The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Sorry, can't post any photo's from here in Iraq (can't even access my own Photobucket account:grumpy)
However, I have a couple survival kit "layers". First is just a small PSK I carry in a pouch on my belt...it's in the small of my back in flat pouch. I did base most of my kit of Doug Ritter's excellent little kit. Contents:
Safety pins (2 lg, 2 sm)
Needles (4)
Small spool of Spiderwire fishing line
Small signal mirror
Small whistle
Small LED light (Inova's Microlight)
Sparklight striker
Tinder (4 of the Sparklite tinder bundles)
Fresnel lens
Mini Bic lighter
Small pencil and a couple of small notecards (waterproof ones)
Razor blade
Tin foil (about 1X1 foot square)
Utility wire (about 8 feet, not sure of the guage...Army trip wire)
Nylon cord (550 cord inner string) about 30 feet
Button compass (it sucks, but is just a back up to my EDC)
Small role of duct tape
Now, I know this doesn't cover all the basics and I have some changes planned when I redeploy. I have those really small vials that hold about a dozen Potable Aqua tablets that will replace the duct tape role. I carry a flat role of duct / 100mph tape in my back pocket as part of my EDC (about 12 feet), so that'll make room for the water purification.
I also thought about sticking my small Gerber LST in the kit, but I think the razor blade is a good backup to my current EDC, so it's not a necessity.
I have a Fenix LOD (single AAA flashlight) that may replace the Microlight. Now that their are AAA lithium batteries, corrosion is less of a concern. Additionally, it is a rotate-on activated light, so there's less chance of it getting turned on accidently (that happens a lot with the Microlights).
I already carry a small IFAK in my lower left leg ACU pocket, so I'm covered for the minor injuries.
Now, I said it was a layer concept, so, here in Iraq, anytime you're outside working or I'm traveling to another FOB, a Camelback is mandatory in our unit. So, I'm using a Talon model with an additional outer pocket. Along with the water bladder, I have:
MSR MIOX purifier
Cravat (several uses)
More 550 cord
2 large contractor garbage bags
Slightely larger IFAC w/ field compress (we carry a robust IFAK on our IBA)
Extra batteries (3V and AAA)
Carbiner
Couple of granola bars
Compass
My EDC is pretty robust (fixed blade, couple of folders, Leatherman, SAK Outrider, M9 and M4 when traveling), including a wrist compass, hat, gloves, mini IFAK, Bic Lighter, mini-DMT sharpener, Novatac 120EDC LED (great light BTW) and a small ferro-rod.
Water, shelter and self-defense are my priorities here.
ROCK6
Man that's cool. Do you ever catch crap for having all that stuff?
What is your job? What types of situations do you see yourself in the most? I'm just asking because most of the soldiers I talk to aren't really gear guys so when I get a chance to talk to one of you guys that is I have a lot of questions.
Good for tanning
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p236/denaleeguy/PICT0922.jpg[/IMG]
I'm just a big believer in being prepared at all times. I fly to a lot of outsites and it's over some pretty sparse terrain. To be honest, the CSAR guys would be pretty quick at reacting to downed flights, but it doesn't hurt to have and not need than need and not have. If you practice or carry it everday, it becomes habit. The majority of Soldiers are not different than the average joe-citizen. Most feel that there's a security blanket for them. I've seen a few situations otherwise over the past 19 years.
ROCK6
And thank you for your service, I assume you were at Hood before deployment? I was 62nd Eng in late 70's, is Copperas Cove still a big speedtrap?
Nice kits! But PLEASE pack them in a coffee tin or something strong that you can boil water in.
Yeah Cove is still a trap, but Killeen has exploded. It's not too bad considering the cost-of-living. The area kind of grows on you, but I miss the evergreens and mountains!
ROCK6