This page is for documenting equipment known for quality, necessity, or efficiency. Descriptions are written informally and impersonally, however each item is owned, used, and abused by WFB. Despite most images and product data having been ripped from Amazon, this page is not an advertisement.
Things to add soon: binoculars/optics, small blade sharpening, shovel/gouging, etc...
Becker BK7
The Becker BK7 is a combat/utility knife that effectively replaced the classic military Ka-Bar. From the factory, this knife leaves many options for customization. Some simply give it a nickname, others take out the grinder to remove the "jimping" (grippy little bumps) from the spine, or to remove the black finish from the blade. The false edge behind the cutting tip can be sharpened for a little more poking power. Anyone serious about carrying the BK7 without web gear probably replaces the factory sheath. The handle is ideally-shaped for a meaty mitt, but the factory grip leaves much to be desired.
The BK7 is less suited for fine work such as carving and dissection, and is more suited for chopping, prying, and hammering. See [info.txt] for more.
A 7-inch knife is a bastard size in the sense that it is generally too long for everyday carry, too short to be a machete, too light to replace a hatchet. Plus, who wants to pry and hammer with their knife? Perhaps the BK7's greatest benefit is the peace of mind that it stands between you and whatever's out there. That, and it's a reason to carry other knives.
Branded Boards Cooking Grate
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... See [info.txt] for more.
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Brunton TruArc 3 Compass
Did you know that not every compass will properly function on the "wrong" side of the equator? Not unless it's built with a global needle, which is to say both ends of the needle are treated so as to handle being in the northern or the southern hemisphere. The TruArc 3 compass by Brunton does just this, outclassing many competitors outright.
The TruArc 3 is trivial to use as far as compasses go. This one is not liquid filled, which means the needle is undamped, i.e. more jittery. The price feels right at just over $20. See [info.txt] for more.
Camillus Titanium
It would be difficult to suggest a better way to spend $10 at Wal Mart. Astonishingly, the super-inexpensive Camillus Titanium (approximately the 2020 edition) has become the primary fixed-blade for many. This arrives razor-sharp out of the box plastic, and even comes with a good-enough nylon sheath with a belt loop and a snap. See [info.txt] for more.
This knife is the embodiment of "don't judge a book by its cover", or, "don't judge a knife by its price". It's good for all sorts tasks not limited to the weeds of survival, but also for more delicate kitchen or crafting jobs. The grip feels natural and comfortable, which could also be its weak point, as the handle seems easy to scuff up or destroy. Watch out if you're batoning or being aggressive with this one. Or just go nuts, the knife is cheaper than a sandwich.
Casio G-Shock GW6900-1
The G-Shock watch is the most badass watch ever, if for no other reason that the Navy Seals tend to wear them. Made by Casio, the G-Shock is water and shock resistant, durable, and comes in plenty of variations.
The reason for choosing model GW6900-1 is for two-fold. First, the watch recharges by sunlight. The dark part of the face is a small array of solar panels that catch enough rays to keep the watch going for days. If the watch is hooked on an MMO and sees no sunlight for a few months, there is no need to set the time manually, bringing us to point number two: This watch keeps synchronization by receiving signals from a number of fixed locations in the world. Even daylight savings is no problem. See [info.txt] for more.
Chinco Bolt-Action Pen
See [info.txt] for more.
CRKT M16-01KS
CRKT stands for Columbia River Knife and Tool, and this company makes great knives. Perhaps the most recognizable product line is the M16, a foldable fast-opening variation on the traditional single-blade pocketknife. All M16 knifes deploy lightning-fast and can be closed with one hand. Subtle to carry and subtle to open, this knife is the perfect "quick draw" to keep near your dominant hand.
The M16-01KS model lists above $40 but can be attained for around $20 at Wal Mart. These may feel certainly a bit light when compared to a full-tang fixed-blade knife or even a more substantial pocketknife. This isn't the kind of knife you hand to someone to open a beer, you keep it perfect. See [info.txt] for more.
Emma Kites: Kevlar Line
Kevlar string is a different beast. It resists heat to several hundred degrees. It's at least twice as strong as nylon. It holds knots. It does all the things you want string to do, but perfectly. The best feature though? Kevlar string cuts things. Used like a cable saw with a thumb through each loop, a few swipes back-and-forth will send the Kevlar eating into whatever is against it, within reason. Not so much into metals, but nearly any wood or plastic is like butter to this stuff. Zip ties, PVC pipes, three-ring binders, the thick part of a plastic bottle - Kevlar goes quick through all of these.
Kevlar string can be purchased from a number of places, perhaps the brand shown here is bested by competitors. (Send a note if you find out.) See [info.txt] for more.
Extremus True Mil Spec 5040 Type III Paracord
The famed "Paracord", or "Para 550 cord", is the most sought-after rope in the world. There are many imitators of the real thing, which must always: (i) be rated for 550 pounds, (ii) contain a total of 7 nylon strands that are each made up of 3 individual spiral wrapped strands plus an additional tracer strand, and (iii) be made of quality materials. These qualities are summed up in the term Mil Spec, short for "military specification", or thereabouts.
Paracord is heat- and light-resistant, inside and out. This includes being resistant to ultraviolet and other long-term degradation. While brand isn't terribly important, always check the packaging specifications. If the company isn't boasting things like "Type III" or "Mil Spec" or "Made in USA", look out. See [info.txt] for more.
Fairwin Men's Ratchet Web Belt
A belt is just a belt until it starts wearing down. Holes stretch out, grooves wear flat, stitches come loose, we all know the routine. Keep your old leather belts around though, they make an excellent stropping surface for knife sharpening.
Fairwin Men's Ratchet Web Belt solves many problems while introducing none. This belt is as strong as a belt needs to be, does not stretch when weighed down, and keeps a low profile. Perfect for formal occasions or the opposite. See [info.txt] for more.
Free Soldier Waterproof Portable Tarp
... See [info.txt] for more.
Gerber Suspension NXT
Multitools are a strange grey area. Seldom is a Leatherman-like appendage someone's only companion, especially outdoors. This could be why everything except the pliers is just "good enough" on these tools, but never the best. The Leatherman Wave makes a good run at being the one-and-only multitool, but you can feel its delicateness once a high-demand task arises. For this reason, not to mention pricing, it's probably better to lean Gerber, namely the Suspension NXT. Gerber crams plenty of useful gadgets into each handle, including scissors and a file, and every tool locks in place. The pliers are quite formidable and have a return spring to keep you from holding them awkwardly. Some reviewers complain about the side clip. See [info.txt] for more.
Ichiban Samurai GC-330-LH
A human-powered saw popular among arborists and landscapers has to be good enough for the survivalist or woodsman. The sleek design of the Ichiban Samurai GC-330-LH makes quick work of any tree or limb. Its 13" concave blade gives the Samurai a deceptively efficient cutting surface.
The entire tool weighs less than a pound, which is easy to appreciate after using a heavy saw for a few hours. The angle at which the handle meets the blade is also significant, as the urge to use downward force is translated to back-forth motion. See [info.txt] for more.
Marbles MR701SB Camp Axe
The camp axe is often a neglected tool, whether it be excluded entirely from the outing, left in a stump for days, etc. Smaller than a homesteading axe but larger than a hatchet, the unforgettable Marbles MR701SB Camp Axe is the perfect mid-size axe for felling timber and processing wood. The reverse side functions as a hammer. It is comfortable to use with one or two hands.
The head is solid steel with a 3.5" cutting surface, helping to prevent accidentally smashing down on the handle if you miss the target. If this happens anyway and the hickory handle is damaged beyond utility, replacement is a straightforward task. This is certainly not a feature of axes with rubberized or composite handles. If your axe is ruined after a fire, it was never an axe. See [info.txt] for more.
Maxpedition Gear: Fatty Pocket Organizer
(Click the image for inside view.) Whether you're too manly for a handbag but still need one, too insecure for a fanny pack but still want one, or if you just fancy the ultimate pocket protector, the Fatty Pocket Organizer by Maxpedition satisfies all three urges. This thing can be mounted to a belt or to web gear. Works just as well when tossed in a backpack. See [info.txt] for more.
Reate Exo M
No sound is quite like the "shhhink" that this knife makes when deployed. It's the Zippo lighter of pocketknifes. The blade comes out the front. Having no springs, thumb-assists, or buttons, the Reate Exo M is known as a "gravity knife", which means you let the handle open and the blade falls down. It would be better called an "inertia knife", as the knife can also be opened against gravity with an appropriate fling. This knife is top-notch in all possible departments as far as out-the-front knifes go. The handle is titanium. The blade comes in a handful of styles and is always made of something unearthly such as Elmax. Unboxing is fun, too. The knife is presented like an iPhone.
The Exo M is version 2.0 of a previous version from Reate, with the original Exo being larger, lacking a lock, and lacking a belt clip. It is also known as the "fad knife" of 2023. It is advertised less for its utility and more for its novelty, unique sound, and fidget capability. Many claim that any gravity knife is illegal due to the way it opens, but there's a lot of clickbaity disinfo out there in this regard. If the legality of carrying this knife is that interesting, check with your local police chief. See [info.txt] for more.
Sharp Pebble Puck/Disk Axe Sharpening Stone
When you've got an axe to grind, don't use an actual grinder. It's better to do such things with slow-moving tools, if for no other reason than for doing your work quietly. The Pebble is a round two-surface stone made by the Sharp company, and is meant to be held and used for sharpening blades on the larger side. This could mean axes, hatchets, shovels, machetes, and so on.
The Pebble comes in a nifty wooden (bamboo) box held together by four magnets. The overall weight is a little steep for things like backpacking. This is more of a vehicle/base camp type of item. See [info.txt] for more. Note: A company called Mido Professional Abrasive makes a near-identical item for half the price.
Spec Ops: T.H.E. Wallet
(Click the image for inside view.) Back when wallets were wallets and not cell phone accessories, back when wallets carried cash and business cards, back when you always carried a guitar pick and a P38 can opener, the good ole days. It's possible that many people have already purchased the "last" wallet they'll ever need. Whether or not this is generally true, it is certainly true for anyone who carries T.H.E. Wallet by Spec Ops. Beyond its infinite durability and capacity, the coolest thing about this wallet has to be the reaction from others when you flip it open at the store counter. "Special Ops?" Hehe. See [info.txt] for more.
Stanlety Adventure Twin Cup Stainless
Cookware used to be a solved problem in simpler times, but nowadays there is more crappy aluminum and chemical-coated junk for sale than there ever was. Stuff that causes cancer and disease - in cookware. WTF? It's very important to not skimp out on cookware. Accept nothing less than food-grade stainless steel, and even then, make sure the party making this claim has credibility.
While a proper camping trip anticipates the cookware needed to prepare each meal, there's still the question of: what's the one vessel that makes it into the minimalist kit? It must do what it does perfectly, and also a little of everything else. The right vessel can be tossed directly into a fire without damage and retrieved with grace. The right vessel has a variety of other uses, such as carrying water.
The so-called Twin Cup Stainless by Stanley does these things nicely, and is easy to find at Wal Mart. From the box, there needs to be one modification though: On the lid is a green plastic tag for handling. Cut or melt that thing off and replace with a key ring. See [info.txt] for more.
ThruNite LED Flashlight: Archer
The issue of having the right flashlight is somehow an unsolved problem. There are as many variations on the flashlight as there are grains of sand on the beach, or at least it feels that way. The best light, however, is the one you have within reach when the need arises. After going through many iterations of the flashlight, one that stands above the rest is the ThruNite LED Flashlight: Archer model. It's rugged and waterproof, and is completely operable with one hand.
This light runs on two AA batteries and has four brightness settings when turned on, maxing out at 500 lumens. This is preferable to flashlights with in-house batteries that require a custom charger. It's better to have multiple sets of rechargeable AAs so that any charging rig you have can focus on batteries only, not the whole gadget. See [info.txt] for more.
Vepkoit Military A5 Padfolio
Durable field notebooks are harder to come by than one would imagine. The Vepkoit Military A5 Padfolio is made of the most rugged stuff you would need for something meant to hold paper. It's meant for military use, hence the external velcro for patches.
The spine features a six-ring clasp for standard size A5 paper. This is a few sizes down from the American 8.5-by-11 inch paper, making the overall size of the notebook better tossing in a backpack of vehicle. See [info.txt] for more.
Victorinox Huntsman
The Swiss Army Knife is the Coca Cola, the King, the Budweiser, the Marlboro Red of pocketknifes. The only question is, which one do you carry? Once you get into this question a little, the whole debate comes down to the Huntsman versus the Fieldmaster. What differentiates these two near-identical knives? One has a corkscrew, the other has a Phillips screwdriver.
The Huntsman is the winner, the corkscrew is better than the screwdriver. Why? Because if you need to improvise a Phillips screwdriver, the odds are you don't - some other nearby tool probably has that function. If not, the knife itself has ways to improvise, particularly that little tab at the end of the can opener. Some people call this a "two-dimensional Phillips screwdriver". On the other hand, suppose you needed to improvise a corkscrew. Much harder.
This is the real gentleman's knife, the green lightsaber of everyday carry knifes: clean, appropriate, and precise. It's the one that won't freak people out as much as other knives once spotted. See [info.txt] for more.
Zippo Classic Lighter
In a world of Bic lighters, fewer ladies needing assistance with their Misty Slim, and diminished reason to start fires in general, the Zippo Classic is still somehow a must-have. It's iconic, it's noisy, it smells like gas, it's got presence.
Beyond all that Marlboro man stuff, one has to notice how simple the Zippo is: the irreducible mousetrap of all-ine-one fire systems. All parts are interchangeable and can be improvised, including the fuel. All Zippo lighters, at least the ones shaped like the Classic, are the same. The price can vary vastly because of the fancy exterior, but beyond that first millimeter or two, all Zippo lighters are exactly the same. Don't worry about the $10 price at Wal Mart. If it's from Zippo, it's the real deal. See [info.txt] for more.