Season Greetings!

Hello folks, I'm trying to come up with some new ideas in what other types of small, compact, survival items can be added to my product "The Spec-Ops Survival Necklace." As well as other uses that these attached items can be used for too.

So far I've heard every suggestion from adding a small compact folding knife to a mini/micro GPS. (Yea, right where in the hell am I suppose to find one of those?)

Please understand that whatever you suggest it's gotta be small, compact and lightweight or it defeats the purpose of what it's for. Which is to be used as a temporary, short term and or back up survival kit and NOT a long term "Castaway/Robinson Caruso" (or Tom Hanks) type of kit . And you wouldn't believe how many people seem to think that's what it's suppose to be used for, as a long term survival kit, but it's NOT.

Anyway, if you haven't seen it before, come on by and check it out on my website (www.therangerdigest.com) and then let me know how I can improve on it.

Which I would appreciate some "constructive input & suggestions" from the experience outdoor folks and NOT from the bookworm, think-they-know-everything-but-never-been-to-the-boonies, couch patoto survivalists.

Oh yea, and one last thing, I got Doug's permission to mention this here... I'm running a Christmas Special on my SOS Necklaces, 20% Off! And the sale ends December 25th and or until supplies run out. (How's that Doug, short & sweet enough?)



"Ranger Rick" F. Tscherne

US Army, Retired (1972-93)
Developer, The Spec Ops Survival Necklace
Owner, The Ranger Digest.Com
(www.therangerdigest.com)

A thought on the wire saw...why not replace the "edgy" version with a 7 strand twisted wire saw...that way it could be removed from the tubing without having to saw through it...leaving the tube for drinking water from seeps.

Also, any way to attach a smallish roll of dental floss and/or snare wire to your rig?

I know of a "small compact folding knife."

Take a look at the Gerber Microlight LST

I have one. It is small, but it would do in a pinch. You could dangle it from your neck and not notice.

Thanks for the input and suggestions on my SOS Necklace.

The small knife suggestion/idea makes a lot of sense, the problem is (a) finding the right small size and lightweight knife, which the one suggested looks pretty good. And (b) it's gotta be cost effective too. Because if it cost too much it's gonna increase the retail price of my SOS Necklace tremendously. Though I could list the knife(s) on my site and tell people where to buy it.

And as for reusing the tubing that covers the wire saw as a drinking straw... I experimented and tried different types of tubing, soft, wide, hard, etc. The problem is...if the tubing is too soft and can be easily stretch, it wore out too fast while around the neck and then "ouch." Too hard and it was too difficult to saw through it to remove. Too big and thick and it looked "to bulky" and not appealing to buyers. (No one wants to wear something that looks like a piece of s--- around their neck, you know?)

And to leave the ends of the wire saw open/exposed so it can be easily remove and expect the user to rig it in a way so he can use it effectively as a saw... Well that means I would have to add more wire and make it longer which would increase the selling price because this wire ain't cheap. (It's the most expensive piece in the kit).

And not only that, an "inexperienced person" who ain't too good with his hands and at assembling things would have difficulties in figuring out how to effectively rig it and use it (even with a set of instructions) without cutting himself.

I'll tell you what, I'll consider adding these suggestions to my site, that is when I have time to post them, probably after the holidays.

Well thanks for your input, appreciate it.

"Ranger Rick" F. Tscherne

US Army, Retired (1972-93)
Author, The Ranger Digest Series
Developer, The SOS Necklace
Owner, The Ranger Digest.Com
(www.therangerdigest.com)

Rick
How about adding a doubled over length of stainless or brass wire along side of the saw.This would be used for snares,binding,repairs etc...
BOATMAN

Not a suggestion, just an observation - I have ordered several things from Ranger Rick, mainly the photo luminescent Acme Tornado whistles – and the items were always shipped promptly and arrived in good shape. These are quality components.

Well, since your stock in trade is info and info is a valuable tool, I'd say a well written cheat sheet of survival tips geared toward short term survival on waterproof paper that could be folded or rolded and attached makes sence.The one thing that I'd add to the cheat sheet is a sun compass, to use as backup.( John Veltman makes a good one that David Alloway thought well of)

Happy holidays, Mike

I'd add a small light , something like a Photon. It's light weight, usefull and not too expensive.

I try my best to please others, and so that's why I'm glad Doug gave me permission to post my message here on this forum. To get some feedback, whether it's positive or negative.

I've been to some other survival forums posting this same message in asking for suggestions. Including to some Special Ops sites/forums where the Special Forces, Rangers, Navy SEALs, etc hang out. And I hate to say this, but they weren't of any help at all, not like this forum.

Which doesn't surprise me, because the average (but not all) Special Ops soldiers think they're the real experts/pros in how to survive & thrive in the outdoors. And that other "civilian" outdoorsmen or survivalists who have been living, thriving, preaching, and teaching others for years in how to survive & thrive in the outdoors don't know what the hell they're talking about.

But I gotta admit, mostly the "young studs" think this. And most of them have a one track mind too in believing all you need for survival is a big ol'knife, some fishing line & hooks and 550 paracord like "Johnny Rambo" had in the movies and you're set. (Yea, right, sure you are.)

Anyway, I really do appreciate all the comments that I have read so far. Thanks for your input, please keep'em coming.

"Ranger Rick" F. Tscherne

US Army, Retired (1972-93)
Author, The Ranger Digest Series
Developer, The SOS Necklace
(www.therangerdigest.com)

There is already an optional LED light that you can purchase seperatly from Ranger Ricks website.