Rolf Devinci

For no reason other than putting theory to practice I decided to build a quick survival shelter. Armed with some cordage, a kukri and my Condor bushlore knife I began to create a basic survival shelter out of deadfall materials, a few alders and some pine/spruce branches. Having found a suitable spot under a group of fir trees that offered a level soft bed of needles and moss I orientated the shelter facing Southeast so I get morning and afternoon sunshine through the trees. A basic 45 degree lean-to design I created the initial frame intending to cover it with wood and branches to create a "debris" shelter. Using a heavy duty drop sheet I modified my plan and create a waterproof design for the coming winter. A tarp would be a more durable choice but the drop sheet was larger, clear and cheap. Once the frame was covered with the drop sheet I added boughs followed by an assortment of debris; deadfall branches, sticks, leaves and pine needles. The end result

Anticipating a winter of snowshoeing woodlands I wanted a way to create a small fire in the snow and wet without going to the trouble of clearing and creating a camp fire. A method that is quick and portable. Enter the hobo stove. I could carry a portable gas fired stove but wanted something light and simple that could burn materials found in nature. Made from a soup can with a tuna fish can as a base. Air holes drilled and punched to feed the stove from bottom, sides and top. A coat hanger used to create steel bars to create a grill to support a cup or small pan to boil water for a brew up or to make soup or noodles. All able to be stored inside the larger can with little weight and capable of going inside a backpack . Cheap, portable and effective.  

Recently I purchased a Condor Bushlore knife via Ebay to fill a gap in my outdoor kit. Having made the decision to start snowshoeing this winter I decided my bush craft skills needed some work as I hope to enjoy the winter woods this coming season. I determined I needed a decent multi purpose blade for all my woodland adventures including hiking, archery and now snowshoeing. I was familiar with the Condor Tool and Knife company and knew they possessed a good reputation for quality and functionality. Researching their extensive lineup the Bushlore immediately caught my eye. A 4.3 inch full tang Scandinavian grind carbon steel blade and a nice hardwood handle. The sheath is well made of good quality saddle grade leather. All this for around $40(usd) on Ebay. Online reviews and videos were all positive so I made my decision and purchased the blade. It arrived today and I was very pleased. This is a beautiful, well constructed knife decently sharp out of the box. The sheath