Complex survival knives by Doc Ron and Chris Janowsky

H

HM

Joined
Dec 11, 1999
Messages
641
I have to admit I don't quite see how the ATAX is to be very useful as a hammer and axe, and for the rest it is, it seems a bit heavy.

The WSI Ranger knife seems more practical, but the range finder function seems superfluous. The design seems well thought out, but I wouldn't want an all metal knife during winter and personally I prefer stainless steel.

The bow and drill firemaking aids seem like a good idea.
<img src="http://www.canit.se/%7Egriffon/knives/.1x1knives.gif" alt="" height=0 width=0>

------------------
Urban Fredriksson
www.canit.se/%7Egriffon/
Latest updates Al Mar Falcon Ultralight, Moki Hana, Fällkniven WM1 neck sheath

"Smooth and serrated blades cut in two entirely different fashions."
- The Teeth of the Tyrannosaurs, Scientific American, Sep 1999
 
Well,

I have a Ranger, and am preparing a review of it. I personally don't have much use for the range-finding, but in other ways I think this is a good tool. Well thought out.

As to the ATAX, I have no experience with it, but after speaking to Ron and reading his site, I believe it will probably be very useful. It may not suit my style of work, but I have no doubts that it will be useful.

------------------
Thank you,
Marion David Poff aka Eye, Cd'A ID, USA mdpoff@hotmail.com

My Talonite Resource Page, nearly exhaustive!!
My Fire Page, artificial flint and index of information.

"Many are blinded by name and reputation, few see the truth" Lao Tzu
 
Would someone be so kind as to explain to me how one uses the little holes to do range finding? I'm assuming that you know in advance that if something fills the hole completely, then it's, say, 4' long. So if, for example, something that seems around 4' long fills the 35 meter hole, but is too big for the 30 meter and too small for the 40 meter hole, then you have your distance. But that would mean you're substituting length estimates for the distance estimates.

Joe
 
Joe,

Most of those type of rangefinders are set up to give you the distance to a deer. The average brisket size for a deer (if I remember correctly) is somewhere around 17 inches.
Knowing this, you simply match the right hole to the brisket for a relatively close approximation. Rifle scopes have been using this system for quite some time. They add extra stadia wires going up the top post and put numbers next to them. The problems with these systems come in when you have a big or small deer and also someone needs to tell the deer to stand perfectly broadside while you size him up. I don't know if you hunt Joe, but where I hunt the deer seem to object to me sizing them up and don't stick around long enough to let me do it. It's shoot now or go hungry. I read the review of the Janowsky knife in American Survival Guide and I think it said his knife works for both deer and elk.

Take care,

Jim
 
Hi Folks...

I read some of the comments and I can answer some of your questions. Some things I can't really talk about till after the Blade show.

The ATAX you see is not the final design. It is close but it was primarily a deception until I got the registration in my hands.

The tool is designed to do a number of things but like all tools of it's ilk, only under certain circumstances. After these many years I've come to realize that there are certain functions a person needs (finds useful) in threatening conditions or while hunting. One tool universally mentioned is the hatchet. One thing about the hatchet is that it is way too big to carry on the belt where it is convenient. Most folks who ride horses shy away from hatchets and big belt knives. THey still need to chop.

This tool straps to a branch and it will easily chop 2 inches of pine in a single stroke. It splits Elk bones and the brisket with one blow. THe handle then gets thrown away. The quasi "Ulu" shape makes for easier skinning. The hammer portion easily cracks bone for the marrow... it is not intended to hammer nails.

The "Complex" lines on the side are a composite tool. In our navigation video we explain the Ottomani sun compass. THis is a function the tool fulfills as well as giving your rough latitude, the incline if a slope (beneficial in winter conditions for determining slopes at rest or avalanche potential). It also functions as a sort of clock. To operate it all you need is a short stick and the instructions on the video that come with the tool.

The range finder tool is also a wrench. SOme sorts of backpacks, most notably the JanSport use nuts and screws on the frame. THis will grip the nut while a SAK is used to turn the screw.

The tool is not meant to work alone. It is meant to be used in conjunction with a SAK or other blade. The handle of the tool is also open to hold the components for a survival kit. Included in those components is a firestarting tool. Anyone who has started a fire under field conditions with a firebow built on the spot knows how difficult that task can be. It is much better to include fire as a sparker.

The tool will disassemble an automobile roof in a few minutes. I tested that pretty thouroughly with our extraction team. That means that a pilot who has survived a crash landing can potentially cut free of the wreckage.

Part of the tool is magnetized. That allows a person to magnetize the needle held in the handle, for use as a magnetic compass. With the combination sun compass magnetic compass a person can determine magnetic deviation at their location. THis is important if a person it trying to navigate from a map that does not include magnetic deviation information.

There is something else the tool does... but I can't tell ya till after the show. At that time I'll post photos of the thing in action. It is deadly...

There is more. But the tool is not for everyone. It sure works for me and the guys up here who helped me to test the various iterations of it.

Ron

------------------
Learn Life Extension at:

http://www.survival.com ]

[This message has been edited by Doc Ron (edited 05-20-2000).]
 
One more thing...

Rangefinders of this sort are very subjective. Each eye is different and the range to an object will be calculated differently even if the eye to slot/hole is the same. It takes experience with the tool to get accurate readings. Both Chris and I have used this type of system for years and have learned the "Instinct" that helps us to set ranges on different types of animals standing in different positions. It's kinda like learning to throw a rock... it just happens.

I included the function because the wrench slot could perform distance estimation chores. None of these rangefinders are very accurate at longer ranges. They are meant more for learning archery distances. With my rifle I pretty much know what my shot is when I see the animal, much like I know how hard to throw a rock to hit a can.

We are fully aware of the potential for nit picking debate over the value of some of these functions but when it all boils down what you get is... functions like the rangefinder are pretty much training aids for the un trained eye. A short while after using one you can estimate without the tool.

ROn

------------------
Learn Life Extension at:

http://www.survival.com ]
 
MDP, let us know what you find out about the Ranger.
Thank you Doc for the explanations. It will be interesting to see the final version with the rest of its tricks. The three alongated rectangular holes on the back of the blade are still puzzling to me but let's wait till its out...
Keep your opinions coming.

HM
 
HM,

The three slots are the binding ports for the handle. I use slots rather than holes for reasons that will be apparent in the video. It is a very secure and quick lashing system.

ROn

------------------
Learn Life Extension at:

http://www.survival.com ]
 
After reading all that, I WANT ONE!
redface.gif
Not this year, but...maybe next year.

------------------
Plainsman
primitiveguy@hotmail.com
<A HREF="http://pub7.ezboard.com/bplainsmanscabin.html" TARGET=_blank>
Plainsman's Cabin Forums</A>
 
Thank you Doc for the prompt response. Certainly, the video will help to fully understand the capabilities of the new tool and its know-how.
Regards,

HM
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top