Survival lights: We check out the 5.11 XBT A2 compact flashlight

by Leon Pantenburg I remember when I got my first Mini-Mag flashlight, some 25 or so years ago. It was a major technological advance for my backpacking and big game hunting activities. Before that, there were a series of expensive – not particularly effective – lights. And they were heavy. One was powered by D …

10 tips for taking better hunting photos

That once in a lifetime photo of your trophy didn’t quite turn out like you planned? Here are some tips to help capture that elusive moment. by Leon Pantenburg I’ve made my living as a newsguy for most of my career, and much of the time was spent behind a camera. My Journalism degree has …

Knife review: Kellam Hawk is traditional puukko design with modern materials

by Leon Pantenburg I bought this knife to review. At the time of publication, Kellem Knives had no sponsorship relationship with Survivalcommonsense.com. I’m a sucker for old time knife designs, especially when they are re-created with modern materials. IMO, this makes for a time-tested, utility design that will do the job. I particularly like the …

How to clean a knife-sharpening strop

One of the best ways to sharpen a convex grind knife is with a leather strop and abrasive emulsions. Here’s how to clean the strop. by Leon Pantenburg I thought I knew how to sharpen a knife. After all, I’d been doing it successfully since I was a kid. I regularly sharpen all the knives …

Five knife fads and fashions that need to go away

Cutlery goes through fads and fashion cycles just like anything else. Here are a few that need to fade into the sunset. by Leon Pantenburg Everybody has opinions. These are mine from working with knives for many years. I’ve seen fads come and go, and here are five (mostly related to rigid blade knives) that …

Tool review: Huron 13-inch Half Hatchet

Looking for a good, usable hatchet? Check out this Huron. by Leon Pantenburg BARCO industries supplied the product used in this review. I was not paid to write this, and  at the time of publication, there is no sponsorship relationship between the company and Survivalcommonsense.com.  “A woodsman should carry a hatchet, and he should be …

Review: Cross Knives Lil Whitetail Hunter

A knife named “Lil Whitetail Hunter” is bound to be a hunting knife. Here’s what I found out about this Cross Knives blade. by Leon Pantenburg Teddy had dropped a three-by-four mule deer, the young hunter’s first. The 15-year-old made a fine shot, with his bullet taking out both lungs and part of the spine. …

Review: L.T. Wright Knives H.E.R.O, a blade for special people

For some of our wounded warriors, the hardest battle begins when they get home. This knife is designed to help. by Leon Pantenburg I love L.T. Wright knives – I’ve tested several and they’ve always been way above par. My Genesis is my go-to bushcraft knife, and the Next Gen is another well-used tested performer. …

Living off the land – here’s the reality check

So when everything goes down, you plan on using your wilderness survival skills to live off the land. Here’s the reality check. by Leon Pantenburg I admire and respect people who take the time and effort to learn hunting, foraging and trapping skills to glean sustenance from the wild. That skill level is much beyond …

How to clean an elk heart and make fajitas from it

When it comes to comfort foods, Mexican-style is one of my favorites. Here’s how to make one of my go-to dishes, using elk heart. by Leon Pantenburg To say you’re making fajitas is more of a statement of purpose than a firm commitment to a recipe. Basically, a fajita is a a stir fry recipe, …