Archive | Survival

The-Knife-Connection Handle Kits Now Available for the ESEE3

By Matt on December 7, 2010 in Knives, Survival

The new ESEE3 Handle Kits look much like the previous ESEE4 models (pictured above).

The-Knife-Connection’s excellent Handle Kits are now available for the ESEE3. I recently reviewed the Handle Kits for the ESEE4 and I was very impressed. They are more contoured than the flat slabs that come standard on the ESEE knives and offer some extra length. The ESEE3 should really benefit from these TKC Handle Kits since it is thinner than the ESEE4. Some people with large hands find the ESEE handles to be a little short so the extra length of these scales can be a definite plus for some users. There are several color options available, including some new subdued colors.

TKC offers these individually so you can retrofit your current ESEE knife or they have a very cool “Build Your Own ESEE” option. You can choose your blade color and handle color. You can also choose from TKC’s selection of ESEE sheaths, both OEM and custom leather.

Check the new Handle Kits out at The-Knife-Connection.

Keep an eye out for TKC’s Izula scales sometime early next year.

GPS File Depot

By Matt on December 3, 2010 in Survival

GPS technology has come a long way. My first hand held GPS had a basic base map with major roads and no expandability. It could tell you where you were and where you had been, but it wasn’t always useful for telling you how to get where you wanted to go unless you could walk in a straight line. Now hand held GPS units have evolved to the point that they have touch screens, incredible accuracy, and the ability to display complex topographic base maps. These base maps make the GPS infinitely more useful but they tend to be relatively expensive unless you know where to look.

I recently came across GPS File Depot (GPSFileDepot.com) which is an online repository for free GPS map data from around the world. They have topographic maps, detailed road maps, trail maps, land usage maps, and several other types of very useful maps. I have downloaded several maps that have all been accurate and easy to use. The amount of useful data that is available on this site is staggering.

Keep in mind that these maps represent a significant amount of work on the part of the creators so if you download you may want to consider donating to the site.

If you want to get the most out of your GPS, check out GPS File Depot.

NUKOTOOLS

By Matt on November 27, 2010 in Survival, Tactical Gear

Image provided by NUKOTOOLS

NUKOTOOLS is a maker of unique, innovative, and reasonably priced impact tools. The tools are designed to be discreet, last-ditch defensive tools. Each one is hand made from G-10 which is a non-metallic material that fits the discreet mission of the tool.

The Punch Ring (shown in the image above) is the most compact of the three tools that NUKOTOOLS makes. It can be easily carried on a key ring so that you always have it with you. It is extremely easy to use but, as with any defensive technique or device, it is more effective with training. The user places their middle finger through the hole in the center and then makes a fist. The chiseled edge protrudes forward of the fist and serves to concentrate the force of the punch. The broad base presses against the palm to reinforce the fist. Stay tuned for a full review of the Punch Ring.

You can view the full line of NUKOTOOLS on their website.

You should research the legality of these tools before carrying them.

Boker Plus Krein PSK

By Matt on November 26, 2010 in Knives, Survival

The Boker Plus PSK is one of the new additions to the Boker line. The PSK is a Tom Krein design that is already a successful part of his full custom knife line. Krein designed the PSK to be a do-all Personal Survival Knife. The original design is both very tough and very compact and the Boker Plus version looks to be no different.

The Boker Plus PSK has a 3″ blade and is made from 4.7mm thick 12C27 steel. Even with this thick blade stock, it should be an excellent cutter due to the tall flat grind. The handle slabs are black G-10 with red spacers. It comes with a kydex sheath with Tek-lok. The MSRP of the PSK is $99.95 and the street price should be considerably lower.

Check out the Boker Plus PSK on the Boker USA website.

ESEE Navigation/Survival Card

By Matt on November 24, 2010 in Survival, Tactical Gear

I like tools that are simple, easy to carry, and multi-functional. The new ESEE Navigation/Survival Card is certainly all of those things.

The card is made from clear plastic and comes with a Tyvek protection sleeve. It features map rules and UTM corners for the most common map scales found in the USA. It also features a compass rose with 22.5 degree increments, a list of ground to air signals, and other useful survival related information.

The best thing about the ESEE Navigation/Survival Card is the form factor. It is business card sized which makes it perfect for storing in a wallet or small E&E/Survival kit. It wouldn’t be your first choice on an orienteering course but its convenient size makes it more likely that you will have it when you really need it. This card, coupled with a button compass or small baseplate compass would make a somewhat imprecise, but very usable combination.

This card, like all other great tools, is simple and versatile. It also happens to be very inexpensive. Check it out at the ESEE website.

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