Edges Part V - SOG Super Bowie

Reader Question: "Will there be a part 5 to the Edges saga?"

FlytoWater Answer: "No, we are using Roman numerals in this highly fluid situation and therefore there will be no part 5. There will, however, be a part vee."

Let's face it, there are times when you need a BAK, or big-ass knife. Since about 1830, people with this type of need have, as often as not, reached for some iteration of the Bowie.

It's an effective formula. Get a big blade, give it a clip point and swedge for ease of puncturing, include a robust handle and guard so you can bring a lot of force to bear, and top things off with a long, sharp edge.

The downside of all this tends to be a large, heavy implement that you always know is there regardless of how you choose to carry it. Still, when only a Bowie will do I like the SOG Super Bowie for it's modern take on a classic design. It's a wicked 7.5" blade cloaked in durable, black TiNi coating with a large, weighty hilt and traditional stacked leather handle.

Upon picking up the Super Bowie, you immediately notice that it's heavy yet well-balanced. The leather handle gives you a machete-like grip and coupled with the heft it's obvious that the SOG is up for whatever serious business you have in mind. One of the things I like about leather as a material choice is that it has a certain shock absorbing quality that makes a task like chopping significantly more pleasant than most alternatives. 

This knife's point is scary sharp and so is the blade. AUS-8 steel, which SOG uses extensively, has a reputation for taking an edge extremely well. It's not the best steel for holding an edge long-term, but for a work knife that's typical. You'll use it for tough jobs and sharpen it regularly. In fact, the sheath for the Super Bowie even includes a sharpening stone - a nice touch.

SOG's Super Bowie has some obvious similarities with the KA-BAR Marine Core Fighting Knife, which has always been a strong value proposition for around $50. Comparatively, the SOG feels superior in every way and exudes a semi-custom level of craftsmanship that draws attention. If you want something to chuck in your toolbox or the bed of your pickup, the KA-BAR has always been a good kick-around option that you wouldn't mind using as a tent stake in a pinch. The Super Bowie makes my list of favorites because it's really what the KA-BAR wants to be when it grows up - still tremendously capable but a lot more refined.

Edges Part IV - White River Knife & Tool GTI

Whenever a series is named using Roman numerals, I always ask myself whether it will have the staying power to push forward into the uncomfortable area of 3+ installments. It is at this stage where the simple notion of using hash marks (I, II, III) for numbering takes a nasty turn and seldom-used letters such as V and X haphazardly appear and demand to be either added to or subtracted from regardless of the fact they are LETTERS, not numbers. It's disconcerting, and reminds me of my own damaging introduction to algebra where letters egregiously overstep their bounds and begin inserting themselves into mathematical equations as "variables." 

Challenges notwithstanding, there is no way to have only 3 knives. There are times when you want a design that makes few compromises when it comes to strength, but also doesn't have the mass and physical dimensions of a full-size Bowie or combat knife.

In this big-but-not-too-big space, the White River Knife & Tool GTI 4.5 stands out. The blade length, as the name suggests, is 4.5" and putting a tape along the entire knife shows 9.75". Using a heavy choil and index finger carve-out in the sculpted micarta handle, you get a non-slip grip on the GTI regardless of conditions.

The GTI's handle is a thing of beauty. G10 is also offered but there is not a handle on any knife that I like more than White River's micarta.

Among the first things you notice about the GTI 4.5 is the thickness of the blade, which is a full 3/16" along it's entire length. Steel is S35VN stainless (59 HRC), which is cryogenically tempered for increased durability. I don't know of a thicker S35VN blade on the market. This is a Justin Gingrich design (former U.S. Army Ranger with a decade of active duty military service) and the intent was to create an ideal tactical knife for patrolling, demolitions, and close quarters combat. It's full-size utility in a medium-size form factor. 

Included is a leather sheath that simple and effective, being easily worn on a belt or strap as well as being MALICE clip compatible. The sheath does not achieve the greatness of the Winkler Belt Knife's, and I think White River could do a little better in the leatherwork department - but it's functional. Ultimately the bulk of the purchase price clearly goes toward the knife's materials and workmanship.

White River Knife & Tool is a company to watch. I really like their little Scout, which was intended to be a caping knife but has been getting a lot of press as an all-around camp blade that is scalpel-sharp. They've become hard to find after winning some recent awards and getting featured by Field & Stream.

The GTI 4.5 is another excellent option for those who want a tough working knife but also appreciate quality craftsmanship.

First Aid in the Field

A few years ago, in what amounts to a freak accident, a highly experienced outdoorsman I am acquainted with found himself in a remote area with a hunting broadhead stuck clean through his upper arm. The situation quickly became life-threatening as he was alone and had minimal first-aid equipment. After a harrowing experience everything turned out okay, but the scenario caused me to reflect on the supplies I carry into the backcountry.

While what happened above took place due to unlikely and unforeseeable circumstances, potentially serious wounds and injuries are not uncommon in the field.

Over time I have put together a fairly compact and easily portable first-aid solution that has worked well for me off the beaten path and I thought some readers might be interested in an overview.

ITS Tactical Trauma Kit & Pouch Fully Loaded (FatBoy Configuration)

I started with an ETA kit designed by Imminent Threat Solutions to treat the 3 leading causes of preventable death due to injury: Extremity hemorrhage (E), tension pneumothorax (T), and airway obstruction (A). Of these, extremity hemorrhage is the most common during recreational activities. This is essentially a "blowout kit" designed for combat, but it contains solid fundamentals. It also comes in a well-designed pouch complete with PALS webbing such that it can be easily attached to just about anything using the supplied MALICE clips. Inside the standard kit you will find:

• QuikClot Combat Gauze LE (1)
• HALO Chest Seal (2)
• MojoDart Decompression Needle (1)
• Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) Adj. 28fr (1)
• Pressure Dressing (1 — 4″)
• Elastic Bandage (1 — 2″)
• Z-Fold Dressing (1)
• Combat Casualty Card (1)
• Nitrile Gloves (1 Pair)
• Pencil (1)

Even if you don't feel comfortable using the NPA or MojoDart, these items take up very little space and could potentially be used by a first responder if needed. The ETA can be ordered in a vacuum-sealed, waterproof package separately from the trauma kit pouch, making for a nice addition to whatever pack you already carry.

I like the webbed pouches because my daypack (Kifaru Scout) is already equipped with PALS, and I can attach the trauma kit anywhere I like. There are a variety of fishing, field, and photography packs designed with PALS/MOLLE that make this a versatile solution. As one example, the Smithfly 1x Pouch happens to fit the vacuum-packed fatboy trauma kit perfectly as well.

While this is a good start, there are a few additional components I like to have with me. First is a SOF Tactical Tourniquet which can be deployed very quickly, used with one hand, and also doubles as a pressure dressing.

Second: An EMT Toolkit consisting of bandage scissors, forceps, hemostat, and pen light. Amazon offers a nice setup complete with all of the above in a compact holster for $17. You get a big pair of quality 5.5" shears with this package, but as they are a little bulky I use those in the larger first-aid pack kept in my vehicle. The included penlight works although it's too cheaply made to be reliable (as you would expect for this price, as a quality aluminum penlight costs around $20 by itself). I replace the light with a Pelican 1910 that runs on a single AAA battery.

EMT Toolkit: Bandage Scissors, Forceps, Hemostat, and Pelican 1910 w/ Holster for All Items

All of what I have listed fits inside the ITS Trauma Kit Pouch except the tourniquet, which I affix using a ITS EDC Slimline Pouch.  The entire kit is compact and can easily be attached to or tucked inside your favorite pack or boat bag. If you aren't already in the habit of including first-aid basics in your off-grid essentials, please give it some serious thought. Thanks for reading and have a safe and successful Fall season.

ITS Tactical EDC Slimline Pouch with SOF Tactical Tourniquet Inside (SOFTT-W)