bushcraft than anyone who isn’t into it simply because she care’s I care. I’m sure he will have a great birthday!
Well since I live in MD and it’s not too far from Maine, Northeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Beach Plums to Wineberries (Regional Foraging Series) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1604694173/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZJ2JHX41XMNP3FXT21G1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Two books i regularly bring with me are this for edible plants and this one for medicinal plants, between the two i haven't come across a plant i couldn't identify. IIRC Peterson makes a mushrooms guide too. I'm unsure how good it is because honestly getting a mushroom ID wrong scares the crap outta me to the point id rather just steer clear.
One tip- plants are easy to spot when they are flowering, but you may not always be foraging when they are in bloom. What i do every spring (and thru the fall) is go out with a notebook and the aforementioned books, and just search for stuff in bloom, and jot down when it blooms, where i've come across it (environment they like), and what the plant looks like besides the flower. Then ill keep an eye out and try and ID the plants when they are no longer in bloom. After a few seasons of doing that it started becoming second nature.
The $10 tarps are 8'x10', not even close to this size. You can get 1200 feet of plastic wrap for $20. It's not even comparable. https://www.amazon.com/Stretch-stretch-Durable-Adhering-Packaging/dp/B07CWGQ6YS/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=plastic+wrap&qid=1651878984&sr=8-7
This is much larger than tarp shelter. Honestly, both have their uses. This is not an overnight thing, but something ideally to last you for a week or so, and repairable. Different materials have pros and cons.