By Cameron McKirdy
Last week I traded an antique wooden chest for a bunch of used Swiss Army knives. I kept some, and swapped out others for a new Buck folder.
They call this classic the Buck Stockman. I liked it because it has three fatty blades. It’s nothing special, but it will do work. The knife dealer in my town said it was made in China, so it’s not the best quality, compaired to Buck knives made in America. But I will use this folder. The blades on the mini Victorinox tools don’t have much of a surface to work with. They are perfect for the small emergency caches I’ve been burying. All in all, I made a good trade up. The knife dealer pays out half of the retail value of the item. Makes sense. It’s fair to me.
I swooped these old knives from an estate sale today. I paid a little too much. $10. I offered $5, but got rejected. I forked it over because it was for a good cause. I should still be able to make a few bucks on these, or trade up later. I’d like another multitool for them. I’m really digging these older knifes with wood handles, so I may keep the large one. The little folding knife was designed to work with a pocket watch. You can see where it would attached to a chain.
I’m hooked on collecting knives. I can’t wait for next weekend so I can hit up more garage sales. The time to buy is when people have to sell. Buying used is way more fun that paying full retail for something. I like that these objects have a history, and I get to add to it. Peace and love.
By Cameron McKirdy
I’m so sore. I hiked from Seaside to the Hiker’s Cabins on Tillamook Head. It’s just under four miles, but it took nearly two hours. Then the next morning I hiked back, and walked a few more for good measure.
My 55L backpack weighed at least 40 pounds. And I almost wore 5lb ankle weights too. My Dad tagged along. He had hiking poles, which I tried. They took some of the strain off my legs, and gave me a good arm workout. The trail was nasty. So muddy. Dad said it was the worst time of the year to climb there, which made it the best for me. I wanted a challenge.
We had to climb over a few downed trees, but besides mud, the trail was well kept. It was never ending though. My Dad kept asking if we were there yet, like me on our road trips growing up. He said, “if I was on a treadmill, we would be there already.” Yeah. Working out in a gym is nothing like real life.
There were a couple lookouts over the Pacific Ocean, but it was foggy, and rainy. The canopy from the trees sheltered us some, but I was still soaked. I didn’t take any pictures going there, I knew it was going to be sunny the following day. Once we got to the log cabins, I was on my own. I changed clothes, and got my bed ready.
I used a new sleeping system. I just bought a gortex camo bivy, so that was my outer layer. I also brought my Coleman mummy style sleeping bag rated down to 25 degrees. Then I had a mummy shaped inflatable insulated sleeping pad. It was 2.5 inches thick! Comfortable, but next time I want to use one that’s lower profile, so my face has more clearance. It was a tight fit. I’m a big dude, so sleeping in a bivy bag was a little claustrophobic at first.
I passed out super early. 6PM. I was tired, and just trying to stay warm in my bag. I woke up once, just to say hi to the mice in the bunk above me. They checked out my stuff, left their mark, and bounced. I was stoked in the morning when I popped my head out and saw daylight. I couldn’t wait to hike back to Seaside. The sun was shining, and I could see the end of the ocean.
On the trek back I snapped the pictures you see below. It’s a magical place, eager to be explored. I buried an emergency cache up there, full of food, water purification tablets, matches and more. Maybe someday I will have to flee the city, and retrieve it. On hikes like this you are forced to make decisions. Take the long route around the mud pit, or charge it. I went right through the mess usually. Foolishly I tried to take a shortcut down a slick, rocky hill once. I slipped, and tried to plant my heels in the bank, but couldn’t stop. I slid on my butt, until I snatched a root. No blood. I didn’t take a picture of the slide either, I kept charging.
Four miles later, I made it from the cabins to The Cove in Seaside, OR. I walked through the city, and got some strange looks with my backpack on. That and my backside was covered in mud. I made it home, showered, and passed out. I loved every second of the adventure. It was brutal, but I enjoy training hard. Hike Tillamook Head if you can, it’s part of the majestic Oregon Coast Trail. Now where’s the ice?
Today I met up with an old friend interested in trading pocket knifes, for my antique wooden chest. I’ve been packing this cool, big box around for years, but felt like swapping it out for smaller items I can potentially trade or sell later.
I got this ornate chest in Tigard, OR at a St. Vincent De Pauls for $40 or so. I was going to restore it, but liked the rough, vintage look, and couldn’t bring myself to refinish the wood. I never cleaned the tin exterior either. It made a great shoe box for awhile, but I had my eye on a stash of Swiss Army knives my buddy acquired from an estate sale. We are both hustlers, so I felt like meeting to get some deals going.
I picked these 18 multitools out of my friend’s collection. I will end up putting a few in small emergency caches to be buried. Some will be gifts, and others I will use for odd jobs. A couple have lights built in too. It felt good to trade for items that won’t be a burden to move. I’m always traveling, so bulk is bad. I will do more deals with this contact, and the possibilities are endless with online networking. Don’t miss out. Be social.
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.
This is the blade I carry every day. It’s the famous Kershaw Blur, but with a carbide tip designed to shatter glass with ease. It does, as you can see in my video review below.
I’ve been testing the Kershaw Blur for 2 months now. I love it. It’s quality, and produced locally in Tualatin, OR. I rep gear made in the USA as much as possible, especially Oregon. The first thing that fascinated me with the knife is the unique design. It’s beautiful. Simple. Elegant. The subtle curves are sexy. I couldn’t wait to get her out of the box. Initially, I noticed how fine the blade is. It’s razor sharp. Also, I was impressed with how well the scallops cut. Slicing through materials like cardboard, plastic, rope, and paper is effortless, and so is opening it, thanks to the SpeedSafe assist. It flies out, and feels extremely secure in place with the liner lock.
Another excellent feature is the rigid angled thumb studs. You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to grip the nubs, and whip it out. Kershaw really made something special with the Blur. They even upgraded the steel in this new version to Sandvik 14C28N with DLC coating. So it’s tough. Which brings me to the tiny carbide tip embedded in the aircraft aluminum handle. People don’t even notice the special tip at first, but believe me, it works. I broke a sheet of glass in my video, plus several bottles with minimal effort. The glass breaking feature is one I have to have on my EDC knife. It could save my life if I’m ever trapped in a vehicle, and it’s not bad for self defense either.
The Kershaw Blur is a great size, and light at only 4.2 ounces. I like the blade length too, at 3 3/8″. The overall length is 7 7/8″, and 4 1/2″ closed. And the belt clip is removable, so you can have the tip up or down. In the end, this is the knife I trust with my life right now. It’s blacked out, and stealth. But above all, it’s well made, and sharp as hell. Survival Bros gives it 5 Stars. I can’t complain about it at all, besides the handles getting a little scratched up after smashing so much glass. I go into more detail in my HD video review below. Please comment, and feel free to ask me any questions about it. Thanks for visiting Survival Bros – Emergency Preparedness.
Visit http://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/ for more.
By Cameron McKirdy
About the video: To film this trip I used the Panasonic Lumix TS4. It’s waterproof, and takes quality high definition video. In the past I’ve used GoPro Hero cameras to film sports, but the audio was poor. This Panasonic sounds better, and is rugged. The TS4 is even high visibility, with a safety orange color. I took nearly an hour of footage. This is the best 15 minutes. I still need to get a better wrist strap so my camera floats. I handled it well, but with all the passengers falling into me, it could have slipped into the blue. Speaking of, the water was remarkably blue. I haven’t altered this footage in any way. It’s beautiful country near Tillamook. It’s fun to film out there, and on water.
Yesterday, a group of 30 people including myself, rafted the powerful Wilson River. I took these photos, and lots of HD video.
My Dad and I went on a paddle boat with three others from the Oregon Whitewater Association. I don’t have the gear the other boaters have. I’m more of a mountain man. They had dry suits, but I didn’t even use my wetsuit and booties. I wore hiking boots with waterproof socks, sweatpants with rain gear, and three layers for my upper body, plus a life vest, and a HooRag bandana. Going in, I knew I’d be cold. It’s rafting during the winter in Oregon. In the end, every rafter was freezing, and glad to be off the water. It was a long day. 14 river miles in 6 hours.
Our greatest challenge was getting people through a tiny 4.5 foot gap. My craft got stuck in between the two massive boulders pictured above, so we let air out of the sides and floor. Then we wiggled through. I filmed everyone making it. The group used ropes to pull one man’s cataraft over the rocks here on the upper Wilson. We all worked together, prepared for the worst, and got in position to help if needed. People were climbing mossy river rocks to signal, and help. They were ready. Also, everyone wore a helmet, and gloves, but me. I couldn’t film and wear gloves. The feeling in my toes and fingers did come back. I’m surprised.
It’s a real challenge to raft this time of the year. Everyone had to follow the plan. Safety was the name of the game. We had two people go into the drink. One guy wanted to swim, but our guide, the raft owner, got bumped out as we hit a rock wall. I look back, he’s floating there. Should I film this? Or pull him in before he gets crushed on some rocks? I put down the camera, and yanked him in with two others. We experienced Class 2, and 3 rapids. Whitewater for sure. I was soaked. We also cruised by a guy that snagged a huge steelhead. It must have weighed 9 pounds or more. When we finally got to land, I got a ride to snag our car back up river. Then it got dark. The group and I left my dad behind at the boat ramp. Problem is, I couldn’t find the damn thing. Dad’s soaked, it’s pouring. I was driving around, feeling like I left him for dead. I figured he’d wave me down on his walk back into Tillamook. There was no way to reach him. But suddenly, he text me from inside a fisherman’s truck. He was safe, and not angry that I made him wait. Then we got mexican food. Lots of it. In the end, the trip was hardcore, but worth it, and an amazing workout. It was another learning experience.
By Cameron McKirdy
Lately I’ve been rocking a variety of Survival Straps paracord bracelets. Maybe you’ve noticed them in my videos. You’ve probably seen bands like these before, but Survival Straps has taken it to the next level.
These stylish and functional Survival Straps were made in right here in America. They are an innovative company, and they give back. To date they’ve donated more than $722,000 to The Wounded Warrior Project. This program helps soldiers tremendously. I rock my Wounded Warrior Project Survival Strap often. It’s comfortable. I like the marine grade stainless steel adjustable clasp, but it also came with a plastic breakaway pin you can put in for safety. Plus, if you ever need to use the 15 feet or so of cordage, Survival Straps will send you a replacement bracelet. This is an every day carry item you should have for preparedness.
I haven’t taken my Survival Strap apart yet, but when the need arises, I will. There are many varieties and styles on their website http://www.survivalstraps.com Check them out. There’s something for every prepper, and they are reasonably priced. Most cost around $30 or less. I see great value in them. They are made of the finest 550 paracord. You’ll find a color and style that matches your personality. Below is a few cool designs I’ve been wearing. I haven’t had any issue with these. They feel great. Survival Bros approves 100%.
The McKirdy Bros Professionally Eating Ribs
Eventually I was able to get a job and save up some money so I didn’t have to go to all the trouble, but I had a good run. Without all the ways I found to get free food I am sure I would have started charging groceries on a credit card. I hope I don’t have to do it again, but it is nice to know that sometimes beggars can be choosers if you’re smart enough. I am very thankful for each and every free bite to this day.
Andrew McKirdy
Andrew Scoring Free Organic Bread
By Cameron McKirdy
I’m starting the new year, 2013, with a healthy total body cleanse. I began today with a raw juice drink. My Jack LaLanne Power Juicer muscled through garlic, ginger, organic celery, green apples, carrots, lemon, limes, and cucumber.
Right now I am six feet tall, and 225 pounds. I’d like to drop down to around 200 lbs, or less. I was 185 in high school. I will be eating some organic vegetable soups, salads, fruit, nuts, seeds, and juicing. Plus, I really like the raw whey, and vegan protein supplements I have, so I will be making mad smoothies with that goodness. I’ll be drinking hemp, almond, coconut, soy, and 7 grain milk too. I also love aloe water with the chunks, and coconut water.
I plan on training hard immediately. I’m going to be speed walking hills, playing basketball, mountain biking, doing yoga, weightlifting, and running. I will also be using my foam roller for massage and more. I plan on taking vitamins too, with gallons of natural spring water. Stay tuned. This is a live blog. It’s on. I can’t wait to feel, and look better. Good luck!
Day two: I was a liquidarian today. I didn’t chew anything. In the AM my diet consisted of cranberry/goji juice, 2 Odwalla Monster protein drinks, and coconut water. Later I had coffee, which I will be weening myself off of. It got the bowels moving. In the afternoon I made another green juice, with mostly cucumbers. Finally, I sipped kombucha. I consumed spring water throughout the day, and enjoyed hemp milk too. I felt lighter, and leaner today. It’s nice cutting out most of the dairy. I feel like dairy makes me bloated. I plan on pounding more liquids tomorrow, and maybe raw cashews, and salad. Life is good. I will weigh myself again in the morning.
Day 3: I’m doing all liquids again today, minus a mushy banana. Maybe I will eat a fruity Larabar and seeds tomorrow for fiber. However, the juice I got at the health food store did have added fiber. Today I started with kombucha tea, and had a little espresso. I’ve guzzled various natural juices without high fructose corn syrup. And I picked up an aloe water, and organic apple cider vinegar. That’s it, besides more cold water. I feel fine. I have a little less energy today, because I don’t have food energy, or excessive amounts of caffeine in my system. When detoxing it’s important to get lots of rest and relaxation, in my opinion. Do what’s right for you.
OK, I used a fork tonight. Mom made veggie stir fry, and you don’t turn that down. She’s on her own cleanse now. Mom wrote a blog for Survival Bros on going gluten free, and food allergies. Coming soon!
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 