Home Blog Page 200

EXOTAC nanoSPARK Fire Starter

By
Patrick McCarthy
-
0

If you’ve been following our print magazine, you’ll likely recognize the name EXOTAC. The company produces fire-starting tools designed for every-day carry, with machined aluminum construction and a slick modern appearance. We reviewed the EXOTAC nanoSTRIKER XL ferro rod in Fire at Will, our fire-starter buyer’s guide in Issue 18.

EXOTAC nanoSPARK fire starter lighter wheel tinder 7
EXOTAC is well-known for its EDC ferrocerium rods, like this nanoSTRIKER XL.

Today, EXOTAC released a new fire-starter called the nanoSPARK, and launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund its production. The new American-made EXOTAC nanoSPARK is a compact sparking device which fits on a keychain, and can be operated with one hand. Rather than a ferrocerium rod and scraper, it uses a flint wheel design. Anyone who has used a cigarette lighter should be familiar with this mechanism — it’s even compatible with standard Zippo lighter replacement flints.

EXOTAC nanoSPARK fire starter lighter wheel tinder 3

The nanoSPARK has another trick up its sleeve. Knowing that dry tinder can be hard to find in an emergency, EXOTAC designed the fire-starter with a built-in waterproof storage capsule for the company’s quickLIGHT tinder. Unscrew the aluminum body of the device, and you’ll be able to insert one piece of the tinder as well as a few additional flints. Each nanoSPARK includes a total of five pieces of tinder.

EXOTAC nanoSPARK fire starter lighter wheel tinder 6

The EXOTAC nanoSPARK is available in four colors: anodized orange, olive green, gunmetal gray, or black. A limited number of “early bird” backers of the Kickstarter project can snag an orange fire-starter for $18, after which the price will increase to $22. They’re also available in packages of two, three, or four units, so you can share them with your friends.

EXOTAC nanoSPARK fire starter lighter wheel tinder 2

The company says all orders from this crowdfunding campaign will be shipped by the end of July. For more information and a video of the nanoSPARK in action, visit EXOTAC’s Kickstarter campaign.

New: Baja Designs S2 Ultra-Compact LED Lights

By
Patrick McCarthy
-
0

LED light bars have made a huge impact on the off-road market — it’s rare these days to see a bug-out truck that doesn’t have at least one or two LED lights. However, there are some downsides to the traditional 3- to 5-foot-long light bars. While they produce immense amounts of light, full-size light bars also draw high amperage, and can overload the electrical systems of smaller vehicles such as ATVs and side-by-sides. They also throw light in a wide line or arc, and are more difficult to aim precisely for targeted needs. Finally, their large dimensions can block radiator grilles or impede visibility, depending on placement.

Baja Designs LED light bars truck 4
The Baja Designs S2 line is available in several beam pattern configurations, from spot to wide flood beam.

In these instances, running a smaller light pod is beneficial. This is why Baja Designs has released the S2 series of ultra-compact LED lights. They measure just 3 inches by 2 inches and weigh 8 ounces, so they’re ideal for mounting in grilles, on bumpers or roof racks, or for use as back-up lights. These lights are also designed for low amperage draw, so they won’t add too much strain to a smaller vehicle’s electrical system.

Baja Designs LED light bars truck 3
The S2 Pro is available in flush-mount configuration for installation on bumpers and grilles.

The Baja Designs series is split into two categories: S2 Sport and S2 Pro. The S2 Sport is the entry-level model, and produces 1,130 lumens, with a draw of 12 watts at 0.9 amperes. Pricing for the S2 Sport starts at $110.

The S2 Pro is what Baja Designs calls “quite literally the brightest LED light ounce for ounce on the market”. It produces 2,450 lumens with a draw of 20 watts at 1.6 amperes. Pricing for the S2 Pro starts at $175.

Baja Designs LED light bars truck 2
Color lenses are available for red, blue, green, and amber light output.

A variety of beam patterns are available — Driving/Combo, Spot, Wide Cornering and a Work/Scene light. The S2 lights also offer either black or white powdercoated housings. All are available with optional amber colored lenses, and the Spot model is also available with optional red, green or blue color lenses.

For more information on the new Baja Designs S2 series, visit BajaDesigns.com.

“Mad Max” Cobra Stitch Paracord Bracelet Tutorial

By
Patrick McCarthy
-
0

The dystopian future shown in the 2015 film Mad Max: Fury Road may not be a wholly realistic take on survival after a nuclear holocaust, considering all its monster truck jumps, explosions, and flamethrower guitar solos. However, this over-the-top action flick was absolutely entertaining and visually impressive. We also loved the battered look of Tom Hardy’s protagonist character.

Image via Warner Bros.
Image via Warner Bros.

Eagle-eyed viewers of the film may have noticed that Max is wearing a paracord bracelet throughout much of the film, and there’s an interesting backstory behind it. The bracelet was a personal item Tom Hardy added to his character’s outfit, and he began making identical bracelets for other members of the cast and crew. He even made one for the star of the original Mad Max trilogy, Mel Gibson. In an interview with ET, Hardy explained the story behind these bracelets:

So, you may not be lucky enough to have Tom Hardy make you a paracord bracelet, but you can certainly make your own in the same style. This bracelet uses about 8 feet of 550 paracord, although it’s wise to start with a little extra so you don’t run out. It’s woven using a cobra stitch, also called a solomon stitch, with an adjustable segment and diamond knot to secure the loose ends.

Paracord cobra stitch bracelet Mad Max cordage 1

YouTube channel Weavers of Eternity created an easy-to-follow video tutorial for this Mad Max paracord bracelet:

Animal Traps & Snares: Primitive vs Modern Techniques

By
Patrick McCarthy
-
0
You really think those teeth can't chew right through your paracord?

We often hear about the virtues of primitive trapping, and on the surface, it seems like an easy way to catch animals for food with limited effort. It’s often said that all you need is a looped strand of picture wire, paracord, or even strong monofilament line to create a snare. Then you can place it on a game trail, and wait for animals to get caught. However, in a real survival situation, it won’t be so easy.

Snare animal trap hunting paracord knot 7

So-called primitive traps include snares, deadfall traps, and cage-style traps constructed from simple materials. These range from the well-known Paiute deadfall to more sophisticated traps like the bow trap seen above. With substantial training and practice, it’s possible to construct these traps from materials found in the wild — plant-based cordage, sticks, and rocks. We also know that Native American cultures used improvised traps like these to supplement their other food sources when hunting became difficult.

Snare animal trap hunting paracord knot 6
Is a strand of 550 cord really all you need to create a reliable snare?

If you look at the traps above and think, that looks easy, you may need to think again. These traps require substantial practice and precision to set up, and those who have watched the survival TV show Alone will probably recall how frustratingly inconsistent they proved to be for the contestants.

Snare animal trap hunting paracord knot 3
Wild animals are cautious, and can easily be deterred if they notice a trap or snare in their path.

If the balance isn’t perfect, or the wind changes direction, your trap may fall apart. If the trigger sensitivity isn’t spot-on, they may go off prematurely or fail to go off when an animal takes the bait. Or, even if everything else goes according to plan, the animal may still escape the trap after it is triggered.

You really think those teeth can't chew right through your paracord?
A determined animal’s teeth can make quick work of paracord, and can even gnaw through thin steel wire.

In many cases, you may expend valuable time and energy building traps, only to find that they produce minimal calories in return. This leads to the question: is it wise to plan on constructing primitive traps in a survival scenario, or should you add modern trapping tools to your bug-out bag?

The following YouTube video from The Wooded Beardsman compares these primitive trapping methods to more modern steel traps. Note: the following video contains footage of live and dead wild animals in traps. Discretion is advised for sensitive viewers.

We’re certainly not ready to say that primitive traps are worthless, since they have been used by native cultures for centuries to provide a viable backup food source. Then again, considering all the variables and the wide array of commercial tools available, there’s a compelling case for modern steel traps or snares that can dramatically increase your odds of catching food. There’s nothing more depressing in a survival situation than spending hours or days to set traps, only to see them fail to catch anything.

What do you think — would you take the time to set primitive traps in a survival situation? Do you carry modern trapping tools in your bug-out kit?

DOT Tire Codes: How Old Are Your Tires?

By
Patrick McCarthy
-
0

Have you ever watched a police car chase on TV? The fugitive frantically tries to get away, and the police turn to a tried-and-true method of disabling the vehicle: puncturing its tires. Before officers resort to blocking the vehicle in with squad cars or running it off the road with a PIT maneuver, they almost always deploy stop sticks or spikes to take out the tires — in some cases, they’ll even shoot holes in them. This is effective because it’s nearly impossible to control a vehicle when it’s running on shredded tires or bare rims.

2013-toyota-tacoma-tire-close-up

As we prepare for emergencies, it’s important to keep this lesson in mind. Without a dependable set of tires, your vehicle becomes useless, and might leave you and your family stranded on the side of the road at the worst possible time. Tires also dramatically affect your car or truck’s handling, braking, acceleration, and off-road traction. So, it’s important to ensure they’re in good working order before an emergency bug-out situation occurs.

AWD vs 4x4 off road vehicle jeep suv truck 5

Age has a substantial effect on tires, especially when they’re exposed to direct sunlight and the elements. The rubber becomes hard and brittle, and may lose traction or puncture unexpectedly. Actor Paul Walker of the Fast and the Furious movies was killed after the Porsche Carrera GT he was in spun out of control. It was later found that the vehicle was on nine-year-old tires, and the California Highway Patrol noted that “the tires’ age might have compromised their drivability and handling characteristics”.

An easy way to check the age of your tires is to look for the Department of Transportation (DOT) Tire Identification Number on the sidewall. Tires manufactured since 2000 use the Week-Year format, for example:

Tire date code DOT vehicle car truck safety 2

To the right of the DOT stamp on the tire, we see a four-digit number, 4014. This means that the tire was manufactured in the 40th week of ’14, or the first week of October 2014. Here’s another example:

Tire date code DOT vehicle car truck safety 1

This tire reads 3014, so it was manufactured in the 30th week of 2014. Simple enough, but with all the numbers and letters scattered around the sidewall, you could easily overlook this code if you weren’t searching for it. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 6 to 10 years, regardless of wear, though the lifespan can be diminished in hot and dry conditions. This also applies to your spare tire, so don’t forget to check it as well.

Tire date code DOT vehicle car truck safety 3

Of course, there are many other warning signs to watch for, including tread depth, cracks in the sidewall, bubbles, air leaks, flat spots, or abnormal wear patterns. But the DOT tire code can give you an idea of how long a tire has been on your vehicle — or how new the “new” tires you just bought really are. For more information on tire wear and age, check out this helpful article from Edmunds.com.

Hogue Out the Front Automatic Knives

By
Patrick McCarthy
-
0

In most cases, a manual-opening knife will suffice for everyday tasks, but there’s still something about automatics that draws us in. Whether you’re pressing a button or pushing a lever, the satisfying shick sound and the sight of the blade snapping into place is undeniably cool. One knife-industry pro we spoke with called this the adrenaline factor — it’s something that automatic knives excel at.

Hogue Out the Front automatic knife switchblade 2

Out-the-front automatic knives carry high visual appeal, but they can be surprisingly practical too. The OTF design allows users to pop the blade open and shut with one finger, so they’re great for quick access if one of your hands is occupied. This is beneficial for everything from mundane uses to last-ditch self-defense situations.

Hogue Out the Front automatic knife switchblade 4

Hogue has announced the debut of two new OTF knives for 2017, appropriately called the Hogue Out the Front series. These knives were designed by Marine Force Recon veteran Allen Elishewitz, and they are made in the USA. They feature a 6061-T6 aluminum handle available in hard-anodized matte black, matte grey, OD green, or desert sand with black PVD-coated blade and hardware. A stainless steel slide trigger is positioned on the spine of the handle, and yields what the company calls a “lightning fast spring action”.

Hogue Out the Front automatic knife switchblade 3

The Hogue Out the Front series will be available with a 3.375-inch clip point or tanto blade formed from .125-inch-thick CPM154 stainless steel. Each blade is cryogenically heat treated to RC 57-59, and hand-sharpened and honed at Hogue’s Nevada factory. Each knife is finished with a deep-carry tip-down pocket clip, unique serial number, and laser-etched Hogue markings.

Hogue Out the Front automatic knife switchblade 1

These Hogue OTF knives are available for an MSRP of $350 (tumbled blade finish) or $370 (black blade finish). They are sold through authorized dealers only, so they’re not listed on the company’s web store at this time. For more information, visit HogueKnives.com or check your favorite online knife retailer.

Video: Choosing a High-Security Lock

By
Patrick McCarthy
-
0

A lock is the last line of defense to protect unattended valuables, so it should be taken seriously. It’s easy to believe the saying that “locks keep honest people honest” by creating a high barrier of entry and discouraging opportunistic criminals. While there’s truth to that statement, the physical security of the lock you buy does matter.

When your key looks like this, it’s a safe bet nobody is going to be picking your lock with a paperclip.

Not all locks are created equal — there’s a reason Fort Knox isn’t securing its gold with $10 locks from Walmart. We’ve previously addressed this subject when we showed that a MasterLock padlock can be opened by simply tapping it with a hard object. This goes to show that buying quality locks is important, since it can mean the difference between a skilled criminal bypassing it in seconds or risking capture as he struggles with its complex mechanism.

Lock security lockpicking BosnianBill padlock key 1
Even inexpensive locks can be secure, if you know what features to look for.

YouTube lock expert BosnianBill summarizes how to choose a high-security lock in the video below. Here are some of the key factors he recommends considering:

  • Number of pins — a 7-pin lock is much harder to pick than a 4-pin lock.
  • Pin style — Serrated or dimple pins can throw off criminals who are unfamiliar with these less common mechanisms.
  • Body — Solid steel is preferable to the stacked-washer style or brass bodies used on cheaper locks.
  • Shackle — Thick shackle, preferably with rounded ball bearing detent and shielding around the base.
  • Replaceable cores — If one of your keys is lost or stolen, you can easily swap the lock core for a different key without replacing the entire lock.
  • Uncommon features — Rotating discs and reactive keys can make even the most advanced criminals give up on picking your lock.
  • Price — Consider the value of the item you’re securing. A more valuable item may necessitate a more expensive lock.

Note: the video starts with a satirical portion to demonstrate the weakness of MasterLock padlocks. Watch the whole video before you jump to conclusions.

Review: Hinderer XM-18 Bowie, MP-1, and Investigator Pen

By
Patrick McCarthy
-
0

Behind the scenes here at RECOIL OFFGRID, we’re always hustling to find new and interesting gear for our various product reviews and buyer’s guides. This usually involves copious email chains, back-and-forth phone calls, spreadsheets, scribbled notes, and checklists on the office whiteboard. While the product request process can be tedious at times, it’s all worth it when a box shows up with some cool new items to test and write about.

In a handful of rare cases, we cut open these boxes to find that a company generously sent us even more gear than we requested. This was the case with Hinderer Knives. We got in touch with the company to request one knife for an upcoming article in our print magazine (more on that later) — a week afterward, a package arrived with three knives, four tactical pens, and a machined stainless double shot glass. Christmas came reeeeal early this year.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 14

We were excited to see this array of EDC goodies, and decided to thoroughly evaluate each item here on OFFGRIDweb. While we appreciate Hinderer giving us free reign to test these pricey products, don’t think that we’ll be pulling punches with our feedback. As always, you can expect our honest thoughts on what we liked and disliked about this gear.

Hinderer XM-18 3.5-inch Bowie

After setting aside the knife we’ll be evaluating in our upcoming print article — check Issue 20, on sale 6/2/17 — we moved on to the next blade in the box.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 06

This is Hinderer’s illustrious XM-18, a folding knife practically idolized by many in the every-day carry (EDC) gear community. The XM series is available in three blade sizes: 3-inch, 3.5-inch , and 4-inch (a.k.a. the XM-24). This knife occupies the popular middle bracket, with an 8.25-inch overall length, 4.75-inch handle, and 5.6-ounce weight.

The MSRP for a standard XM-18 is $425. That price point may immediately deter many people from ever considering these knives, but as we’ll discuss, Hinderer creates a premium product at a premium price. To make an analogy, a Toyota Camry will get you from point A to B, yet this doesn’t phase a customer who’s considering an Aston Martin. While both vehicles serve the same core purpose, they’re worlds apart in terms of performance, polish, and visual appeal. Hinderer isn’t trying to compete with affordable entry-level knife brands — it’s going after a much smaller and more demanding customer base.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 02

Part of the allure of Hinderer knives is the fact that few knives produced by the company will look identical. There’s an immense variety of colors, finishes, and blade styles to choose from, and that’s before you consider all the customization parts offered by Hinderer and other aftermarket vendors. You can keep your XM exactly as it came from the factory, or swap hardware, clips, and scales to your heart’s content.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 03

The XM-18 seen here features a bright blue G10 scale and tumbled (a.k.a. stonewashed) metal finish — pretty standard for an XM model. The blade shape is a bit out of the ordinary, however. Rather than the more common Spearpoint or Spanto (modified spearpoint / tanto hybrid) grinds, this XM-18 uses a Bowie-style blade.

The Hinderer Bowie blade features a flat belly and upswept tip, with sculpted curves cut into the spine. The leading curve tapers the business end of the blade down to a strong piercing point, while a second curve contours the spine to the user’s thumb. This is helpful for added leverage and control during downward cuts. Our 3.5-inch model feels just right in the hand; if you’re on the fence between 3- and 3.5-inch blades, we’d recommend going with the 3.5. It’s more controllable.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 04

The frame is machined from lightweight titanium, and the blade is formed from S35VN, an excellent steel that’s consistently one of our favorites during long-term testing. It stays razor-sharp and has proven to be even tougher than its more common sibling, S30V.

The blade strength and construction get full marks from us, but we’re not so sure about the Bowie’s appearance. Its distinctive look may appeal to some users, but from a purely subjective standpoint, we feel that it doesn’t look as elegant as a Spearpoint. The Bowie shape makes us think of a big fixed blade in the hands of Crocodile Dundee; it seems a little weird on a modern titanium folder. Perhaps it’ll grow on us.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 01

From a mechanical standpoint, the XM-18 is a beautifully-crafted knife. Feel the buttery-smooth pivot and solid yet easily-to-release lock bar, and you’ll begin to see why this knife is priced the way it is. There’s no wiggle whatsoever in the blade, and the thumb studs nestle into a notch on the handle for added reinforcement. Flipping the knife does require a small amount of wrist action.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 05

One minor quirk we noticed: every Hinderer we’ve seen ships with the pocket clip in tip-down orientation. In our experience, the vast majority of knife users (including this writer) prefer tip-up for faster deployment — it’s easier than drawing and reversing your grip before flipping the knife open. Reversing the clip is obviously easy, so this is mostly nitpicking, but we wonder just how many Hinderer owners actually prefer it in the factory tip-down position.

The XM-18 is a terrific knife, and deserving of the reputation it has earned. Whether the price point is justifiable remains up to the buyer — but we will note that there’s a thriving resale market for these knives, so if you ever tire of it, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a good chunk of change in return.

Hinderer MP-1

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 07

The Hinderer MP-1 is a newer addition to the company’s lineup, debuting at the 2016 Tactical Knives Invitational event. MP stands for Modular Platform, in reference to the knife’s Hinderer Modular Backspacer System (HMBS). The HMBS is a solid titanium piece sandwiched between the handles, and it can be swapped out for lanyard-loop or non-lanyard versions in various finishes, all without disassembling the knife. It’s one more point of customization for those who hot-rod their knives, but the forthcoming glass breaker HMBS attachment is definitely something we’d be interested in picking up.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 12

The MP-1 is $25 more than an XM-18, with an MSRP of $450, but the design is substantially different. Instead of using the thumb studs as a reinforcement point against the handle, the MP-1 has a floating stop pin that rides in a groove cut into the handle around the pivot. When the MP-1 is flipped open, the stop pin hits the end of its track, adding rigidity to the blade.

While this stop pin functions effectively, we question the need to press another piece of steel into the blade, rather than using the larger and sturdier thumb stud as a dual-purpose opener and reinforcement point. Again, there’s nothing wrong with the stop pin design, but it seems to add complexity with no obvious benefit. The thumb stud placement is very slightly (about 1/16-inch) further forward on the blade, but this makes no functional difference in ease of opening.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 11

Our MP-1 features Hinderer’s Full Working Finish, which is similar to the standard tumbled finish, but with a duller satin appearance and slightly darker shade. We really like this well-worn industrial look — and it seems to hide scratches better, too. The handle scale on our sample is layered green, black, and brown G10, with a crosshatched cutaway for added grip. This texture is mirrored by another crosshatched section on the titanium frame.

Workmanship on the MP-1 is superb, and the action feels even smoother than the XM-18. No wrist movement is needed to flip it open consistently. Combined with the subdued appearance and high functionality of its S35VN sheepsfoot blade, this is an appealing package. Weight is the same as the midsize XM-18, but the MP-1’s dimensions are slightly more compact (3.25 inch blade, 4.5 inch handle, 8 inches overall).

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 09

Aside from the questionable necessity of the redesigned blade stop, our only gripe with the MP-1 is the limited number of customization parts at the present time. Bronze or blue anodized hardware and five different backspacers can be purchased directly from Hinderer, but replacement scales aren’t out yet. It’s a relatively new knife, so we understand that parts are less plentiful than the longstanding XM line, but it’s worth considering. If having a totally unique modded knife is a major priority, an XM will have many more options to choose from, at least for now.

Pitting the MP-1 against the XM-18 Bowie, we’d take the MP-1 without a second thought. Functionally, we’d give it a slight edge in smoothness, since flipping it open is a bit easier than the XM, but both are very good. If the XM had a Spearpoint or Skinner blade, it would be a tougher decision, but we’d still lean towards the MP’s sheepsfoot for its practical slicing ability. We also appreciate the textured handle cutaways and HMBS customization. Considering the $25 price difference compared to the XM, the MP-1 is the knife we’d choose for EDC.

The Hinderer XM-18 is a very good knife, but once customization part availability equalizes, we’d say it’ll be an easy decision to take an MP-1 over an XM-18.

Hinderer Investigator Pens & Double Shot Glass

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 13

The package we received from Hinderer also included four Investigator pens — two in polished aluminum, two in aluminum hardcoat. The blue and red hardcoat models feature a matte finish, while the green and purple polished models are… well, polished. Hinderer also offers these in stainless steel, brass, copper, or titanium, with a variety of different colors and finishes. Pricing is set as follows:

  • $55 for hardcoat aluminum
  • $60 for polished aluminum, stainless, or brass
  • $80 for copper
  • $200 for titanium

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 16

These pens are smaller than we expected from pictures, just 4.5 inches long, 0.375 inches in diameter, and 1.4 ounces. The compact size can be a plus, since they’re very light and perfect for carrying in a shirt pocket. The screw-on cap is reversible to reveal either the Fisher Space Pen tip or pointed Bullet tip. The Bullet tip is removable, and can be replaced with a flat end or conical Warhead tip (sold separately).

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 15

We found the Investigator easy to write with, and its ridged body provides a secure grip. It’s a bit on the small side for defensive use as a kubaton, but just big enough to work in a pinch. For around $60, they’re pretty affordable, and there are more than enough colors to match the rest of your favorite EDC gear.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 14

Finally, there’s the stainless shot glass. At first we thought it was a diminutive pen cup designed for the Investigator — it actually fits that role well. But after some research, we found it listed online as a Hinderer Double Shot Glass, a limited-production item from the 2016 holiday season. Filled to the brim, it holds 3.5 ounces of your favorite spirit, and measures 2.6 inches tall by 2 inches in diameter.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 17

The shot glass is quite heavy at 7.2 ounces, and weighted at the base, so you won’t have to worry about tipping it over once you’ve had a few. The exterior is textured with the same pattern you’ll find on XM knife handle scales. Hinderer logos are laser-etched along the base, as well as on the bottom of the cup. This stainless version will set you back $100; copper and brass versions are available for $125.

Hinderer folding knife XM18 MP1 investigator tactical pen 14

While the Hinderer Shot Glass is a cool piece of machining, and it feels great in the hand, you’d have to be a pretty hardcore fan of the brand to shell out $100+ for one. It’s about as serious as a pair of Hinderer toenail clippers, so we couldn’t see ourselves spending that much money one of these. For now, it’s mostly useful for showing off on Instagram and storing our Investigator pens.

Rick Hinderer has been making knives since the mid-1980s, and based on what we’ve seen of his latest designs, he’s still got it. While it’s not true that everything bearing the Hinderer insignia is pure gold as some internet fanboys might claim, the company produces some very solid American-made blades with numerous customization options — you just need to be willing to pay for that level of quality and prestige.

For more info on the latest Hinderer knives and other products, go to RickHindererKnives.com.

Short Film: Making Viking-Era Lime Bast Rope

By
Patrick McCarthy
-
0

In this era of mechanization and mass-production, we tend to take a lot of things for granted. We’re not just referring to modern technology like personal computers and automobiles — even items which would be considered primitive today were once incredibly laborious to produce. Our ancestors would no doubt be dumbfounded by how plentiful our resources are these days.

paracord

Take rope, for example. If you need some cordage right now, you can open a new tab on your web browser, tap a few keys and click a few buttons, and have 100 feet of mil-spec paracord delivered to your house by this time tomorrow. Its synthetic fibers are woven flawlessly by a machine, and it’s no thicker than a pencil, yet has been tested to withstand 500 pounds of weight. No big deal.

Lime bast rope viking cordage bushcraft cord 6
Production of lime bast rope starts by peeling strips of bark from a lime (linden) tree.

A thousand years ago, there was no Amazon.com with overnight shipping. In most cases, there wasn’t even any pre-made rope to buy. Want some cordage? You’d be harvesting the materials and making it yourself. And you’d better have a good teacher to literally show you the ropes, because there’d be no internet to Google it on. Even if there was, it’d be useless because you’d almost certainly be illiterate.

Lime bast rope viking cordage bushcraft cord 5
Bast fiber layers are separated from outer bark by soaking in seawater for several months.

Archaeological records show that ancient ropes were often constructed from bast. This material is a tough fiber found in the inner bark layer of certain plants. Jute, hemp, and flax are examples of bast fiber which are still used for rope-making today. Since at least AD 800, vikings in Norway were known to use bast from the lime tree to make rope. We know what you’re thinking — this tree is unrelated to the green citrus fruit, and is also known as linden or basswood.

Lime bast rope viking cordage bushcraft cord 2

Lime bast rope is still made today in Norway using the same traditional methods: stripping bark from lime (linden) trees, soaking the strips in seawater to separate the layers, twisting the bast fibers into strands, and braiding the strands into a three-ply rope. The following 5-minute short film by Silje Ensby documents the process in an artistic manner:

Obviously, the vikings didn’t have chainsaws or pressurized hoses, but other than these time-saving measures, the 1,000-year-old technique remains the same. If it still took us 4 months of waiting and countless hours of finger-numbing weaving to craft a rope, we’d be a whole lot more careful about cutting it.

Infographic: States with the Worst Traffic Congestion

By
Patrick McCarthy
-
0

If you live in a major metropolitan area and own a car, you’re already familiar with the frustration of sitting in traffic jams. It’s incredibly aggravating to inch along on the highway, stuck in a sea of brake lights with no end in sight. It’s especially bad around rush hour, which unfortunately is the time most of us need to travel between home and work — a real catch-22. In many cases, traffic eventually clears up, only to reveal that the slowdown was caused by rubberneckers looking at someone changing a flat tire on the shoulder.

broken-down-car

For all these reasons, it’s worth doing your best to avoid traffic during your everyday commute. However, during an emergency bug-out situation, the degree of traffic will increase exponentially as cars flood the roads trying to get out of Dodge. As we always say, the time to prepare for this is now — when there’s an emergency and you’re trying to evacuate in your vehicle, it may be too late to find an alternate route.

While traffic can be a problem in most cities, some states have it much worse than others. This can be measured by the congestion index, a ratio of the number of registered vehicles to the number of miles of public roadway within a state. The math is simple: more vehicles on less asphalt equals higher traffic. Some states (like Texas) have lots of vehicles, but also a huge network of roads, so their congestion index is just slightly above average.

The following infographic from TitleMax shows the data for all 50 states, plus Washington D.C., so you can check the statistics on how your home state fares. This info can come in handy when you’re planning a bug-out strategy, but be sure to compare it with what you’ve observed in your local area during rush hour. Click here to download a full-size version of the graphic.

Infographic worst congestion traffic car truck road 1

1...199200201...268Page 200 of 268