Posts Tagged ‘review’

Handmade Everyday Carry Gear by Popov Leather!

Posted: October 22, 2019 in Art, blogger, Everyday Carry (EDC), Fun!, Gear, Product Reviews, wallet
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By Cameron McKirdy

Man, I have some cool goodies to share with you Survival Bros. Check out the custom leather wallet, and #EDC “Pocket Armor” organizer I had made. Popov Leather did an amazing job creating these exquisite pieces by hand. They are located in British Columbia, Canada and have been excellent at communicating with me for this collaboration. Check out their YouTube Channel and website. Popov is offering a discount right now. If you have something made by them, send me a photo at thesurvivalbros@gmail.com and I will share it. I want to see more gear from these Artists. I plan on ordering more items, and producing videos soon for the SB YT Chan.

Created just for Cam of Survival Bros

Latest handmade works from #popovleather

Kershaw Secret Agent Extreme Knife Cut Test Review

Posted: December 28, 2014 in Everyday Carry (EDC), Fun!, Gear, Kershaw Knives, Product Reviews
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Produced by Cameron McKirdy – Survival Bros Founder

As you can see, nobody beats up gear like me.  I took the new Kershaw Secret Agent knife to the beach, and put it through a rigorous torture test.  I sliced, and stabbed ocean debris washed ashore in Long Beach, Washington.

Kershaw Secret Agent KnifeFlashing the tool with the protective sheath on!

 Model Number 4007, the Secret Agent isn’t flashy.  It’s functional.  The spear point blade has a black-oxide coating for protection against corrosion.  Additionally, the surface is non-reflective.  So it won’t catch light, or be easy to see.  Both sides come sharpened, making it easy to puncture nearly any material.  The Secret Agent handled rope, plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, and even a dead jellyfish!  After the beating, it was still sharp, and the tip showed little wear.  Of course, knives don’t like sand, so I plan to sharpen it for the first time, or I can send it back to the KAI warehouse to get it cleaned up for free.  I’ve stopped by Kershaw headquarters in Tualatin, Oregon (South of Portland) before for a hassle free repair, which took less than an hour.

This knife is a favorite in my collection because it’s lightweight at only 3 ounces.  The ergonomic handle is glass-filled nylon.  It’s well balanced.  Fitting securely in my palm, without being too wide.  Plus, with a rubberized, textured grip, it’s not going to slip out of my hand.  You can wear it on a lanyard, or strapped to your leg.  Blade length is perfect, and no joke at 4.4 inches long.  The black sheath is quality, with a wide, tight clip.  At under $40, the Kershaw Secret Agent knife may be the best value in the industry.  Don’t forget Kershaw Knives’ products are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects.  Bottom line:  The Secret Agent belongs in your Every Day Carry knife rotation.  It’s Survival Bros tested and approved.  For more HD videos, SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.  Thank you.

Kershaw knife Model 4007

The Kershaw Secret Agent is as mean as it looks.

Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam Review with Before and After Pictures

Posted: October 21, 2013 in Product Reviews, SB Tips
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Produced By Cameron McKirdywonder balsam

If you have leather, try Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam on it.  I had to do a product review on this treatment.  I’ve been using it for years, and restored four pairs of footwear today.  It brought my boots, dress shoes, and UGG slippers back to life.  I will try it on an old leather coat next.  It’s so much fun to apply, I wish I had a crappy leather couch to fix up.  You don’t have to rub much on with the sponge for it to condition, and protect.  It’s a good prep to get out of the way.

Here’s the product description: A unique blend of coconut oil, lanolin and beeswax. These all-natural ingredients clean and protect leather to keep it soft and supple. For use on all leather, except suede types. Use it on all things leather … shoes, handbags, jackets, even furniture. • All-Natural Ingredients of Coconut Oil, Lanoline and Beeswax • Protects Against Water, Liquid and Salt Marks • No Polishing Necessary

Now look at my kicks before and after!

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old dr martens

Dress Boots Waxed

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Survival Bros tested and approved!

Survival Bros Everyday Carry (E.D.C.) Keychain Items

Posted: September 13, 2013 in Coast Products, Emergencies, Everyday Carry (EDC), Kershaw Knives, Product Reviews
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

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This is my new and improved EDC keychain system.  Now I have many practical items handy at all times, with little redundancy. I plan on changing out gear as I acquire smaller, higher quality tools, but this is stuff I had on hand. Everything fits easily in my pocket, since I usually wear athletic shorts, and not tight pants like a hipster.  I’ve also hooked my everyday carry survival keychain to the belt loop on my jeans, and to the outside of my tactical Bug Out Bag, for easy access.  I’d like to add a telepen, peanut lighter, USB thumb drive, glow in the dark tape, 550 paracord, bit driver, seat-belt cutter/knife sharpener, and maybe something for self defense like a kubaton, or pepper spray.  

I will update this blog post as the project develops. Tell us what’s on your keychain, and help out other Survival Bros readers. Below is the EDC Keychain items list. Thanks for visiting.

– Sharpie Mini
– CRKT Eat N’ Tool (tactical spork)
– 4 In One Tool: whistle, compass, thermometer, magnifying glass
– Gerber Shard multitool: pry bar, bottle/can opener, Phillips/Standard screw driver, nail puller
– Coast Products TX5 Night Vision Red Keychain light
– LED LENSER P3 AFS P focusing LED light with pocket clip, sheath, and carabiner included
– Leatherman Style Multitool: knife, tweezers, nail file, and scissors
– Kershaw Rainbow Chive with Tip-lock (Ken Onion Design)
– Mini Nail Clippers
– Waterproof pill container
– Lighter Leash for Bic
– Belt Loop Clasp

Emergency Bug Out Bag Before and After

Posted: September 11, 2013 in Emergencies, Everyday Carry (EDC), Gear
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By Cameron McKirdy

When I train outdoors on my bike, and hiking, I like to bring most of my Bug Out items in my backpack. I carried a heavy book bag through school, and now useful item are included. However, many people don’t have emergency preparedness packs ready to go. Like my friend Kate for example. When we went hiking on Saddle Mountain, she brought a funky backpack with one strap. I knew that was going to be uncomfortable, but I didn’t say anything. Later I took her old bag with wrappers inside, and upgraded to another backpack with two straps. I built a better survival bag, starting with the weight being more evenly distributed on the hips. Here’s her emergency preparedness day bag after the hike, before I got to look at it and add items.

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Before Kate had some helpful gear, but it was still unorganized. Now her stuff is protected in heavy duty Zip Lock bags. Plus, I wrote her a list of all the things she needs, and checked off the items she already has.

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Here’s Kate’s New Bug Out Bag List:
– Light Stick x 2
– Pink Flashlight (with extra batteries)
– Tooth Paste
– Travel Tooth Brush
– Floss x 2
– CRKT Pazoda folding knife
– Cabela’s Multitool
– Repel Natural
– Kleenex Tissue Paper
– Wet Ones
– Secret Deodorant
– First Aid Kit with extra bandages
– Emergency Space Blanket
– Tampons
– Pain Pills
– Compass 4 in 1 tool keychain
-Tea Kit
– Instant Coffee/Sports Drinks
– Mascara
– Protein Bars and other food and packets of salt, pepper, etc
– Lighter
– Waterproof Matches
– Ponchos
– Extra trash and plastic bags
– Foil
– Local Map
– Chapstick
– SPF Protection
– Change of clothes
*What about barter items?
– Water bottles
– Treatment Drops
– Signal Mirror
– Super Foods/Vitamins
– Stove
– Spork
– Candles
– iPhone headphones/USB charger
– Weather Radio
– Shampoo sample
– Tweezers
– Razor Blade
– Scrunchie
– Duct Tape
– Paper/Pen/Pencil
– Nail Cutters
– Envelops with Forever Stamps
– Paper Clips & rubber band
– Moleskin
– Sunglasses
– Ear plugs
– Silver Rounds
– Tarp
– Survival Bros Paracord Bracelet
– Coffee Filters
– Contacts List
– Cash

With a Bug Out Bag Checklist, you’ll know exactly what you have on hand. Now if Kate gets a flat tire, and has to walk to town because her new car doesn’t have a spare, she can grab her B.O.B., and improve her situation. Another survival scenario she’s prepared for is simply having to bug out at a friend’s or relative’s house for 72 hours or more.  Today that’s possible, and even easy.  The new and improved pack will be on her back, handy in the apartment, or in the trunk of the car, depending on her needs that day. It’s the minimum you should have tucked away for a rainy day. Of course systems vary, and change over time. What’s in your survival bag?

Survival Bros Bug Out Bike – Specialized Allez Sport Road Bicycle

Posted: August 3, 2013 in Bikes, Emergencies, Frugality, HD Videos, Product Reviews
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By Cameron McKirdy

What’s good friends? I had to give you a quick update on my new Specialized Road bike. It’s a work in progress. I just picked it up from Goodwill, and started modifying it. First, I had the back wheel straightened, brakes adjusted, and new black handlebar grips put on. Next I attached a front light, back rack with pannier bags, a seat pack, and a black Specialized brand bottle holder. Plus, I acquired a bicycle repair kit, complete with mini tire pump, a set of tools, and more. I have a cargo net that can lockdown even more survival gear on top of the rack. Now I’m ready for the zombie apocalypse!

Let me know how you would modify this ride. I plan on adding a handle bar bag, bell, rear LED lights, toe clips on the pedals, a B.O.B. Yak one-wheeled cargo trailer, and a computer for mileage, etc. I’m not spray painting this one. I like the odd color combo. I want to be highly visible on the road, so I will add 3M reflectors and wear them too. This bike is ideal for taking on long trips, and camping. I love every second riding this emergency preparedness vehicle. It’s fast. Enjoy the pictures.

Specialized Allez Sport 1994

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Update: I put new bags on my Allez. Now I can carry more gear. I will shoot another video when the packs are fully loaded, and I feel like this project is complete.

McKenzie River Rafting and Mountain Biking Trip in Oregon

Posted: July 2, 2013 in Emergencies, Everyday Carry (EDC), HD Videos, Parks
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Produced by Cameron McKirdy

My dad and I just got back to the Oregon Coast, after a 4 day trip playing on the McKenzie River and the trail. First we geared up, and hit the rapids with the Oregon Whitewater Association. A group of 70 extreme outdoor enthusiasts floated 14 miles down the river. The water was brutally cold, at only 47 degrees. I fell off our cataraft for the first time after we smashed into a log along the bank. I didn’t have time to be fearful. I was just trying to catch my breath from the shock of the water, and keep my legs up as I floated down. Of course, I had a class 3 life jacket on. I swam to the back of the boat, but didn’t like being where I couldn’t see the rocks ahead of me. Plus, I didn’t want to get trapped under the massive military grade raft. So I separated from the craft, and tried to swim to shore, but the water was moving too fast, and nobody there could help me. I swam to the side of the raft, and was barely able to climb back on. I had to quickly jump off the river bottom to boost myself up. I was fatigued, and just wanted to sit down and assess my injuries. I hit my knee on a rock, and bloodied by shin up. I was only in the river for a few minutes, but it wouldn’t have been long before my body started shutting down, and hypothermia set in. It was intense.

I had my iPhone 4S in my pocket with a LifeProof case on when I went overboard. It worked. No water got in thankfully. In my other pocket I was carrying the new Coast DX335 rescue knife. It stayed clipped on, but luckily I didn’t have to use it. You’d be surprised how many people die on the river getting tangled in ropes. Below is a funny clip I took with the LifeProof case on my cell. It took great video, and you can hear my dad yelling at me to put it away. He thought it was going to get splashed, or fall in as we hit the drop in the rapids. Also below is an HD video review of the Coast Products knife. I will update this blog as I get media online. I used my GoPro Hero 3 Black camera to record my treacherous mountain bike ride down the McKenzie River Trail. That will be up soon. Thanks for visiting Survival Bros. Follow us on Twitter, Youtube, and join the community on Facebook. Peace.

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Panera Cares – Pay What You Can Cafe

Posted: April 4, 2013 in Adventures, Frugality, Giving Back, Health & Nutrition, SB Tips, Survival Bros Challenges
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You can eat for free at Panera Cares in Portland. If you’ve never heard of this concept, customers can simply order whatever they want, and pay only what they can. I had to test this. I had $5 on me.

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I had to have their turkey sandwich on fresh focaccia bread. Plus, I hooked up a dark coffee. And my side was a small red apple. The suggested value was $8.88. I put what I had in the wooden donation box. Then I scarfed some epic grub.

If you can’t pay anything for your meal, you are encouraged to work there for an hour. All the employees at the cafe were friendly. Panera Cares is a great opportunity for people to get job experience. It’s a real resource for Portland. I can’t wait to go back. Support this place. 4143 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR Panera Cares

Healthy Natural Energy Supplements for Extreme Adventures

Posted: March 23, 2013 in Adventures, Health & Nutrition, SB Tips
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By Cameron McKirdy
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If I need an extra boost of energy, and power before an extreme outdoor adventure, I may take these healthy supplements. Bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis are a superfood. I’ve heard of yogis living off only bee pollen, spring water, and sunlight. I can’t get enough of them all. Maca root is a serious herb, improving stamina and endurance. You gotta try it. Finally, vitamin B12 is also known to increase energy. It’s great for your nervous system too. Do your homework on these dietary supplements. I got them from my local health food store. They help me go beast mode on long hikes, and bike rides. Maybe these can help you too.

Collector’s West Gun And Knife Show Review In Portland OR

Posted: February 17, 2013 in Adventures, News, Product Reviews
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Yesterday I checked out the Collector’s West Gun & Knife show in PDX.  It was a big event, with tons of vendors, and people trading gear too.  I took home a few things, and learned a lot.

The show ends today, but visit www.collectorswest.com to see when it will be in your area.  It’s worth the $12 for admission, and $8 for parking.  I was able to price out stuff I’m interested in, and get my hands on it too.  There were deals galore on new and used guns.  Booths had closeouts on every style and brand of knive imaginable.  Coast Products was there.  My friend got a powerful LED keychain light from them. 

I also ran into my buddy Shawn Gregory.  He makes quality “Predator Paracord” bracelets, gun slings, lanyards, and more.  I got a few samples to test, including the badass band below.  It’s comfortable, and stands out.  You can never have too much cordage just in case.  More on Predator Paracord later, but go to www.predatorparacord.com to see all of his bold designs. 

The Girl Scouts were also in the house.  I walked quickly by them, because I was saving room for Voodoo doughnuts, but it was great to see kids at a gun show.  It was a safe enviroment, and fun for everyone.  It’s important to teach kids about preparedness early.   

I found another company with a product called 4EverLights, (www.uvpaqlite.com) with epic reusable glow-in-the-dark lights.   They have a huge variety of sizes, and styles that really do work.  I had to get some to test and review for Survival Bros.  Sunlight isn’t required, so you can quickly charge them with a flashlight, or whatever.  I like that they don’t affect my night vision either like brighter light sources would.  Ya best believe one is going on my bug out bag, and with me camping.

It was a great show.  If you missed it, there will be another soon.  Just get to one, and get prepared.  You never know when you’ll be faced with a crisis. Plus, a gun show is an excellent place to network with other serious preppers. 

predator paracord

gun show pdx

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