5 Mods For Your Harbor Freight Survival Knife
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- Опубліковано 27 сер 2023
- How to make your Harbor Freight (Gordon) survival knife a much better knife.
Doug Shoe Bushcraft, Playlist on the Harbor Freight Survival Knife • Harbor Freight Surviva...
Harbor Freight, Diamond Sharpener Block www.harborfreight.com/4-sided...
Email- doug@dougshoe.com
Mail- Doug Shoe Bushcraft, PO Box 42, Strafford NH 03884 USA
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Twitter- / dougshoe1
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A few additional mods for consideration:
Firstly implement Doug’s suggestions.
Craft stores sell tiny round mirrors that dry fit snugly over the button compass. Granted, at roughly the diameter of a nickel they are small but with a bit of practice catching the sun for signaling is possible. To utilize as much of the handle cavity as possible roll 5 small hooks and 5 small split shot sinkers into paper tape “boogers” and drop them into the deeper side depressions of the the hilt protrusion. Then it’s time to build your “capsule.” I recommend using a sewing bobbin wrapped generously with 22g wire as one end cap while the other cap is an identical bobbin wrapped with Spectra or Spider line (4lb test). Roll a few pages of Rite in Rain paper around the bobbins to create a tube. Into the paper tube insert: tiny ferro rod, Uco Storm matches, sewing needles and needle point tweezers. Stuff cotton into all spaces to prevent rattling and provide tinder or medical. Between the mirror in the pommel and the sewing bobbin top of your tube nest a few green tea extract caffeine tablets, H20 purification tabs and pain pills. Lastly purchase a new sheath from Amazon. The brown leather sheath (for 8-9 inch blades) made by Flashblades has silver colored hardware that matches the knife and a pocket for a mini Altoids box or a sharpening stone. They are $19. Now you have a proper survival knife that will likely still be left at home in SHTF in favor of something more reliable. Because let’s face it: you can carry more and better survival gear in your pockets and simply buy/wear a better knife. So why do we do this? Hopefully to expunge the nagging NEED to build a hollow handle survival knife. And because there were more kids who could not afford the 1982 “Rambo” knives than those who could. We do this for them 😂
Whats cool about this is that you can make a whole new handle for the knife and make it much tougher than the cheap aluminum one that it comes with
I'll admit I've had the knife for about 8+ years when I first saw a harbor freight store and bought it, the machete, and the folder knife I saw there. I have 3 of these over time as they are decent quality for the price the only mods I did to my sheathes were duct tape them on the outside (one of the sheathes I duct taped it to the machete sheath) and didn't even epoxy the blades yet (intend to later) just never got around to it. I don't baton with the knife as I usually pick up enough dead wood of the size I need for at the time. I re-profiled the entire blades as I didn't like the angle on it and if I'm not in a hurry setting up camp I take dried dead wood and use the back of the knife to grind enough dry dust to kindle a fire. The knife is great when used within it's limits, our ancestors would love this knife over many of the tools they made do with in the past.
Personally I think too many people abuse this knife, claim it's a poor product, and go beyond it's design limits. Some knives aren't made to baton with, this is one of them, some knives aren't made to chop down trees, again this is one of them, and if not modded people need to keep this in mind. What people need to understand is work within the knife's limits so if you don't change it's limits work within it. Like many I have a ton of knives, this wouldn't be my first choice, but it's actually a very good knife for the price even as is. The hollow handle allows you to be creative on what to carry as I have one for the vehicle, one I hunt with, and one I fish with each having different gear in the handles.
The one thing I wish they did include in the knife is a water tight tube, a small plastic tube would for very little money make this knife far more acceptable in my eyes (I like the option of removing the tube of gear so I can set it aside doing other tasks without losing the gear).
Used sheer strength golf club epoxy to set the blade, including the handle that screws onto the guard with a fine thread. First time batoning with it the handle started tearing off the threads. Now it's bomb proof, solid.
Thank you. That's really interesting. Where do I get sheer strength golf club epoxy?
@@DougShoeBushcraft
www.google.com/search?q=GolfWorks+Maximum+Strength+Quick+Set+Epoxy&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS746US746&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
JB WELD is better..
I couldn't believe what a great knife this thing is... I've always had a boot, or survival knife. My boss got me this for being the best employee he's ever worked with. I thought it was cheap at first. Stay's sharp forever. Fits my hand with gloves on too. This thing is a must have.
.
My boss bought everyone a knife 😅😅😅
Thank you. Yes, I agree. I only have this one example, but the steel is hard and does keep a good edge for a long time.
After watching your video of you JB welding the blade in, I went out and bought one today. Holy heck! The JB Weld cost me more than the knife! Ha ha. It was 9.99 and the knife was 8.99! One thing I did was to wrap the handle grooves tightly in waxed Bankline, ended up with a striped effect, which is cool, imho. The knife when I bought it was sharp enough to shave arm hairs, which surprised me! I will make a paper tube like yours and instead of a cotton ball, I will use dryer lint, rubbed with Vaseline. And some strike anywhere matches, to me fire is more important than anything other than some kind of shelter. I wonder if I could roll a Mylar emergency blanket tight enough to fit in the handle? Hmmm. Finally, I will the original scabbard and spray or brush coat it with rubber, just to do something different with it! Ha ha.😝
For real and I've been through lots of cracker jacks and still no compass.
On the ones I have besides the kit upgrade and compass I drilled a hole all the way through and replaced the set pin with a pin to go through the blade because the jb weld could break if not mix right. I use the jb weld to seal it .
A compass should always be used in stationary position to spot landmarks as waypoints
THIS IS MORE beautiful with the rivets head on the top ! i think the them
I just came across your channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and the good tips on making this knife safer. Much appreciated.
Spot on brother, I love these knives, great truck knife after mods.
Great video as usual. I like the sheath both ways looks great with rivets turned in or out. Great job by the way
I just bought one. I haven't glued yet. that's a good hint. I put a bic lighter in my handle. I took the sewing kit out. wouldn't need that. makes more room.
Not sure how I missed this one 5 months ago, but I think I did. Thanks for the info as always. Going to watch now. Peace 🙏 Stay Safe Stay Healthy and Blessed. God Bless us All my Friend My Brother. Amen
Big Jim New Hampshire USA aka Boston Strong
Wow, have the same blade that I JUST threw in my bag yesterday (after having it for years) to baton wood..funny that it came up for me!! Subscribed..God Bless! .
Another great presentation & excellent mods! During the premier, I kept getting church calls. Thansk for your prayers.
Good video Doug, thanks for sharing, God bless brother !
Hey just wanted to say I’m a new subscriber and really enjoying your channel. You have a great presentation style (friendly and easy to follow) when providing your information. The Bob Ross of Bushcraft!
ha ha. A lot of people have called me Bob Ross over the years. I honestly didn't know that I came across like that. But so many people are saying it that it must be a thing. Nice to have you here. Thanks so much
@@DougShoeBushcraft i dont get bob ross vibes nonetheless i still have been enjoying the hf survival knife installs!!!! i bought mine yesterday . . . whether someone gets it for curiosity or novelty or to mod it ya just cant beat the price for shits and gigs . . . im only tellin ya hahaha
@@bockskarr6626 Yes, exactly. It's a fun knife
Looking forward to tonight. That leather sheath looks really good!
Thank you, George. See you in a few.
Great mods!
I have a pre magnetize sewing needle
No offense to you but when did batoning become a thing ? How long ago in years ? I’m up in years now and grew up in the mountains of southwest Virginia. If my Dad or Grandpaw had caught me doing that with a knife I’d probably got a whipping. Then the knife taken away from me . Also your JB weld fix was brilliant .
A bicycle inner tube Cut it as long as the handle Put it on the handle Better For wet environments The knife won't step in your hand as much as It also makes the handle black and rubber
good idea. thank you
What would we do without J B Weld
Hey Doug, Quick question please,, : I know you've done quite a few Vids on Hatchets, small axes... I'm thinking of getting a good Hatchet, one for my son who turned 42 on Feb 9, and Definitely one for myself. I have an Older , solid all one piece Bridgeport Hatchet. It has an emblem of an Eagle on it, Says Be Prepared on it. Is it worth fixing up ? Like cleaning the steel/rust up , getting it sharpened and installing new wooden handles ? Ive had it for years, bought at yard sale 20 yrs ago.. ? Is it a decent type of Hatchet ? If its worth it id like to fix up to give to my son for late birthday present.. how about Machetes , have you reviewed any machetes or have any recommendations for thicker branches around the yard, bushes, small trees etc ? God Bless 🙏. Peace from Big Jim New Hampshire USA aka Boston Strong
What about the saw back? Does it work well on branch/log?
A small air filled compass definitely works better than an oil filled compass
I think you did a great job on that sheath. Subbed : )
thank you. Nice to meet you
Salut from Brunswick, Maine, US...
It must be the blade because a hallow handle knife is week go bye a Becker 2 that’s a really good knife
I agree. However, what is the price of the Becker BK2? I think it's literally 10x as much as the Harbor Freight survival knife. So for a knife I was going to put in a cache, or keep under my truck seat, etc, I might go with the HF. The HF also makes a good beater IMO because if I break it, then not much lost. However, I get the feeling that the BK2 could take almost any beating and not break. I have been considering buy one, but haven't yet. I recently saw an inexpensive clone of the BK2 on Temu. I'm currently fighting the urge to buy that.
Aleve sells travel tube capsule containers that would fit inside this.
Awesome info and idea! Thank you VERY much for the quality comment. Free survival gear capsule! I mean- "Free" if you're buying the Aleve anyway.
Is there a donation center for white mountain rescue, doug? Send blankets, sweaters, gloves, things like that?
Sheath looks great!
Ide put the flat side against your body... more comfortable and safe. The rivets can rip your clothes or skin like if you fell. Can you show and give info where to get the leather, rivets tools and make a video on it. Great ideas.
Also like to makean axe leather sheath. Harbor freight has a great $12 axe but no sheath. Same for the $14 etool shovel comes with a paper thin holder only. But shovel is great....
Great channel. Thanks!.
I bought a piece of scrap leather at a flea market in Lebanon, Maine. The vendor there rents a tiny spot in the flea market. I don't think they have a web site or anything. So I'm sorry but in this case I can't give you an internet link. If by chance you live near Lebanon, Maine then I could show you the flea market. Or you could look around at flea markets, thrift stores, etc in your area. Also try Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for scrap leather. The leather I used here is relatively thick.
hobby lobby has leather and rivet hole punch . . . honestly they just have a lot of everything in that realm. check em out . . . i was there last night thinking the same thing. all different types of leather lol we getting the HL/HF Survival Knife combo mod!!
@@bockskarr6626 great to know!
Ill have to check out Hobby Lobby... always equated that store with the Karen Knitters and artsy fartsy crowd and little kid school art projects. Honestly, never been in one! Ill have to check it out then.
Do you think that this would hold up to general metal detecting digging after this jb weld mod?
I believe it would. Also, I'd be sawing roots w/ the saw on the spine.
Doug when you glue the knife did you fill to over the nur or just cover it
I'm thinking that's a typo and nur means nut. I just screwed in the little bolt. I didn't cover it with JB Weld. I put lots of JB Weld Quick Weld on the blade stub. So when I screwed it in, I believe the but went into JB Weld as it neared the blade stub. So it is glued in. But I did not put more glue over the top. I filmed the process in this video. You can see what I did. ua-cam.com/video/WvYFLT747KE/v-deo.htmlsi=zwXF6SsuNQUkMuql
Oh cool thanks doug
@@tomritter493 you're welcome
Hi Doug hi
Hi, Clay
Hi jo jo
In sometimes it sucks
Hello everyone
Just buy a different knife.
can't argue with that
Just wondering why you spend the time to mod such a peice of garbage? Am I missing something
Yeah you are missing something
Because it's actually not junk. And it's just fun to mod them on the cheap.
I love the knife and couldn't tell you why. ...because it's fun, I guess.
whats it to you how he spends his money and what he does with the item afterwards? weak trollin attempt fr
Just save you $and buy a real knife
hahahaha once again whats it to you what he spends his money on and how much he spends on an item? do you think 8 bucks to have a modded beater knife is fuckin ruining dudes life or something lol he cant pay the mortgage now GTFOHMaybe some ppl just like modifying something and here's a great item at a cheap price to have some fun. if it wasnt a foct off knife in the first place there wouldnt be the opportunity to make as many mods as you can with this one.
@@bockskarr6626 big bad mouth like b. I. T. C. H
Holy Hell I thought I was cheap! And u gotta love the feather sticking , thumb off the blade 1st cut on the 2nd cut. Only as far as I could watch laughing too much!!!Kids dont try this at home AND do NOT use in case of an emergency!
Thumb on the back of the blade (as demonstrated here) is a technique for delicate carving.
@@DougShoeBushcraft u were comparing the different grinds and trying to prove the point that ur fix was better for feather sticking. Come on now dont play dumb...
@@themegasexybasterd the more acute grind I put on it is better for feather sticking. If you don't think I was able to demonstrate it well on camera, then that's fair. I chose to film in the woods (not a studio) and I don't have a camera person, so I did my best. It's also not something I invented. People have been doing that to machetes since forever.
@@DougShoeBushcraft sorry if I didnt make myself clear. I dont think its a bad idea I was only pointing out how this looked. As for who was filming or where it was filmed irrelevant. Thank you for taking the time to make the vid.