I definitely agree that they are hard to get. Funny story how he got it actually. He and his platoon were ''working'' with a platoon of Ghurkas and he hadn't seen any of them draw their knives - so he drew one of theirs for them. Right off his belt. The Ghurka immediately fell to his knees. My friend didn't know what was going on since he hadn't heard of their rituals regarding the Kukri. So after some explanation, he was told that he had to keep the knife and was basically the owner of that Ghurka's life. After that incident he was welcomed to join the Ghurkas on a mission and he said the same thing about them using their knives... scary.


I agree that your .500 Smithie will be much more effective should you have to deal with a bear. It is my experience however, that traveling is easier when not carrying a sidearm since it is very common for me to cross the border into Alaska... So I just make do and keep my camp clean.

 

Oh yea, an important one....Wet Wipes stored someplace handy, you never know when you're going to have to go RIGHT NOW out in the middle of nowhere.

 

See my sig in regards to K-BARs.
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There is nothing deadlier than a US Marine and his rifle.
A close second is a US Marine and his K-BAR.

Seen both. US Marines are certainly outstanding soldiers, and they certainly have a lot of strength. But when it comes to hand to hand/knifefighting, they are not even close to what i've seen. Marines were impressive, but the Gurkhas were scary. I just try to be objective, absolutely not trying to put down anyone. Both military units have my highest respect, without a doubt.
Weren't we at "camping"? Sorry for the hijack.