Here is something I haven't seen before. I have this thing for survival kits. I view them as part and parcel with multi-tools...both being multifunctional.
This kit I found on eBay, and I was the only one to bid on it, so I got it for less than 20 US dollars. What caught my eye about this set up was its unusualness in having exchangeable blades, much like those old Soligen Germany kits from the 40s and 50s. The second thing that caught my eye was the total package. It comes in an unusual hard case that can be attached to a belt. The lid has a proper pin hinge which gives the outer box a nice quality feel. It is a big step up from those one piece plastic hinge that reek poor quality.
All in all, a very interesting little survival kit. Now enough of that, and on with the photographs.
The outer case is a beautiful bright orange that matches the included knife. The opening mechanism is a simple press the black button to push away an internal ledge that allows you to open the box up. The locking mechanism is solid, and the lid closes tight. One thing I did find interesting, there is no weatherproofing seals around the lid.
The back of the hard plastic case features a hard plastic loop to allow either a belt, or string to either carry it around your neck, on a belt, etc.
When you open the case up, you are greeted with plenty of items. Here is a close up of the locking mechanism.
Everything is secured by a hard black plastic retainer. Everything slots right into place. Going from left to right, we have the knife, utility knife , nesting spoon and fork, nut/hex bolt driver, fish scaler, saw, bottle/can opener, and a black two sided box that contains various survival items.
The knife, if you haven't already noticed in the above photos, has a glass breaker on the pommel. There are also two sliding tools found here, a nice diamond nail file, and a not that bad pair of scissors. The knife is of a good size, and the grip is excellent, coated in soft black textured rubber along a bright orange hard plastic frame. I would also like to add that there is a lanyard hold which is perfect to tie your fishing line if needed.
Here is a close-up of the pommel end of the knife featuring a glass breaker, and two slide out tools. The bottom tool is slid out a little to give you a better idea. On the plus side, these sliding tools in the handle have a good positive lock. They shouldn't slid out on their own.
The knife is a lock back design. To install or remove a blade requires the user to open the blade at a 90 degree angle. Press the lock back stud open. Slide out the tool for removal and slid in anew one whilst still pressing down on the back stud. Release the stud to lock in the current tool. Once locked, you can fold the tool or open it like any regular knife.
Here, you see the main blade removed and the utility knife attached. I also collect utility knives...so this feature was a big surprise to me.
I must say, I wasn't expecting much in terms of quality, but little details tell me that the quality is rather good for what you get. Here is an example. Here is a close-up of the ruler markings on the fish scaler. Nice and neat.
Here is an overview look at all the pieces that are part of the kit.
Next shot shows you what is hiding inside that lanky long black box. both ends pull of revealing two compartments of equal size. One end contains a small fishing kit, the other, first aid and fire starting materials. You also get a small metal tweezer, some string wrapped around a cardboard keeper, and weirdest of all, a small pencil and two small pieces of paper. Included are a few bandages, and a small mirror like plastic sheet for signaling. All of these items fit nicely in the included carrying case. Thee is a little more room in one of the compartments to add a few other equally small items, like some cotton batting, etc. You also a Philips and a flat driver bit. These have a flattened end that fits into a hole found on the nut driver attachment.
So there you have it. This is an interesting survival kit in that I haven't seen anything of its like before. Definitely an interesting take on a small portable survival kit. I was expecting something cheap, but was pleasantly surprised at the overall quality of the item. No instructions came with the kit, nor are there any manufactures marking other than the made in China etched on the steel tangs. This came in a plain white box. I like this kit, much like the Sol Survive Outdoor Longer kit. Both are quirky.
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