OT: Gear and Tools Used by SURVIVORS!

[Silver Needle]

oooh, I like that one Silver! Good on Ya for giving the biz to Survive! instead of Amazon or those bigger stores and that Ms. Survive! shipped within stated time frames :thumbup:

Now don't be a such p*ssy and go saw something. You ought to know by now: be gentle on the push and use force on the pull

Good news all around. That saw is screaming for dirt time. Thanks for the tutorial!

Just snagged a Goruck GR2 34L off ebay for a solid price, hope it lives up to the hype. Also hope my brick of a work computer will fit (Panasonic Toughbook CF-53) so I can use it for an EDC field bag.

Let us know what you think of the bag. Are you planning to Goruck with it or just liked the bag?

Damn Silver!! You're coming up in the world bud!
That Silky looks like a big ol' beast and the Falcon II is a great pack!

I've been working on a little comparison between the Direct Action Gear Dust and Falcon II. I really like both of them! Unless I get all saw crazy at some point down the road, I feel like this could be the last saw I'll ever need.

Wow, what a monster. I've only got a Gomboy and PocketBoy, much different animals but they saw like mad for their size. I actually got the Gomboy for big cuts on bonsai trees, it's been going strong for quite a few years. It's definitely not a brute force tool but works great. The only issue I've run into is keeping the teeth clean, they clog up fast on green wood.

The dressed up pack looks great.

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Thanks!

How do you clean the teeth from green wood? I only did a little dry stuff so far with no issue.

Interesting comment about the Silky not being a brute force tool. I watched at least an hour's worth of short youtube vids before pulling the trigger to match sure this was the one I wanted and some guy had some really interesting thoughts on differences in philosophy between Americans and Japanese and how the Silkys are designed for a more methodical approach of letting the tool do the work for you as opposed to muscling through the wood frantically.

What type of silky?

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A bigboy like in the pic I posted. I know it's not your favorite, but I hope it's on for me even though I'm not a professional

 

[Skrapmetal]

Let us know what you think of the bag. Are you planning to Goruck with it or just liked the bag?

You mean the challenge things? Not likely. I just needed a new EDC field bag to carry my work laptop that met a few points:

1. Protect my laptop well

2. Stout enough to be a good field bag that I wouldn't worry about

3. Not excessively military tacticool so I could carry it into meetings with customers

And a possible 4. Use as a carry-on for work travel


It was between this and an Alpha One Niner Evade pack, and I snagged a barely used GR2 34L on ebay for a lot less than they go for new so it was worth giving it a try. If it doesn't work out I think I can get my money back out of it, especially since the 34L's are out of stock so the secondary prices are going up.

 

[OBX351]

New toy.... er....... tool, direct from SURVIVE! This Silky Bigboy is a beast compared to my Bahco Laplander. I gave the bigboy a very brief test run this afternoon. I wasn't magically blown away by the performance just because I need to get used to the one directional cutting and mostly the length of the blade. The 9 inches of the Bahco had become very comfortable for me, but I'm excited to step up my sawing game!




Also, how great does that patch look on the foliage and khaki falcon II?


SURVIVE! stayed true to their 3-5 business days for shipping as I got my shipping notice on the fourth day. Two days later, they were on my door step :thumbup:

That's a beast!! Nice pickup!! I love my 2 silkys Gomboy and pocketboy.

 

[Silver Needle]

You mean the challenge things? Not likely. I just needed a new EDC field bag to carry my work laptop that met a few points:

1. Protect my laptop well

2. Stout enough to be a good field bag that I wouldn't worry about

3. Not excessively military tacticool so I could carry it into meetings with customers

And a possible 4. Use as a carry-on for work travel


It was between this and an Alpha One Niner Evade pack, and I snagged a barely used GR2 34L on ebay for a lot less than they go for new so it was worth giving it a try. If it doesn't work out I think I can get my money back out of it, especially since the 34L's are out of stock so the secondary prices are going up.

Glad to hear you got a sweet deal. What makes the regular price so high?

That's a beast!! Nice pickup!! I love my 2 silkys Gomboy and pocketboy.

Hey, thanks!

 

[Texas_toothpick]

So I'm trying to move away from tent camping and get into hammocks, with hopefully a better nights sleep for my wrecked back. I also had to get a different pack. My maxpedition functions great but doesn't breath on my back at all. On long trails I just need something better suited for the task.

I got an eno reactor( not the best two layer hammock but I got it on sell). Just got my suspension system and bug netting from dutch ware gear, and ordered a cheap tarp.(man those things get pricey fast!) For a pack I choose the Osprey Atmos AG 50. I needed size and comfort, so I went with a top loader. I actually hate top loaders, but they're less likely to fail on the trail, and this one is adjustable in size. The pack will be here Wednesday and Friday my buddy and I are hitting the lake with my son. I can't wait to try out my new gear.

Ando I blame silver for getting me looking at packs that started all this! Shame on you!

 

[Silver Needle]

So I'm trying to move away from tent camping and get into hammocks, with hopefully a better nights sleep for my wrecked back. I also had to get a different pack. My maxpedition functions great but doesn't breath on my back at all. On long trails I just need something better suited for the task.

I got an eno reactor( not the best two layer hammock but I got it on sell). Just got my suspension system and bug netting from dutch ware gear, and ordered a cheap tarp.(man those things get pricey fast!) For a pack I choose the Osprey Atmos AG 50. I needed size and comfort, so I went with a top loader. I actually hate top loaders, but they're less likely to fail on the trail, and this one is adjustable in size. The pack will be here Wednesday and Friday my buddy and I are hitting the lake with my son. I can't wait to try out my new gear.

Ando I blame silver for getting me looking at packs that started all this! Shame on you!

Haha! Just one of the many services I provide

Looking forward to pics of your gear and trip :thumbup:

 

[Texas_toothpick]

Lol. I broke my porch trying to hang the hammock. Lmao good thing my cousin was here to watch then go get some tools to fix it. He use to be a carpenter and specialized in cabinets and stair cases.

So yesterday I just set up the hammock to get my whoopie slings, and Ridgeline set up. I'll certainly snap some pictures this next weekend.

 

[Skrapmetal]

Glad to hear you got a sweet deal. What makes the regular price so high?

American designed and made with top end components, and a lifetime warranty.

Kinda like some knife companies I love; probably overkill, but something I wont have to worry about.

 

[Silver Needle]

Requoting rockspyder from another thread:

Get a Wave. Best money you'll ever spend.

Ok, so I've put serious thought into the sidekick vs wave idea. I already have the sidekick and to be honest, I like it, but I don't have the need to use it a lot. Below you can see the tools I have next to the tools the wave offers. Is there anything the lists don't show that should be a consideration in favor of purchasing the wave?






I would like having scissors, and a diamond file would be nice, and of course the bit drivers would be handy, but none of those things together seemed like a good way to spend $80-90. I'm open for input. I could think of a lot worse than for you guys to talk me into buying a great tool

 

[Standard78]

Get a Victorinox Spirit Tool. They have all of bells and whistles, and they're not a Leatherman.

 

[rcb2000]

Another vote for the Wave here.
I had one for 14 years, then lost it to TSA. Picked up this one and am really impressed with the new features.

 

[dogboye]

I find myself using the diamond file in a pinch to resharpen whatever knife I'm carrying. In fact, I did that just last night, as I'm traveling and the Vic knife I am carrying was getting a little dull. I use the large bit driver all the time. About the only thing I don't use is the small bit driver… although I have used it in a pinch as a Glock disassembly tool.

 

[dogboye]

The Leathean was supposedly invented when the guy was traveling in an old VW Beetle and it was constantly breaking down. With the Wave, I believe the company has crammed the maximum amount of utility into the minimum envelope.

 

[dogboye]

One last thing. Even though it takes a while to wear the black off so it doesn't get on things, I recommend the black wave. The edges that are supposed to be sharp seem to be sharper on it than the late model stainless ones. Especially things like the wood file.

 

[OBX351]

Requoting rockspyder from another thread:



Ok, so I've put serious thought into the sidekick vs wave idea. I already have the sidekick and to be honest, I like it, but I don't have the need to use it a lot. Below you can see the tools I have next to the tools the wave offers. Is there anything the lists don't show that should be a consideration in favor of purchasing the wave?

I would like having scissors, and a diamond file would be nice, and of course the bit drivers would be handy, but none of those things together seemed like a good way to spend $80-90. I'm open for input. I could think of a lot worse than for you guys to talk me into buying a great tool

FWIW - I'd like to suggest the wave, as I have had one for 13 years, or the Surge. I picked up a Surge, an awesome multi-tool that is bigger and heavier than the Wave, a few months ago and I LOVE it. The accessories below are for the surge. The wave in the photos is one of the first second gen models. The new gen Waves have the tool accessories as well.

If I had to pick one I would have a hard time because both are such great multi-tools. It would come down to preference for carrying. If in a bag then I would get the Surge. If on my belt I would pick the Wave. Since I can't choose I have both now!! I have new Waves with all the bits and accessories in my car and EDC bag.

I looked at the sidekick and it looks like another winner for Leatherman so you can't go wrong.

The wave is on top and surge is below.


Here they are open as pliers


Knives out


Wave in hand, fyi I have an XL palm


Surge in hand - notice that I had to come out a little for this shot

 

[Riz!]

Figure out what is the primary function that you are going to use the MT for. For me its pliers. The strongest pliers I can find come on the sog power lock. They have compound leverage and squeeze 2x harder than your hand. If pliers are secondary and the tools are more important then Ide go for a victorinox multitool. I had one (a spirit x) and its outboard tools are easy to access and seemed high quality. I lost it fishing at the beach. I also like the leatherman supertool 300, but the SOG and Victorinox would be my choice over the leatherman.

 

[Ronin_Jedi]

The Leathean was supposedly invented when the guy was traveling in an old VW Beetle and it was constantly breaking down.

Must have been around '60s, early '70s. Old Beetle helped bring about the Lemon Laws we now have. I remember my dad having to ask us to get out of our new Beetle at times in order to get to the battery.

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[Ronin_Jedi]

@OBX351, @rcb2000 and others,

Thanks for the posts. Interesting gear.

My issue with multi-tools, like most everyone, is carrying stuff you don't need. A friend gifted me a Winchester multi-tool (no idea who made it). Has lots of neat stuff I might need on, say, a job site or if car breaks down. But not daily ON ME.

Even the small ones include stuff I don't need, like a knife. I already carry an EDC knife (folder). If I wanted to carry a second knife, it'd be a larger knife, not smaller.

Just need 1 set of pliers, each type of screw driver, maybe a sharpening rod. Scissors and small wire cutters = small knife.

Can't really think of anything else for EDC (camping, job site, etc, totally different setup). As the song goes, still haven't found what I'm looking for.

ETA: Maybe piece together my own from spare parts, one day.

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[OBX351]

Figure out what is the primary function that you are going to use the MT for. For me its pliers. The strongest pliers I can find come on the sog power lock. They have compound leverage and squeeze 2x harder than your hand. If pliers are secondary and the tools are more important then Ide go for a victorinox multitool. I had one (a spirit x) and its outboard tools are easy to access and seemed high quality. I lost it fishing at the beach. I also like the leatherman supertool 300, but the SOG and Victorinox would be my choice over the leatherman.

That compound leverage seems pretty cool. I wish the powerlock had a straight blade but that's just me. It seems like a great MT and good competition for the Leatherman.

 

[Hard Knocks]

Dang, now I want a Surge!

Figure out what is the primary function that you are going to use the MT for. For me its pliers.

When I was working maintenance on a college campus I packed the Kershaw with the locking pliers. Really nice tool and held up well to a lot of abuse. Not so compact as the Leathermans though, as it did not fold.

Standard, it looks like those Spirits get some great reviews.