I've very rairly seen the Fox 40 whistle over here. The only places I've found that reliably sell it, are certain sports shops. As I said its the Whistle of choice for football referees and they often sell it, while outdoor shops for some reason don't seem to.

Reinhardt,

Its not a question of being humble its a question of pointing out a knife that is seriously lacking in quality and is dangerous as I owned one and it broke cutting me the first time I used it. A cheap small SAK is a better option.

Never had a problem with NATO matches personally as long as they are dry, mine are 20 years old and work fine.

If you don't want opinions and constructive criticism why post at all.

Here is an example of a decently put together kit with good quality components based on Doug's kit philosophy posted on another surival forum. I wish mine was as good.

http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=000829

Flip

SAKs (and all slipjoints) are pretty dangerous too IMHO ... if you can't carry a fixed blade get the best frame lock (not liner) you can find or a BM like Doug's RSK with the axis lock... oh wait Flip ... you and I have had this debate already ... just teasin. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Slip joints are dangerous??? The knife is an extension of the user. The knife doesnt cut you, you cut yourself. Well, just my 2 cents worth.

My (P)SK is primarily setup for my snowboarding trips:

AMK Pocket Survival Pak
AMK UltraLight .7 FAK
MPI Extreme Pro Tech Bag
Heat Pack
SOG PowerLock
Pocketwrench II
Inova 24/7 and batteries
BIC lighter
ZipLock Bags 1L
Camelbak ThermoBak 2L
Avalanche kit
PMR radio
Extra layer clothes
Powerbars

Everything goes into a 11L snowboarding backpack that will also carry my board if I have to go on foot.

I'd suggest a mini-Bic lighter or something comparable, instead of those paper matches.

Why not a zippo lighter? Somebody once said that even if the fuel evaporates, you still got a sparklite and some cotton tinder.

Zippo isn't so good for a PSK, since the fuel does both evaporate and leak. Also, it's much bigger and heavier than a mini-Bic. And its spark wheel is not really any better than the Bic's. Neither is as good as a real Sparklite, so if you want a Sparklite, carry one. Those tinder-quik pellets seem less messy than vaseline cotton balls too. Countycomm sells a nice kit for $6.00:

http://countycomm.com/AVIATIONFIRE.htm

Sparklite tinders are hands-down my favorite! I wish I could find someone that supplies them by themselves!

PC2K,
Sorry,I meant potassium permangate crystals. The mistakes you make when its late hey? <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
Indeed, like the Swedish firesteel, I find I can create a shower of sparks with the standard issue flint and steel.

No sparklite can be found this isde of the pond <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> The bic lighter is good point but I havent got the space even if I would take out the matches. Once the tin is packed she becomes a bit of a beast. Must put my foot on the lid to tape it down <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Reinardt