Camping High Life » Survival Gear

How To Pick Your First Pocket Knife

Bill — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:19:47 +0000

Choosing a first pocket knife may sound simple at first, but when you start analyzing what you’ll be using it for and then trying to match your needs to the pocket knives on the market, it starts to get confusing pretty quick. For starters, you shouldn’t run out and buy any ole pocket knife. Having the wrong pocket knife is like having the wrong tool for the job. You never seem to have the right tool for the right job plus it can be downright dangerous.

Before buying a knife, try and imagine what you’ll be using it for. If you’ll be cleaning your nails, using it for small cutting jobs like cutting tags off of clothes or opening packages, then a small, one bladed pocket knife may be just the thing you need.

On the other hand, let’s say you’re a mechanic or electrician and you plan on using your pocket knife as a tool during your job, that small one bladed knife will be insufficient. You’ll want a larger, multi blade pocket knife like a Medium or Large Stockman.

Also, you’ll need to take into account the type of steel the knife will be made of. Carbon steel knives sharpen really well but they rust very quickly if not kept cleaned and oiled. Stainless steel can be a little harder to sharpen, but resist stains and rusting much better. Oh, and just so you know, not all stainless steel is rust proof or stain proof. Some imported stainless steel isn’t much better than carbon steel!

My preference in pocket knives is the Case Saddlehorn pocket knife with surgical stainless steel. These knives are made in the U.S.A. and are of the highest quality. The surgical stainless steel holds an edge very well and its highly polished finish resist stains and rust better than any steel I’ve owned. You can’t do much better, if any, than a Case pocket knife.

How To Choose A Pocket Knife

Bill — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:45:06 +0000

Sadly, I don’t believe many people give too much thought about picking a pocket knife. Not only is that unfortunate, but it can be downright dangerous! The wrong pocket knife in the wrong hands doing the wrong job can end up in disaster. I’ve got the scars to prove that picking the right pocket knife is important! I’m not attempting to review a specific knife in this article, so if you looking for pocket knife reviews on a particular knife, you’ll have to look elsewhere. This article is meant to help the beginner choose their first pocket knife.

If you have a specific use you’re wanting a pocket knife for, then match the knife to the use. For example, if you’re just wanting to use the knife to cut tape or cellophane off of packages down at your job, then a small pocket knife with a clip blade may be just what you want. The same knife may be next to useless for an electrician who wants to strip electrical wires though!

You can find pocket knives with one, two, three or more blades. I prefer no more than three myself. The Swiss Army type knives are bulky and it’s hard to find a place for them. The smaller ones seem a little too flimsy for my taste.

A medium sized Stockman pocket knife is a good choice for all around use. This knife usually comes with three blades; a Clip blade, Spey blade and Sheepsfoot blade. These three blades can handle just about anything you throw at them. Just don’t go out and abuse them because abused knives generally have a way of getting back at you!

Also, if you don’t like the idea of routine cleaning of your pocket knife and sharpening of the blade, then avoid carbon steel blades and look for stainless steel. Be advised, not all stainless steel is created equal. I prefer the surgical stainless steel that Case uses in many of it’s pocket knives. They come highly polished and are razor sharp. You can go wrong choosing a Case pocket knife!

Safety Considerations for Fixed Blade Knives

Bill — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:06:48 +0000

Kids, hunters, fisherman, and most men alive love the feel of a good foldable or fixed blade knife. But what is best and is one really safer than the other? The answer is not as simple as it sounds in the beginning. The truth is, it that it depends. If you want a knife to carry in your pocket and pick your fingernails with a folding pocket knife will probably be ok but if you need something that you can gut a moose with you might want a fixed blade knife.

As for safety, both have their ups and downs and the chances are that at some time you learned these lessons in a similar fashion to the way a baby only touches a hot stove once. Folding knives can close on your fingers if you are not careful and fixed blade knives can slice a leg open if not carried properly. You must exercise caution when using either variety of knife and make sure that you are using the right knife for the job.

If you are planning to use a knife for anything more than light use a fixed blade knife is really the way to go. As handy and portable as pocket knifes are they are simply not as sturdy and rigid as a fixed blade knife.

So here are a couple of things to consider when purchasing a fixed blade knife.

I am going to assume that you have already determined the function you need to preform and it is ok if this is simply a general function. There are many very versatile knives out there.

You must consider the size of the knife. This can influence the legality, the portability and the function of the knife. Not to mention the safety aspects of having an oversized knife for an undersized function.

Look to see that the blade extends into the handle of the knife. This is one of the main benefits of a fixed blade knife and the reason that it is so much stronger than a folding knife.

Get a good sheath. The sheath can be as important as the knife itself because it will influence how accessible it is, how safely it is stored, how easy it will be to loose the knife, and whether or not the blade will be damaged during storage. Make sure that you are getting s sheath that matches the quality of your knife.

Slip guards or hand guards are important. Normal use of a knife can cause your hand to slip onto the blade. This should be avoided and can be avoided with proper hand guards that can keep your digits safe.

So, for hunting, fishing or any other activity that requires the use of a high quality tactical knife, a fixed blade knife is the way to go.

What are Military MREs?

Bill — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:08:44 +0000

There are military MREs for sale online, although commercial companies offer their own version due to the reluctance on the part of the government to sell the military version to civilians. However, they are very similar. It is very possible that even military type MREs can be found online.

These are very useful and will give the camper and survivalist peace of mind. One cannot count on going to the supermarket and assuming the shelves will always be full. In these times, they could be bare one day. Catastrophes happen, both natural and man-made, like earthquakes and a political or social breakdown. Be secure by purchasing a good supply of military MREs, which will can surely be found online.

These are complete meals supplying the individual with the energy to carry out a mission or simply to survive. They come in packages which supply a wide variety of meals with sufficient calories to get the job done. The entree is the main meal with items like spaghetti or meat. Bread or crackers and spreads such as cheese and peanut butter are part of the meal. Like any regular meal, salt and pepper is included. Your blood pressure should not be a major concern under abnormal social conditions. They contain a good balance of carbohydrates and fat and are filled with the required daily intake of vitamins and minerals.

Desserts and beverages are part of this vital item. Coffee, tea and a type of gatorade drink is provided. Matches and toilet paper are essentials and will be included in all military MREs. The MREs are vital for survival. These are usually enjoyed 3 times a day like regular meals.

This is not an item to purchase at the last moment. They last for many years. Have them stored at home in ample quantities, so when a breakdown in law and order or natural catastrophe occurs, your family will have something to eat. People look askance at those who stock up on these items but if a hyperinflation finally results, these forward thinkers will then be thought of as geniuses and good and efficient planners.

Camping With Meals Ready To Eat

Tips for Bear Spray

Bill — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:18:44 +0000

With any product you buy for use of self defense there are tips for using bear pepper spray to maximize its effectiveness against bears and prevent bear attacks. When venturing into bear territory having a can of bear pepper spray is a step in the right direction for being prepared but bear pepper spray is only a tool of self defense and a tool is worthless if you don’t know how to use it properly.

The first tip for using bear pepper spray is to read the label on the bottle and any instructions that come with it in their entirety. Learn such information as the maximum effective range of the project, how many seconds a single pull is, how many uses are in a can and what the expiration date is. When you understand this information, begin to practice using bear pepper spray.

Because first time encounters with bears generally evoke panic a second tip for using bear pepper spray is to practice with bear spray. Some retailers of bear pepper spray will also sell inert practice cans. These cans are essentially the propellant without the pepper. Experts recommend practicing at least seven times at removing bear spray from a holster and discharging the spray.

If you don’t quite feel comfortable removing it from a holster there’s no problem with just carrying it in your hand. Never carry your bear pepper spray in a backpack if you intend to use it. Keep it somewhere where you can get it quickly. It doesn’t matter if you have the best bear spray at the ready. Close encounters with bears can happen at a distance of less than twenty feet between bear and you. The bear can close that distance in less than a second, hence you should be prepared to use your bear pepper spray in that same window of time.

If the moment comes when you need to use bear pepper spray against a bear be sure that the wind is not blowing in your face. Also be certain that you are within the range of effective spray. Too far away and the spray will dissipate before it reaches the bear; too close and the spray won’t have a chance to fog up and the bear will have reached you.

The last tip for using bear pepper spray is to avoid needing to use it in the first place. Making noise along the trail can alert bears to your presence and allow them to leave. Keep your eyes up instead of on the ground to stay alert. Steer clear of animal carcasses and if you spot a bear cub immediately leave the area. If you have any questions about bear spray never hesitate to call the manufacturer and find out their recommendations. Follow these tips for using bear spray for a safe and adventurous outdoor trek through bear country and remember: forget the firearm, a good bear mace is the best bear repellent you can possibly have.

The Benefits of LED Headlamps

Bill — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:20:54 +0000

LED headlamps are great little gadgets to have around the house, to use for recreation and in emergency kits. These headlamps use LED lights which take much less energy than regular lights so that last for a very long time. Typically you get LED headlamps for $20-$100 depending on the amount of light you require, what kind of activities you’ll be using it for and so forth. There are a lot of different kinds of headlamps on the market today but my favorite model so far is made by Petzl who are known for the high quality headlamps they make fro outdoor recreation.

Its really nice having these around the house when you need to fix something that’s in a hard to reach, dark spot. With the headlamp you can just strap it on to your head and go to work with both hands to get fixed whatever needs to get fixed. I can’t tell you how many times Ive used mine to fix something when someone hasn’t been around to hold a light for me. Once I had to go underneath the house to try and fix an ant problem we were having and my headlamp was perfect for the job.

I primarily use my Petzl LED headlamp for rappelling, biking and for camping too. Headlamps are almost required for any rappelling and rock climbing you’re going to be doing if its in caves because caves can get very dark very fast and messing with a flashlight can just get plain annoying if you’re trying to navigate steep or slippery terrain with one hand. When i’m camping my headlamp is indispensable especially when Im setting up or taking down tents and fighting grizzly bears (Having two hands to fight those beasts really helps, I tell you).

If you’re considering getting an LED headlamp just make sure you know what you plan on using it for and that will help you decide which kind to get.

Avalanche survival gear can improve your chances

Bill — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:40:20 +0000

A spate of avalanche deaths after Christmas 2009 and at the beginning of 2010 marked a bad start to the winter sports season. Seven people including guides were killed in a series of avalanches in Italy just after Christmas and Switzerland experienced its worst avalanche for more than ten years when seven people were killed on January 4th. The week before three people were killed in France. America and Canada also recorded injuries and deaths.

The extreme toll, which may make 2010 one of the worst years on record in terms of avalanche deaths, is due mainly to a combination of extreme cold, heavy snow and rain which led to unstable slopes. But it also highlights the importance of carrying the right avalanche survival gear when venturing out into areas at risk of avalanche slides. The main items of safety equipment that everyone should carry are good quality transceivers such as those made by Ortovox or Mammut . These enable you to be found if you are buried under snow and enable you to search for companions if they are buried. The most modern of these now have up to three antenna and sophisticated digital processing. They can quickly determine the direction and distance to an avalanche victim. The best also have the built in intelligence to figure out when they are receiving multiple signals and can pinpoint multiple avalanche victims. These systems can significantly reduce the time it take to find and rescue victims.

For closer pinpointing of avalanche victims you need some way of actually locating them under the snow. The traditional method, and it is yet to be beaten, is to use a thin probe that pushes down into the snow. These are light, compact and relatively cheap. Just be sure you get one that is long enough to reach into deeply packed snow.

The third item is a snow shovel. You can get ones that disassemble and can be stowed in a backpack. They are also light. Be sure yours is sturdy with a decent handle and a proper blade to really shovel snow out the way. A broken plastic shovel blade, or a snow shovel that doesn’t bite is no good when seconds count to get your buddy out alive.

You can also get gear that will help you survive and keep breathing under the snow such as a Black Diamond Avalung. Snowpulse and Avalanche Airbag Systems also make gear that helps you stay on the surface of a snow slide to improve your chances of not being buried and of being dug out quickly if you are.