watch the movie the edge

The handle offers extra insurance only. One would be in bad way if all he had was that micro kit to live with. On the flip side, it could very well put the odds back in ones favor. That's the way I look at it anyway. Extra insurance. It's comforting to know it's there if I ever needed it.

Great forum!

Has anyone found a pill bottle or other container that fits inside the Model 18's handle and is capable of holding supplies?
What 's available out there if I want to put any goodies in a container and not directly inside the handle?

I don't own a model 18 however, to offer my two cents. In real life scenarios, it's all about maintaining body temperature and staying hydrated. If I had an 18, I would use the handle to carry plenty of fire starting materials. I would want to have as many different ways to get that fire going as possible. Storm proof matchs, a flint, some steel wool, carbon cloth... little birch bark, and I would make sure I knew how to use each one of these before heading far off the trail.

The other stuff is cool and I like looking at it, but real life -think stay warmth, be able to signal and stay hydrated.

A Bic lighter

Bill, You and I totally agree on this one. Hydration and temperature control is everything. There are alot of ways to complete these tasks. Your best tool will be on top of your shoulders. Know your enviroment and learn as much as you can about what it provides with the least amount of effort. Also make sure you are wearing that knife, if you can't get to anything else you might not be able to get to it. Jimmy

JR3,

If you would like to have an emergency compass that can stay in your handle while pounding and is totally shock resistant, one option is this Brunton Survival Card Kit that has a peel off compass. Simply fill the palm of your hand with water and float the compass.

Gents,

It's refreshing to see good common sense when discussing a topic like survival. No fantasy BS here.

Here is a pic taken from this last Fall. I was on an outing practicing fire making with a ferro rod on just natural tinder, nothing man made. I was in the process of trying to get an amber going. The tinder in the pic is just plain, fine shredded birch bark as collected on sight. This was done a on a paper plate, or you could use a piece of bark. I used the flat on the back of the 18 to produce a nice shower of sparks.

JR3, Nice pic - ok, were there any permanent marks on the blade from the flint, and is it stainless? Were you able to get fire?

very cool. Bill

I don't think the stainless blades will create the spark needed to ignite the tinder. Of course, like many times in life, I could be wrong.
Best, Capt. Chris