We’re gaining some traction in our series now. We’ve gone thrift shoppin’ and taken advantage of military surplus. We set some goals and were resourceful and opportunistic. We exercised some patience and self-control while saving some money. We dug in deep and formed a strong foundation. Morpheus just called. Our minds are almost free. Time to follow the white rabbit out of the hole, around the tree and back down into the hole. Those sunglasses you’re wearing compliment your bad a$$ outfit. Feelin’ sorta “different”? Good. That red pill you swallowed is taking affect. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Armed with knowledge, you’re ready for the AMAZON. Count backwards with me- 3… 2… 1…
Wake up. We’re here- inside a computer program. Your confidence is growing and it’s not because of the clothes (although it definitely helps). “Tank… Load the Amazon program.” Check out these shelves. Sweet huh? They have everything we need at the touch of a button. Energy flows where attention goes. Your mind would not have known how to navigate this jungle before. Let’s take a walk on the wild side. You’re going to need to start a fire. One that blazes a path worthy of following. What’s this? It’s a Bayite brand ½” x 6” ferrocerium rod that throws a shower of sparks around 8000 degrees Fahrenheit. At $9.99 that’s tough to beat. This isn’t your typical fire rod. Hmmm. Good choice. I see from the smile on your face that size does matter…
You’re gonna need something to bring that rod to life. The 90 degree spine on this Condor Bushlore knife should do the trick. Plus you can process tinders and use it as an improvised draw knife. This particular model has the most durable and weather resistant handle scales there are- micarta. It fits in anyone’s hands - man, woman or child, and 1075 high carbon is a most excellent choice for an all around blade. You’ll need something that’s tough and yet easy to sharpen in the field. This Scandanavian grind cuts through wood like butter and because it has a full tang, you can baton with it without fear of breaking it. At 7 ounces, it’s not gonna weigh you down and I find that 5” blades are about perfect for a good belt knife. The drop point is perfect for drilling out fireboards and notching out traps and triggers. Did I mention it’s a good skinning knife? The black leather sheath is classic and simple. Looks good on you. At $64.03 you might as well just keep that on your belt. Maintaining it? Absolutely! Aisle 3 has what you need…
The Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener is my favorite for the field. It has five abrasive steps for a complete sharpening solution: coarse and fine diamond sharpening plates, coarse and fine ceramic stones and a leather strop to boot. With a built in guide to help you maintain a consistent angle while sharpening, you can also sharpen fish hooks and serrated blades. All elements are self contained and it requires no tools for assembly or set up. I really dig that the diamond plates are removable and magnetic for easy clean up or if I wanna go ultralight and just carry the plates in my pocket or survival tin. It even has a small cargo area you can carry an eraser (which will clean the residue off the plates) and some extra buffing compound for the strop (Smurf poo is the best. That’s right. The little guy’s poo is perfect for you. Enkay collects and packages it should you decide to get some). This complete and compact system is all you need and I challenge you to find something better with a price tag of $26.29. Rock on…
I consider a folding saw to be one of the most important items in my kit. You can process some serious firewood with one of these- saves on the calories too. Sure helps when building shelters, and you can even split firewood if you know the proper technique. With a 90 degree spine it can also strike that hugemongous rod of yours, along with all the other benefits that feature provides. Two is one, and one is none. I love my Silky 270 but the Bahco Laplander is my favorite. The handle is perfect and I haven’t found a better one that locks in both the open and closed position. I usually keep mine in my pocket and it’s like it’s not even there compared to the others I’ve carried. Their teeth are a perfect compromise for hard and soft woods and will even cut bone. Again, perfect for man, woman or child and at $20.25, you can’t go wrong. It’s the perfect compliment for that sweet knife ya picked up. Loosen up the pivot point with a screwdriver and whip it out with one hand like a switch blade baby. Mmmm. Mikey likes it…
Pay attention. You can play with those toys in a minute. We still need a couple things. Check out this Streamlight Stylus Pro flashlight. Corrosion and water resistant, machined aircraft grade aluminum alloy. Type II MIL-Spec anodized plating. Unbreakable polycarbonate lens. Shock proof. Deep dish parabolic reflector that is the perfect compromise between a concentrated beam with optimal peripheral illumination. Sounds sexy right? With a C4 LED that produces a 50,000 hour run time that never needs to be replaced, you’ll be able to see with 90 lumens, 860 candella at 58 meters. Comes with two “AAA” batteries and is about the size of a marker. Want hands free illumination? Just pull the Terminator cigar move or place it under your hat at your ear. I have a lot of tactical flashlights that cost a buttload, but this one takes the cake at $17.03 and is my absolute favorite every day carry light that fits conveniently in my pocket. The tail cap rubber switch is super simple with momentary or constant operation. See the light? Not literally Kadumbo. I think you’ve had enough…
Clap! Clap! We’re back. You can get addicted in there. Easy, trigger. Our total for this mind bending trip comes to $137.59 and check out the bang for the buck. We picked up our most important tools and we didn’t break the bank. This stuff will fit perfect in our pack for easy access, or we can strap on our leather belt and fill our pockets without our pants falling back down. If they fall down, do more squats or eat more biscuits. You’ve always got options. Speaking of options, we’ve greatly increased them with our choices in gear. You don’t have to pick exactly what I got. Follow the principles…
Want to skin a John Deere tractor? Buy a Ka-Bar Becker Bk-2, bro. They’re indestructible. Want an out of the box solution for a knife that looks good while doing the job? Spend a little extra and buy a TOPS Fieldcraft. You gotta have the absolute best - SURVIVE! knives are more expensive than our whole kit. The point being that there are LOTS of choices out there that will meet your needs depending on how much you are prepared to spend. The items I chose are solid choices and I love them so much I bought them again without hesitation. I haven’t heard one student complain about any of the items we chose. Don’t believe me, believe them. Our students use these tools on the regular and promptly purchase them from our store- before, during and after. Reviews are great, but there’s no substitute for experience. Our tribe loves these items because they just work. The proof is in the pudding. As a matter of fact, go eat some and rest up - we’ve still gotta put together a medical kit and fill some odds and ends. Don’t fail - PREVAIL.
-Jonathan