Huge Mora

[AimlessWanderer]

Fully agree Gareth. Well said grathr 

Comis, I was just having a bit of a pop at the survival "scene" in general, and not at anyone's individual mentality or approach to the issue. Example: One thing I get a little peeved by, is that everything always seems to be "woods" orientated. You might not be in the woods when everything goes pear shaped. The "scene" doesn't seem to consider that an option 

I'm probably more likely to find myself on open moorland, where you couldn't light a fire even if there were trees nearby, as you'd set the peat on fire underfoot and really not help your cause at all  For me, my "survival gear" always includes shelter (heat sheet or even a bivvy bag) and fire of sorts (back up camp stove), assuming that I won't be able to make use of available materials. That said, I still have a few tools and a bit of knowledge of fire lighting and other improvisation too.

I suppose I focus more on having "some shelter" rather than being over analytical of "which shelter" - and the same goes with a saw and knife. There's several saws and knives and axes in my array which I'd feel comfortable with, but I would have to treat them all differently. I also tend to vary my loadout dependent on where I'm going, just making sure that I do have for example a saw (be it a bahco laplander or just on a multitool) and some form of shelter, stove, water purification blah blah blah.

I actually quite like the fact you've decided the Lumberjack suits your "style" and philosophy, and there's obviously been a lot of thought put in and despite everything I've said, I do like seeing how different people approach the question of "what if" 

[comis]

Gentlemen, well said. 

50ft-trad, my outdoor surrounding also varies quite a bit, and don't always have the luxury of 'woods'.  You brought in a good point about having a backup stove, and with all the options for modern light weight stove, that's a good and easy tip to follow. 

Since we are on this topic, I picked up a few tips from a SAR friend and would like to share/elaborate in this spirit:

-Tell family/friend the route/places you are going
-Avoid separating the group
-Realistic goal and don't over exert
-Stay on the main road and don't take the shortcut
-Plan to stay the night

[Gareth]

The last rule, which is kind of covered by some others but is worth making very clear IMO - Always be willing to turn around and head home.

The amount of people who get themselves in trouble, when they can plainly see things are going wrong, seems staggering to me.  Whether it's changing weather, rougher conditions than you anticipated, failure of kit, ill health, or whatever, marching on regardless isn't a good survival strategy.

[Grathr]

Very good points!

Also, we got be careful now. If we continue down this path we might end up with the only survival discussion in the history of the internet where we actually come up with a set of survival tips we all agree upon...  

[comis]

Gareth, that's another very good and valid point, learning something new everyday here.

Very good points!

Also, we got be careful now. If we continue down this path we might end up with the only survival discussion in the history of the internet where we actually come up with a set of survival tips we all agree upon...  

What, what, what?!  That just ain't possible, or would it?  What fun would that be?!  "Let's get posting"

[Gareth]

OK, here's one: make sure you are carrying so much extra kit that you are prepared for every eventuality, and consequently are exhausted before you get anywhere remotely risky.

[Grathr]

OK, here's one: make sure you are carrying so much extra kit that you are prepared for every eventuality, and consequently are exhausted before you get anywhere remotely risky.

If you can carry your kit, its too small

[comis]

OK, here's one: make sure you are carrying so much extra kit that you are prepared for every eventuality, and consequently are exhausted before you get anywhere remotely risky.

I got exhausted just by reading that, guys, thanks for saving my life.   

[Grathr]

So... Just to get back on topic.
I found a sheath for the Mora. I made this huge ugly sheath for a Ontario butchers knife project. The butcher knife turned in to disapointment. I think there might be something wrong with the heat treat on it, as parts of the blade gets very sharp and other parts just wont take a decent edge.



(If you wonder why the sheath is so ugly, its because the needle broke quite early in the prosess, so I just superglued it together instead )

Anyway I have tested the Mora a bit and it cuts like... Well a Mora.  I havent tried to do anything real bad to it yet though.

[comis]

Grathr,

I have zero experience in making sheath, I always wonder how does it prevent the knife cutting the threads apart at seam or bottom?  I can see kydex or having a plastic insert could be cut resistant, but I just don't know enough about pure leather work. 

[Grathr]

Grathr,

I have zero experience in making sheath, I always wonder how does it prevent the knife cutting the threads apart at seam or bottom?  I can see kydex or having a plastic insert could be cut resistant, but I just don't know enough about pure leather work. 

To make a simple ugly one like that is real easy. Take a piece of leather, preferably 2-3mm thick. Dip it in water so it becomes soft. Wrap it over your knife and stich/glue together.  Let it dry and harden around the knife.

[comis]

So should I assume to put some glue/distance between the blade and thread, so it won't cut open?

[Grathr]

A little distanse is best.

[Steinar]

So should I assume to put some glue/distance between the blade and thread, so it won't cut open?

In a well fitted sheath, the leather holds the handle snugly, so the blade should never even be close to the seams and also unable to move. As Grathr said, moisture makes the leather malleable. The normal way to ruin a classic sheath is stabbing through the side, not the seams, when sheathing the knife. That's why a good sheath has thick leather.

[zoidberg]

And most decent sheaths will have an extra piece in between the two sides to protect the seams from the edge.

[Grathr]

And dont forget to leave a hole at the bottom for draining water.

[comis]

Thank you for all the good suggestion, knowing my procrastinating tendency, this leather sheath of mine may not complete till 2024, but no worries, meanwhile I will try to drink lots of water, keep posting and stay calm. 

[Grathr]

Thank you for all the good suggestion, knowing my procrastinating tendency, this leather sheath of mine may not complete till 2024, but no worries, meanwhile I will try to drink lots of water, keep posting and stay calm. 

[Santos]

novice question...

What stops the Sheath losing its shape next time it gets wet? Or does it have to be SOAKED to the core?
I ussualy have saked naturasl hide for drum skins which doesn't lose its shape on the drum if its wet cause its stretched...

[ducttapetech]

novice question...

What stops the Sheath losing its shape next time it gets wet? Or does it have to be SOAKED to the core?
I ussualy have saked naturasl hide for drum skins which doesn't lose its shape on the drum if its wet cause its stretched...

After you are finished making the sheath, it coated with a lot of oil. The oil will help keep the water from getting it soaked.

That's us mobile.

[Santos]

that makes sense