Mica is a mineral that cleaves in one direction and can produce then sheets that are translucent, somewhat "see through." See Biotite Mica Mineral Specimens for a picture. Years ago, it was often used in place of "expensive" glass, especially for applications where there would be a lot of heat, such as Lampshades and windows for wood burning stoves.

But my take on mica is that it somewhat fragile and I would expect that a commercial signal mirror, such as the one in Doug's kits, would be more durable and easier to use (and easier to find).

Burncycle, the author of the article obviously presented a collage of individual photos to make everything more visible.
For instance on The Day Hunter photo, he has photographed a collection of individual photos. True, they are not to scale of each other, but they are clearly visible. For instance, the safety pin is almost as long as the signal mirror. Obviously not true in actuality but enlarged here for your viewing.

I'm not sure I made any sense in what I said. However, I know what I meant. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have a subscription to Field and Stream. I’m just not impressed with his selections. I much prefer the Ritter PSP and the bigger set suggested “98.6.” I keep asking myself: “why did he pick that item?” If you look it as what kind of items might be good and not what specific items are good, then it is an OK article. I bought his book and I am having the same reaction.

I have the book too, and have based my bug out bag on his medium/large kit, but with my own selections. Eventually I hope to post a picture of the completed kit when it is done. I have abandoned my tin for the time being for a bare minimum edc of leatherman new wave and cash and a smaller kit with first aid items in my briefcase to carry to work.

billvann,

You are 100% correct in regard to mica being a mineral...except in this case. The mica used for the survival mirror is "super mica" which is a very thin tough plastic used by locksmiths to slide between a door and a jamb to force open a door. Nearly indestructable (see B-Safe Industries, Inc.). Being very thin and tough it worked excellent for the mirror and actually will long out live the mylar spray glued to the surface.

Fox10

Burncycle,

The pictures are not to scale because in the wisdom of the artistic editors at Field & Stream, they felt they would "look nicer" all the same size. Originally they were photographed so you could determine their size in relationship to each other. Makes sense, unless artist get involved. Now, for the sake of art, you can't tell the size of any of the items. The whole idea of the article is to pick the specific component that fits the selected container. This is what happens when art over rules common sense. Hopefully, most people reading the article will figure this out, or their survival kit will really look peculiar.

Fox10

Fox10,

The worst thing about the Field and Stream article is trying to match the numbers on the pictures to the numbers in the text.

Have you actually used the StarFlash? The reflective surface is about the same a aluminum foil, sad to say the least. Compared to a PSP mirror or a glass military style signal mirror is like a toy to a survival tool. Also the bright spot in the aiming hole is too bright. It is hard to see the target past the fireball.

For a light thin mirror check out the REI featherweight mirror. I have a cut piece in my wallet. It is much thinner than a credit card and more reflective than a StarFlash.

There are many good ideas and pictures in the book. Someone needed to write one on assembling survival kits.

Thanks! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Craig phx,

I already addressed the article short comings with a post to Burncycle. If I had my druthers, the article would have been laid out diffrently, but they have editorial control.

In regard to the signal mirrors, yes I have actually used a starflash, as well as a rescueflash, a featherweight, etc. However, my choice might not be someone elses. The premise of the book and article is to help anybody, even those without experience, to build a survival kit (their survival kit - not mine). Obviously, there are people, such as myself, who play with this stuff all the time. For those people the book or article probably won't be as much help.

Some of the criticism I've heard is in component selection for certain kits. The book does continue to remind the reader that the component selection process must be yours. The book merely trys to show that there are different size components for different size containers. I appologize if it would appear that I am making recommendation, as what I was trying to do was get people to think about the process of selection.

I don't always agree with a component selection on some kits I've seen, but, it is not my kit. If that person is comfortable with their selection, and it works for them, then at least they are carrying a survival kit (Which is ther purpose of the book and article - to get people to make and carry kits). Hope this explains some of my thought process.

Fox10

Fox10,

Thank you sir! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

>>You are 100% correct in regard to mica being a mineral...except in this case. <<

Well there's always a first time <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My neighbor's brother is a locksmith. I'll have to watch out for his truck in the driveway to see if I can "borrow" some mica. Thanks