TV progress report – Dual Survival, three episodes in
Well guys, after that first episode I have to admit, I wasn't overly enthusiastic. With all the nonsense going on and obvious attempts of producers to create some TV worthy drama, I had some reservations as to whether this would be a train wreck or not. Now I've finished watching episodes two and three and I am happy again. It seems like the producers understand that there must be an element of bush walkers in the viewership, so they add little tidbits here and there that keep you hanging on.
For instance this past week Dave and Cody were in the jungles of Belize. It was great to see Dave speak of foraging through washed up trash once they got to the ocean. They didn't even make him get eco-preachy when he said "trash can be found anywhere on this planet". I like that they're not turning this into a platform for the green agenda. What I do not like is that every episode has two minutes of explanations as to why Cody does not wear shoes. In a show with roughly 44 minutes of actual TV time this is not necessary. We got it the first time, Discovery: Cody Lundin is a nutjob, roger that.
Cody is not all bad, though. In the second episode he explains how he catches an eel with some improvised cordage and a sock. A sock for cryin' out loud! That was impressive. You'll have to watch the episode for the explanation, I'm not gonna spoil it for you guys that haven't seen.
They are slowly building towards an eventual altercation where I'd assume Dave starts ripping into Cody for being a "bush hippie" and endangering their survival due to his ideologies on clothing and footwear. I hope that when this happens Discovery doesn't paint Dave into a box as he does at times come off as arrogant on the show. Hey, what do you expect from ex-mil guys that are as Dave puts it, "all go, no quit".
In short - Discovery Channel has reeled me back in for maybe three so-so episodes. At that point I'll report again.
Video – Using the ESEE/Rat RC-4 to cut down a pine sapling
I am not really liking the editing software that Kodak includes with the Playsport camera. Too bad, because the camera is awesome - except for the fact that it records in .MOV and Windows Movie Maker won't accept it and the converters I have are not playing nice. Anyways, I thought before I took the camera back I'd throw a video onto the new Youtube channel.
The video is me using a Rat RC-4 (pre-ESEE) that had just been sharpened using the new Spyderco Sharpmaker and it's 40 degree setting, then a fine touch with the 30 degree setting. It's not shaving sharp as I thought it'd be, probably my own error, but it's plenty sharp for shelter making.
Note: The video seems to be playing faster than real time. I don't know why.
Some comments from forums have made me expand upon the video - this text is now in the description on Youtube-
www.TheChristianSurvivalGuide.com
Using my (ESEE) Rat RC-4 that had just been sharpened by a Spyderco Sharpmaker. 1/4 mile from road so some noise. I did have permission to be on the property and taking a sapling was not an issue.
The sapling was rougly 3.7" diameter, not that big but thick enough that it could not be bent and cut.
Yes, I know, a knife isn't the best chopping tool. But a 3-6" fixed blade is common carry in the woods, an axe or hatchet is not due to size and weight. If I carried a larger and heavier kit in the bush, it would contain a hatchet, but I don't, so I use this.
Yes, a larger knife would be better for chopping. But then again we could circle around to the axe/hatchet argument.
First Impressions – Discovery Channel’s Dual Survival
dsc.discovery.com/tv/dual-survival/
Note - show image and hyperlink will be added later.
Discovery Channel just recently started airing a new survival-centric show called Dual Survival. The show puts a cast of two survival experts into trying situations and has them live through the scenario until rescued or they walk out. The basic format is similar to Survivorman with Les Stroud, which I really liked (can't stand the production methods of man vs wild) - however, the hosts do not film themselves, a camera crew is provided. Best part thus far is that one of the hosts is none other than The Pathfinder, Dave Canterbury. The other host is Cody Lundin. Who by all means knows his stuff, but is a bit of a nutjob.
The first episode puts Dave and Cody into a scenario where they have ridden a lifeboat onto a small island in Nova Scotia during January. The temperatures during the day hover around 32 degrees fahrenheit and materials are limited. It is never discussed as to just what is in their kits but Dave seems to have his own model Blind Horse knife with him and Cody at one point produces a mylar space blanket.
Generally speaking when you put so much good knowledge in one place, regardless of TV production (entertainment value) practices, there is quite a bit of good advice oozing out. Unfortunately, for educational purposes, the hosts were chosen for their obviously conflicting personalities which in theory, will increase entertainment value. I hope the don't over-produce and turn this show into a drama fest because their is some serious potential here.
The first oddity you will find is that Cody Lundin in all his naturalistic glory chooses to wear shorts in this cold environment and refuses to wear shoes - only wool socks! Now, I do have to admit that his answer as to why he chooses not to wear shoes has some scientific merit, but is not wise and should not be recommended for others. He says to Dave after being called a "bush hippy" that this is his choice and its not for everyone. Great! But please do recognize that you are on national TV, on a survival show, to educate people as to what methods may work in any given scenario. I kind of expected this type of thing from the onset of the naming of the hosts some months back. I hope he doesn't turn this show into a lecture about primitive Earth science and Bio-anthropology.
Now don't think I'm just riding the Pathfinder bandwagon. Though I may be a fan, I'm no fanboy. Dave had made a critical and potentially fatal lapse in judgment when he chose to make a torch and check the traps he had set at night. That kind of practice would move him away from/possibly without means of finding the shelter and Cody. Both are survival no-no's. It was disappointing to see a bushcrafting role model make such a stupid decision.
The show rounded out with some footage of Dave hunting and harvesting a porcupine with a raft paddle he had sharpened into a stake and then fire-hardened, Cody using a gatherer approach searching for small mussels in tidal pools, and an eventual rescue from the Canadian Coast Guard.
I will watch two more episodes of this caliber before deciding its not worth the commercial time. Don't get me wrong, it was ok, but no better than any ol' Survivorman episode I've seen five times already. Let's all pray that The Discovery Channel doesn't ruin this show by trying to make it into "reality TV".
Summary: If you are new to primitive skills, bushcrafting, or general woodsmanship, it will have a lot of educational value. But if you are a seasoned viewer of this genre you may be underwhelmed.