Survco: credit card survival hatchet
An ax, a hacksaw for wood, a shovel, an arrowhead or spearhead, and much more are all a small multitool that fits in one of your wallet compartments.
This product is protected by a patent and is manufactured by a small company "SurvCo" from the USA.
The founder of the company is considered to be a retired military man and, according to rumors, veteran hotspots John Cowan (John Cowan). On one of the websites, John Cowan indicated that he was sending orders from the town of Fort Mitchell, Alabama.
The main part of the tool is a metal plate weighing about 80 grams and measuring 8.57 x 5.39 cm. The plate is made of AISI 304 * stainless steel. Its dimensions practically coincide with the format of a bank card, according to the ISO 7810 standard. Therefore, the manufacturer recommends storing the Survco multitool in a wallet. The tool will always be at hand and at the same time avoids accidental injury.
(The analogue of AISI 304 in Russia is steel grade 08x18n10 - food grade stainless steel.)
Survco multitool on smartphone background
In most cases, a wooden shaft or shaft is required to use the tool. For this, the product is attached to a suitable stick or branch using a nylon cord of the "Paracord" type. Alternatively, you can use plastic ties (clamps).
I note that both mounting options have their own nuances and difficulties.
Functionality
The advertisement says that the Survco multitool is capable of replacing a set of tools with a total weight of about 9 kg (20 lb). It claims 21 useful functions in one small product. I propose to proceed to their study and discussion.
Survco multitool functionality diagram. Below is the translation into Russian
1) Tomahawk - Tomahawk.
2) Hatchet - Ax.
3) Knife - Knife.
4) Scraper / Chisel - Scraper.
5) Skinner - Skinner.
6) Shoulder - Shovel.
7) Straight cutter - Seatbelt cutter.
8) Bottle opener - Bottle opener.
9) Water valve wrench.
10) Gas key - Gas valve wrench.
11) 8mm spanner - 5/16 "Socket.
12) 5mm spanner - 1/2 "Socket.
13) Nail puller - Nail puller.
14) Arrowhead - Arrow.
15) Tip for a spear - Spear.
16) Head for throwing arrows and darts - Atlatl.
17) Hacksaw for wood - Saw.
18) 6,35mm spanner - 1/4 "Socket.
19) Spanner 9,5 mm - 3/8 "- Socket.
20) 11,11mm spanner - 7/16 "Socket.
21) Slotted screwdriver (flat) - Flat heat driver.
Tomahawk - obvious archaism in this survival kit.
The tomahawk with a point on the butt refers to boarding axes. Similar were used on navy or carpenters.
A sharp point on the butt was also equipped with a pick (from the word beak) for inflicting point strikes. With its beak-shaped protrusion, the cleaver was able to pierce almost all types of armor.
The author only goes on picnics in the park, so he doesn't see any benefit from the tip on the butt of a tomahawk. For climbers as an ice ax, it does not hold out, and for self-defense there are a lot of comments on it. However, the manufacturer positions it as a throwing weapons... In one of the videos, the manufacturer demonstrates that when throwing a tomahawk with its beak-shaped protrusion forward, the weapon sticks its “beak” into the target. Is it really possible to mortally wound the game in this way?
Perhaps you, dear reader, share your personal experience or notice some functionality in it.
Please write about this in the comments.
Hatchet differs from the tomahawk in the absence of a "beak" on the butt.
The leading edge of the Survco multitool plate is sharp. It acts as a blade for chopping wood. The plate can be attached to any sturdy stick that will act as an ax. For attachment to the "hatchet" there are corresponding holes that perform a double function, but more on that below.
Quite a useful tool for the traveler. The weight of the plate (up to 80 g) suggests that the tool is not designed for the most difficult jobs. Although this is not a full-fledged tourist ax, Survco should cope with the task of chopping branches for an overnight stay or a fire.
Knife / scraper / skinner... It uses the same sharpened edge of the Survco multitool plate that is used for chopping blows.
Most likely, when used as a knife and skinner, the stick is not tied to the plate, but held with two fingers. Ease of use will be questionable, since either the saw teeth or the edge of the sling cutter, which are located on the opposite edges of the multitool, will rest against the palm. In order not to injure your hands, the plate must at least be wrapped with some kind of rag.
For a scraper, the plate is best attached to a stick. For without a handle you won't work much, and your fingers aren't official either.
Using the Survco multitool as a scraper. Frame from the manufacturer's commercial
Hacksaw for wood - the side edge of the plate, on which the teeth are notched (about 6 cm).
They are only suitable for sawing wood. The length of the saw blade imposes restrictions on the thickness of the sawn timber. The author did not find a demonstration on the use of the Survco saw, but I am sure that it is better to attach the plate to the stick for convenience. After all, holding a metal plate in your hands, you cannot cut a lot of firewood.
Most likely, the multitool is inserted with the butt into the slot of the stick and used like a Japanese hand saw.
A set of Japanese hand saws. Apparently, the same way you need to use a wood saw from Survco
The working part of the saw from Survco is about 6 cm. Its length is clearly not enough for serious work for at least half an hour. This, of course, is better than nothing, but a branch thicker than 5 cm is unlikely to be cut down.
The author bought a folding Chinese garden saw for a few dollars. The length of the Chinese saw blade is about 18 cm, and it has been serving for several seasons when preparing firewood for the barbecue.
A BCB Commando wire saw can be used in place of the Survco saw. According to rumors, it was developed for the British special forces. It weighs only 10 grams and when folded can also be stored in your wallet. With the help of the BCB Commando, the author was able to cut a dry birch log with a diameter of 120 mm in about 1 minute. However, it is much more difficult to cut raw wood: the teeth are quickly clogged with raw sawdust.
Scapula will also come in handy on any hike.
Of course, a full profile trench will be difficult to dig. But digging a fire pit or a ditch around the perimeter of the hut is quite. Attach the Survco multitool plate like a hacksaw for wood: with a butt in the slot of the stick.
The sapper blade is more efficient to work, but it is much heavier and takes up much more space.
I will add that I had to dig small holes with a stick, a plastic bottle and a shard of glass. It would be nice if I had such a multitool plate in my wallet.
The manufacturer demonstrates the working part of the "blade". Frame from the manufacturer's commercial
Sling cutter useful not only in the air, but also on land, and even in water.
It is used by parachutists, climbers, divers, sailing enthusiasts. The strap cutter will be useful not only in sparsely populated areas, but also in urban areas. After all, they can cut the car's seat belt to free the injured person in an accident, rip the clothes to examine the wounded, or cut a boot if the foot is broken.
Survco's safety type multi-tool sling cutter has some drawbacks. The tool cannot be grabbed quickly and with one hand; it does not have a comfortable grip to hold. In addition, the presence of cullet suggests itself.
Better than nothing, but in this respect, folding knives for the rescue services look more avant-garde. They are equipped not only with piercing and cutting tools, but also with a sling cutter, cullet and even a clip-type fastener.
Bottle opener - the same curly cut, which acts as a sling cutter.
Many modern people buy drinks in glass bottles less often than in plastic bottles or metal cans. Agree, the idea of taking on a hike a box of cola or beer in a glass container will not occur to everyone. At least, it is unlikely for "our" person.
Curious fact... A wine-making company from Moldova has conducted a serious marketing research on the topic "Wishes of potential customers regarding packaging."
It turned out that young consumers are of little interest in the classics. A considerable part of the respondents were inclined to any drinks in metal containers.
As a result, the company has established the production of even ... sparkling wine (champagne) in 0,25 liter aluminum cans. Since 2018, champagne in cans has been exported from Moldova to the USA and China in significant quantities.
Returning to the bottle openers, I can add that, theoretically, with a multitool from Survco you can try to open jars of pickled cucumbers or squash caviar. This is in theory, since the manufacturer from the United States did not claim such a possibility.
After all, a bottle can be opened without an opener in many ways. For this, any ledge (stump, channel, edge of a bench, table, rail, etc.) will do. Also, the bottle can be opened with a lighter, another bottle, a belt buckle, a carabiner, a coin, a wedding ring. There are also barbaric ways: to beat off the neck "in a hussar style" or simply with teeth (not recommended).
If you know of other ways to open bottles, write in the comments.
Conclusion: for a modern person, an opener is not at all obligatory and even useless. However, let it be. Moreover, she absolutely does not pull a pocket.
Water / gas wrench - V-notch in the center of the Survco multitool plate.
Roughly speaking, this is the empty area from which the spearhead has been carved. And it was decided to adapt it to something. According to the manufacturer's idea, the multitool can open / close the water (or gas) supply in the absence of a lamb on the mixer (or gas cylinder).
Purely theoretically, you can also unscrew the head of the crane-axle box, but it is better to check it in practice. I doubt Survco will be able to unscrew tight or rusted parts.
The disadvantages are the same as in the "knife" or "scraper" mode. Holding the tool with your bare hands gives you a chance to injure yourself with the saw teeth or with the edge of a sling cutter.
Clipper - the same triangular cutout in the center of the plate.
More precisely, the top of the triangle. With the Survco Multitool, you can rip out small nails with a strong head. I doubt that it will be able to remove nails 50-55 mm or more long. Long nails can only be pulled out by half. And then try to shake it with your hands and pull it out completely. It will be lucky if the board turns out to be half rotten. Otherwise, pulling a long nail out of a sturdy tree will be problematic.
I believe the Survco nailer is effective when working with fasteners no longer than 20-30mm.
Using the Survco multitool as a nailer. Frame from the manufacturer's commercial
The disadvantages are the same: it is better to wrap the tool with a rag, otherwise you can get hurt.
Fans of the game "Stalker" will argue that for survival in post-apocalypse conditions, a crowbar nail will be more useful. Like, it is more powerful and versatile. After all, they can open locked drawers, cabinets, front doors, cars, etc. Even in the real world, online stores offer similar products.
What can you say ... To each - his own!
Spear tip can be useful both for fishing and for hunting small game. For a spear, you need to choose a strong stick of suitable length, which will serve as a shaft.
To fish, it is advisable to find a reservoir with clear water, in which the fish is visible against the background of the bottom. Or there should be so many fish near the shore with muddy water that wherever you stick it, you will still end up in the fish.
You can try your luck in spearfishing, but even here the water must be clear enough to notice an approaching fish a few meters away.
The chances of a fisherman will increase if the "affected area" is increased. For this purpose, a tip in the form of a bundle of pointed branches is attached to the shaft. So the product will resemble a Hawaiian spear. In this case, there is no need for a Survco tip.
Hunting with a spear involves prey in the form of wild rabbits, pigeons, quails and partridges, as well as waterfowl. We will not touch on such concepts as "hunting season", "protected area", "protected species" and "animal protection", since we are talking about survival.
Arrowhead also useful for hunting small game, and at a stretch - and for fishing.
Making a quality bow and arrow is the most difficult process outlined above. Of course, after hunting and fishing. Agree that such activities require both skill and a little luck.
As a child, many of us made bows and arrows, but for playing Indians. Then it didn’t matter where and how the arrow would fly. However, every little thing matters if a person has matured and found himself in an extreme situation. After all, then the shooting should be conducted according to the principle "One arrow - one life." Either the hunter or the game will survive.
There are several important points to note.
The length of the classic bow is 66 or 68 inches (1,67 or 1,72 cm). That is, it is advisable to focus on these parameters and make a bow with a length of about human height.
In order to give the bow a curved shape, weapons made from a freshly cut branch must dry in a bent state during the day. And only then apply for shooting.
The arrow length for a classic bow is about 80 cm.
The destructive power of a bow made from scrap materials may not be great. And the accuracy of the hit depends on the quality of the arrows and the experience of the shooter.
Not everyone succeeds in making high-quality bows and arrows. After all, the bow must be strong and tight, and the arrow must fly quickly and accurately on target!
Most likely, aimed shooting will be possible at a distance of 3-7 meters.
By the way, before the start of the competition, archers conduct qualifying shooting at distances of 18 and 25 meters.
The body of the arrow should be made of straight and even branches of deciduous trees (for example, birch) or bamboo shoots with a diameter of 6-8 mm.
I recommend that you practice making arrows and bows first at home. In this case, you will acquire the necessary skills and an understanding will arise about what materials to use, what dimensions and solutions are optimal, at what distance the weapon is effective, etc.
It is better to attach the Survco head to the arrow body with the help of the Paracord. Unlike zip ties, cord wrapping gives the boom a more regular shape, which affects speed and flight path.
Arrowhead from Survco, tied roughly with a nylon cord. The arrow will fly, losing speed, and the trajectory will be unstable
Next, the arrow needs to be attached to the plumage, and, ideally, also the shank.
The plumage serves to stabilize the arrow in flight, and the shank holds the arrow on the bowstring during tension and does not allow the arrow body to crack.
For plumage, you need to find the flight feathers from the wing of a bird, cut them to the desired shape and attach to the arrow. To consolidate them, you need certain skills and patience.
The plumage of arrows from the 17th century consisted of 2-3 feathers (less often 4 or 6). In an extreme situation, even 2 feathers are justified. Otherwise, the process of making an arrow threatens to drag out. To save time, in the absence of high-quality glue and a machine, the cut parts of the pen can simply be tied to the shaft with a thread, as shown in the picture below. To prevent the threads from being damaged and untied, it is recommended to seal them with resin of coniferous trees. The resin can be melted on a knife (or stick), and while it is warm, cover the threads and let them dry.
A plumage consisting of 3 feathers. Pay attention to the attachment of the feathers to the shaft
It is even easier to make a type of plumage, which some sources call "Bushman". In this design, the feathers are attached to the arrow shaft only with their front part.
Plumage "Bushman" type
Bird feathers may not be at hand. In this case, the feathering for the boom can be made of polypropylene twine, which must be fluffed first. Such a plumage is called "screw" in some sources. Its meaning is that the twine threads arranged in a spiral give the arrow a rotational motion. And rotation affects accuracy, since the arrow flies in a spiral and follows the trajectory necessary for the archer.
However, all these wisdom and calculations will work if all the details are close to ideal.
The twine can be replaced with nettle fiber. Nettle plumage is less durable than propylene, but people write that it is enough for two dozen shots. In the absence of polypropylene twine or nettles, you can try using hemp twine or the same paracord. The author did not find reliable data on the use of a parachute cord as an arrow feather, but this is better than nothing.
In the photo above: hemp twine as plumage. Bottom photo: polypropylene plumage. Notice how the shank is secured
The plumage can also be made from a plastic bottle. To do this, the plastic is cut into parts, as indicated below. The tail part of the boom must be cut into 4 parts, and plastic parts of the tail are inserted into the cuts. Then tie the boom both in front of and behind the tail, in the area of the shank. And in this case, it is advisable to seal the threads with pine needles resin.
On the survival forums, participants wrote that the plumage from the bottle can damage the hand with which the shooter holds the bow.
Homemade plumage kits from a plastic bottle for 3 arrows. Still from the video (Vitaly Ignatyuk)
Fishing with a bow is called bowfishing. For bowfishing, special fishing arrows are used without feathers, but with tips in the form of a harpoon. In addition, in order not to lose the arrow, it is recommended to tie it with a fishing line to the spool on the bow.
Therefore, the Survco arrowhead is not particularly suitable for hunting fish due to its specific shape. Nevertheless, with sufficient power of the bow, the accuracy of the shooter, as well as the transparency of the water, you can hunt fish even with a minimal set for survival.
Atlatl (Atlatl) - a primitive device for throwing darts and light spears.
It is older than the bow. Some researchers claim that they hunted with it 24-30 thousand years ago. It was brought to North America about 12 thousand years ago. The name "Atlatl" (at-latal or atal-atal) has come down to our days from the Aztecs, since the time of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. With its help, the Aztecs hunted for fish, and fired at enemies. Moreover, the effective range of the throw reached 50 meters.
Its analogs (amera, wumera, curruk) were known among different peoples and on different continents. By the way, some tribes and peoples continue to use them on an equal basis with bows and arrows, especially in Mexico and the Arctic.
The atlatl is a stick or a plank with a length of 30-60 cm. One end of it is equipped with a short stop in the form of a clove. The blunt end of a light spear, which is equipped with a recess for fixing it, is pushed onto the tooth.
Before throwing the javelin, the javelin thrower squeezes the atlatl in his palm, with the thumb and forefinger of the same hand he holds the javelin attached to it. Then he makes the maximum swing, and with force throws his hand forward. During the throw, he opens those fingers with which he holds the spear pressed against the "throwing board". The spear flies away, but the atlatl remains in the hand.
It has been proven that the atlatl increases the initial speed of the javelin and its range by lengthening the javelin's shoulder.
How to hold an atlatl
Step by step demonstration of how to use the atlatl
In terms of weight and dimensions, the used projectile is a cross between a spear and an arrow. As a rule, it is equipped with plumage. Its length varied in the range from 70 cm to 1.5 meters, and its diameter - from 1 to 3 cm. The dimensions of the projectile depended on the era, part of the world, field of application, height and build of the hunter, as well as the materials available.
Interesting facts
Nowadays, Western enthusiasts, using modern technologies and materials, make replicas more perfect than ancient ancestors.
As a result, the projectile speed was recorded at 93 miles per hour (150 km / h).
According to the terminology of the World Atlatl Association - throwing projectiles are called Atlatl Darts: darts. Therefore, a person who throws darts can be called a "dartsman".
In Russian, there is a term suitable for this projectile: "Sulica". And the person who throws them can be called a "thrower".
In modern Russian, Atlatl is called "Lance-thrower".
Such is the pun ...
The Survco multitool also includes Atlatl: a javelin / dart tip. This is the same sharp piece that is used to make the bow spear and arrow.
It should be noted that making an Atlatl is somewhat easier than making a bow. Let me emphasize that we are not talking about weapons for competition, but for survival: no "bells and whistles". To do this, pick up a stick with a side branch. Grind the protruding process in the form of a clove, as shown in the photo below. If you have a cord, make a lanyard. A loop draped over the wrist will prevent the atlatl from falling out of the hand. It will be especially useful when fishing.
How to make a primitive atlatl from scrap materials. Note the lanyard tied to the handle
Making a javelin / dart is not much different from making an arrow for a bow. The main difference between a dart is the presence of a recess on its blunt end in the form of a rounded shape, as well as a length of 1,2 meters or more. The author noticed that the length of many modern darts is almost equal to the height of its owner. However, there are also shells about 2 meters long.
Different types of plumage for javelin / dart. Note the indentation in the blunt end of the spear
In fact, there are a great many models of "throwing boards". Only members of the association from Indiana (USA) demonstrated more than 15 units at one of the exhibitions. However, in this article we are talking about survival, so the emphasis is on the most uncomplicated ones to make.
Spear throwers of various models at the Indiana Atlatl Association stand
For hunting fish, plumage for a dart can be omitted. After all, we are talking about short distances. It is much more important not to forget about the "light refraction" effect.
Remember the inscription on the mirrors of some foreign cars: "The objects that you see in the mirror are behind you." The fish is closer than you think ...
For more accurate aiming when hunting fish, you can use an auxiliary stick with a slingshot at the end. Use in the same way as a billiard cue stand (mother-in-law).
Fishing with a spear thrower and ... mother-in-law!
Game hunting involves hunting for birds and small animals. However, there are exceptions. But for this there must be a bunch of factors. But experienced hunters will tell you about this in more detail.
In 2009, the Missouri Department of Conservation legalized the ancient way of hunting. At that time, there were several people who hunted deer with the help of atlatl and darts. Among them was a woman (the first in the modern world). Her name is Dawn Wagner from Lincoln County, Missouri.
In total, in the United States, the authorities of three states have legalized "primitive hunting": Missouri, Nebraska and Alabama.
Modern Diana the Huntress with her Legal Prey
Paul Gragg from St. Charles County, Missouri, USA is an experienced hunter with over 40 years of experience. Since the age of 9, he has been involved in hunting mainly white-tailed (Virginia) deer. For the past 10 years, he has only used bows and muzzle-loading guns. By that time, Paul was already the record holder for hunting deer from a bow. In 2006, he shot an adult male with 16 horns! Their total length was about 4,4 meters (174 5/8 ").
At one of the exhibitions, Paul saw an outlandish weapon. It was an atlatl. They explained to him how it works, and in practice demonstrated the capabilities of the ancient weapon. In addition, at the exhibition, he learned that during the whole history Missouri has had no record of successful deer hunting with a spear thrower. The weapon impressed him news he got pissed off and Paul decided to try to open an account in state history. His choice fell on the Thunderbird atlatl from New York.
Any business takes practice. So Paul decided to master a new weapon in an impromptu shooting range. To this end, he put several bales of hay in the yard, and set a target on them: a pie plate. The trainings continued for 4 months. Every day, Paul threw darts at the target from 15 yards (13,7 meters) away. Gradually, his results improved, and he began to hit the target 3-4 times out of 6 throws.
Good when hitting a 12 "target at 15 yards (30-35 cm circle at 13-15 meters).
On the hunt, Paul Gregg took a 7 feet (2,13 meters) dart. The tip was hunting, with double-sided sharpening. The deer is a very sensitive animal, with a lightning-fast reaction. To make it more difficult for the animal to sense or find a hunter, hunting from a tower, near the bait area, is most effective. Skillfully located feeders over time accustom animals to the constancy and education of the so-called. trope. The advantage of such a hunt is that the hunter bothers the animal less and sees further.
Until that day, Paul had never thrown darts down from the tower. To confidently defeat the deer, it was required to hit the body in the area of the shoulder blade. There are the heart and blood vessels, lungs and liver. In order not to frighten off the beast, it was necessary to wait for the moment when its head was completely behind the tree trunk. If the hunter sees even a corner of the deer's eye from behind the tree before shooting, then the deer will also see the hunter. Here he is so sharp-sighted.
Paul seized a moment when the deer turned its head to the right to lick its side. With this, he exposed a vital area of his body. The hunter swung and threw the dart down. The projectile entered the body of the beast above the shoulder blade and penetrated into the chest. For hunters, such a shot is considered ideal and humane, since the beast does not have to suffer for a long time. The deer jumped, ran about 40 meters, stopped, staggered and collapsed dead.
Hunter Paul Gregg, who killed a large deer with a throwing spear
Let me emphasize that the deer was hunted by an experienced hunter with 40 years of experience. From childhood, he studied their habits, at first he was only present at the hunt and gained experience. Over time, he began to hunt deer on his own.
The author describes in such detail some points so that an inexperienced reader does not get the false impression that hunting a deer is an easy task.
However, there are other beasts as well. Not so big and not so sensitive. Let's not forget about fish in reservoirs. A novice "survivalist" is also capable of hunting them.
As you have seen from the article, making an atlatl is easier than making a bow and arrow. But the hunting process itself implies the presence of at least minimal skills.
No wonder they say: you can't take out a fish from a pond without difficulty.
Do you agree?
Spanners 5 / 6.5 / 8 / 9.5 and 11.11 mm from Survco's arsenal will be useful (possibly) once in a lifetime.
Since the kit is designed for survival, you will have to unscrew the bolts and nuts from the units that have been lying in the open for a long time. I doubt this will be an easy task.
According to the manufacturer's idea, the 6.35 mm (1/4 ") wrench can be used as a screwdriver bit holder. The picture below shows how convenient it is to use. In addition, to use the screwdriver bits, you must always carry them with you.
Twisting the screw with a bat from a screwdriver. Frame from the manufacturer's commercial
Screwdriver slotted (flat) completes the list of functions of the Survco multitool.
It is proposed to use the arrowhead petiole as the working area. It should be noted that the tool does not fit every screw. After all, the groove in the screw head can be narrower than the thickness of the plate from which the arrowhead is made. In addition, you have to hold the sharp tip with two fingers. How much can you spin or spin in this way?
Using an arrowhead to tighten the screw. Frame from the manufacturer's commercial
Survco's closest competitors are Adventur 2.0 and 3.0 multitools from MRF Multitools. They have twice as many functions. For example, you can assemble a sundial or a slingshot. The metal plate from which the tool is made is much thicker than that of the Survco. Therefore, they weigh more. The Adventur 3.0 multitool costs $ 45 as standard.
Adventur multitools from MRF
Conclusions
Survco has a retail price of $ 29.99 and is shipping within the United States only. The manufacturer claims that the Survco multitool is capable of replacing 21 different tools. We have discussed each of them for suitability. It is common knowledge that nothing is perfect in the world. As you can see, the product from today's article is not without its drawbacks.
The author noted for himself a hatchet and a shovel. But even those will come in handy with a stretch: they are too small. It is better to think about more suitable dimensions and make things yourself.
Survco's features like a knife, screwdriver, opener are no substitute for the Victorinox knife that I have been carrying in my pants pocket for over 6 years. The wood saw did not impress me. As mentioned above, I am quite satisfied with a cheap Chinese folding hacksaw.
I would be grateful for your opinions and descriptions of my own experience in the comments.
Survco Multitool Features Overview
Making arrows from scrap materials
Atlatl: how to use it
Information