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Ah! Melon balls! An epicurean delight!

I have a 'Pro' and, after some initial enthusiasm, I've found that I simply don't use it. I find the 5mm steel too thick and club-like for my purposes, the blocky ricasso is a pretty pointless obstruction and, frankly, the 'distal taper' makes little difference in prolonged use. I much prefer...

That's an impressive and well organised set-up. However, I think I'm too entrenched in the backpack mode of transporting my essentials to make such a radical, if tempting change.

Natural

I really liked my Jaguar IV. It was surprisingly comfortable and was my companion along the length of Offa's Dyke. I didn't really rate the colour - beige - and discovered later on that it wasn't great for alpine climbing. So, stupidly, I sold it and went for full-out purple with a Haston...

It is a very practical cutting tool so throw caution to the wind! Get hold of one - you really won't regret it! As for carving your quince, it's a lovely wood with which to work and, once dry, takes on a lovely, almost glowing finish.

I believe that they were originally designed for the 1970 expedition that made the first ascent of Annapurna I's south face. I remember reading Chris Bonnington's account of it. It was also the testing ground for the Troll Whillans harness, later dubbed 'the nut crusher'. I always hankered...

You could try more of a slicing action, rather than a pushing one, when you come to the neck. It will help to slice the fibres rather than just pushing them up. It does require a fiendishly sharp blade and a high degree of control though...

I like that idea for the taller, boil-in-the-bag meals. All I need now is a second Crusader cup!

Either would be good! I have a Jakaari M as well - bought a few years ago - and have enjoyed using it but it is the Kahakka I reach for when I'm off out for any day antics. I hope you enjoy yours.

Hi, You're right on all fronts, really! The 25 litre model does not have a 'back system' as such - it is a day pack, after all. However, I have found it very comfortable when packed with the necessaries for an overnighter with a 5 or 6 mile walk-in. Equally, it is a very comfortable sack when...

I use an SAK Farmer for food prep. and little bits and bobs around the camp; then, I usually have an Orford Woodlander and Pixie for pretty much everything else though, of late, I've enjoyed using a PK2 and one of the Peltonen Sissipuukos. It's bizarre that I have quite a selection of cutting...

There is some beautiful, ancient woodland near Chedworth that is worth exploring; it's worth finding out who owns it if you want to practise bushcraft there. Last time I investigated, Mrs Clark was in charge. Farther afield, the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and Mynydd Ddu are all pretty...

My journey home to Sutherland was easy. Yes, there was some snow on the roads and folk were driving cautiously but I didn't see any evidence of the cited 40cm of snow on the way. Here, on the north-west coast of Scotland, there's a dusting but there's been more hail than snow. That said, the...

I've just been out with the dogs. Yes, there's 'snow' - "but not as we know it, Jim". It's comparatively warm and now raining lightly; as a result, it's slushy and wet on top of a frozen-ish ground. Altogether pretty horrible and very disappointing. I'm due to head home to Sutherland tomorrow...

I have the Savotta Kahakka 25 and reckon that it is the best day pack I've ever owned. It has clean lines, is not choked with straps or molle and has decently sized pockets where I want them. The two side pockets are brilliant for water bottles or axes or longer bits of wood; the top pocket has...

I'd love to say that it's a jack-of-all-trades and master of none but the 'overview' seems to give a different impression. Personally, I only really use an axe for splitting wood when I'm out and about, so I'm not sure that I'd have much use for it. Aesthetically, it doesn't really tick a box...

That's really lovely: great symmetry, some beautiful angles and a fantastic colour!

I found the PK1 just a bit too clumpy for my bushcraft antics. I'm sure that it would work superbly in a more survival oriented scenario but I don't find myself in too many of those! I did love the stunning quality of Raven Armoury's manufacture so, when the smaller and, for me, more versatile...

Yes, I believe it is. Paul Kirtley was responsible for the design or had a heavy influence on it, hence the inclusion of his company's logo.