Urban Observations 2.5

Mistwalker

Mistwalker

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Dec 22, 2007
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I have been compiling some photos of our local urban environment for some time. The different series-es of pics below were taken at different times with different thoughts in mind.

While anyone who knows me knows that I would rather have something along these lines even in an urban scenario...

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The simple truth is that this really is not practical...and I am maturing, slowly but surely. So I have been studying smaller blade designs. One of these designs is this one made by John Hutcheson of Sursum Knife Works. It is a small Wharncliffe with a 2.75" blade and an over-all of 6.5". It is a handy size for a pocket knife that doesn't fold. Specs are D-2 steel, blue and green G-10 scales, mosaic pins, and has a tapered tang. I love the little details John puts into his work.

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Another tool I have been experimenting with is a fire piston, which was a gift from a friend. My thought being that cloth is fairly easy to find in an urban environment. I do have some reservations though so I am still thinking this through. It is easy to use, got a coal with char cloth first time I tried.

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still haven't tried actual fire with it yet. Plan to experiment with that on the next outing. The last outing was much more about observing than doing.

This is our local city park. There are actually three signs in this one picture stating the hours to make sure everyone knows what they are.

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The rules are clearly posted at a couple of entrances.

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Part 1 of 4

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During the day it is a very family friendly place.

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and these guys see to that.

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While I did have to give these guys credit for their team work, and how they shared responsibilities...

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Appearances really are important. Go dirty, don't brush your hair, wear dirty clothes, or generally just look like you don't have a home and you will be watched and you will be answering questions.

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Part 2 of 4

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I did find some plants that interested me. I have no clue what this is, does anyone here know?

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Somehow I don't think these are edible.

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I am wondering what this one is too.

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This one reminds me of Milk Weed pods. Interesting flowers, the fruit looks like it could be useful as a flash tinder.

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Part 3 of 4

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This one looks like a type of pear, but I'm not used to seeing them grow in clusters like this.

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Another thing I noted is how much some not so edible plants often used for landscaping can look a lot like edible ones.

Virginia Creeper (not edible)

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Carolina Jasmine (not edible)

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Wild grapes (edible)

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More observations later on.


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Last edited:
Great pics, Brian. Yea the warny is a great design too. Very Practical and a very good utilty blade. It looks less scary than some designs. More LEO friendly.

Again, you really post some neat threads.

Bryan
 
hey mist is it true that some types of milkweed sap are toxic.i do the same process in urban & rural sites. i call it reading the street. simply assess the situation & conjure possible negative factors to keep yourself from unpleasant surprises--thanks
dennis
 
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Urban survival is something I need to think more about... especially working in a city. These threads are making me look around a lot more when I am working, I have noticed a lot since the first one. Thanks for sharing :thumbup:
 
sicily02 said:
Great pics, Brian. Yea the warny is a great design too. Very Practical and a very good utilty blade. It looks less scary than some designs. More LEO friendly.

Again, you really post some neat threads.

Bryan
Click to expand...

Thanks Bryan, glad you enjoy the threads.

Yeah, I'm liking the utility of the small wharny. Still has a decent point for me.



DennisStrickland said:
hey mist is it true that some types of milkweed sap are toxic.i do the same process in urban & rural sites. i call it reading the street. simply assess the situation & conjure possible negative factors to keep yourself from unpleasant surprises--thanks
dennis
Click to expand...

Thanks Dennis. I've read somewhere that some are toxic to ingest, but I don't have a lot of info on them. Not sure this is Milkweed though, it was a large rambling mass of vines....



TheGame said:
Urban survival is something I need to think more about... especially working in a city. These threads are making me look around a lot more when I am working, I have noticed a lot since the first one. Thanks for sharing :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Thanks TG, that right there is the whole point of all this.
 
Great pics as always.

Regarding the smaller knives I gotta admit that there are very few occasions when I feel underknifed carrying my little ML Survivalist ( similar size to the one you posted ). Drops neatly in my pocket and goes unseen save for the paracord lanyard it now sports which I leave hanging out for easy access.

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By pitdog2010 at 2010-08-12
 
pitdog said:
Great pics as always.

Regarding the smaller knives I gotta admit that there are very few occasions when I feel underknifed carrying my little ML Survivalist ( similar size to the one you posted ). Drops neatly in my pocket and goes unseen save for the paracord lanyard it now sports which I leave hanging out for easy access.

p61100101.jpg

By pitdog2010 at 2010-08-12
Click to expand...

Thanks pit. Fixed blade knives this small are a relatively new area for me....so I have a few different blade shapes I am playing with. I liked that little knife when I first saw you mention it. I definitely prefer fixed blades to folders for a lot of tasks.
 
Love your thoughtful threads Mistwalker you're a great asset to the bladeforums community!
 
Mist, I think the firepistons are really cool. I just don't think they are as practical as a ferro rod or lighter. How about you?
 
imaginefj said:
Mist, I think the firepistons are really cool. I just don't think they are as practical as a ferro rod or lighter. How about you?
Click to expand...

I like it a lot, but I'm sure I could get a fire going much quicker with a lighter or a ferro rod though. I can see the stealth side of the FP... no welder-bright sparks igniting a contained fire. One of my worries is about the wrong person thinking it is paraphernalia...yes I grew up in the 60s and 70s lol.
 
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