Survival kits info.

Yea. That's what I thought about the sticks. I actually recessed a liquid filled button compass in the top of each one and placed one inch marks on the stick for a length of one foot. I really debated on what type of foot to put on the stick. I ordered some brass feet that had a steel bottom and decided they might not hold well on rocks. In the end I went with a rubber foot. I put 4 coats of polyethalene(sp) on the sticks to protect them. I also have a bit of surprise built in. If the boys ever have a need to use the cordage, when they unwrapp the stick there is a message beneath the cordage from me. They will never see it unless they unwrap the stick. You never know when a little inspiration might make the difference. Just a personal note from me to them.

Sorry Coyotee. I got us off track a bit. Let's see if I can bring us back.

I have fly fished all my life and never liked jigs. For some reason, pan fish really like flies so I carry two dry flies in my kit. I carry 50 ft in 12 lb test and 50 ft in 63 lb test and of course my paracord. I use the heavier line for bank lines and/or trot lines and the lighter monofiliment for regular fishing.

For use by scouts, I think it's a great kit. Just replace the bobbers like Smok said.

I'm not sure why the 4" fishing pole. I'd like to hear your reasoning on it. It seems to me I could use a branch or vine (pole or bank line) just as easy. Of course, you don't want folks hacking up the woods unless they really have to.

You might also think about a small pair of nail clippers or some other cutting device. I use nail clippers when I go fly fishing. They are just the best for clipping off stray ends of monofiliment.

You might include a laminated card of fishing knots. You know, how to tie them.

Finally, an Altoid or similar tin might be a bit more rugged. See Mitch's thread at:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...ead.php?t=1067

for his survival kit.

But I do like Sarge's suggestion on the 35mm film canister above. Something a bit larger are the tubes the M&M Minis come in. They have a plastic flip top so you can't loose the lid.

That's about all I can think of. You have a great kit and I'm sure not knocking it. Just trying to offer some suggestions.

101 uses for a 35mm film can. It is amazing what they can be used for.

Everyone,

thanks for your comments. Rick, I put about 50 feet of 15 lb test line on this one in the kit. I have made others with both 8 & 15 lb or 15 and 25 lb test, just depending upon what I had on hand at the time.

My 4" pole serves the purpose of a ready built pole with line, bobber, leader, weights and hook. No one ever asked why for the 4" pole that is just the size I want to add. Keeping survival kits in mind and space being a premium, then the 4" size would be optimum. Also, depending upon what type of survival you are a part of i.e, escape and evasion braking a stick may give away too much information. But I might be stretching it. Also, it is ready made, and you don't have to prepare it.

I didn't want to put it in a metal tin because it can fit in smaller spaces of survival kits. I currently am using a one of my survival setups an chinese made 5 mag (ak) pouch that I have modified for use. It fits into one of the outside pockets so you don't have to dig through everything.

mad coyotee

Understand. Your point is well taken on the 4" pole. If you stay with the plastic bag then you might think about sticking the points of the hooks into the cork bobber Mitch recommended. REAL fishermen will tell you that will dull the point of a hook but I'd rather have a dull point than a hook stuck in me because it poked through the bag and got me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rick

Sarge - I've read a lot about signalling. CD vs. Lid vs. Mirror and the mirror comes out on top every time. The higher the visibility the better your chances of being found. If that's all you have, you bet but I'll keep my mirror. The StarFlash comes in a 2x3 size so it's pretty small. Besides, it's pretty handy so see those places your eyeballs won't stretch far enough to see. And military survival kits have them for a reason (wink).

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I also own the 2 x3 Star Flash and agree that it's a lot better signaling device, no argument there. I also have a larger version that's about 3" x 5" as well. I just meant that "as opposed to nothing else" as I'm sure you picked up on.:cool:

At the risk of being redundant, swap the nylon cordage for 550. I concur on the glasses. I like to have 'em with me, too. Glare sucks. I'd chuck the matches and throw in a BIC lighter. Way more fires than the matches will conjure up. Even when the butane is gone you still have a striker. Something to boil water in. I carry an old GI canteen cup. You also need something to carry water in (bottle, unlubricated condom, plastic bag). Just remember a gallon weighs 8 pounds so you want something you can handle. Large mouth Nalgene for me. Duct tape is a must in my book. Just too much you can do with it. Not a whole roll but wrap some around a small pencil. Brass wire (lashing, snares). I'm not much on the glow sticks, either. Handy around the house, though in a power outage. On the sling shot issue, I'm not much on active hunting unless I just have to. Snares and fish traps work too well 24/7 leaving me time to do other cool stuff like twist an ankle so I can practice my back woods medicine. :O)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rick

Large mouth Nalgene for me. Duct tape is a must in my book. Just too much you can do with it. Not a whole roll but wrap some around a small pencil.

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I use Cody Lindun's method from his "98.6" book and wrap duct tape around my wide-mouth Nalgene bottle. I can wrap near top & bottom and fill the center area with wraps of 550 cord.:cool:

Nalgene Tape (yuck, yuck, yuck) Nice Title. I have to get that book. So many quote from it and all are good ideas.

One thing I didn't post, because it isn't actually in my survival kit but I do wear a survival bracelet I made. I make them from 20 feet of paracord. You can see it has a cordlock compass on it.

neat bracelet Rick.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rick

Nalgene Tape (yuck, yuck, yuck) Nice Title. I have to get that book. So many quote from it and all are good ideas.

One thing I didn't post, because it isn't actually in my survival kit but I do wear a survival bracelet I made. I make them from 20 feet of paracord. You can see it has a cordlock compass on it.

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Survival Hike gave out a link on how to make those awhile back. I went one step further and made a belt. The book, "98.6 Degrees: the art Of Keeping Your A*s Alive." By Cody Lindun is one of the best books I've ever seen on the subject of survival.:cool:

@Sarge47: You got the book memorized yet? I think I have read it 4 times already.

A good book on making your own survival kits: "Build the Perfect Survival Kit" by John D. McCann. Plus the knowledge from the book Sarge mentions you can have a very good personal survival kit.


Should of read the first page....sorry

I carry a 1# coffee "billy" can (to boil & carry water), my 4" Schrade knife on my neck, my fire starting waist pack, a needle, and wool blanket bed roll. That is my basic survival trail kit.

I do have a B.O.B. bag that is stocked and ready to go that hangs by the door. Just in case! It is filled with more essential gear that will last me about 3-4 weeks in the bush.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mbarnatl

@Sarge47: You got the book memorized yet? I think I have read it 4 times already.

A good book on making your own survival kits: "Build the Perfect Survival Kit" by John D. McCann. Plus the knowledge from the book Sarge mentions you can have a very good personal survival kit.


Should of read the first page....sorry

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'Bout got McCann's book memorized as well. I ordered them together from Amazon, got a great price and free shipping as well.:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sarge47

'Bout got McCann's book memorized as well. I ordered them together from Amazon, got a great price and free shipping as well.:D

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I am going to have to get another copy of McCann's book... it is wearing out. Going to have to get another copy of "Camping & Wilderness Survival (2nd edition)" by Paul Tawrell. I go through these books all the time.

I want to make an observation that I have been seeing lately. I notice people trying to make the perfect survival kit or restricting the number of items in a kit. That perfect kit will only be for you, not for everyone else. Most of the general things you need will be the same, but you have to adjust the kit for your personal needs, climate, and environment you are going to be in. The books that Sarge and I refer too, tell you the same thing. One person may carry pocket kit, while you may have someone else carry a backpack kit for the same day hike. I know I have changed my kits at least ten times in the last year. The best thing to do is to take your kit out on a day hike and try the items in the kit. When you get back, make the modifications to your kit. Keep doing this until you get the perfect kit for yourself. Do not put a limit on the number of items in the kit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mbarnatl

I am going to have to get another copy of McCann's book... it is wearing out. Going to have to get another copy of "Camping & Wilderness Survival (2nd edition)" by Paul Tawrell. I go through these books all the time.

I want to make an observation that I have been seeing lately. I notice people trying to make the perfect survival kit or restricting the number of items in a kit. That perfect kit will only be for you, not for everyone else. Most of the general things you need will be the same, but you have to adjust the kit for your personal needs, climate, and environment you are going to be in. The books that Sarge and I refer too, tell you the same thing. One person may carry pocket kit, while you may have someone else carry a backpack kit for the same day hike. I know I have changed my kits at least ten times in the last year. The best thing to do is to take your kit out on a day hike and try the items in the kit. When you get back, make the modifications to your kit. Keep doing this until you get the perfect kit for yourself. Do not put a limit on the number of items in the kit.

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Very well put!:cool:

Greetings Wilderness Survival!

Allow me to introduce myself here, I am US Army “Ranger Rick” Tscherne. I am the author of the Ranger Digest Series (I-IX), the developer of the SOS Survival Kits and the owner of www.therangerdigest.com.

Second, I hope what I am about to say will not violate any forum rules here. As I am just answering some of your concerns about my SOS Survival Kits.

Third, this is what I just recently posted on my website a few days ago, see below:

WANTED - SURVIVAL FORUM "SURVIVAL KIT BASHERS" Have you read somewhere or know someone who's been bashing and talkin poop about my survival kits? If so, please let me know by sending me the link...(NOTE: To read the rest of this paragraph, you'll need to go to my website.)

And so after receiving a few emails about your forum here, I thought I would register on here to clear up a few misconceptions.

“King Dufis” (aka Beowulf65) wrote: (Quote) “ Personally, I think that Ranger Rick is dufis, having been to Ranger School (Class 12-84) most of his tips come from the Ranger Digest Handbook and common sense, the garbage he peddles is junk. But that’s just my opinion take it or leave it. (Unquote)

MY REPLY: If you did go to Ranger School and you’re not one of those make-believe and wannabes, then you should know a “Ranger is NOT suppose to lie to another Ranger.” Right?

Of course you do, so here's my question to you fellow Ranger…

What tips (that’s plural, meaning more than one) did I copy out of the US Army Ranger Handbook and use in my Ranger Digests? If you're gonna publicly bash my name here on this forum for everyone to see & read, again, tell me and everyone here what tips did I copy for the US Army Ranger handbook?

My Ranger Digests (I-IX) have been on the market since 1988, well after class 12-84. If you can’t think of any off the top of your head, would you like me to send you a complete set of my Ranger Digests? So you can review and go through all my books and then post those tips here on this forum to back up your allegations? Let me know, ok?

As for your other comment (quote) "..the garbage he peddles is junk."

My Reply: The wire saw is the same wire saw used by the British SAS and our US Special Ops guys. It purchase it from BCB International (United Kingdom) in rolls of 1,000 feet and then I cut it up myself. You can’t find a better lightweight and quality wire saw than this no where else. If you go to my website and click on the bar to the left of your screen marked “wire saws,” you will learn the difference between the good and bad wire saws.

My “Tornado” Whistle is also made in England by a company who’s been making whistles for about 100 years called the “Acme Whistle Company.” The reason why I chose this particular [Tornado] whistle is because unlike other whistles, this one works well in extreme cold weather and won’t freeze up because it doesn’t have any little balls inside of it that will freeze up due to your mouth moisture/saliva. And because it glows-in-the-dark , you’ll be able to see where you placed your survival kit at night too.

The magnesium & flint fire starter that comes with my kits are just like the magnesium fire bar except smaller, lighter and compact. It's better to carry a duel fire starter (mag & flint) than just a flint fire starter, don’t ya think? Well of course the mag bar is nice and big, but it’s bulky and not convenient to attach or pack & carry in a pocket survival kit.

As for the signal mirrors that come with my survival kits, though small, 1 x 2 inches, they’re still a hellove lot better than one of those “itty-bitty” mirrors you get with those other cheap survival kits. And it reflects a hellova lot more sunlight than some buffed & shined up tin can lid that some of those survival kits come in.

My compass is NOT liquied filled NOR is it made out of some cheap @ss plastic. They’re made of aluminum and rubber, and the rubber [band] acts as a shock absorber so if you drop it or bang it, it’ll still work.

The folding knives that come with my kits come with serrated blades, which means the blade won’t dull so easy and will keep on cutting longer than regular ol’straight blades that will need resharpening.

So sheriff, would you mind pointing out to me and everyone here which of these items I sell is "garbage and junk" and why?

Did you ever buy and or test any of my survival kits? If you did and you’re not happy with it. Send it back to me within 7 days of this posting and I’ll reimburse you twice the amount you paid for it. Provided you also tell me where you purchased it so I can confirm your purchase. How’s that? As Howie Mandell would say “Deal or No Deal?”

So Mr. King Dufis - Beowulf65, the next time you’re thinking of bad mouthing someone you don’t know I suggest you don’t do it on an open forum for everyone on the internet to read. Unless you’re willing to pay the consequence in having your own reputation challenged and tarnished. Opinions are like @ _ _ holes, everyone has one, but sometimes the hole is at the other end instead of where it should be on a body.

As for some of the other comments I read here from some other members...

I sell two types of survival kits, (a) fully assemble & ready-to-wear and (b) assemble-it-yourself. When I assemble the wire saws, I always pull & jerk hard on both ends to make sure they are tightly secure. And then I throughly inspect and double check all the items before mailing them off to my customers.

Someone wrote: "...if he had been in a real survival situation he would have been screwed?" Oh com’on now, just because one of those wire saw ends popped off it doesn’t mean you can’t use the saw. All you have to do is just grab a stick and wrap the end of the wire saw around it, tie it in a knot and you can still use it to cut wood. If you had an hand axe and the handle broke would you say “oh poop, now I’m screwed.” I wouldn’t, I would try to find a piece of wood to replace the handle. Give me a break fellas, use a little bit of ingenuity.

As for another comment "…so much for your drinking tube.”

Here, read this, this is what it says on my website for those of you who think it’s not a good idea to cut and discard this tube;

Now I've heard some survival gurus and Johnny Rambo Wannabes say "..cutting and discarding the tubing is waste, you should be able to remove it without cutting it so you can use it to suck water from small puddles." As I stated, the tubing is only there to protect you from being scratched and cut up while wearing the saw around your neck. And ain't smart to drink water from any puddle unless it's been filtered and purified first. And so if you don't have any means of filtering and purifying puddle water, what good is it to save and use this tubing?See my point? Yea, these are the same know-it-alls who think you can use a pocket survival tin/container to boil water for consumption. It can't be done, it's nothing but a bunch of baloney. Try it if you don't believe me.

Sarge47 wrote: (Quote) "I made my own necklace out of braided 550 Parachute cord & hung my own stuff from it. To make it "Break-away" I use a little bit of snare wire to hold it all together.

MY REPLY: Hey Sarge, go to my website, click on my SOS Necklace banner or page and then check out the picture of me wearing my "old" survival necklace around my neck. I just posted this photo there not long ago, have a good laugh.

Well there you go fellas, I hope what I said only offended one person here. I’m usually quite busy and don’t have time to participate in forums. But after receiving some emails about one particular member here, I’d thought I’d drop by to say hello to everyone.

Oh I’m sure someone will probably want to have the last word in, no problem, I said what I wanted to say and will leave it at this and let you all decide if what I wrote was a fair and balance reply.

You may want to take a look at the upcoming "Field & Stream" Magazine. Because six months ago the survival editor, Keith McCafferty contacted me to ask if I would send him some samples of my survival kits to test out. And the results of his tests, along with some other pocket survival kits will be in the December 2007 edition. No, I have not yet seen nor read the article yet and he never sent me a copy of his article neither. So I, too, will be curious to see what he wrote as well.

And so I'll end it here by saying “Buona Notta,” which means good night here in Italy.

Yours Truly,

Army Ranger Rick Tscherne
US Army, Ret. 1972-93

@Army Ranger Rick
I have used everything in the kit several times and have been pleased with the kit. I just don't like things around my neck. I keep the keychain kit on me all the time. By the way... thanks for mentioning the IMPS-Net ideas in Digest 9. That IMPS-Net is awesome!

Well, you clearly won't care but you did offend me and I haven't commented on you at all. I think it wholly inappropriate for you, as a retailer, to publicly bash other people for their opinion. If they don't like your product, so, the hell what? Who cares? I sell retail survival gear and I'll bet there are folks that have gone to my site and said no thanks. To each his own. But to take the time to log onto a forum and begin bashing it's members is just third rate in my book. You can sure as hell bet I'll be bashing you off the board and telling everyone I know not to buy your products. It would have been a lot different if you came on board and just stated the facts but you didn't. So as far as I'm concerned you can go slither under that rock you crawled out from under. As I see it the only "Dufus" here is you, bro'.

And who gives a damn about your name dropping?

I got your back Beo. We can take this chump!

Geeese, what nerve.

That is all a bunch of garbage. I probably have enough extra stuff around to make several of those "survival ??" kits and so do most folks. I may be a little long in the tooth but I know what works for me. I sometimes wonder how I ever made it without camo, fancy skinning knife, map and all those goodies. Maybe it didn't matter to the animals I shot or trapped. I carried a Case stockman and could skin or dress out anything I needed, and I guess growing up in an Eastern KY hollow maybe gave me a jump on city kids. Ranger Rick?? Sounds like a kiddie cartoon.

What nerve is right! Someone asked for OPINIONS on this forum and Beowulf gave his as did a couple others,and well ,in my opinion,you just confirmed his.
How pathetic!

It's "the battle of the Ricks!":D Hey Double "R", don't run off. And don't get mad at Beu, here in America he protects his local citizenry. I like the fact that you had the guts to show up and speak your mind. I don't know you but I hear good things about your manuals. The "survival" necklace is probably a great idea, but don't bash the Wolves who growl at you. If your product is as good as you say it'll stand on it's own, right? As for Kevin McCafferty I've read his stuff and was not all that impressed. Give me guys like some of the talent we've got here any 'ole day. My brother-in-law was a Ranger, my oldest son a Marine during the 1st Gulf war, my middle brother was a supply Sargent for the Army Corps of Engineers, my kid brother served as a member of the "ready" team of the US Army and was in Panama when the Shah of Iran fled his country, & I couldn't even get into the "friggen" Boy Scouts, OK? If I had the bread I buy your books based on the positive reviews. Seen your necklace and can't afford it right now, but if you send me one to test I'll give it a run like you wouldn't believe!:D However, you probably have a lot more important things going on over in Italy, but I, for one, would like to see you become a more permanate fixture around here. We have a lot of neophytes just achin' to learn about Survival and you have a lot of knowledge to share. How about it? Or do you just get mad and "hit & run"?:rolleyes:

Ranger Rick i dont know any thing about wilderness survival products, ive seen your product though and thought it was good, but your mistake was posting. Registering an posting to try and cover your butt was in all sense of the word .......pathetic. If your products as good as you say it is then by no means should Beo's statement should have offended you. Your product quality should speak for itself.Also Beo, he's right none of his stuff as far as i can tell is copied from the Army Ranger Handbook, check it out yourself, heres the web page for the whole book.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/100893/ebo...anger-Handbook

SO my final verdict, Rick, Beo dosent need your back he can perfectly take on 1000 of those Ranger Ricks. Save your efforts for bigger fish k.

Yeah I went to Ranger School but if you don't believe me I don't give two sh*ts, bet I run your old azz in the ground out in the forests or mountains. But none of that maters anyway, now onto your items.
The wire saw is trash, not in use today in Iraq or elsewhere by the U.S. Army Rangers, or SF, I know this cause even though I'm out I have plenty of friends still in (if you are a ranger then you may too, or maybe your old school and most of you have gotten out) but... what I was saying was my opinion only my opinion and not that of others here or elsewhere. Maybe they were a little strong but then then I tend to heavy handed, so what get over it jackazz, maybe I don't like the whistle as survival gear... sounds stupid to me never used one in the Army or now, the magnesium & flint fire starter I like, the signal mirrors that come with my survival kits- I don't like ain't got no one to look good for in a survival situation and if I got the fire starter I can lite a signal fire forget the mirror you'll see smoke before the mirror, the compass is good no better than any other compass just because you put rubber on yours, "The folding knives that come with my kits come with serrated blades, which means the blade won’t dull so easy and will keep on cutting longer than regular ol’straight blades that will need resharpening." Not true, serrated does not mean it won't dull dufis that is for cutting and won't last any longer than my straight edged knife.
"I sell two types of survival kits, (a) fully assemble & ready-to-wear and (b) assemble-it-yourself. When I assemble the wire saws, I always pull & jerk hard on both ends to make sure they are tightly secure. And then I throughly inspect and double check all the items before mailing them off to my customers."
Ready to wear, great fashion statement bs in the wilderness.
"Someone wrote: "...if he had been in a real survival situation he would have been screwed?" Oh com’on now, just because one of those wire saw ends popped off it doesn’t mean you can’t use the saw. All you have to do is just grab a stick and wrap the end of the wire saw around it, tie it in a knot and you can still use it to cut wood. If you had an hand axe and the handle broke would you say “oh poop, now I’m screwed.” I wouldn’t, I would try to find a piece of wood to replace the handle. Give me a break fellas, use a little bit of ingenuity."
If your selling this and it breaks what is that telling you.
The drinking tube is good in my opinion, if you want one in your pack. I don't but then again this is just my opinion but you must know my opinion matters or you would not have gotten so upset about me trashing your junk survival gear. Anyway Ranger Rick, bro don't get so upset if don't like your gear, its just one guys opinion. I'm sure when you were in some guys didn't like the stuff you taught, made them do, orders you gave, but so what. Hope the gear works great in the upcoming mag and you sell a bundle of survival gear, even hope ypou drop us a line or two here and give us some survival tips. But in the end it boils down to I don't like some (notice I said some) of the gear you sell, just my opinion like it or not, don't care either way and if my rant offended you well I'm... nah, tuff sh*t don't care.
See ya and Lead the Way!
Beo,

Okay, I've taken a long breath and kicked some chat around. The first rule of war is know your enemy. RR you should have ASKED why folks felt the way the did. You had a good opportunity and the potential to improve your product by listening to your customers and you did not do that. PERHAPS, someone would have explained a weakness you had not considered or had not, to date, uncovered. PERHAPS, they would have offered some avenue to improve your product. PERHAPS they would have just vented. Either way, you stood to gain a lot of respect from a wide and varied membership. But you chose name calling instead. So did I and I apologize for that. I'm a better man than that.

I still fervently believe, however, what you did was wrong and genuinely counter productive to your goal.

Edit: Proud American, for a 15 year old you have wisdom beyond your years.
"If your products as good as you say it is then by no means should Beo's statement should have offended you. Your product quality should speak for itself." No one could have said that more eloquently. That is true for any product made regardless of who makes it.

Just got back from RR's web-site and had been entertaining the thought of blocking his URL when I noticed at the bottom of the page a link to this site. Also I found the pic he was referring me to and he's right, it's a hoot. Ok, his ears are probably ringin' like the "bells of St. Mary's" now!:rolleyes:

Don't get mad at Ranger Rick, actually he stuck up for his product and I for one like that he came on here and did it, while I don't own any of his items a couple of my friends do and some like them and some just incorporate them into their gear. Now since he stood up for his stuff I'll order one and see first hand what I think. I've used certain things of his and some not. But don't let what I say sway you on the products he sells, if it matters then get it and test firsthand. BUT I do so love all the back up. And yeah I apoligize for the names and mean comments I said when I don't know the man, he's probably a nice guy and is at least doing his thing to help spread survival information and awareness. Sorry Ranger Rick.
Beo,
Oh yeah I got a Ranger Handbook, several actually but thanks.

I can't say I thought that was professional but I can't blame him for coming on an venting. I even thought it was kinda funny. It may actually make a difference to his business if enough ppl read what is said on this forum if this site really is that popular world wide (not just in Indiana since so many of you guys are from there!) that link at the bottom is probably a big factor too. . . Anyways I'll stick with maintaining my own kit cuz I'm crazy like that.

Hahaha, thanks for those follow up comments, I had a good laugh, enjoyed reading them.

Sorry, thanks for the invitation to hang around here, but I'm not one of those who hang out in forums 24-7-12. Unlike some of you here, I got a life and better things to do with my time than to hid behind a screen throwing rocks at others. And think you kicked someone's butt just because they posted a few comments on a forum and didn't return. So wrong and so immature.

Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind visiting forums from time to time, especially in the winter time while I'm waiting for it to snow here in Italy so I can hit the slopes up in the Alps.

I said what I wanted to say on this forum and made my point. And based on all the emails I received this morning from quite a few of your members, visitors and viewers, I am very pleased with the outcome. And I am NOT talking about sales, screw that! I am talking about the positive emails I received in support of what I stated here.

So keep thinking just because someone posted something here once or twice and a few of you puppies got pissed off, barked & howled at the moon, don't think you chased him or her away.

Why?

Because this is an open forum, which means it's not only viewed by registered members, but the entire cyberspace internet community. So the few negative & hostile comments some of you made towards me, you just showed everyone on the internet what type of individuals you really are. So enjoy your new fame. As for me, I think my military record, reputation and accomplishments speak for itself as to what type of individual I am.

Again, I said what I wanted to say here and based on all the emails I received so far this morning, I am very pleased and happy.

Hey, no need to apologize to me, I enjoyed the comments some of you made here, really. Thanks for allowing me to express my opinions, comments and defend my product, I just might be back again later.

If not, to the few [and not all] of you puppies who think I just cut & run and can't take the heat...

Now, now, now. Come on, I did twenty-one years in the United States Army as a high-speed Airborne grunt & Ranger. Do really believe someone like me, though a bit old out of shape, would be afraid of some of your sorry @sses?

Maybe in "YOUR DREAMS!"

And to all of you who read my comments here and sent me private emails, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Take care all!

Yours truly, again

Army Ranger Rick Tscherne
US Army, Ret. (1972-93)

"Been there, done that and served our country - HAVE YOU?"

Army Ranger Rick Tscherne
US Army, Ret. (1972-93)

"Been there, done that and served our country - HAVE YOU?"

Good sayin Ranger Rick sadly many ppeople dont reccognise how great there country is(especialy Americans). Also, Rangerr Rick 1993 is year of Black Hawk Down know anyone involved or somthn new the book didt uncover.

BTW it specificaly says no advertising your product on this site but i guess defendin dosent break the rules.

Sorry, thanks for the invitation to hang around here, but I'm not one of those who hang out in forums 24-7-12. Unlike some of you here, I got a life and better things to do with my time than to hid behind a screen throwing rocks at others. And think you kicked someone's butt just because they posted a few comments on a forum and didn't return. So wrong and so immature.

SARGE: Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel.:rolleyes: BTW, I think it would be interesting to see what would have happened if you were face-to-face with some of these guys instead of hiding behind your computer screen and throwing rocks back all the way from Italy. As a Ranger you know durn good and well it cuts both ways. I understand your schedule is hectic my thought was that once in awhile or so you could post something here that might help the young ones. In case you haven't noticed we have one teen who's gonna try for the Rangers. If you could get past the few "bad" comments you might notice that there's a lot more on this site about survival than worrying about a former Ranger. BTW, enjoyed you're web-site.

Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind visiting forums from time to time, especially in the winter time while I'm waiting for it to snow here in Italy so I can hit the slopes up in the Alps.

I said what I wanted to say on this forum and made my point. And based on all the emails I received this morning from quite a few of your members, visitors and viewers, I am very pleased with the outcome. And I am NOT talking about sales, screw that! I am talking about the positive emails I received in support of what I stated here.

SARGE: Did you happen to notice that the negative posts you received here were later amended by the same individuals who actually apologized? And if you're not talking about sales why did you come on so strong the way you did?

So keep thinking just because someone posted something here once or twice and a few of you puppies got pissed off, barked & howled at the moon, don't think you chased him or her away.

Never thought that, "RR", I actually felt honored that you came here, no crap!

So enjoy your new fame. As for me, I think my military record, reputation and accomplishments speak for itself as to what type of individual I am.

SARGE: Not to mention these two posts.


Hey, no need to apologize to me,

SARGE: They didn't do it out of need, they showed the kind of people they really are. Mere humans who reacted out of anger, realized it was wrong, and tried to right it. I'm honored to be on the same forum with them.

I enjoyed the comments some of you made here, really. Thanks for allowing me to express my opinions, comments and defend my product, I just might be back again later.

SARGE: I, for one, really hope so. We could use someone with your talents, experience and understanding of survival and all that it entails.

If not, to the few [and not all] of you puppies who think I just cut & run and can't take the heat...

SARGE: Actualy, I said "hit & run", which means something else. C'mon Ranger, you know "hit & run" is a tactic and not an act of cowardice.

Now, now, now. Come on, I did twenty-one years in the United States Army as a high-speed Airborne grunt & Ranger. Do really believe someone like me, though a bit old out of shape, would be afraid of some of your sorry @sses?

Maybe in "YOUR DREAMS!"

SARGE: OOOHH-RAHH!

And to all of you who read my comments here and sent me private emails, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Take care all!

Yours truly, again

Army Ranger Rick Tscherne
US Army, Ret. (1972-93)

"Been there, done that and served our country - HAVE YOU?"

SARGE: I tried, the wusses didn't want me; afraid of a guy with bad hearing. What's up with that crap? You never hear the one that gets you anyway, right?:D
p.s.: Does this mean I don't get a free necklace?

hey, ranger dick, next time you think of selling stuff, you may not want to alienate a good portion of your potential clientele. thats not good for a business that obviously could use a little help.

Looks like 'ole Ranger Rick is not gonna stick around. Too bad, I think he'd be a valuable asset once everybody got to know each other better. Anyway I visited his web-site and found some interesting things on it that I'd like to discuss with those of you here who are inclined to do that. I was going e-mail "RR" my comments, opinions, & questions 1st but his e-mail isn't listed.

Right off the bat I want to make sure that everybody understands that I'm not "dissing" the Ranger", but evaluating his "Survival" gear/manuals as to the validity of them saving lives. Here goes.

1.) Ranger Ricks qualifications speak for themselves, he's one dude I would want to be with in a bad situation. I'm sure that we'd get home alive, and that's the "bottom line" here, right?

2.) In evaluating his "Survival Neclace" I found that he gets about $20 for the "unassembled" one, so that was what I looked at since the extra 2 bucks pays for the labor of putting it together and has nothing to do with the quality of the items.

3.) In order to sell that piece of gear for $20 he still has to make a profit, so that means that the actual costs of the items are even less, which is not to say that they will fall apart, but you get what you pay for. Both Cody Lundin & John D. McCann, just to name a couple off the top of my head, recommend putting your own kit together to get the best quality possible. No offense to Mr. Rick, but the Buck folder in my kit costs twice as much as the whole necklace.

4.) He also includes tips which are really "teasers" to get you interested in his Manuals. It worked because whenever I can I'm gonna order a set. Two "tips" stick out in my head, and that's what I want to share here. For the last few years I've thought Like "RR", that a "Survival Vest" is a great idea. John D. McCann uses Cabella's "Safari Vest" which cost $50. R. Rick suggests a fishing vest which I happen to own, so I'm gonna see what I can come up with. Also, under water filters, he shows how to make one with a 35mm film can. If anybody can, I'd like you to check some of this stuff out, then give your opinions. http://www.therangerdigest.com/ Thank you.:cool:

im not dissing or anything but really someone should be a little more grateful that some of us had some nice things to say and not care that his kit was bit at by the wolfs and i argee he should take some of the advice and apply it to make his kit better no such thing as a perfect survival kit always room to improve:)

@Sarge: I have some of RR stuff and used some things from his site. Awhile back I was going to review on some items that I bought from his and others, but thought not to because it may be against forum rules. The review is my opinion, not the forums. So, how do I go about doing this?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mbarnatl

@Sarge: I have some of RR stuff and used some things from his site. Awhile back I was going to review on some items that I bought from his and others, but thought not to because it may be against forum rules. The review is my opinion, not the forums. So, how do I go about doing this?

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It's not against the forum rules to state you're opinion of survival products that others may buy that might have a bearing on their well-being. If you tried selling the gear, or provided your own web-site offering gear for sale, well now you might be in trouble. Upon visiting Mr.Rick's site I noticed that, all the way down to the bottom of his page he links this forum, so he's more of an ally any way. It's only fair to avoid any personal remarks regarding the Ranger, and try go keep your opinions objective as well as positive, if you can. if you find something that's negative, say why. Remember, you're simply stating your own opinion, and the rest of us will take that under advisement.:cool:

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Originally Posted by WildGoth

I'm not dissing or anything but really someone should be a little more grateful that some of us had some nice things to say and not care that his (Ranger Rick's) kit was bit at by the wolves and I agree he should take some of the advice and apply it to make his kit better no such thing as a perfect survival kit; always room to improve:)

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Very well put, WG.:cool:

I checked out the RR site and I could probably pat myself on the back until people might buy these so called "survival kits". Guess I have enough extra stuff in the basement to make up several. The necklace, except for a knife & firestarter is dumb. Old RR says band saw blades ain't any good, but I know most everyone can make a better saw out of three sticks and a string to tighten it up like our old timers did. Guess how many feet of band saw you can coil and easily fit into say an empty snuff can with space in the middle for whatever? I don't think that little rough metal piece of garbage would last. If I have pants on I have a SAK and a SOG, always. The survival books have all the info you need on the internet or your local library. I am in the Applachians and plan accordingly. These so called experts may be able to make cute little necklaces & other goodies but like Hank Jrs. song says A COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE. People. if we use what's available can also, and I really must be behind the times the only RR I could think of was Roy Rogers!

I was going to mention Mr. McCafferty awhile back, but never got around to doing so. R/Rick mentions him and that Field & Stream will be putting out a review of his necklace in the Dec. '07 issue & I look forward to reading it. In my opinion Mr. M. is probably a very good outdoors-man. He's obviously a hunter who travels the woods all over for big-game and any survival input he can give should be welcomed by any of those in the Hunting Arena. In the March 2005 issue K. McCafferty was actually required to go out into the field and put his skills to the test by going solo into the Rocky Mtns. with his hunting rifle, ammo, and a small day-pack with his 'Survival" gear in it. It was pretty interesting as he had a lot more equipment than the "Bare Wilderness" guys and was even going into a bit of a warmer climate, albeit in winter. He made it back out OK, but it was only for 2 nights, and he had a rough time as well. I was surprised at several things, such as the fact that in his list of survival stuff he listed 4 trash bags, yet didn't seem to have any himself on this particular adventure. He wears a homemade necklace with a neck-knife and some other items, including the magnesium block/flint striker that Ranger Rick seems to "put-down" on his web-site. An interesting side-note, this Mag-block is included in the USAF's Pilot Survival kit. I'm going to re-read the article and write more on it later.:cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ole WV Coot

I checked out the RR site and I could probably pat myself on the back until people might buy these so called "survival kits". Guess I have enough extra stuff in the basement to make up several. The necklace, except for a knife & firestarter is dumb. Old RR says band saw blades ain't any good, but I know most everyone can make a better saw out of three sticks and a string to tighten it up like our old timers did. Guess how many feet of band saw you can coil and easily fit into say an empty snuff can with space in the middle for whatever? I don't think that little rough metal piece of garbage would last. If I have pants on I have a SAK and a SOG, always. The survival books have all the info you need on the internet or your local library. I am in the Applachians and plan accordingly. These so called experts may be able to make cute little necklaces & other goodies but like Hank Jrs. song says A COUNTRY BOY CAN SURVIVE. People. if we use what's available can also, and I really must be behind the times the only RR I could think of was Roy Rogers!

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Yippie Yi Yo Ki Yay!:rolleyes: