Thursday, May 23, 2013
   
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BioLite Stove Review Hurricane Irene was barreling towards Virginia Beach from the southeast as we were headed there from the northwest, bringing much needed survival supplies and equipment to our son and his family.  His job in the Navy forced him and his family to shelter in place as the storm hit. We beat the storm in both timing and resilience.   
Hank Reinhardt's Book of Knives: A Practical and Illustrated Guide to Knife Fighting When most Woods Monkey readers use knives it’s for the relatively 'tame' stuff: survival, sports, camping, bushcraft, etc. Much like other tools (the best ones anyway) knives can be used for many things. Some of those things are not so tame. Knife fighting conjures many images and feelings when mentioned amongst fans of knives in general.  It can be misinterpreted and misrepresented but it is always there. Since ancient man used a flint knife to survive a fight to the death these less...glamorous aspects have walked like a shadow lurking down through history.  
Bad Blood RazorHoof I’m a practical person by nature, and some might consider me a tough critic.  There are very few items that I own where the look of the thing won me over as opposed to the function of the piece.  From tools, to guns, to cars, I’m ‘that guy’ who will pour over the internet reading reviews and observations before laying down any money what so ever.  So it came as quite a shock to me that the primary thought going through my head when I first laid eyes on the Razorhoof from Bad Blood Knives was ‘damn, that look is way bad ass – gotta have it!”. Don’t worry, the practical nature of this knife still exists, and I’ll be getting to it in a bit.  
Helko Vario 2000 Axe Review Woods Monkey splits some fur with 150 years of old world German Craftsmanship using the Helko Vario 2000 line of axes! Helko has a long history of producing excellent tools for the working woodsman.  From their Classic series, to the revolutionary Vario 2000 series, they have been a leader in the European forests.  Woods Monkey received the Vario 2000 hatchet for review from Axe Specialists.  The Vario hatchet comes in two options, a 15.7 inch ash handled version with a head weighing 1.3lbs, and a 17.7 inch hickory handled version with a head weighing   1.75 lbs.   

31 Days to Survival. A Complete Plan for Emergency Preparedness

I like learning new things.  Things that ultimately help me become more self sufficient and independent.  Not that I don't love to push the “man work” on to my husband, but there are things I need to be able to do.  Like start a fire(Check out an article describing my first failure here), change a tire and tie a functional knot.  What if I didn't have my handy-hubby and disaster struck?

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Read more: 31 Days to Survival. A Complete Plan for Emergency Preparedness

 

Journeys in East Africa: Episode 1

When you think of Africa, especially East Africa many things come to mind. Some people think of Safaris, others the rich history which includes British occupation not long ago. Some think of Teddy Roosevelt and his hunting trips. My whole life I’ve dreamed of Africa. I grew up just like a normal kid, watching Indiana Jones and movies like that, reading “How I found Livingston” a book about David Livingston. Needless to say, my fascination with this continent started early.

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Read more: Journeys in East Africa: Episode 1

   

Rothco Military MOLLE Foldable Solar Charger

As technology advances, so does the need for energy to power all of that cool gear. Obviously having some spare batteries handy can make all the difference, but what if we’re talking about a cell phone and or a tablet, things that use rechargeable batteries. Last I knew, most people still don’t carry around backup batteries for their phones.

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Read more: Rothco Military MOLLE Foldable Solar Charger

   

The Kephart Knife by Condor Knife and Tool

I unwittingly was using a Kephart blade for years. My 'go to' blade of choice was a Swiss army knife in one of its many variations but I almost always found the most used tool on the knife for me was the knife blade. The spear point just worked for me with whatever I needed to do. I always wished someone would make a spear point fixed blade for use it the woods.

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Read more: The Kephart Knife by Condor Knife and Tool

   

Rothco Vintage Messenger Bag

Today I'm reviewing the Rothco Vintage Messenger Bag. The first thing I noticed about it was that it was something that had multiple uses.  It's called a Messenger Bag and it certainly fits the bill there with its wide, comfortable and sturdy shoulder strap and flap style closure.  It also has uses that include day trip bag, school bag, airplane carry on, and even daddy diaper bag.  Yes, you read that right.  I'm sure it isn't something most Monkey's might think about, but let’s face it, we're at the age where we are  having kids and we either a) give up our outdoor hobbies or 2)   find a way to include the munchkins, keep them safe and  haul all the necessary gear about for you and them.  The Rothco Messenger Bag fits that need as well. 

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Read more: Rothco Vintage Messenger Bag

   

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Turn The Payge
Payge McMahon is an adventure athlete and journalist who travels the world inspiring others to get outdoors, try new things and start checking off that bucket list. She has climbed in the Himalaya, summited the highest mountains in Africa, Japan and the continental United States, cycled through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, backpacked across Northern Spain, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and California’s 221 mile John Muir Trail. She has trekked through the deserts of Egypt and Jordan, the Amazon Rainforest and the list goes on! She is an expert in travel and many things outdoors. She writes for numerous magazines including National Geographic Adventures, Self Reliance Illustrated, Woods Monkey, Her Nashville and Her Look. To follow her latest adventures click the link above or go to www.facebook.com/paygemcmahon
Canteenshop.com
Thank you for choosing CanteenShop.com. We are happy to now be one of the best suppliers of unique Wilderness and Bushcraft gear on the Internet! Our selection of gear is hand picked by us after being well tested in the field. We offer items not found anywhere else on the internet, and provide you with Gear Reviews, Bushcraft, and Camp Cooking information with our videos at the CanteenCorner on YouTube.
Wilderness Learning Center
If you're looking for a top-notch school to learn outdoors skills, then you'll want to take a look at the Wilderness Learning Center. It's a school with knowledgeable instructors, a great location, and excellent facilities for learning in the outdoors!
Knife Forums
One of the premiere communities for people to gather and communicate about all types of blades.
Scott's Knots
If you're looking for custom paracord work for things like fobs, survival bracelets, baldric rigs, or just a lanyard, Scott's Knots will meet your needs. Take it from folks that have several pieces of his work in use every day, you won't be disappointed!
Blade Forums
Another premiere site for users to communicate about and trade information and goods related to knives.
American Bushman
Here's a site that's been around awhile and provides a lot of useful information regarding various outdoors topics. The author has a nice writing style and a good amount of knowledge to share. Spend some time here and I guarantee you'll learn something new!
Going Gear
Here's a great site for essential outdoors gear--especially some great custom-handled fire steels! There's a good number of sizes and customization features that should easily meet your needs!