Gear Grylls and Les Stroud.

[Chako]

I am not overly enamored with Bear Grylls, but I do like survival gear, having taught a class or two on it in the past as part of an outdoor education program.  Seeing that I also collect Gerber MTs, it was a natural offshoot to get that gear.



Then one day, I made the mistake of walking into the local Canadian Tire store and came across the Les Stroud series from Camillus. Figuring it would be neat to compare the two, I went ahead and procured a few specimens.  So far, I have the Arctic Knife, the Ultimate Survival knife,  and the Jungle Survival Machete (lime green trim).


My first impression, the Camillus gear is of better quality. I am not sure if anyone has done a direct comparison on the site yet...I still have a lot of reading to catch up. If anyone is interested, I could do a follow up thread comparing the gear

I am interested in your opinions and experiences of these two gear series.

[Gareth]

Nope, I don't think we've had a head-to-head yet, not that I can remember anyway.

[AimlessWanderer]

I think there's been a lot of speculation, and much of that speculation has innevitably been focussed on the endorsing celebrity rather than the tools themselves  *yawn*

I'm pretty sure the second generation BG stuff was better than the first based of general web commentary (though the only item I've bought personally is the Strata kit). I have so far heard zero feedback on the Camillus gear, and certainly no head to head comparisons

[Chako]

Ok. I can take plenty of photos and do a comparison of what I think of them later this week when I have time. 

[enki_ck]

Did you happen to come across a Camillus Les Strout multitool? we saw some on the Shot show videos, but no good pics of it so far. 

[Chako]

First I hear of it. 

[enki_ck]

Multitool starts at 3m40s

[Chako]

Price is cheap. I haven't seen one in the wild yet. Got to have one when it comes out though. Thanks for the video. 

[Millhouse]

Screen shot.

[Zed]

Ok. I can take plenty of photos and do a comparison of what I think of them later this week when I have time. 

and all is back too normal here at mto 

[Crouton]

I'd love to see some reviews of I dismal tools on the Les Stroud stuff.

[Sazabi]

While I do admittedly like the appearance of his knives, the tool gives me a lot of concern; it doesn't give me much confidence. :/

[Syph007]

Camillus used to be a made in the US company but when they went bankrupt the company that bought them moved all the production to.. you guessed it.. china.  I have never handled the Les camillus stuff, but I suspect, along with the gerber BG stuff it belongs in the 'cheap and cheerful' category.  Absolutely the last 'gear' Id use for actual survival.

[jzmtl]

They tend to have good reviews from people who have tested them, asides from the early broken handle BGs.

Although that LS MT looks kinda awful, just a new color on a generic body.

[Grathr]

Ok. I can take plenty of photos and do a comparison of what I think of them later this week when I have time. 

That would be awesome. I have been waiting for someone here to give the Les stroud gear a proper test, and especially a head to head comaprison with the BG stuff. 

[Crouton]

I'd love to see some reviews of I dismal tools on the Les Stroud stuff.

Ha,  I just noticed that I got auto corrected on this post.  I meant reviews of "individual tools" not "I dismal".

[Swearengen]

Not thrilled with celebrity-endorsed products even though I enjoy both Les and Bear on my TV.

I know I'd go post-partem if I dumped any of my Ka-Bar, MilSpec machete, E-tool, and old hatchet to carry their new gear in my pack.  I probably would need a quaalude or four to keep my toe off the trigger.  I need help.

This however doesn't mean I don't love a good gear evaluation.  What's taking so long, dammit!!!??? 

[Chako]

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,43665.0.html   

[zepla]

Built in scissers which you do not see often? Well, I'm not an expert but... 

[Swearengen]

@ CHako:  Thx for that review from the Great White North, sir.  Very well done.  Did not expect it so quickly (that's what she said...).  PS--I feel it's my duty as a fat American to tell ya, "Canadian bacon is just spicy ham".   

I have never said "thank you Lord that my knife had a serrated edge" but have often thought while working with a friend's knife " why the hell did he buy this with serrations?".

Serrations only force you to work with the pointed end instead of the safer, and better leverage area near the hilt.  Hate seeing a very desirable knife ruined by this.