Search results

Ah yes, Scouts. But for them I never would have been intoduced to the wonders of "fire by friction," "flint and steel" and all that. We had a lad in our Troop (used Yucca for board and splindle, a leather thong, and a glass candle holder for the "thunderbird") who could get flames in under a...

Is it considered "poor form" to place a thumb tack in the divot to reduce friction? It's a common trick over here (where the divot is often called a "thunderbird"). Alternatives include ear wax, but , alas, some of us are less "waxy" than others.

As noted above, these do not have the Martindale markings -- just markings that "appear" military. Otherwise, it looks in general like the No. 2's baby brother.

Don't know. That is why I posted markings on my example. I thought it was pretty hard for a chopping tool and the convex edge was unusual for a true military issue item. I hoped someone out there would have the inside information.

I just received a catalogue showing this knife and sheath. The text says the knife was made in "Indian for the British Government and is marked with the Boiad Arrow." Actually, mine has the arrow with fletching, as it were. Reject? Sent out of service? The blade is hard by any...

These have appeared in the U.S. I bought one for $20 at an "Outdoor Show." Blade marked "17-9944 1993." OD sheath marked "SL32A/4728 FROG BAYONET." Blade seems very hard. Convex grind. Does anyone out there know what sort of steel they used? I covered the beastly rivets...

Which park would that be? I can't find one with 100 accidental deaths from all causes over any five year period. Tom

Burnt Ash, having agreed with your conclusion, I should have been more precise. Nettles of several species are found everywhere in North America except for extreme deserts. Gorse is found up and down both coasts of North and South America and is especially bad in Californa, where it is...

There are reportedly thorns in other parts of the world. :-) I also use a poncho when the activity allows, but (except for inexpensive all-plastic models) the poncho, like Gore-Tex, relies on a coating over some material. If the outer layer is tough, it resists punctures. If not . . ...

Ain't they just beauts!

In severe cold, the problem with Gore-Tex is not loss of heat. The problem is that it does not breath enough = traped moisture causing inner layers to get damp - even wet. At those temps, water is not present externally - just ice and snow. Untreated nylon, polyester, tightly-woven cotton or...

The excitement went out of Ventile over here when the gov't created testing standards for "waterproof" and Ventile failed miserably. Devoid of the ability to even call itself "waterproof," it disappeared pretty fast. Now there are texturized nylons that hold water repellant chemicals as...

First, Martyn, I use knives. I have too many because just when I find the "perfect" one, something else sings its siren song. But as to your basic point, you want what -- logical? :wink: Chap above got upset over the thought of a highly-regarded tool actually being used for its intended...

IMO not odd at all. If knives were only sold to meet the need for cutting tools, the entire industry as we know it -- manufacturing and retail -- would collapse - especially the custom side. The "want" drives the market, not the "need."

Use Google or another search engine and search "fire by friction." There are many articles available that go into GREAT detail on methods, material, and construction - 100's of pages and lots of pictures. Some are by UK authors and specifically address materials avilable in the UK. Good hunting.

I believe all these lists of kit serve the most useful purpose of forcing us to think about what might happen and what needs might arise -- in the bush, on the highways (maps, flares, first aid kit, etc.), on the city steets (coins for telephone; extra meds, etc.) . The topic, of course...

Back when most men used "cut-throat" razors, a nice slate stone was the best for honing the razor. I have a German "Raven" and an English "John Bull." I still use them on some of my carbon knives for that final polish. The blade is drawn back, rather than pushed forward in a slicing motion...

On this side of the Big Pond, we "take to the woods." Over on your side, you "take to the bush." Strangely, both sides use "woodcraft" once in the woods/bush. :-) "Survival" seems to be the objective of the "after the bomb"/"after total breakdown of social order" types as well as those...

For that matter, 10 cm of hack saw blade, half sharpened and half wrapped with tape, makes a nice little back-up knife.

You might wish to go to www.slatts.fsworld.co.uk/slatts-knot.htm. There are directions for making a "rescue belt" out of cordage. Nice thing is, the cordage can be easily run out if needed.