My RC-4 Based Survival Kit

texastonydobbs said:
I would add a razor blade to the kit,if you catch a fish or small game the razor blade would be a welcome addition to making fine cuts.
I would remove the tablets for water purification just b/c no water bottle is with kit or SS cup. the tablets could be kept with those items(bottle/cup) and you could add a few more items to the tin,like small chunk of fatwood or more fishing kit items or small matches,small bic lighter ,snare wire ETC
Click to expand...

The aloksak's main use will be as a water container, but I usually have my nalgene clipped to me with a carabiner also. Thinking about changing it out for the SS version though. I like the razor blade and snare wire idea. What would be good to use for snare wire?

LittleSpartan: the paracord is tied in a coil knot. Essentially a noose, but I just tucked the end under the last couple loops and pulled it tight instead of the standard noose finish. The camera belongs to a friend of mine and is a Nikon D10 I believe, maybe D15. He took the pics for me, guy has a great eye.

Imaginefj: i like the epoxy idea but that particular sharpener is the stone from a folding DMT stone. I plan to eventually replace it with their credit card sized version, which I may very well epoxy to the lid. Thanks for the idea.

adaman::p
 
choltzapple said:
Since getting my RC-4 I've been slowly working towards making a mini survival kit based around the knife. I do some hiking, backpacking, and camping and I wanted something that I would always have on me that would have a few necessities "just in case". A big part of my needs was for the finished product not to affect my ability to wear the waist belt of my pack. To this end I got the MOLLE back. Since it is not designed to be a drop sheath by itself I knew I would have to rig something up. I ended up getting an Omega Drop Leg Extender from Blackhawk. It had a quick release buckle I didn't need and which was in the way, so I ended up having to pull out all the stitching holding the buckle in. Let me tell you, these things are sewn TOUGH!! After about an hour and a half (first time doing this) I had removed all the stitching and the buckle, leaving me with a loop with a pretty good size velcro closure. This loop fits perfectly in the ring on top of the MOLLE back. I use it with the velcro-opening side against my waistband so it can't open accidentally, but it can still be removed without taking off my belt.

My next requirement was to be able to carry a small PSK. After the RC-5/6 pouches were announced I knew they would be perfect as long as they fit on the sheath. I held off on this purchase until about a month ago until I saw a picture of one mounted to an RC-4 (and a 3 for good measure). After seeing some pictures that Marion Poff posted showing his kydex/concealex handiwork I decided that I wanted him to make me a firesteel loop which would also mount on the sheath. I emailed him what I wanted and after working everything out (and him putting in all the hard work ;) ) I had a beautifully made firesteel loop sized to fit the LMF Army model. I lock the firesteel into the loop for both safety's sake and because it gives me a way to keep my striker attached to the steel, but the loop is sized perfectly and the lock won't be needed for quite a while. I will have to wear down much more of the steel before it threatens to fall out. You can see how it's held in by the paracord at the bottom of this post.

Here's the loop installed:
DSC_0063.jpg


Here's how the firesteel looks after being removed:
DSC_0071.jpg


And here it is ready for use after pulling out the striker:
DSC_0072.jpg


The pouch and firesteel loop covered almost all of my bases, but I think it's always a good idea to carry some extra cordage. I took about 20ft of paracord and tied it in a coil "knot". I got REALLY lucky and it ended up being sized perfectly the very first time! I then used the split rings and clip that came with my Izula kit and attached the cord to the sheath, with a Nite Ize S-Biner holding the bottom from flopping around. I then had another issue. With the knife being dropped down fairly low on my thigh and having the extra weight I added, it banged around pretty good on my leg. I solved that with a smart little leg tie down using a piece of paracord and a cord lock. It's much better than tying it every time, much faster and easier on and off. Here's how it works, step by step.

Step 1: pull a loop from the front of the sheath and wrap the cord around your leg (there's a knot tied behind the left-most hole, the cord starts here)
DSC_0055.jpg


Step 2: slip the cord lock through the loop
DSC_0056.jpg


Step 3: pull the loop tight and cinch down the cord lock. Done.
DSC_0057.jpg


It's way easier and quicker than this makes it look. Super simple and easy to use.

And here's the whole package.

DSC_0006.jpg


DSC_0008.jpg


DSC_0060.jpg


I hope you enjoyed my little write-up. With this kit on me I feel pretty confident that I could weather a couple nights in the wild with nothing else. It's not a comprehensive survival kit, but it has a lot of basics and I believe it would take me a very long way. My thanks to Marion for his great work on the loop, as far as I'm concerned it brought the whole thing together and I would buy 100 more from him if I had enough sheaths to put them on. It really looks like it came with the sheath.

I also have some pics of what's inside the tin. If you guys are interested just let me know.
Click to expand...

I LOVE this kit man! Keep it up! You got more stuff in your tin than I do in my RAT Pack.........Time for some upgrades
 
lol thanks man. I'm pretty amazed at the amount of stuff I've been able to put in/on this kit. Even the little things like the split rings which hold the paracord and can also be used as a trigger for a trap. Things like this are a testament to the ingenuity of companies like ESEE, Brunton, DMT, and aerowave. They provide really high quality gear, even when it's super tiny. I love that these companies provide the things we need to put together stuff like this, thanks guys!
 
Really nice set-up man, I want to put together one just like it with one of my RC-6's. You are ready for anything and it's right there in a small package on your leg, cool:thumbup:.
 
choltzapple said:
DSC_0060.jpg


I hope you enjoyed my little write-up. With this kit on me I feel pretty confident that I could weather a couple nights in the wild with nothing else. It's not a comprehensive survival kit, but it has a lot of basics and I believe it would take me a very long way. My thanks to Marion for his great work on the loop, as far as I'm concerned it brought the whole thing together and I would buy 100 more from him if I had enough sheaths to put them on. It really looks like it came with the sheath.

I also have some pics of what's inside the tin. If you guys are interested just let me know.
Click to expand...

Nice set up! I love that pouch. As for the "Omega Drop Leg Extender" I think I have probably made 3 for my knives and two for my wife's knives without spending that much just buying the clips and webbing at a local army store and sewing them myself. I have a few such kits but now find myself inspired by Mac to make one something like this with my RC-4S...though I may get Marion to make be a bi-symmetrical sheath for it first to better hold the rubber. I definitely love the HEST and Izula sheaths he's made for me!

[youtube]9BwUydd2JKo[/youtube]
 
don't forget a P38, I sharpened the edge on mine so it can actually cut stuff in addition to popping can lids and bottle caps.
 
That neck knife setup is awesome! I like how compact it is. How do you think the the weight of the RC-4 will be when hung around your neck? I think the Izula or RC-3 might be a bit more comfortable for me. I also have an Izula which I've been thinking of doing something like this with also. Good ideas.

I have no sewing abilities so it was easier to rip out threads than put them in ;) I ended up getting the extender at my local surplus store for about $4 I think. Used but in good condition.
 
PayetteRucker said:
don't forget a P38, I sharpened the edge on mine so it can actually cut stuff in addition to popping can lids and bottle caps.
Click to expand...

P38 is in the tin also. I originally thought I could use it as a firesteel striker, but that just didn't pan out. Never know when you might need a can opener, and I also use it on the screws used for this setup.
 
choltzapple said:
That neck knife setup is awesome! I like how compact it is. How do you think the the weight of the RC-4 will be when hung around your neck? I think the Izula or RC-3 might be a bit more comfortable for me. I also have an Izula which I've been thinking of doing something like this with also. Good ideas.

I have no sewing abilities so it was easier to rip out threads than put them in ;) I ended up getting the extender at my local surplus store for about $4 I think. Used but in good condition.
Click to expand...

Yeah, Mac has an advantage lol, he spends a lot of time in the jungles of Peru so he is motivated to set up some good gear and still keep it light.

I'm not sure yet, I'll tell you in a day or two. I've had my Izula around my neck for most of the last few days and adding a few things to it is totally doable weight-wise...just not sure the sheath is long enough to add many items without getting bulky. I am about to take of the Izula and check out the HEST for a day or two and see how it feels, and see how much room is there. If I go to the RC-4 it will likely mean drilling some "lightening-holes"... maybe through micarta and all...not sure yet I just know I love the knife , but you're right, it may be too heavy. I am hoping the HEST will be the one, it already has a skeletonized handle if I remove the scales it will be a little lighter. By itself not enough to matter, but when I go adding other items around my neck it could make all the difference.


Sewing isn't difficult at all...but for four dollars..eh... I don't blame you. Hell I could sell them for 5 and still make a decent profit but I don't think there is much demand for them...probably why they charge that much.

.
 
choltzapple, is that the RAT 5/6 accessory pouch on your 4? Im thinking about doing this to my 3Mil and am wondering if that pouch will fit a 3 sheath as well.
 
I've been told by a couple of people that the best snare wire is brass wire. In fact I just got some from Best Glide. I have use copper wire for a snare before as well.
 
Shadow: That is the ESEE pouch. It will fit on a 3 but the bottom has to be held on with paracord or something similar if I remember correctly.

Marion: Thank YOU. I will be getting one of those loops for every knife I buy in the future. May be a while since I'm saving for a wedding though.

ss2211: Thanks for the tip on snare wire, I'll have to pick some up. I've never set a snare before, so I'll have to put in some practice.

Mistwalker: Drilling holes in an RC-4?! You're a braver man than I! lol Let us know how it turns out, I'm really interested to see what you come up with. You seem to put a lot of thought into what you do so I'm sure it will be something pretty slick.
 
choltzapple said:
Mistwalker: Drilling holes in an RC-4?! You're a braver man than I! lol Let us know how it turns out, I'm really interested to see what you come up with. You seem to put a lot of thought into what you do so I'm sure it will be something pretty slick.
Click to expand...

Didn't say I was for sure going to...only that I would if I wanted it as a dedicated necker with any kit with it...still studying the situation though :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top