Home Again(pics and reviews)

[CKE]

Got back Monday from my family reunion/camping trip. I did not get in as much camping stuff as I had wanted but had a good time seeing family I haven't seen in a long time.
Weather was good and only a few days ruined by the rain and cold...yep had to have a fire on in the camp three mornings because it was chilly.

I decided to bring lots of knives(big surprise) and really give a few of them a good work out. The Manix, Strider AR and Endura were my EDC's along with my new RJ Martin Rampage. I never did end up using the Rampage but it sure is an awesome piece. I will do a little review on that one in another thread. Also a HAK Claw ground by Justin Gingrich was present too.
First order of business was to prepare dinner the first night...so out came the Endura. It handled all the food prep chores with ease. The big short coming of it was the lack of space for your fingers when using a cutting board. The blade is about the minimum I would want for a camp food prep knife. I cleaned up with soap and water easily. After that, and it being my edc for awhile now I had to give it a good sharpen. I used the Lansky and now after all is said and done and I am back home I will touch it up on the 204 to get it hair poppin sharp.
I found myself in a predicament...in one pocket the beefy Manix in the other the AR. Sooooooo, I went out to the wood pile and abused both of them. They both held their own while I beat on them with logs to spilt kindling. Using a baton is very hard on a folder but they both faired the ordeal fine. The Manix will take abuse...so will the AR. My only concern is if the Manix failed the lock would be broken and the knife of little or no use, if the AR failed the liner would just slip and the knife would still be serviceable. I think it would take a lot to bust a Manix though!
Kitchen duty was next for the Manix. The choils are far superior for food prep, you actually have somewhere to put your fingers when using a cutting board. The blade though was a bit short. It was very comfortable to choke up on the Manix to do finer cuts. Between the Endura and Manix both are decent in the kitchen but do have limitations.
I would not baton with an Endura unless it was an emergency.
My answer to the above problems...buy a Military. This was the second time I have gone camping without my Milie and I knew it. Food prep, fire making, hacking, chopping...say what you want but the Millie is far superior to the Manix and Endura for my intended uses.
Went fishing twice and caught lots of perch. I only kept two and fried them up in the pan when I got back to camp. My Uncle and Father helped me eat them. Just a little taste as you can tell by the pic :D
I never got a chance to make a bow drill and start a fire that way. Next time for sure!
Made my survival kit finally but will talk about that in another thread. Sharpened some other knives on the rainy days and even caught a bit of Live 8 from my Uncles satelite on Saturday. All in all it was a good trip but it sure is nice to be home!!!!
Hope you are all well, take Care!!!!
Craig

[butch]

love that rampage
calling sal can we get one made folding and a hole please

[greencobra]

A nice assortment to camp with. Rampage IS a nice one.

[Senate]

great review CKE, and I hear you about the Milie... Mister C36 isn't dead yet! :)

[Jimd]

Craig, great post! Sounds like you had a blast. Heck, I had a blast just reading it.

[UK KEN]

Craig

I enjoyed your post....it makes me feel like getting the bivi-bags out again! It is great news that you are feeling well enough to enjoy yourself in this way again. :D

Regards, Ken

[CKE]

It is nice to be feeling better and starting to be able to do the things I like to do again.
I could have used a bit more outdoorsy things to do but family was important. I will head back before the summer is over and always a last trip in the fall.

[Jimmy_Dean]

sounds like you had a lot of fun. I'm glad for you!
thanks for your good words about the Milie, makes my waiting period more exciting :D
and how about that Rampage!
take care
-Dean

[samosaurus]

nice review Craig! The Manix is a good choice for the outdoors! :D

Sam

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha Craig!

Great reviews and glad ya had a good time! That Manix sure is a beast of a bug! Take care and God bless :cool:

[Vincent]

Poor fish-----------

[Jimd]

Craig, the Manix appears to be somewhat close to the Strider AR in size and configuration. How do they compare in terms of weight and thickness? Stoutness?

[CKE]

Jim, I'll post some pics in another thread and do a little review. Hopefully I won't get lynched :) :) :)