tools for a missionary

[JD Mandrell]

Another thing that might prove very very useful is a good water filter/purifier. Especially in lesser developed areas even "drinking" water might need to be filtered. Just a thought. I would reccomend something with a cleanable filter or the new MSR purifier is really nice too. They last just about forever.

BINGO! My older sister went to Benin, Africa to visit her friend that is a missionary, slipped up one time and drank local water, 4 of her 7 day visit was spent in bed sick as a dog.

Buy her a good inexpensive knife, and spend the rest on a filter.

 

[Anthroman]

Sparten117,
Is she going to be in a city in South America or in more rural areas? Is she going to be with other missionaries there? All the mormon missionaries I met in south america traveled in pairs and tend to look out for each other, but they have a good support system and good infrastructure set up. The biggest thing she'll have to watch out for is scams. You can usually figure out what most of those are by talking to other travelers and the hotel staff where you stay. Most towns sell bottled water (just make sure its sealed when you buy it), so unless she is going to be in a very, very, very rural communities with no stores and no electricity, she wont need a water filter, although a bottle of iodine tablets just in case would not be a bad idea.
The most common battery that she'll be able to find in south america is a AA, she might be able to find batteries for a inova X5, especially in a larger city where they'll be photography stores, but I wouldn't have that be her only light if she wont be around big cities much. I actually bought the inova X5 that I have while I was in Bolivia (because I got sick of the Minimag I had brought), but that was in their most modern city and it was the only store in the country that I saw them in. I did however find the batteries in a couple different cities, but I had to look pretty hard sometimes. AA were much more common. The gerber infinity ultra would be a good bet (I used one as well). Another option would be a headlamp, I had a Princeton Tec Apex, which uses 4 AA batteries, has very good runtime and was more then enough light for anything I needed (although it is a bit pricey).
As far as knives, I've always been partial to swiss armies, I had a spartan and one of the larger models that I really enjoyed traveling with. However, one of my friends had a nice big swiss army knife that was stolen from his bag while traveling on a bolivian airline around the country (before he even had a chance to use it). So whatever you give her, tell her to watch her stuff and lock her bags up (you could buy her a few locks as well). For a fixed blade, I'd say one of the mora's. Sharp, inexpensive, and probably nothing anyone would steal.
Another thing I would suggest is a lonely planet book for where she is going, definately has useful tips and info. Some other things she might consider: a small umbrella, a sleep sheet (for those questionable hotels), and if she is going to be in very rural areas she might want to consider a sawyer extractor pump for snakes. Thats the only thing I was really worried about killing me while I was down there.

 

[Carpdiem]

and if she is going to be in very rural areas she might want to consider a sawyer extractor pump for snakes. Thats the only thing I was really worried about killing me while I was down there.

According to current medical studies, the extractor pumps don't actually pull out any significant amount of venom, and may often do more harm than good.

http://www.acep.org/webportal/Newsroom/NR/annals/2004/SnakeBiteSuctionDevicesSuckStudyFinds.htm

 

[fudo]

I suggest the Pelican M-3.I've been using one for about a year and I just replaced the first set of batteries. You can get a box of surefire 123 batteries for about $25.
Take a SAK something like a Tinker, and 2 good pairs of pliers. None of that stuff will get you in trouble with the police. Also pick up a machete while you're there.Take a good sharpening kit with you as well.

 

[Anthroman]

Carpdiem,
Thanks for posting that, good to know.
Anthroman

 

[peacefuljeffrey]

I love my Inova X5. Hate the fact that it doesn't come with a carry-clip. But as a missionary, I doubt that the lithium batteries will be readily available; where you friend is going. Best bet is a light that uses LED bulbs with regular AA batteries.

That's good thinking. I was going to recommend the T2 like I have (a great light) but then realized that although light output is far less with the X1 (I also have one), at least it uses a ubiquitous battery, and cheap.

As for knives, I would get her a Spyderco Salt -- the original Salt, patterned after the Delica. It's H1 steel, so if she's a total ditz about caring for the knife, it probably won't suffer much anyway. It has a useful amount of blade, and it's simple for her to operate. It's also not very expensive.

-Jeffrey

 

[Preacher Man]

I've done short term missionary work, usually in urban areas, but in rural areas too (Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, New Orleans right after Katrina). She wants to make sure that whatever she takes with her is compact and stays with her at all times. A multitool is a must. The wave is a good idea, but the 420HC blades can't hold an edge. She would do better with the Charge (the plain blade is 154CM steel).

As for a flashlight, most comments are right on the money in suggesting a AA LED flashlight. There is no bulb to change and batteries are available everywhere. Make sure that the flashlight either has a clip or lanyard. If not, she needs a sheath that will make it difficult for her to loose the flashlight.

If she wants to take a fixed blade, she may want to avoid any kind of tactical looking knife. There is an image that goes along with being a missionary. It is that image what opens many opportunities to serve in the field. Unless the type of work she is going to do requires really strong tools (construction, jungle work), a Mora will do fine.

If she is going with a group or is sponsored by a large organization, chances are they are providing a way to purify water if bottled water is not readily available. If she is going on her own or with a small group, a filter and water purification tablets may be a great idea. She is going to a rural area; they are a necessity, even if she is going only for a short time.

If the group is large, she may want to consider Katadyn's Pocket filter or the Combi. For a small group, the Mini filter will do. Combine this with water purification pills, and she is covered. Believe me, this is one area where she does not want to be unprepared.

 

[Franciscomv]

I'd go with a good flashlight that uses AA batteries, LEDs if possible (trying to find a replacement bulb can be a pain in the ass down here). Petzl headlamps are great and some of the small Pelican flashlights are awesome (plus they are very plain looking which will avoid theft).

As far as knives, a nice multitool like a SwissTool Spirit and a Mora knife should have her covered. You can throw in a small folder into the mix, maybe a Buck 112, an Opinel or an FRN Spyderco. Spares aren't a bad idea, I have my fair share of experience of field work in South America (I've lived in SA all my life and work SAR and relief operations as well as coordinating foreign volunteers) and things sometimes tend to go missing. Something could also break.

Opinels and Moras are also great trade pieces. In very remote areas the timely gift of a razor sharp Opinels are worth more than a stack of $100 bills.

 

[MissouriExile]

Just a thought.... AA batteries might be easier to get than CR123 or whatever, AA's are universal.

Good luck... (SAK might be a good idea, perceived as tool not weapon, etc)

Jon

 

[SPARTEN117]

I've done short term missionary work, usually in urban areas, but in rural areas too (Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, New Orleans right after Katrina).

ya thats cool I have been to haiti twice 2004 and 2005, i loved it. next time i leave the country though it will be with uncle Sam.

If she wants to take a fixed blade, she may want to avoid any kind of tactical looking knife. There is an image that goes along with being a missionary. It is that image what opens many opportunities to serve in the field. Unless the type of work she is going to do requires really strong tools (construction, jungle work), a Mora will do fine.

I am going to have a hard time getting her to carry a knife at all.

 

[akabu]

Keep it small and simple- fit's in a purse,fanny pack, pocket . AA's way to go LED light,Mora 2000 or Clipper[2] in case stolen. SW radio for the boreing night's in the rainy season.Silcon inpregnated cloth to wipe down every thing you don't want to rust or corrode[Batteries]
here's a link for some of the items.
http://countycomm.com/index.htm

 

[Carpdiem]

Carpdiem,
Thanks for posting that, good to know.
Anthroman

No problem. I was extremely surprised when I first found out, bet I suppose it makes some sort of sense. Blood does circulate awfully fast.

 

[Preacher Man]

SPARTEN117 said:

I am going to have a hard time getting her to carry a knife at all.

I hear you loud and clear. My wife had some trouble at first geting used to the idea of having an EDC. Eventually a Rainbow Chive did the trick.

Depending where your "friend" is going and what type of work she will do, she may not need a fixed blade at all. But from your own experience I'm sure you know the convenience, if not the importance, of having a good multitool on hand in the mission field. The advantage here is that technically a multitool is not a knife (even if it has knives) but a tool, and for a non-knife person that makes it "OK". If nothing else, the Leatherman Charge has most of the tools she may ever need and its plain blade is good enough to be her EDC.

If this fails, you may want to try a SAK; a Trailmaster or a Tinker may do. Hope this helps.

 

[SPARTEN117]

Benchmade 556-BLU Mini-Griptilian 2.91 Plain Edge Satin Finish Modified Drop Point, 154cm blade. Blue Noryl GTX handle with double liners. Axis lock. Thumbstud opening. 6.78 Overall length. All the great features of the Griptilian but in a smaller package.

I was also thinking maybe something like this because it is light and it would not be heavy in her pocket and she would not have to put on a holster to carry it comfortably. I want to get her something she can slip in her pocket and forget about until she needs it. I could also lend her my Sog multi-tool because I am not going to need it as i will be gone at Basic training. does any one know any thing about this flashlight its a Fenix and seems to fit the bill for a flashlight.
Premium Model Features:
* Uses a 1-watt 100,000-hour R bin Luxeon LED, no need for a fragile incandescent bulb
* Constant brightness: 46 Lumens
* Two 1.5V AA batteries , inexpensive and widely available
* 4-hour full brightness with Ni-MH battery
* 5.58" (L) x 0.79" (D)
* Made of aerospace grade aluminum
* Type III hard anodized finish, highly durable
* 69-gram weight
* Waterproof
* Toughened ultra clear glass lens with AR coating
* Push-button tail cap switch
* Capable of standing up firmly on a flat surface to serve as a candle
* Colour: Black
* Included Accessories: Belt Pouch, Lanyard, Extra O-Rings, Spare tailcap boot

 

[kamkazmoto]

The Fenix is a great light but I would suggest that it be paired with a Victorinox Super Tinker. It is less intimidating than many knives, it comes with scissors and it has all the tools that one normally needs.

 

[akabu]

too large for her, go for L1P or pair With the CMG which has longer Battery Life both use 1 AA battery L1P Is super bright both are at the link I posted

 

[rocktheflock]

I believe for where she is going, there is only one thing that will get her thru, her BIBLE . And believe it or not the bible refers to itself as a SWORD. Kool and My prayers go with her.

 

[Mahoney]

The Fenix L2P is quite bright. I have noticed the clicky switch could sometimes be tempermental on one of the few I have had, so test it for a while before she goes on mission. A dimmer AA light would be a good combo with it, something like a CMG Infinity.

For a knife, I would suggest a few stainless Opinels. The lock is solid, it will be more compact than a fixed blade, it's non-intimidating, it has a familiar "kitchen knife" feel, it's fairly easy to sharpen, and you can buy a bunch for the cost of a knife like the Mini-Griptillian. With a few she can spread them around her pockets and luggage and run less risk of being without a knife. Opinels are in all my family's earthquake kits, they offer a lot of bang for the buck.

If she would carry a fixed blade, I would actually suggest a good quality paring knife from a kitchen supply store. It's likely the knife will see use for a lot of food prep anyway. Get a proper sheath made for it. Alternately, a small fillet knife or a "trout & bird" pattern knife is a suprisingly usefull shape for EDC, so long as you don't use it as a pry bar.

For a tool, unless she's going to be building structures as part of her mission, a SAK, a pair of pliers, and an adjustable wrench, or any good multitool and an adjustable wrench, should cover most of the repair issues that might come up. Maybe a bike tool too if she'll have access to a bike. But the wrench is important, being able to tighten the machine screw with your multitool is pointless if the nut is spinning on the other side and you've nothing to hold it with.

If she wears glasses, don't forget a little screwdriver for the tiny screws.