Critter Pics & A Survival Tip From Southern Florida

[texasboy]

That carrot cake is pretty good when you've been in the field eaten mre's for a couple weeks. Lol.

[grunt soldier]

Thank you. I can understand that thought. For most people, sans collectors, that's sort of money reserved for the "one knife" we can't resist and one that will last a life time if not generations. I always wanted a Randall 1 with a 6 inch blade. I should have gotten one years ago but couldn't afford one even back then. Getting to do the article on the hunter was one of those moments where fate decided to smile on me and my all time favorite (so far) stainless steel knife was just handed to me. The effect has been that I have thought about it and no longer want a Randall 1 unless of course it's a gift , and have now started trying to save a few pennies here and there to buy a Spartan Harsey Model II. That is the down side of collaborative works though...both sides have to to make money off of the deal. Before I had a chance to use one I probably wouldn't have spent the money on it myself, I'm not a combatant and couldn't justify the expense of such a knife no matter how well I perceived it to be made nor how well it withstands all environments and very rough use. Now, I have a different perspective and can justify the expense on the Model II just by how damned impressed I have been with this knife. Then I'll decide which one I like best and give the other to my brother (who has pulled my ass out of a sling more times than I can count in my younger days) for the best knife he'll ever own and one he'd never spend the money on either.

don't get me wrong I have spent that kind of money before on knives but they usually involved much bigger blades and more product. I think in the 350 dollar price point I wouldn't have a problem with it but when you hit 500 bucks on a 10 inch blade not in some crazy super steel I think it's a bit much. not the best sheath either. not a bad sheath but for 500 I would like to see more. all that being said the one I held and played with for a bit was a great feeling blade and I would like to own one some day to test out. if it's a grail for you that is definitely says something about it

[mistwalker]

Great pics (very clear, pro quality), makes me really miss my old state. I've spent many a day playing around in bush like that.

personally I'd only eat a armadillo in a true survival situations...but then again I had one as a pet growing up.

Thanks for sharing.

Thank you, glad you enjoyed them. I had missed being here, but now remember why I moved back to TN. I love all the wild life here, but the summers in the woods/swamps are even steamier than back home. At least there I can go up into the mountains and get a break from the hot valley.

Great post as always buddy !

Those armadillos are just one of the coolest creatures ever, I'd love to see what my dogs would make of meeting one !

Thanks man! Yeah, I'd like to see what they would make of them too. They are so noisy rooting around in the palmettos it's impossible not to know they're there most of the time.

I really miss Fla

I did too...but I'm quickly getting over it

Nine-banded armadillos are reputedly carriers of Chagas disease, along with the insect that transmits it to you. They also transmit leprosy, I read somewhere. Cute and weird but avoid.

I've heard some talk about all that, but need to research it myself I guess.

In Central America, its really really hard to find because EVERYONE ATE THEM ALL. Its more of a warning that they carry leprosy, like every bat is supposed to have rabies. There was this one recent article that has spurned hatred for the armadillo, it came out in 2011, that re-kindled the fire. 150 -200 leprosy cases (and cured) a year, but they can not be confirmed that it was armadillos that were responsible. Don't go google it because the first 100 links will be people re-tweeting the original study Before 2011, there was a thought that it caused leprosy. Sure it can be confirmed, but I theorize they contract it from the same soil. In Central and South America, its part of the average diet that you would find.
Now before anyone goes and freaks out. Lets look at the biggest problem: Leprosy. Can it be cured: Yes, antibiotics. So, if you cuddle with an armadillo, or eat it, and start to see lesions later, go see a Dr.

Thanks for chiming in Joe. Always glad for your input on these things.

I'm not sure about cuddling an Armadillo....but I'd sure like to see one.
They really are smart looking beasts. One of those creatures that when you see them for real is really humbling cos you realise just how varied a range of beasts inhabbit this lil'planet.

Misty, what is your secret to all these great wildlife shots??

Don't reckon I'll be cuddling with one any time soon...not quite that lonely yet They are an odd creature, they root around in the palmettos where I have been working lately. I've enjoyed having the opportunity to observe them p close.

I don't know...maybe since I'm loony enough to be out there with the animals in this heat and muck they just think I belong there

That carrot cake is pretty good when you've been in the field eaten mre's for a couple weeks. Lol.

Oh, I'm sure...I've seen times in my life when I would have thought it a gift from the gods. Normally the bread type desserts are my favorite MRE components, and I have eaten and liked the carrot cake before. But this time it just down right sucked!

don't get me wrong I have spent that kind of money before on knives but they usually involved much bigger blades and more product. I think in the 350 dollar price point I wouldn't have a problem with it but when you hit 500 bucks on a 10 inch blade not in some crazy super steel I think it's a bit much. not the best sheath either. not a bad sheath but for 500 I would like to see more. all that being said the one I held and played with for a bit was a great feeling blade and I would like to own one some day to test out. if it's a grail for you that is definitely says something about it

I know, it's not that big...but that's one of the reasons I can get away with carrying it without freaking out too many of the sheeple The CPM S35VN is some pretty impressive stuff from what I see with this knife, the coating is even more impressive, and I friggin love the ergos, feel, and balance. I had wanted a Spartan knife for a while, and one of Mr. Harsey's fixed blades even longer. Now I have both and consider myself lucky that I got to really put one through it's paces...still am actually.