Showing posts with label EDC/Everyday Carry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EDC/Everyday Carry. Show all posts
Black Scout Reviews - Randall's Adventure and Training Zancudo Folding Knife
In this episode, we review an offering from Randall's Adventure and Training This is the Zancudo folding knife. We give a table top review of the features of the knife to help you with your decision in possibly getting one for yourself. Hope you take something from it and thanks for watching!
Schrade Titanium Keychain Pry Tool
This is the Schrade Titanium Keychain Pry Tool. I wasn't sure how much utility I would get out of such a small tool. I was surprised after carrying it around for a few weeks. Being that it was built from titanium and a length of only 3.25" I barely noticed I had it most of the time.
This tool has the following features:
- Seatbelt Cutter
- Bottle Opener
- Flat head screwdriver
- Scraper end
- Pry tip
- Wrench driver (1/4"-1/2")
- Bit driver
- Lanyard hole
Being built from titanium this tool will stand up to hard use. I've used most functions of the tool on a day to day basis. I did some light prying without any damage to the tip. Making this an excellent companion to your EDC blade; to keep you from prying anything with your knife. There were even a few times that I used it as a screwdriver. Keeping me from having to dig out a real one or using my multi-tool.
The bit driver end will accept most standard bits and the design provides enough torque to ensure a good screw set. Not only does it function as a great utility tool but also could aid in a self-rescue with the seat belt cutter. While I didn't cut through any seat belts during my testing; I did run it through paper, paracord, and cardboard boxes. It sliced through nicely leaving me with no doubt it would do the job if you needed it too.
Aesthetically the tool has a pretty cool design as well as a nice stonewashed finish. I think this would make a great everyday carry item to ride in your pocket. If nothing else it will save your blade from doing anything you shouldn't be doing with it. It also makes one awesome bottle opener for your keychain.
Get yours below:
Zero Tolerance 0350 Review
This particular ZT 0350 was a limited edition run from BladeHQ. It features orange G10 handles. So I don't loose the knife by sitting it down somewhere and leaving it behind. Also getting away from that "tacti-cool" look that may scare some when you whip it out in public.
Lets go over the specs of the ZT 0350:
- Overall length: 7.75"
- Blade length: 3.25"
- Blade thickness: 0.125"
- Blade material: S30V
- Handle length: 4.50"
- Handle material: G10
- Weight: 6.2 oz.
The ZT 0350 is by far the heaviest and beefiest folder I've used. But again, that's what I was looking for. If you want a dainty pocket knife; look somewhere else. Due to it's weight it took some getting use to as an EDC knife. The handles do give a variety of carry options with its quad mounting system (pre-drilled holes on each side of the handle for tip-up/down or right/left hand carry). There is also a lanyard hole if you so choose to loop some paracord through the handle.
The knife features a "modified recurve" blade design. I've read mixed reviews with some points being valid. The only concern I noticed was with sharpening. It took some finesse but wasn't impossible. Outside of that I really didn't have any problems with normal cutting task. While on the topic lets go over sharpening. After putting the knife through the paces and dulling the blade; I had no problems sharpening the S30V steel with a DMT Sharpener (pictured above). It took a hair-popping edge fairly easily. This particular model features a nice stonewashed blade. Aiding in hiding blemishes the blade may incur.
The spine of the blade has a thumb ramp for applying more force when cutting something tough. Deployment of the blade is by way of Ken Onion's speed safe design for one-handed opening. The blade has a lever that flicks the blade out with intense speed. While not an essential feature it does add to the "cool" factor.
The ZT 0350 has a traditional liner lock built from stainless steel. Even though there are a ton of locking mechanisms on the market; I tend to like liner locks. They are simple and effective.
This limited edition model pretty much sold me when I saw the orange grips offered. I'd like to see them offered in their general production of the ZT 0350. The G10 grips are excellent quality and provide a sure grip. Even when they were wet I had no problems.
I do notice a rattle in the main retaining screw when the knife is opened. When I tightened the screw to stop the rattling it prevented the blade from opening and closing. This could be nothing but I thought I'd mention it. I've noticed no failure in the knife so it may be a fluke.
If your looking for a folder that can handle serious task this is definitely it. If I did not have a fixed blade on me this would be the next best thing. Don't take my word for it- check out this Bug Out Scenario Field Test by Dan from the Daily Prep:
EDC/Pocket Dump Contest
This year the prize package will be epic and we will divulge a little bit at a time to make it interesting. This years contest will evolve around an EDC Pocket Dump. Basically your everyday carry that can fit in your pockets or on your person without the use of a bag or pack to carry them.
Heres the rules:
- Everyday Carry Pocket Dump gear
- No packs or bags
- Submit 1(one) photo of your EDC.
- List a description of items
- Summary of your set-up (why you carry what you do)
- 1 Entry per contestant
- Eligible to Members and Non-Members. Being a Member is a Force-multiplier
- Contest will run from July 15th-July 31st. Feel free to submit earlier
- Will be judged by the Black Scout Team
Email entries to: jack@blackscoutsurvival.com
Fenix PD32
I came across the Fenix brand and I had heard good things about them. I also liked the fact they were cheaper than most Surefire's and had more to offer. After spending weeks doing research on various models, I chose the PD32.
The PD32 is a relatively new model and it has a ton of features I'll go over below:
- high output of 315 lumens
- tactical tail switch
- 4 light modes- low, medium, high, and blinding
- 1 retina burning strobe mode
- 1 S.O.S. signaling mode
- uses 2 CR123 batteries
- 5 inch aircraft aluminum body
- anodized black tactical finish
- pocket clip
- double glass lens with anti-reflective coating
- CREE LED bulb
I've been using the PD32 for a few months and it's easily the best flashlight I've owned. I've had the same batteries that came with the flashlight (and I use it daily without notice of diminishing battery life). I've dropped it numerous times with no effect to the light.
The different modes allow you to conserve battery life when low lighting is needed or when you don't want to give away your position when checking the map. Flashlights can be used as self-defense weapons and this one is no different. The strobe can blind an assailant and the flashlight can be used as an impact weapon with its crenelated bezel. You can eliminate the need to carry a signaling strobe by way of the S.O.S. mode on the flashlight, another reason to choose multi-purpose tools when selecting your gear.
The only problem I have with the PD32 is the lack of a red filtered lens. I think they should come standard with all tactical flashlights. I also searched the Fenix website to see if I could purchase a lens and it seems they offer them for all their flashlights except the PD32 at the moment.
I suggest if your looking for a good EDC light or one for your survival kit check out the PD32.
Here is the link to the lowest price I could find on the web:
Warrior Wound Care: ORAL I.V. Review
I came across ORAL I.V. produced by Warrior Wound Care. ORAL I.V. was developed and marketed toward the Military community. It's basically a electrolyte replacement product that contains some other minerals as well. Those included minerals are: copper, iodine, manganese, zinc, potassium, cobalt, sodium, selenium, chromium, silica, and boron in purified water.
ORAL I.V. comes packaged in some very carry friendly plastic vials. The vials are opened by simply twisting the top. They also have the instructions printed directly on the vial so there is no confusion as to how you consume it.
I typically drink tons of water everyday. I always have a Klean Kanteen or Nalgene with me and have to refill them 3-4 times a day. I'm a thirsty guy. So I have to forcefully get myself to the point of dehydration. To test the ORAL I.V. I did just that. A few weeks ago we ran the USMC Mud Run, we have an article about that if you would like to read it. The day before the run I refrained from guzzling the amount of water I normally drink. Before the run I drank the ORAL I.V. with one bottle of water and was fine for the entire race. I also stayed up to about 3 am the night prior- so I was a little foggy prior to the run.
It states that you can use it by mixing with water or just drinking by itself. I just drank it on its own followed by the water. It was fairly tasteless, with a hint of a salty flavor.
Warrior Wound Care says that the results of ORAL I.V. are instantaneous. I was somewhat skeptic about that, so I took it about 20 minutes prior.I don't know if it was a placebo effect but I did gain more awareness and energy within about ten minutes after consuming.
I've used the ORAL I.V. a few times since with my normal workout routines and felt great during those times as well. I'm not a doctor or a chemist, so I'm not going to go into all the science behind it. But I've had some good results from using the product.
Check out www.warriorwoundcare.com if your interested in finding out more information.
Field Notes Expedition
The Field Notes brand has become my favorite. It's simple, thin, and can be carried in the back pocket easily. I had been carrying the original version that is pictured above with the cardboard type cover. It however doesn't hold up well to hard use. I mean most notepads don't anyway.
In my former career as a Marine, I used Rite in the Rain
notepads. They were waterproof and held up quite well. However aren't as compact as the Field Notes; and have a spiral metal thingy holding it together that I didn't like.As if Field Notes couldn't get any better. They recently introduced their waterproof/indestructible version known as the Expedition Edition. This version has a blaze orange front cover and black rear cover. The blaze orange helps to maintain accountability of your notes in the field. In case they are dropped on the forest floor. There is also a subtle varnish imprint of a topographic map of Antarctica on the front and back cover.
The pages are filled with Yupo Synthetic Paper that is extremely water/tear resistant. Each page has a 'dot grid' graph paper layout. Good for drawing sketch maps an such.
Overall I really dig Field Notes brand notebooks. I'm happy they developed a notepad that can stand up to hard use. Such as survival situations.
The Field Notes Expedition Edition comes in a 3 pack and retails for $9.99.
Follow the link to purchase your own set:
K-TOR Pocket Socket Review
I can't tell you how many times I had my cell phone die at the most inconvenient time without any way to charge it. I'm sure everyone with a cell phone has experienced this problem at sometime or another.
I recently had to opportunity to test out the Pocket Socket, a hand cranked power generator. I wanted to find a hand cranking/small power source that would charge an iPhone in an emergency. While searching the web, the Pocket Socket was the only model I could find with that capability. The Pocket Socket can do this because it has a 10 watt outlet capable of charging anything that uses a standard socket. Not only can it charge an iPhone--its capable of charging any electric device that uses a household plug.
The Pocket Socket was developed by a gentleman named Ken Torino. Ken said "I used to do a lot of hiking, Appalachian and Long trail as well as lots of business travel and got stuck with a dead battery a number of times which is how I got the idea". Ken went further to say "In more recent times I would take hiking a flashlight, cell and GPS. Didn’t want to use them in case the battery went dead and I needed them in an emergency. Also a cell will go dead very quickly if it has to reach for a tower. With my hand crank generator these are not a worry as you can recharge most anything anywhere anytime".
I practiced initially with a lamp to see just how fast one would have to crank to supply power. You will need to crank fairly steady with quite a bit of speed. If you do purchase a Pocket Socket--I do recommend practicing this so that you know what rate of speed that you need to maintain. I did notice the resistance changes on some rotations; some periods being harder to crank than others. I didn't really mind, however I could see a less athletic individual having a hard time keep a constant pace over an extended period of time.
Test Findings
I tested the Pocket Socket for a day, while keeping my iPhone border line dying (simulating an emergency). What I noticed is by charging my phone in short burst (3-5 mins) throughout the day would keep my phone charged enough to use it for brief periods. Text book technique is making 2 rotations per second--I tried to crank much faster than that. Which I believed helped charging my phone quicker.I've read that the Pocket Socket can be used in conjunction with a rechargeable battery pack for even more applications. I will say it does take quite a bit of work to charge Apple devices. Other devices like regular cell phones or what not are much easier to charge. I would like to emphasize that this is an emergency power supply. I will say that if you spend extended amounts of time talking on the phone--you will do a lot of cranking.
I think this is a great piece of gear to keep in your vehicle, Get-Home Bag/Bug Out Bag, camping, or while traveling (especially in remote locals). Those are just a few applications and not the whole spectrum of usage.
Coming in at $59.95 I feel its well worth the money for such a serious piece of insurance. K-Tor also offers a pedal operated model (I'll try to test it out in the near future and give you guys an update). I've included the Demo video below for you guys that are interested.
Check the Pocket Socket out at http://www.k-tor.com/
Jack's Pocket Dump
As we go along I will go into my different tiers. This is my first tier, the bare essentials.
- Cell phone (not pictured)
- Front pocket Wallet: containing Cash, I.D.'s, Debit/Credit cards, and Lock Pick card. After spending some time in sketchy 3rd world countries, I prefer to use a front pocket wallet to discourage pick pockets.
- Keys along w/ handcuff key
- Photon micro light (all the light that I would usually need)
- Benchmade Griptilian (I swap between this and Emerson CQC-7B) I also carry my tactical folder clipped in my rear pocket, instead of my front. I do this because its easier to pull stuff in and out of my front pocket. This also makes it difficult to be seen and you cannot see if facing me straight on.
As I stated in my previous article you have to adapt your EDC to your life. What works for me may not work for you. I may adapt and change depending on my daily task. But if I go a few days without needing something; I stop carrying it because I obviously don't really need it.
The next article I will talk about my EDC bag (then wilderness EDC). In my EDC bag I cover a lot of bases and somewhat may go overboard, but that's the purpose of an EDC bag. Right?
If you guys email us a picture of your EDC and description with reason behind your gear, we will post it here on Black Scout. Send emails to jack@blackscoutsurvival.com
Everyday Carry: Intro
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| Example of someone's EDC |
Everyday carry items need to be tools that:
1. you use in your day to day life
2. a first tier level of preparedness for an unforeseen emergency
3. they need to be functional.
You may not always have your Survival kit/gear or B.O.B. when something happens. So with that, your EDC will be your first line of defense and will help with your chances of survival. (For example I'm all for fixed blade knives in a wilderness survival scenario...but what if I don't have it when disaster strikes? Can I survive with my tactical folder.)
EDC will vary by your profession, hobbies, and day to day life. A Special Forces soldier will have a different EDC than a Medical Doctor. A Law Enforcement Officer may have a back up pistol, where a construction worker may have a back up tape measure. Most folks base what they carry in their EDC on what they face everyday; while others carry gear of the "what-ifs". Neither is wrong and only you know what you need day to day or what you may encounter. Basically only you know what fits your life. So tailor it to your specific needs.
My EDC also breaks into tiers. I carry my normal pocket items, and I carry a Maxpedition Rollypoly Extreme Backpack that holds more stuff. I carry this day to day (except when I travel I use a Kelty Roam, doesn't have that "tactical" look). Then I have a wilderness EDC-and this may differ depending on my environment.
As I said "may differ depending on my environment" this goes with my pocket items. Depending on what I'm tackling day to day; I may change my EDC daily. (I swap between a Benchmade griptilian and Emerson CQC-7B constantly)
Over the next few weeks I'll go over my EDC and what I suggest. Hopefully this fills some gaps or answer's any questions that you guys may have. If you guys have any questions concerning EDC's drop a comment and we will get an answer back to you.
You can also check out Black Scout Associate Mike Everett's EDC under the EDC tab to your right.
Some stuff we like and wanted you to know: Photon Micro light
The original is activated by holding the button on, when released it turns off. It gets the job done, but we like options.
Then LRI came out with the Photon II that has an on/off switch. We included this model in the Black Scout Survival PSK-that you can purchase at our store. We chose this model because of the durability and that it can be used for signaling/illumination. Photons can be seen for over a mile.
Then LRI came out with options...The Photon Freedom is made for survival. This thing has S.O.S., slow, normal, and fast strobe. You also get a hat clip and lanyard for hands free lighting.
We also like the covert nose that narrows the beam and doesn't let your light spill all over the place as seen in the comparison below.
Anyways, We just really love these motherfreaker's. I've carried mine on me keychain for like ten years and its still shining bright. Great EDC light and thats why we included it in our Black Scout PSK.
EDC/E&E kit
I had finally got around to putting together an example of an EDC/E&E kit in the case you gotta GTFO. One that could be carried around without drawing attention. This particular one can be used on your key chain or worn around your neck. I used a standard waterproof key chain container.
Contents:
Kevlar cordage (cuts through zip ties, useful cord)
Handcuff key
Handcuff shim (a back up to the key, in case different type of handcuffs)
Button compass
Ceramic Razor Blade (non-metallic cutting tool)
Ferro Rod and Tinder (fire)
Hook Blades (all around useful cutting tool, can easily cut flex-cuffs
With this kit I'm not concerned with it being metal detectable. I.have some items that can be removed to address that issue. The waterproofing of this container allows for me to use it as a potential E&E cache as well.
If you would like to make a kit like this, you can purchase some of these items in the Black Scout Store
EDC Tip
*you can also pack these in your survival kit.
Hook Blades...Check out our store
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| Makes a great Rescue Blade |
We are selling them at our store. 2 pack for $12. http://blackscoutsurvival.bigcartel.com/product/hook-blades
Ontario RAT Model 1 Folding Tactical/Survival Knife
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| 4-way adjustable pocket clip |
Blade Length: 3.6"
Overall Length: 8.6"
Closed Length: 5"
Blade Material: AUS-8
Handle Material: Nylon 6
Hardness: 58-60 RC
Weight: 5oz
MSRP: $30 - $32.50
Emerson CQC-7 Tactical Folder
Above, you will see two CQC-7's pictured side by side. The one on top is a 2012 year production model and the bottom is a 2002 year production model. The one on bottom was also carried by an active duty Marine for 8 years and civilian carry for 2 years. Note that they almost look identical. The 10 year old CQC-7 shows very little wear on the blade and pocket clip and virtually no wear on the grip. The CQC-7 on top has the "wave shaped feature" developed in 1999 to aid in quick deployment of the blade.
These knives feel great in your hand and are built for a purpose. If you find one, buy it, no questions.
Here are the specs on the CQC-7:
Blade Length: 3.3"
Open Length: 8.0"
Closed Length: 4.65"
Blade Thickness: .125"
Weight: 4.0 oz
Hardness: 57-59 RC
My Personal EDC(Mike Everett)
- SERE saw knife from CountyComm - very useful and lightweight
- Mini Victorinox Swiss Army Knife - great for very light duty cutting tasks and personal hygeine (hands, fingernails, splinter removal, etc.)
- Streamlight Key Mate - practically indestructible, lightweight, bright and has a pocket clip and key chain clip
- Paracord Key Chain - looks cool and has about 8ft of 550 cord for emergency situations
- Djeep Lighter - ability to start a fire is always key
- BlackBerry Bold - everyone has a smartphone these days, gps feature, communication
- Seiko Automatic Divers Watch - classic design and rugged durability, never needs batteries
- Emerson CQC-7 with Wave - it's simple, world's most saught after tactical combat folder
CountyComm Gear Review
The UCO matches are well-known, great survival matches, you can't beat them. Wind and water proof and will even stay lit under water. These are a must for your survival bag.
The screwdriver combo keychain set is pretty cool. Philips head and flat head screwdrivers the size of normal house keys with a black oxide finish. Very handy and perfect for EDC.
The razor blade knife is a great little product and at less than $2 a piece, go ahead and buy several. They are extremely lightweight and sharp which makes them perfect for intricate cutting tasks. Folds completely into black plastic handle.
Same goes for the SERE saw knife. Same concept and design as the razor blade knife but with a Swiss made saw blade. You might look at this saw and doubt it's capabilities but don't be fooled. You will be pleasantly surprised at what this little blade will saw through thanks to the Swiss blade design and quality. And not a bad price at $5 a piece.
So how do you carry all these items? Enter the Maratac EOD Utility bag. This is a great little bag. It has a detachable shoulder strap and PALS and MOLLE webbing which make it perfect for carrying on your person on attached to your pack. It's durable construction will give you years of dependable service and it even has "vents" in the bottom of the bag to expel sand and water. The bag measures 12"x8"x4.25" and comes in black, coyote brown and OD green.
Leatherman Micra Multitool
Blade Length: 1.6"
Closed Length: 2.5"
Weight: 1.8 oz
MSRP: $24
Folding Razor Saw
They are very sturdy and well made. I've tested mine on wood and works well. They can also cut through various metals and that it will take less than 25 minutes to cut through 3/8 rebar.
The razor is a razor and super sharp and black...you can get some small razors similar to this but not in the black blade. The handle has measuring ticks on both sides.
Here are the specifics:
Closed: 2.77inches
Open: 4.66
Weight: 11.7 grams
UPDATE: We were so impressed by these we added them to our Black Scout Survival Basic Survival Kit
that is in our store.
Purchase at our Store: http://blackscoutsurvival.bigcartel.com/product/folding-razor-saw
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