New EDC item

I picked up this little EDC item yesterday. Actually, I originally picked it up at the request of my wife but since they were so cheap I grabbed myself one to try out. Not like I really needed another knife, but I thought it might be handy. I'll let you know how it works out after I've had a chance to carry it for a while.

Hand drill friction fire fail

I recently attempted my starting my first fire by friction with a hand drill set I made. My first attempts with the set have been a failure. I only know how friction fire is done in theory so this is a learning experience for me.

My first attempts have been using a cedar hearth board and cedar spindle. The wood heats up and I can get a little bit of smoke but the tree I cut it from was still a little green which I think is my problem.

I recently made a new set from tulip poplar that had fallen quite some time ago. The center of the wood was still pretty wet to the touch so I'm in the process of letting it dry some.

Finding suitable wood for a friction fire and being able to actually start a fire that way are the reasons I would never rely on it as my primary method of making fire.

I prefer to strike a ferro rod with the spine of my knife.

What is your preferred fire making method?

What am I doing wrong when trying to build a friction fire?

Let me know in the comments below and I will keep you up to date on my progress.

Review: Esee Izula

 

I recently decided to pick up an ESEE Knives Izula. I had been looking at them for a while and kept putting off actually getting one. Let me just say, I'm glad I finally did. It's already been getting used quite a bit. Specs for the knife are:

Overall Length: 6.25"

Blade Length: 2.63"
Thickness: .156"
Steel: 1095 Carbon
Weight: 2.0 Oz. w/o Sheath 
Finish: Textured Powder Coat (Carbon Steel Models)
Grind: Flat

Pommel: Carabiner Hole 

Sheath: Molded Plastic

I decided to go with the Izula rather than the Izula II because, it was cheaper and it was a 1/2 inch shorter which would allow me to conceal the knife better for when I wanted to do so.

At first glance, I didn't really care much for the looks of the sheath. It looks a little cheap, but it does do its job. It holds the knife without it falling out. The sheath is light weight and holds the knife well inverted, which is how most people will carry the knife if they are wearing it as a neck knife.

That being said, the knife carries well as a neck knife. I think I may still prefer my CRKT Minimalist for a neck knife but the Izula wins the tough knife contest hands down.

The first test for my Izula came in the form of battoning firewood for a small bonfire. I was able to quickly batton the wood into nice sized kindling to start a fire and the knife was none the worse for were. The edge held its sharpness and I still have yet to touch it up.

I really like the knife for belt carry under a shirt. It is hardly noticeable except for the occasional poke in the ribs while driving, which I mostly attribute to a few extra pounds on my part.

The sheath for the knife works well for what it is but there are some better looking aftermarket sheaths out there for the Izula. I may invest in a different sheath later but as of now the factory sheath works fine for me.

My kit was missing two small washers needed to attach the belt clip but that is no fault of Esee. The shipping bag had a tiny cut in it and I didn't notice it until after later, so they probably fell out at some point without me noticing. Nothing that couldn't be remedied with a quick stop in Lowe's to pick up a couple washers.

Other items in the kit included a small magnesium fire starter and ferro rod, whistle, paracord, cord lock, clip, and a couple of key rings to attach the items together.

Overall I really love this knife and feel the kit is a solid value. It will be getting lots of use and I look for it to give me many years of service.

Now having owned my first Esee knife I can see another Esee in my near future. I'm really liking the looks of the Esee 6 and I can say with almost 100% certainty that I will own one soon.

First catfish on fly rod, Bluegill Spawn and Bully's Bluegill Spider

The first full moon of May means that the bluegill are spawning and on the nests. I took advantage of that to get out with the fly rod and get a mess of bluegill for the freezer. Ended up getting a crappie that day and my first catfish on the fly rod. The catfish wasn't huge but at a couple pound put a nice bend in my 5 wt. My fly of choice for the day that seemed to be getting the most bites was Bully's Bluegill Spider.

Fishing Hole Scouting

Hunters scout their hunting spots quite frequently but it's not often I hear of anglers scouting a fishing spot. Scouting new fishing holes is something I've been doing more of lately. If I hear of a possibly good fishing spot while frequenting the local bait shop or even while fishing one of my regular spots I usually follow up by scouting the location.
Many times I will check with locals in that area first to find out the exact location and then I will check out satellite maps and gps coordinates before scouting it in person.
A few weeks ago I scouted a section of a local creek that is stocked with trout and musky. Now I have a plan for that creek in mind when I get a chance to fish it.
Today I scouted two holes on another section of creek for parking and bank and wading access.
I've also been looking at satellite maps of another creek for a white bass spawn.
I feel that simple things like scouting the location ahead of time make for a better fishing experience. Also getting permission from landowners ahead of time can make things go much smoother when you do get a chance to get out fishing. Doing your homework ahead of time means more time spent on the water fishing, so get out and scout those spots.

Fly Fishing for Musky

After finding out that a local creek is home to musky, I've had the urge to fish for them on the fly rod. I'll be using an 8wt Temple Fork TICR-X which is a little on the light side to throw musky flies but at the distance I will be working this particular creek I should be fine. Right now I'm researching musky fishing on the fly so if anyone out that has any tips they would like to share please comment below. I'll keep everyone posted as to how my musky fishing adventure goes.

Men carry knives

I was in a Walmart earlier today and saw a grown man asking cashiers if they had scissors to cut a tag from what appeared to be a wallet. It might sound a little crazy but this makes my blood boil. A grown man had to ask for scissors because he didn't have a knife to cut a tag. He turned away from the cash register I was at before I got the chance to lecture him. What has happened to our society that a grown male no longer carries a knife? From the time my father deemed me responsible enough to carry a knife, I've carried one. My father carries one, his father carried one, his grandfather carried one. When my son is old enough he will carry a knife too. He already has one and is allowed to use it with my help. My daughter will have one too. It will more than likely be pink to match her mothers knife. Where have the grandfathers, fathers and uncles gone wrong that they are no longer teaching out youth that knives are useful tools to be carried. At least carry a small multi-tool that has scissors on it. If you have a fear of pocket knives please grow up and stop your whining. I'm certain you have far scarier knives in your kitchen. For all of you who carry knives, I beg you to reach out and teach kids to use them safely and how to sharpen them. Educate non knife carrying adults too. It's not been that many years ago that no man would have dared go out without his pocket knife. It's time to get back in touch with that part of our past.