Ray Mears / Sharpening a Knife at Camp_Part 1/2

Ray Mears / Sharpening a Knife at Camp_Part 2/2

Gear Review: Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Series Scout

For some time I've been on the lookout for a good every day carry knife. I believe I have finally found what I was looking for. The Gerber Bear Grylls Scout fits the bill perfectly. I have been using this knife for a couple weeks now and in that time have given it a hard beating. It is a relatively inexpensive knife and you can find the specifics about the knife here.

The lock on the knife is one of the most solid I

have ever used. Most folding knives I've used still

have a little give when they are open, but not this

knife.

The textured rubber handle is very comfortable to

use with no slipping. It also fits very comfortably into

my hand.

I don't typically like pocket clips on my knives, which

in my experience tend to catch on things and tear

up my hand as well as furniture. This clip is broad

enough that it doesn't catch on things like other clips

I've used.

Because of the serration, I wasn't quite able to make

a feather stick. But because I use this knife for

everyday carry I don't mind the serration. It's great

for cutting fibrous materials.

The only complaint I have with the knife is the steel the blade is made out of is soft enough that it does require a fair amount of maintenance. I have already had to sharpen it several times in the short amount of time I've had it.

Overall for the price I have been very impressed with this knife. It is light to carry and can take alot of abuse. If you are looking for a good everyday carry knife, you might want to give it a try.

The Newest Setup

Here it goes for the last post of the year. I thought I'd do this post on one of the things I received as a Christmas present, the Mora 510. This knife has been discontinued since 2009, which I'm finding out is too bad, but it is now available for a limited time from Ray Mears website here .

The sheath that came with the knife was too small to fit on my belt so I ordered a different sheath from Ben's Backwoods here .

As soon as I started using the knife I liked the feel of it. It's a master at carving and

felt very natural in my hand.

I haven't needed to sharpen it yet, but I'm looking forward to

seeing how it takes an edge on the sharpening stones.

Happy New Year!

Gear Review: Gerber Prodigy

I know I've already done a post on the Gerber Prodigy before, but that was just for the field test. This is the official review.

Overall I'm very pleased with it and it has fast become my favorite knife. I would definitely recommend it. You can find the specifics about the knife by going to GerberGear.com and looking up prodigy in the search.

Pros-

• This is a solid knife. In the short time I've had it I have given it a beating and it's still in good shape.
• It has a nicely squared edge on the back of the blade that works well with a firesteel.
• The handle has a good grip even when wet.
• Great for splitting wood.
• It came with a very secure sheath that can be worn horizontally or in the drop down style.
• In my mind the full tang is a big plus.

Cons-

• It's a little hard to get the perfect edge that we all like on the blade. But I found by just adapting my sharpening technique a little, I got a satisfactory edge on it.
• The skull crusher on the end of the handle has given me a few nasty scrapes. If I had my choice, I would leave that off.
• It's a little heavier than I prefer, but if it were between the weight or the strength, I would take the strength it gives.

One last thing I would like to mention. There is a rumor going around about the blade saying the knife was made in the USA and the box saying it was made in China. It's true the blade says it was made in the USA, but the box says the knife was made in the USA too. The sheath was made in China. Okay all clear.

Have a great week.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife

Introducing the Gerber Prodigy

There it is on it's first test run. I'll admit, I'm pretty pleased with it.

It can be worn horizontally or in the drop down style.
It came with a leg strap, but I much prefer carrying it on my

belt or in a pocket or backpack.

It did a decent job at making a feather stick.


Excellent for chopping wood.

Gear Review: Gerber Big Rock Camp Knife

You can't go too far into bushcraft without a little gear talk. Personally I enjoy hearing what other wilderness survival enthusiasts are using these days.

My first gear review is about the main knife I use the Gerber Big Rock Camp Knife. For specifics about the knife, look it up on http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php

Pros-

• Easy to sharpen.


• Holds an extremely sharp edge.


• Strong blade. Trust me, it's taken a pounding.


• Good grip. I've used it in the rain and was still able to keep a hold on it.


• Works well with a fire steel.

Cons-

• The Softgrip handle started peeling after using it for only a few weeks.


• The handle and blade have started coming apart.


• Slightly larger than I would prefer for gutting and skinning animals.

I know knives can be an extremely controversial subject in the bushcraft world. This was just my opinion and I'm no expert.

Man vs. Wild - Costa Rica Knife Sharpening