"Water in the desert: Moses, the survivalist"

 ²³ When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah. ²⁴ So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” ²⁵ Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test." - Exodus 15:23-25.

CAN water truly be purified [or at least made sweet/potable] merely by placing [some kind of] wood in it? Let's examine that!

God as a survival instructor. . . what a concept! He taught Adam and Eve how to make garments from animal hides [I like to imagine God sitting cross-legged with an awl and cordage, lacing hides, and saying, "Now, this is how you do it" while Adam and Eve watch on], showed Noah a design how to build the sturdy ark, and taught Joseph to store and prep for famine.

Of course, I knew about the story of Moses striking the stone for water, but I'd glossed over the scripture posted above. Reading it recently, it got me very curious; can water be purified and made potable merely by placing some kind of [apparently disinfecting wood] into it? It's an interesting survival skill question and one I wanted to know the answer to!

So, I began by studying the scripture closely and made note that the water was "bitter". That does not necessarily mean undrinkable. Back in 2012, some friends and I went on a short backpacking trip to a place called "Sulphur Pots". I'd never been there, but what I found was the stream had eroded the bedrock, creating "pots" or catch basins. The water itself had a mildly sulphury taste. It wasn't pleasant, but it was drinkable. I could filter it, but it didn't improve the taste because of the minerals in the water. So it may be the water at Marah had a lot of minerals in it. After all, we are talking about the harsh Sinai desert.

But being the Creator of everything seen and unseen, God knew of a tree and a remedy for poor-tasting water.  Something else to consider - Moses had spent many years living as a fugitive and an exile in the desert and had undoubtedly learned a few tricks. It may be that he recognized the "piece of wood" God showed him and that he knew the tree from whence it came and where it could be found.

We also need to remember, the Israelites were whiners - they constantly cried and moaned about their situation and tested Moses' [and God's] patience. They'd griped about being fed Manna, begged for meat, and then when God provided foul, griped about too much Quail. They could not be made happy and it just follows that they'd complain about water quality as well.

Whatever this wood was, it seems likely that it had some disinfectant quality or natural coagulants that bond with minerals or impurities in the water and render it less bitter and more palatable.

So I began to search around online, and I stumbled onto references to a Sinai desert tree called "Moringa" [ Moringa oleifera] which has several other common names, but is also called "miracle Tree" for it's many uses, including traditional medicine, vegetable, and yes, water purification [*Per COPILOT: "Moringa seeds contain natural coagulants that bind to suspended particles and microbes in water, causing them to settle out. This clarifies turbid water and can reduce bacteria and other contaminants. In high-turbidity water, one seed can treat a liter; in low turbidity water, one seed can treat up to four liters. the water can reach drinking quality in an hour or two. Widely used in Africa, Asia, and the Middle east for water purification, including the Nile River Basin].   

Another candidate is the Gum Arabic Tree [Vachellia nilotica] which is used for "masking bitter flavors", and whose name you probably seen on in the ingredient list on soft drink cans and bottles.  **I asked COPILOT, "Can Gum Arabic purify water?" It responded: "Gum Aarabic does not act as a disinfectant or pathogen-removing agent, so it cannot "purify" water in the sence of killing bacteria, viruses, or parasites. However, it can be used in water treatment processes to help remove certain impurities and improve water quality."  So again, this fits the scripture as it addresses taste and potability. 

Now, here in the USA, we have neither Moringa nor Gum Arabic Tree to treat our water. But we do have excellent backpacking filters and chemical products for treating suspect water. But lacking those tools, what can we do in an emergent situation?

Well, almost certainly the most well-known go-to is boiling. If you have a metal container and can make fire, all you need do is bring water to a rolling boil and you will have killed pathogens in the water. Some folks preach boil for 20 minutes, but I am told this is unnecessary, that if you want to allow a minute or two that is fine, but one it attains a rolling boil, it is safe to drink [once cooled].

Another primitive method I've known for years as many of you do, is that charcoal from burned oak wood can be used to draw toxic impurities from water. Charcoal has a porous structure that can absorb chemicals, impurities, and even some microorganisms from water. Many water filters use activated charcoal in them to trap contaminants***. Consider: Hospital treat poisonings by having patients drink a concoction of activated charcoal that bonds with the toxins and helps remove them from the body.

Another method is boil-free and this would be to seal water in a clear plastic bag, lay it in full sunlight for several hours, and allow UV rays to kill pathogens in the water. I always carry a couple of cereal box liners in my pack and reserve them for this purpose should everything else fail or to provide another layer of disinfection.

For the sake of brevity, I've omitted several methods of emergency water gathering [Building a sand filter, Transpiration Bag, Solar Still, Tying bandannas to your shins walking through a grassy field and wringing out morning dew, & etc.].

One final water comment: If you are lost/injured on a trail and awaiting help, and a water source is available, but you've no means to disinfect it AND are at risk of dehydration, DRINK THE WATER! Yes, you might get sick, but you might not Dehydration is a sure killer. Assuming you have left a hiking plan with a responsible person and have adhered to it. there is an excellent likelihood you will be rescued in about 48 hours. But it's on you to find shelter, hydrate, and signal for help.

Be smart, be safe, have faith.

Happy hiking!

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil]

[*AI - always confirm sources for yourself before implementing the information]

[**AI - always confirm sources for yourself before implementing the information]

[*** One of my favorite authors, Louis L'Amour, described a process in his short story, "THAT MAN FROM THE BITTER SANDS". L'Amour writes how a man lost in the desert made a fire, boiled water, then placed charcoal in the pan to draw contaminants out of the water. L'Amour gew up on a ranch in his youth and learned skills from cowboys].

JACKKNIFE LINKS PRESENTS, "WHITTLIN' WITH SASQUATCH"

 So over the last couple of years, I have become increasingly addicted to whittling. Fish, cats, dogs, bears, ghosts, you name it. I find it very relaxing to plan a carve, make a design, and then put it into action. Besides this, it greatly enhances your knife manipulation skills. So much so, that now if I start a cut, I immediately know if it will go badly or cut me, and stop the cut. It's been a long time since I have cut myself, but it has truly been a learning experience getting there.

So today I decided to whittle a Sasquatch [Bigfoot monster].   I sketched out what I envisioned then used a piece of Douglas Fir trim from the hardware store for the whittle. an 8' length costs about three dollars and will make a lot of spoons and figures. I transfer the sketch to the wood with a pencil and start the rough carving with a pocket knife or a small fixed blade:

Once I have the rough carving done, I begin to whittle in detail and with greater care, as any mistake would be hard to correct if at all. For this I generally use dedicated wood carving tools:

Once carving is done, I can use small files to better shape the carve and then begin sanding:

Once the carving has been sanded, I can stain/paint/oil to my liking, mount on a base, or mod into a wall-hanging. In this instance, I also used a wood burning tool to make markings as to simulate hair on the sasquatch:

Whittling is great fun, relaxing, and will greatly enhance your knife handling skills. I highly recommend it.

Kind regards and happy hiking!

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil]

"I always feel like somebody's watching me!" [Well sometimes anyways . . . ]

Spend enough time in the woods, and sooner or later you are going to get that strange feeling of being watched. I guarantee it. And you need to recognize and respect it. In this post, I'm going to tell you the how and why. . . 

We all have had it. .That sudden feeling of unease in a Library or Coffee Shop in which you quickly turn or raise your head and without even searching look directly at some person who is staring directly at you. Some people call it a "Sixth sense" and yes, there may be something to that. Remember, we had 4+ Million years of evolution - 200,000 years in this current Homo Sapiens model - and we didn't get here by sheer luck. We did it because we evolved to survive. It's in our genes.  You "felt" that person's gaze on you.  

The Marine Corps even teaches this phenomenon to young Marines. They call it "Mountain Gaze". Equally, they are taught to avoid doing it -to watch a sentry out of their peripheral vision, rather than staring directly at them, lest they feel that sensation of being watched and alarm. 

Most days, we navigate an urban jungle. We see people on the street or in businesses who for whatever reason cause us unease. Perhaps it is a manner of dress, behavior being exhibited, or [very common] something you just can't define . . . a "feeling". This is very likely your Amygdala at work. The Amygdala is a structure in the human brain that reads emotion and processes sounds and the things we see to perceive whether danger exists. It's a key survival tool for each of us. I've known people who refused to believe their instincts and were consequently assaulted. 

But let's focus on that "Sixth sense" - I can give a woodland example of that. Several years ago a friend ws running a State Park trail locally. At the end of the trail they paused to rest for a moment. Almost immediately they were overcome by a strange feeling of unease - that sense of "being watched'. After looking around for a few moments, my friend peered into the green undergrowth and was shocked to see a man in black clothing concealed and watching her. Break over! She ran out of there as fast as her feet could carry her. I passed the incident on to a Ranger friend who, a couple of months later informed me the man had been identified and found to be living an off-grid existence back in their park woodland.

I had a similar event hiking a backcountry trail. Everything had been going well when suddenly for no apparent reason I felt a wave of fear and unease wash over me. I became so scared I could not even will my feet to move. Certain I was under observation; I began looking all about me trying to find the source of my distress but could not. It took several long minutes before I finally became possessed of sufficient courage to move off again. To this day I've no idea what caused this, though my suspicion goes to a Mountain Lion as the source. 

Using your eyesight to its fullest is critical. Open your gaze, take in the whole of the the scene before you. "Splatter Vision" or wide-angle vision is un-focusing your vision and allowing your eyes to pick up movement that would otherwise be missed. Understand, when we focus up, we're only using 5% of our vision and are blind to the other 95% of our field of vision. using splatter vision, you'll see less detail but you will see more movement. Take time to stop, scan, and look deeper to burn through the "wall of green" and see what's hidden within the shadows. 

Another thing to be aware of is unusual stillness or sudden quietness in the woods. Try to be aware of the baseline vibe of the woodland. Bird and Squirrel chatter are good indicators of a normal healthy woodland environment. Train yourself to move slowly, quietly and with a peaceful spirit. If you wish to observe an animal or bird, give it distance. In this way you will not be a trigger for the woodland to go quiet. If you've ever heard a loud family group with cheerful chatty children moving through the woods, you'll know exactly the effect when the woodland fell silent and hid for safety

Smells are another indicator to be aware of. I cannot tell you how many times I've hiked a woodland and smelled cigarette smoke drifting in the air, a solid indicator someone else is in the vicinity. Some people use strong body washes or colognes. Putrefaction - the decay of a deceased animal may indicate a deer kill and the presence of a Mountain Lion in the area. If you do happen upon a kill, be alert and leave the area quickly.

Suspicious sounds, such as someone or something moving in the brush or through dry leaf litter on the woodland floor. I once was walking in out local oak woodland when i became aware of something matching my movement. I stepped and it stepped. I would look into the brush and see nothing. This went on for some time before finally a Coyote busted out of the brush and ran down into the creek bed - it had been following me and watching me from cover.

"The track on top is the most recent". One of my favorite woods activities is locating wildlife tracks. I like to get out early before anyone else so the trail is clear of new human impressions, and I can see what critters passed overnight/early morning. Of course, fresh shoe impressions are solid indicator of human activity, and the ability to age them and no if someone may still be in the area is a handy tool. Sometimes you will even be able to follow them to their source and confirm after the maker has moved off and you can see their immediate impression.

Sometimes your own movement will be so quiet and skillful, or the ground so favorable it permits silent movement so much so that you will surprise wildlife and provoke alarm and sudden movement as they break cover. Recently on a hike I heard crashing behind me and to my side and turned in time to see a deer disappear into the brush. It had been bedded and suddenly spooked when I entered the area. "Fox Walking" - lowering the outside edge of the foot to contact the earth, then rolling to the ball of the big toe, and finally lowering the heel - will greatly enhance quiet movement in the woodland.

To review - always trust your "Sixth Sense" instincts. Use your senses - sight, smell, and  hearing. become familiar with natures baseline and recognize when it goes flat.  Move slowly, quietly, and peacefully to increase awareness and not trigger wildlife alarm.

  

Best wishes, and safe hiking!

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil]

 

Camping at "The Indians"

 This past week, friends and I went up to Monterey County to camp a couple of nights at a place called "The Indians'. It's a remarkable place with some of the most dramatic rock formations I have even seen. Not a far drive from where I live - about two hours - and the road in is mostly paved except for the last couple of miles.  We got in and set about making camp and had an early dinner while it was still light out [I hate cooking in darkness!].  I made simple but filling fare  - beans & spam:

    

Next morning we got up and started to explore the rock formations, hoping to find some petroglyphs or artifacts, evidence of the Salinan People who once lived here. Within a short time, my friend found a bedrock mortar with abundant grinding holes peppering it. It sat in the approximate center of what we perceived was probably a village center:

     

We spent several hours covering about 3.04 miles studying the terrain and the fantastic formations:

     

That afternoon, we walked down to the Arroyo Seco River and enjoyed the cool shade and icy cold water where I soaked my tired feet, lol;

We had a great dinner that evening and a very warm night - much warmer than the 34F degree previous evening: 

     

The next morning, we headed out and I stopped off to explore a trail I'd seen. If you are interested in this area, message me and I will provide location and campground information:

     

Kind regards,

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil]

 

Heaven. . . Return with Honor!

 

When I was a teenager in High School, I became a Civil Air Patrol [CAP] Cadet. Basically, CAP is the Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. They work cooperatively with the USAF Rescue Coordination Center to perform Search and Rescue for downed aircraft in the United States. As such, I got to spend a lot of time on USAF bases, attending Cadet Encampments and learning about the Air Force as a possible career. After High School, I tested for the Air Force and sought to enter the Security Air Police field. 

Unfortunately, as it turned out, I was partially color blind in some reds and green shades, and this disqualified me for that position. Consequently, I never entered the armed forces and chose college and another career field. But I have always held an interest in all things Air Force, especially survival training. The USAF trains aircrews and pilots on survival skills to sustain them in the event their aircraft crash lands.

On the darker side, they teach them how to cope with torture or prolonged interrogation should they fall into enemy hands and become a POW. The program is called "SERE", an acronym for Survive Evade Resist Escape. It is an arduous training course usually done in extreme environments and tests the limits of human endurance; to complete the training and graduate the program is considered a noteworthy achievement. The motto of the course is, "RETURN WITH HONOR", the point being that were the airmen captured, they resisted the enemy's efforts to elicit information and did not become a collaborator and betray our nation.

I greatly enjoy watching USAF SERE training videos and how the students use the training they received to sustain themselves through the challenges presented to them. By now you are probably asking, "Okay, but how does that title "Heaven. . .Return with honor". Well, several years ago I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I'd been raised in a traditional religion, but I didn't know the living Christ until some very good friends led me to know Him and to develop a personal relationship with Him.

I have since come to understand that as Christian Believers, we are "In, but not of, this world". . . that we ourselves are essentially "behind enemy lines" far from our home is in Heaven where we shall live with Christ for all eternity. But first we have to get there . . and to do this, we have to "run the race with endurance" as the Apostle Paul put it. We are living in an evil, sinful, fallen world where each day, the devil sets traps and snares in an attempt to separate us from Christ, and this means we have to practice the skills that will help us to survive, so that we can ultimately "Return with Honor".

To that end, I would suggest that Father God has given us the outline for survival through His Word, which is found in scripture. So a SERE acronym for the Christian believer might look something like this:

Seek ["Seek ye first the Kingdom of God", Matthew 6:33]

Evangelize ["Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature", Mark 16:15]

Resist ["Resist the devil, and he will flee from you", James 4:7]

Endure ["But he who endures to the end shall be saved", Matt 14:13]

I would also mention that, more and more, we see vicious attacks on the faith, which Jesus foretold  ["And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.", Matt 10:22]. This is complicated by the extreme weather, civil unrest, political division, and wars we currently see happening here at home and around the world, again foretold by Christ in Matt. 24, in the Signs of the Times and the End of the Age. Many Pastors believe we are seeing the end times unfolding before our eyes. Again, as Believers, our job is to remain faithful, endure, and spread the gospel until we are called home. 

Maintaining your fitness and skills goes hand-in-hand with survival. The Bible clearly states that a time will come when we have to flee and will have no forewarning and will have to flee with what we have with us ["Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.", Matt 24:20-22].  To this end, it is wise to have a few essentials with you or in your vehicle at all times, just in case we need to evacuate to safety. 

There are plenty of trainers and good books with information on skills and tools to have with you, and I will not go into great detail. However, I will suggest a few books I have found useful:

"OUTDOOR SURVIVAL SKILLS" by Larry Dean Olsen is a CLASSIC. An instructor at BYU, Olsen is considered the Father of the Primitive Skills movement. His book is the Bible for those wanting to learn ancestral survival skills, those used by our ancestors - we're talking caveman skills. . . stone knives, natural cordage snares, hand crafted bows and arrows. It's an amazing tome! Currently available on AMAZON. 

The USAF Survival Manual issued to personnel whose specialty requires survival training [pilots, aircrew, air commando's]. This is a HUGE nearly 600-page beast, chock full of info on skills, how to, gear, weather, building shelters and much more.  Currently available on AMAZON. 

"THE END TIMES CHRISTIAN" by Dr. Jason Hunt, PhD. Dr. Hunt is a nationally renowned survival instructor and founder of CAMPCRAFT OUTDOORS who is also a Pastor with degrees in Theology and related Biblical subjects. In this book, Dr. Hunt leads the reader to understand God's scriptural plan for survival for Christian Believers found in the Bible. He also describes and trains the reader on the various tools that are essential to survival. I believe this book is out of print, but might be found on the secondary market. As well, Dr. Hunt has a newer publication, THE GOSPEL OF SURVIVAL, and tht book is currently available on AMAZON PRIME.

In conclusion, I wish to state that in spite of the tough times we see around us and the uncertainty looming on the horizon, we are commanded "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” [Deut. 3:16].  We are commanded, "Be not afraid". . .read the Bible, be strong in your faith, support one another, and maintain fitness and skills to the best of your ability. And always remember our Lord's words and promise. . . "And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Stay "SAFE" [Survive - Adapt - Fight - Endure] and God Bless!

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil]

  

Damn. its been 2 years since I was here last!!!

 Howdy everyone!

Well, I just realized I have not been on this page for quite a while and was shocked to see that it has fully been 2 YEARS since I was here last. So, just going to do a little update. . .

I have been active and busy, albeit, not here though. My main means of communication are FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE, in that order, and I will place links below. 

On Facebook I am regularly posting information and photos and I would refer you there first. . .

BushcraftWoodsDevil Facebook page

Now, if you do not use Facebook, you can still access my videos on Youtube. I am not as active there, shooting vids only infrequently [and I do share my Youtube vids on MY Facebook page] and my channel is found here:

BushcraftWoodsDevil Youtube channel

Currently, I have 1,290 subscribers and 447 videos on that channel so lots of material to view. 

Anyway, I will try to make sure to circle back here and most something more often.

Kind regards,

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil] 

Kevin Reeve's "Apache Limp Wire Trap" - Useful camp intrusion alarm!

A few days ago, I was looking at the ONPOINT TACTICAL Facebook page, and came across an article written by Kevin Reeve on a primitive man-trap called an "Apache Limp Wire Trap". Basically it's a trip wire triggered drop-trap deigned to injure or dissuade a person or person(s) tracking/pursuing you. The Apache people had long experience at this, having been hunted by the Spanish, then Mexican, and finally American armies over the century's. 

I myself, have no need to whack anyone on the noggin with a trap, but it did occur to me that this might be a great trap for a camp intruder alarm. I reasoned a tin can full of rocks might make a great noisemaker when it hit the ground, and give some warning or a person or animal entering camp.

I downloaded reeve's article and took it out to the park where I practice skills. I had some paracord and some old carving practice try sticks to use for trap trigger pieces. Reeve had used a piece of branch and staked it into the ground inverted so the croth acted to hold one side of the trap trigger. For mine, I used a "7 Notch", as it's what I had available [I like his better]. Following is a video I shot of the trap in use and function:

I had a "small mishap" while setting the trap. The bean can full of rocks fell, glancing off the right side of my back . I am glad it was not a head strike, as it would have surely rung my bell a good one [or worse], as it sped toward the ground. In case you are interested in trying this trap, here is the link for the article:  "Apache Booby Traps"

Happy Hiking!  

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil] 

Tinder Tube. . .another tool for your firemaking kit!

Tinder tube, sometimes called a Fire Wick, have been used for centuries. They were used in Colonial times, and are a useful tool for getting a fire started. Basically they are a tube, usually copper  such as plumbing pipe, maybe 4" in length, with a length of hemp or cotton rope strung through it. One end of the rope is charred and thus will catch a spark and ignite a hot ember or can be blown into flame to help start a camp or cook fire. When done, you pull the cordage back into the tube and it smothers if for the next use.

There are lots of "How-To" videos on making and using these, as well as materials that folks use and recommend. There are also some very nice commercial models, some of which use a ferocerium rod that is incorporates into the tube body's construction. 

In this video, I show how I make mine and how I use it. 

I have spiked the wick with Mineral [Baby] Oil to produce a hot flame. The tube portion is constructed from harvested Blue Elderberry branch. Unlike metal, the wood does not retain or transfer heat.It;s a fun project I think you will enjoy!

Cheers!

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil]

Budget Kukri - ELK RIDGE ER-510

I'm still here! Been working full-time throughout the Pandemic, but mostly been busy over on my YOUTUBE channel and FACEBOOK pages. Thought perhaps I should circle back here and at least add something now and again and keep the blog alive. Of course, this page being dedicated to blades, bushcraft, and woods-running,  I am always interested in budget knives.

I suspect that a lot of folks who aren't interested in high-end knives or simply don't care tend toward these values-priced offerings. Or, they may simply need *something* to accomplish a task and choose the first thing they see at their favorite discount store.  Either way, I find it enjoyable and interesting to push these knives and see how they perform against the higher priced cousins.

A few days ago I was perusing the knife counter at BIG 5 [my favorite discount store] and spied this ELK RIDGE ER-510, which they bill as a "Combat Tactical" knife. 

I cannot make my mind up - is the pattern a Bolo or a Kukri? My vote goes to a Bolo. . . although I have seen it referred to as a Kukri, so we'll go with that, lol!

The ER-510 was tagged as regularly priced $32.99, but I picked it up with a BIG 5 coupon for just $9.99 + tax. . .a HUGE savings. And frankly, a much more realistic price for the money. Of course, I won't buy a knife I won't use, so I decided to get outside and put it through some carving tasks. But first, let's look at the knife's nomenclature in this video I shot.

So, I wandered off the home range and slipped into my favorite woods hidey-hole to test out this Bolo. . .er. . .Kukri. Using the ER-510, I harvested some Arroyo Willow to use for a Try Stick. It chopped with an astoundingly clean cut for a factory edge and completely surprised me. I can say with confidence, the ER-510 is an incredible chopping too. In this next video, I display some carving it performed.

I am quite sure this is the largest knife I have ever used to do fine carving tasks, and it was an interesting process. I had considered Alan Kay's use of a Kukri in the first season of the History channel series, "A L O N E", and how he had expertly used that big CONDOR Kukri to do all of his camp tasks. After an hour I found it had made my hands very tired and achy, but it was great fun to work with.

The ER-510 blade has many surfaces to use: A fine point for drilling and detail work, a broad belly for troughing, a narrow waist for spoke-shave type cuts or choking up to perform push cuts. As well the blade can be turned sideways to hammer something, such as a tent stake into the ground. As seen in the video, I managed to carve a nice Try Stick. I had a feeling Mors Kochanski might be looking down, grinning and shaking his head with amusement.

In conclusion, here are some thoughts and opinions I reached about the ER-510:

The ER-510 large Kukri knife would not be my personal first choice for a general-use bushcraft knife. It is however, an excellent chopping tool for felling saplings or harvesting other material for camp projects. I do think it would be an acceptable substitute to an axe in environments other than hardwoods, and could be carried on a pack.

The Patron Saint of bushcrafters, Nessmuk, had suggested over a century ago that the proper woods trio was an axe, a sheath knife, and a pocket folder. I believe the Kukri could fill in the axe portion of that trio, and back up a good MORA Companion and perhaps a good pocket folder for the even smaller tasks. 

So in the stepped woods tool arrangement, ER-510 Kukri would do the heavy lifting. I will also say I do think it good to practice and develop skills with all sizes and patterns of knives should need arise, such as losing your primary bushcraft knife and having no option but to use the kukri for smaller jobs. 

BTW - if you are interested in reading Nessmuk's woods tips and advice, you can find it for free on the Project Gutenberg at Woodcraft & Camping by Nessmuk.

Anyhow, that's enough for today. Thanks for stopping by stay happy & healthy, and get outdoors!

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil]

ESEE "Zancudo" pocket knife; an excellent EDC folder choice

Just a quick review of the RANDALLS ADVENTURE/ESEE KNIVES "Zancudo" pocket knife.

This is a very light pocket knife [about 3.3 oz] with 3" Drop-point blade, 4" closed, and O/A length of 7". They are available in both AUS-8 and D2 steel and a variety of handle scale color options.is a manually-opened [thumb stud] liner lock knife. The pocket clip can be reversed for tip-up or tip-down carry, but is only set up for right hand carry. The pocket clip side is bare steel, opposite side has a colored G-10 scale:

The spine measures 3/32" thick, and the edge is very fine. It is razor sharp and only the second knife I have that came "hair popping sharp [COLD STEEL Voyager being the other]. I personally regard this as a cutting tool only and I would be very concerned about chipping the edge were I to try to say, pry or pop chips from a Try Stick or similar wood carving project. I think it would be fine in camp for cutting-only tasks.

Better still, I see this as an excellent choice for an urban EDC carry pocket folder. The 3" blade [2.75" actual cutting edge] makes it lawful for carry in many jurisdictions, 3" seeming to be a standard for maximum permitted blade length [of course check your own state/local ordinances before carry].

HAPPY HIKING!

Goblin Ranger

[Bushcraft Woods Devil]

"Bushcraft Kubaton"

Well, 2020 has certainly been a nasty year so far. I have managed to do a few local hikes and day outings which you can find on my YOUTUBE channel but the COVID 19 has certainly inhibited travel or adventuring outside of my home county. We have had a bit of re-opening in the past week, so maybe things will get better. Wife and I are already talking about possible outings for next year.

Over these past 7 months or so I've run into some mean people and seen some near fistfights over persons failing to wear the facemask in public places.  Add to that we are in the midst of a very tense and contentious election season and the potential for a self-defense situation becomes a potentiality. Of course, situational awareness and avoidance should always be our first defense, but one should know how to defend if necessary. 

I like to think of personal safety preparation/response in these terms, "DO NO HARM [avoidance/don't provoke a confrontation], DO KNOW HARM [[know First Aid/Stop the Bleed], DO KNOW HOW TO HARM [Defend - Speed, Surprise - Violence of Action]."

I did a hike a few days ago and harvested a branch that had been pruned by Park staff. Pondering on it, I thought to make a field-expedient "Kubaton". What is a Kubaton you ask? Well, essentially, it is a little self defense tool used for impact strikes and pressure point applications. It takes it's name from the inventor, Sensei Takayuki Kubota, who developed it in the 1970's for the Los Angeles Police Department's use. The "Kubotan" as it was called, was constructed of a tough polycarbonate plastic, but is also made in aircraft-grade aluminum as well, and is lawful to possess in California.

The history of the Kubotan is far older than the 1970's however. The Japanese Samurai carried a similar device called a Yawara during the feudal era, and were masterful at applying joint locks and control holds with it.. Filipino combatants have long carried a version called a Dulo-Dulo,  sometimes fashioned from attractive Buffalo Horn. 

But we are talking about survival skills here so, In a pinch, the ability to craft a simple, functional pocket stick can be fashioned from a piece of branch, preferably a hardwood, might be a useful skill. Lacking a knife, one could be manufactured with a sharp-edged rock and a coarse stone to sand the roughed out shape into a smooth finish. Thus, a means of delivering a focused and painful strike that would be more difficult to deliver with the bare hand.

In this video, I display a "Bushcraft Kubaton" made from a harvested branch while on a leisurely hike. This is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Challenge your bushcrafting friends or survival students to craft a pocket stick, then partner up to practice strikes and pressure point applications. There are many books and video's available for instruction if you cannot find a skilled instructor.

Happy Hiking!

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil]

Frontier Shuriken

Ask someone what a "Shuriken" is and most likely they will describe the classic "Throwing Stars" seen on the old TV series "Kung Fu" and countless Ninja movies. Thrown with unerring accuracy, skilled Ninja's often made head shots with their throwing stars, sinking them deep into an opponents skull. And while it is true Ninja used Shuriken, it should be noted they were mostly used by Samurai soldiers on the battlefield.

Shu-ri-ken, Japanese for, "Hidden Hand Blade", were a tactical tool used by Samurai to distract or misdirect an opponent. Not at all intended as a primary weapon, these little tools were used to be thrown at the face and eyes of an enemy combatant to cause them to look away and thus present an opening to be exploited. They could also be held in the hand and used as a contact distance combative aid for delivering strikes and jabs to vulnerable targets. 

Shu-ri-ken were produced in various shapes and sizes, one being the "Bo" Shu-ri-ken, Bo meaning stick. A reference to it's shape, the Bo shu-ri-ken was likely formed from a large nail or spike. It was held in the palm, blunt end against the palm heel and fingers straight trapping and guiding it for a no-spin throw.

In the 2003 action film, THE HUNTED, there is a scene in the end battle between actors Benicio Del Toro and Tommy Lee Jones involving a primitive form of a Bo shu-ri-ken. Del Toro draws a wooden stick with both ends sharpened. The stick is lashed to his calf by means of primitive cordage. He throws the stick at Tommy Lee Jones who narrowly dodges and avoids it. Nonetheless, the attack does rattle Jones and add to his stress and need to be cautious.

It is worth noting that renown survival instructor Tom Brown Jr. [trackerschool.com] was a technical advisor for the film and his training staff crafted the knapped chert knives used in the film. Del Toro relies on a knife fashioned after a model designed by Tom Brown Jr.

Lest you think such weapons are exclusive to Japan, note that primitive throwing weapons and tools are nothing new. Most of the world's aboriginal peoples have used such tools at one time or another. The Australian boomerang and the North American Rabbit Stick and Apache Star come to mind. Lacking a knife, such tools can be formed by using a chipped sharp micro-crystalline stone as a cutting tool and sanding the weapon smooth against a cobble from a creek.

As well, small palm sticks for use as impact weapons in close quarters combatives have been around quite awhile as well. Kubaton's, Koga sticks, and tactical pens are modern derivatives of the traditional Filipino Dulo-Dulo or Palm Stick, and the Samurai's Yawara pocket stick. Directed against sensitive, vulnerable targets they can deliver pain, great injury, even death to vital areas such as spine, groin, temple, throat, and eye socket. Of course, such use would only be permissible were one defending themselves against great bodily injury or death.

As I was testing some new knives I had received for Christmas to judge their efficacy as carving tools, I decided to craft some of these primitive throwers and practice this skill. Using some pieces of pruned branches I had harvested, I carved some throwers 12" in length and about 3/4" in diameter. I would recommend this length because they will quickly become dulled and the points need be re-sharpened. Possibly you could fire-harden the points or even coat them with Pine resin to prevent splitting and toughen them. I would also recommend the points be carved concave so the soft pith center does not form the point

As I see it, these primitive throwers would be a useful tool for defensive purposes as a "Last Ditch" weapon for persons who have been disarmed or are lacking a weapon and are in a SERE [Survive Escape resist Evade] situation, such as military personnel or civilians fleeing kidnappers/hostage takers.

If you'd care to try this. begin by carving a thrower as I have described. A discarded pizza box makes a good target to throw against. If you decided to train with it as an impact weapon, blunt/round the ends and then carefully and slowly practice strikes with a training partner. your focus should be on building muscle memory and precision, not speed. Be sure to use padded clothing, gloves, and eye and head protective gear to avoid injury.

Happy Hiking!

GOBLIN RANGER

[Bushcraft Woods Devil]  

Merry Christmas 2019! Lets talk about slipjoint pocket knives!

Merry Christmas 2019 my friends! I send my kind regards and sincere holiday wishes to all of you and your families. 

Below you will find a video, in which I show some of my classic slip joint pocketknives. These were the pocketknives of our fathers and grandfathers and many will have fond memories of them being used by them, perhaps to slice and share an apple with us when we were young. 

In the past couple of decades, large tactical folders came to the fore and became de rigeur and these little folders became somewhat forgotten. I even see ladies with tactical folders clipped to a pocket, boot, or belt.

However, I do think that slip joints are making a comeback, as people discover their light weight, portability, and aesthetic qualities. Unlike a large tactical folder, these benign little tools may be more socially acceptable and less likely to draw complaints in a workplace or public setting. As well, many have sub-3" blades and are non-locking. Many jurisdictions prohibit locking blades and blades exceeding 3". Of course, always do your due diligence and review local laws and ordinances to ensure compliance.

They are very useful for small tasks, such as slicing fruit, opening packages, sharpening a pencil, and so on. Thus, they may be very well suited for EDC carry in less-permissive environments where a tac folder might raise alarm. 

Slip joints were used by the woodsmen of the "Golden Age of Camping [1890-1930], such as Nessmuk, Kephart, and even early car camper Henry Ford. Some patterns, such as the Moose, are a bit stouter and can perform camp chores and wood whittling and carving tasks.

I believe that one company has done much to restore these little knives to the public conscience, and that is Smoky Mountain Knife Works [SMKW.com]. They have models available from Schrade, Imperial, and Case that are priced for any budget. As well, they carry a line of traditional pocket knives manufactured in China under the name ROUGH RYDER [recent brand name change from ROUGH RIDER].  

In my estimation, ROUGH RYDER knives are well made, extremely inexpensive, and offer excellent quality at little cost. But more than that, their line is incredibly diverse in terms of materials and features, and are wonderfully attractive. I have one of their BACKWOODS BUSHCRAFTER Trapper pattern knives, and I could not be more pleased. It would have been right at home in a classic camp with wool blankets, a canvas shelter, candle lantern, and a Dutch oven warming over a wood campfire.

If you are interested in learning more about classic slip joint pocket knives I highly recommend that you visit TOBIAS GIBSON Channel on YOUTUBE. This gentleman has an amazing collection and his depth of knowledge of knives, patterns and history, is truly amazing.
I hope you will enjoy this video, and again, Happy Holidays!

Happy Hiking!

GOBLIN RANGER 
[Bushcraft Woods Devil]

COGHLAN'S Multi-Function Camp Knife...it's not bad for five dollars!

Hello my friends!  Sorry I have been gone so long! It has been a busy year thus far, and I've been busy with life and other projects. Anyhow, earlier today I was shopping at RITE-AID and decided to peruse the Sporting Goods/Camping section. I noticed that COGHLAN'S had changed the handles of their traditionally red-handled camp knife to a very attractive green color:

The green color was unique and new to me...kind of the same shade as the U.S. Park Service vehicles. I decided to pick one up and add it to my collection of camp knives: 

...and, since I had the knife in packaging, I decided to go ahead and do a quick tabletop review on it. 

Basically, the COGHLAN'S  Multi-Function Camp Knife is a Chinese-made copy of the classic Swiss Army Knife [SAK] pattern or "style". It is marketed by COGHLAN'S  LTD, a well known outdoor products based in Winnipeg, Canada [coghlans.com]. If you are not familiar with COGHLAN'S, they offer a large variety of camp gear items, usually at a budget price.

This camp pocket knife measures appx. 3.5" [91mm] closed with a blade length of 2-1/8" [55mm], for an open length of 6" [15.5 cm]. The knife's tools include:

1. Spearpoint blade
2. Can Opener
3. Phillips screwdriver
4. Corkscrew
5. Combo bottle cap lifter/slotted tip screwdriver.

As well, the plastic handle scales house a toothpick and tweezer. 

The blade has a typical factory grind sharpening...not spectacular, but adequate. The blade was almost certainly stamped out on a press and then passed a couple of times over a belt grinder to achieve a working edge. This knife blade is probably constructed from a low quality stainless steel. My experience has been that these knives will take a good sharpening but won't hold an edge.

Here is a video review I shot on this pocket knife:

The profile of the pocketknife is very slender, much more so than a VICTORINOX due to the lack of tools, and it carries very comfortably in the pocket. The backsprings are good and there is no side-to-side wobble or play when the blade or tools are deployed. 

My only criticism was that the toothpick was lodged too tight in the handle and had to be pried out. I discovered some sprue from molding in the toothpick channel. I scraped it smooth, and this allowed the toothpick to be easily withdrawn and replaced.

Personally, I enjoy collecting "knock-off" copies of Swiss Army Knives. It's fun to compare them, how they differ, and also to see if they can be made better by proper sharpening and tuning up the stamped/hastily made tools, such as squaring up those rounded screwdriver tips and putting an edge to those rounded-dull can opener blades.

Price of this pocket knife as of this moment is about $4.59 USD at RITE-AID. As I see it, this little knife offers utility for the person on a budget who perhaps wants to have a pocketknife for trail and camp but cannot afford to spend more.  I also see it as having usefulness as a light EDC pocket carry folder which won't arouse concerns if observed, such as paring an apple at the office. SAK's are sold and recognized globally...there are very few people do not know what a "Swiss Army knife' is. 

I also think this would make a fine starter pocket knife for a youngster such as a Boy or Girl Scout who is just learning knife handling skills. At that price point if it becomes damaged/lost it is of no great loss, versus a better quality pocketknife.

Happy Hiking!

GOBLIN RANGER
[Bushcraft Woods Devil]