More from Mors.......Axe lore

Never tire of listening to Mors Kochanski, renowned woodsman.

   

Terra Rosa Canvas Tarp

My new tarp arrived last week, it's a Terra Rossa Gear Bushcrafting 3x2 m (8oz) canvas, featuring webbing D-ring and leather reinforcement.  It's hand made in Melbourne and it exudes quality craftsmanship.  I haven't had an opportunity to use it, other than to set-it up on the weekend.  I'll report back over the coming months after I take it on a few adventures.

Adventure Sworn Mountaineer

Adventure Sworn Mountaineer, by far the best Bushcraft knife I own.  Great for all out door tasks, general camp knife and wood carving.  This is the knife makers own take on a Bushcraft style knife, borrowing design elements from the ubiquitous Woodcraft design, scandi grind, 4 inch blade, but adding a distinctive handle unique to Adventure Sworn with a rounded pommel.  The knife, sheath and firesteel are all hand made to the highest standards and it all comes with an heirloom warranty.  A nice touch is the John Muir quote on the spine which the maker kindly added at my request.

"The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness"  

Specifications:
Scales: Arizona Desert Ironwood with Yellow Liner, Brass Loveless Bolts and Mosaic Tubing with wrist lanyard
Steel: O1 high carbon tool steel
Grind: Scandi, 
Overall Length: 8-3/4 in
Blade Cutting Edge Length: 4 in
Handle Length: 4-3/4 in
Blade Thickness: 9/64, 
Sheath: Double stitch, removable dangler, firesteel loop and matching ferro road

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Secondhand Axe

Picked this little beauty up at the local markets near my parents property.  Its seen a fair bit of use over the years and obviously been restored somewhat.  Tested it out and it's a nice weighted axe that made easy work of cutting kindling for a fire.  Also a perfect fit for my OnePlanet Vertex day pack.  Only thing I need to do is make a leather axe head cover.

For a while now I have been thinking of creating a series of posts on my ten favourite bushcraft items.  The Vertex is certainly in the mix,  maybe even the axe will make it?  Stay tuned.... 

Matt Lesniewski

New Bushcraft Knife on the way.  Hand forged by Matt Lesniewski.

Terra Rosa Exploring

Bought my first tarp a month or so ago, a Terra Rosa Exploring made in Melbourne Australia by Evan.  There are a selection of models available catering to a diverse range of applications from the light weight soloist to expedition sized tarps.

I have been an avid bush walker and hiker for several decades and over that time never used a tarp (used small light weight tents).  Now that I own one I wish I had of tried one earlier.

The model purchased is the Terra Rosa Exploring Tarp.  The tarp is a hexagonal shape 2.8 x 2.2 meters in dimension and is made from 30d Sil-Nylon with a weight of 290g.  Before shipping Evan asked if I wanted him to seam seal the tarp which I agreed to (obviously some people prefer doing this themselves).

The tarp comes with 6 tie-outs, although you need to fit it out with your own lines (I have used paracord).

Another excellent feature is the stuff sack which is a generous size so packing the tarp away is not an onerous process.

Overall, the quality is superb.

After a week of torrential rain in Sydney I could no longer cope with being inside so headed out to my local patch of bush.    Two hours after bush bashing I decided to seek refuge from the rain under my new tarp.  I must confess, I did a poor job setting it up, but the water was running off and I stayed dry.  I brewed a tea and read a book.  Need to practice the process of setting up this tarp but otherwise this is a superb piece of kit.

Out and about on another day, tarp is indeed proving to be excellent addition to the kit.

Went for a walk on Saturday, beautiful Autumn day, clear skies and cool.  One of my favorite times of the year.  Sat on a rock ledge, brewed a tea and practiced some bushcraft skills.  Not much else to say....

Banksia

Brewing a Tea

Fire

My Favourite Things

Adventure Sworn Classic