Bushcraft - Feather Sticks

So, we finally got cable at the house.  I haven't had cable for 4 years.  I don't watch much television, but one day I got hooked on this show on The History Channel, and started binge watching it.  The skill the guys on this show have are incredibly impressive.  While this is a reality TV show that's a contest like Survivor, you can actually learn and take away things from this show, unlike 95% of the other crap that's on the air.

After watching this show, I started to do some research on Bush craft, and realized, I should know some of this stuff.  Most of the knowledge I obtained can be used when I'm out on my fishing/camping trips....such as...making a fire.  So, I started to do more research on proper knives.  I have had my SOG Seal PUP for the longest time, and it's been a great blade, and provides me with a sense of protection when I carry it on my person, while I'm wandering or wading in the places I am.  The only drawback to the knife is, it doesn't stay sharp for long, and it really is limited to certain applications around camp.

Feather stick with the SOG Seal PUP.

Prison shank???

My bush craft knife research brought me to purchase a Morakniv Companion.  I read countless reviews, and you just cannot beat the high ratings and the price of around $15 bucks.  This knife was super sharp right out of the sheath, and it felt great in the hand.  After using it a few times to make some feather sticks, and then use it on a few outings, I was extremely impressed.  You seriously cannot find this high quality product for that price anywhere. 

Here are a few feather sticks I made with this blade.  They look good, right?  They helped light a fire just fine, too.  I liked this knife so much, I bought one for The Fat Gordo as a gift, for when he's out on his solo trips.

Some other Bush crafty things I learned from Alone Show was these guys carved out their own spoons.  Over the winter, I plan on giving carving out some spoons, and other random things out of wood.  Adding another hobby to my never ending list.  

Anyone else dabble in bush craft or wood carving?

CARF Strikes Gold!!!

I caught my first carp on the fly!!!!

I am super stoked!!!!

I mean, look at all of those exclamation marks!!!!

Do I wish it were a bigger one, yes.

Am I still as excited, yes!

Check out the video.

Looking forward to hooking into some bigger golden nuggets.

By the way....the pork chops were DELICIOUS!!!!

WCF DPR FLOATILLA

This past Labor Day weekend, I got out with a bunch of guys from a local fishing forum - WindyCityFishing.com.  I believe there were 13 of us that made it out to the Des Plains River with kayaks and canoes.  It was a great time.  I got to meet some good people from the forum that I haven't met, yet.  After the float there was food and drink provided by a few guys.  

Big thanks, to all of them for throwing this all together.

I made a video of the outing.  Everyone contributed to the video, so, I can only take credit for throwing it together.  Hope you enjoy it!  Hopefully, I'll be able to make the next one.