I agree about the scandi grind... I think I would go full flat grind... Slicey

Great to get the history behind the man. I just attended James' course. Highly recommended. The hobo element he brings into the course is very special

I am watching all the Blackie Thomas Challenge videos. Each one is very unique and adds so much information to the Haversack Knowledge out there. Thanks for another great vid.

SWEET

I found a nick on my axe blade once a few years back. I got out my files and grindstones and was reading to sharpen it, but decided to pull out my microscope and look at that nick up close. Only then could I tell that actually my Nick was a Nicholas.

Thank you for the video, you brought back many memories of the stories from my grand father when he was an Eagle Scout in the 1920’s and a Scout Master in the 1940’s and 1950’s. He never said anything about using the haversack or pack, he said when they went hiking and camping they used to roll everything up in a wool blanket and carry or wear it as he called a horse collar. I guess they would lay it out on the blanket, roll it up with the stuff in it , then tie the ends together making like a horse collar and sling it across there body and carry there supplies that way. I think it would be nice to see a video on that type of laid carrying that scouts also used in that era.

I never went on a boy scout camping trip where didn't build a substantial fire. Thanks for bringing back those memories. Great video!!!

Nice introduction to the Grayl purifier. Notes: 1. Most reviewers and users are unaware of the difference between a filter such as the Sawyer Squeeze and a purifier such as the Grayl Geopress and Ultrapress. A purifier removes much more than a filter, viruses being the most important difference. Purifiers vary, so check the manufacturer web site to confirm exact specs. 2. The Grayl purifiers are designed to use your body weight to easily and quickly purify the water. After filling the outer container up to the fill line, loosen the cap to provide pressure relief, place the filter and inner container into the outer, place on the ground, and then use both hands with straight arms to let your body weight push the inner down into the outer. Done! 3. Pre-filtering not so clear water will dramatically improve the useful life of the cartridge so you get the rated life. A bandana or other thin cloth gets hot the big junk. A Millbank bag is an excellent and effective pre-filter. A 1 micron filter bag is the ultimate pre-filter. Select which method(s) you use based on your needs and preferences.

What part of Ohio are you located in?

A quick note to those just beginning to experiment with haversacks. The two places where they become unwieldy quickly are shape and weight. For a haversack to lay correctly on one’s hip it needs to be at least 2 inches longer than it is wide. Otherwise it’s more of a messenger bag. Per weight (and volume) an overpacked haversack easily becomes an un-ergonomic lump on one’s hip. (if memory serves that’s why Dave Canterbury isn’t the biggest fan) Also when overpacked they bounce annoyingly with every step. That’s why some soldiers placed their 1 inch canvas straps under their war belt.

21:57 late last year I came across a literal Boy Scouts “Bat belt” at a local antique store. Modeled after the WW1 webbing (for 5 round 1903 Springfield clips) it was closer to WW2 OD green in color and featured factory labeled pouches for compass, fire and first aid. There was also a wool canteen pouch, much like standard issue in WW2, and obvious holes for a knife frog or sheath of some sort. I imagined it was what 1 or 2 Scouts would have at the camp out while greatly envied by the rest of the Troop

Yay! I woke up at 5:35 this morning and after a day of laying new decking yesterday in very high humidity the first thing I thought was “Lord give me strength it’s gonna be hotter today.” Then Mr Dyer popped up in my queue and his enthusiasm already turned me around. I give sincere thanks for men like Sarge, James, Mr Dyer and Mr Thomas. I give thanks for my ozarks ancestors from whom I inherited the physicality to swing a hammer and hump heavy materials at 52.

Very cool video. Thanks.

A lot of Scout leaders in the 60s and 70s smoked a pipe. They weren’t chain smokers.

“Worm and parcel with the lay Turn and serve the other way.” Ashley Book of Knots page 511.

👍👍👍 I agree with you 100% regarding a haversack and excessive weight (and bulk .. important). I have a small haversack which I use mainly when walking the Pooch in the Forest .. for carrying water, her foldable water bowl, 'doggie treats', collapsible umbrella and other odds and sods. Also, when desired, leather gloves and a hand-pruner (secateurs) to trim the over-abundance of brambles now, at this time of year, growing across our forest pathways. Also vegetation blocking the path which in all probability harbours ticks waiting to hitch a ride on anything brushing past. Not at all bulky or heavy, it sits behind my hip towards my back. Out of the way, but easy to swing around and access anything required. However, I find the 'imbalance' of one strap at times, inconvenient, especially when the content weight is up .. preferring the stability that a dual strap knapsack or rucksack gives. Yes, more 'difficult' to get at the contents but then, I am a 'boomer' (YOB 1950) and was raised not allowing stuff like that to get in the way 😏.

That hatchet looks nothing like it. also, the picture shows everything in the same page. Doesn't mean that was actual size. But the hatchet has curved blade for slicing timber. Also he would have split sticks, not great big logs. Or he could have broken it. Use common sense!

"The Blackie Thomas"! You mean the one that puts out false information, old knowledge and conent that he takes from other channels without giving credit to the original creator? That Blackie Thomas?

I got a cek one

Yea it to bad the haver pack went by the way silde

Why bsa necker chef went smaller

The neckerchief is a good example of how far downhill the scouts went over the years. it was originally a very useful item, then they kept making them smaller and cheaper till they became an almost useless decoration.

What about a Canteen? Oops, I did not wait long enough :)

Great video! One thing about smoking. They think it was a hygiene issue. That they almost took a bath in it!

Great video. Do you have a favorite cup or mug?

It would appear you're missing part of your Upton cook kit. I've got a partial one, and have an ongoing project to replicate the cooking grate from it. I have (2) different fry pan bits, one of which has a flange that nests with the other for storage.

If I hadn’t gotten ms and was living on fixed income now I would for sure purchase a knife and a sheath from you two . I have been using a bushcraft black for the last 7 years or so it’s sort of boring and I like it . I would be proud to have a handmade setup .

Always carry TP!

Nice. Most people don't know that the Surgeon General said smoking was bad for your health in 1928. They studied WW1 soldiers for 10 years if I remember correctly. Kind of got buried with all the doctor recommended brands of cigarettes when radio and TV came along. By the way digging with a stick is much easier in wetter climates.

Great video. Good job. God bless. From Glenn CATT. In Massachusetts.

Great video! I love seeing everyone's unique take on the challenge. I would love to see you discuss more of your views on the pipe and tobacco, as a smoker myself. All the differing opinions of the time are all very interesting. God bless you, Mr. Dyer.

is your chosen period too early for a tube of medicated foot powder in your hygiene kit ?

well done sir thanks for taking the challenge

I like the comradery between all of you. James Bender, Blackie Thomas, Sarge, and of course You Mr. Dyer! I've learned something new from each and every video. Thanks and Be Safe and Keep Up the Great Work!

I still have my Yucca pack from the 60’s

I had the last rendition of a nylon yucca.

I used these back in the 60s and 70s, thanks for reawakening fond memories

sacale el combustible y tapale la salida.dale presion y con detergente prova por donde pierde kerozen .otra cosa el pico tiene el agujero muy grande y termina saliendo la llama amarilla con kerozen crudo y abajo ,proteje del viento y el frio la parte de abajo del quemador .la llama debe ser azul y nada de ollin

That was quite a bit of interesting history. I ordered the Becker version which could arrive tomorrow. Here in Canada we have an oddly shaped knife that got a design award in the Smithsonian Institute called a Canadian belt knife.

I had a Yucca pack when I joined in 1970. I chose that because it was the one in my uncles old BSA hanbook

A couple thing's that may help. 1) Pretty self explanatory would be a millbank bag. (Allows you to extend the life of the filter) 2) I attached a paracord loop on the outer container so I can attach a length of cordage to it in case of a high bank where I can't get to the waters edge or even drop it off a bridge to get to a water source. I just duck tape, it works fine. Love my Grayl's ( I have 2)

With all the popularity of BSA in the era, it boggles the mind to see how the U.S. military didn't have a good system during WW 2. Except for the Marines nobody had a real backpack. as standard issue until 1944. And the mess gear was only good for going through a chow line.

I used to have my cousin's BSA Yucca when I was a kid in Scouts! Great pack!

I had a 1950s Boy Scout Logo version of this pack. I DID NOT have several ditty bags to organize them and to keep them in place. I never liked the way things settled into a mass at the bottom of the pack: the load pulled on my shoulders.

Pine Tree Patrol was a trek cart system. Yucca Patrol System was the name of that booklet.

The packs I have, I’ve snow sealed to protect the integrity of the material. Right or wrong, I did it.

I was in the scouts late 60’s early 70’s. The highlight of my youth. Never had a Yucca but can’t recall how I carried my gear. We did lots of camping and hiking but very little backpacking. It saddens me to see what has become of scouting.

I wish I lived closer to do a camp with you. Love old Scouting equipment and outdoors. Thanks for bringing us a long on the video. During the winter time I always used a 7X7x7 BSA canvas pyramid tent as a kid and as Scout Master. In the morning with a small mountaineering stove you could burn off frozen condensation on the tent walls from the night , while cooking coffee for the other man and then stand up and get dressed in a warm tent. Great for high winds and snow. Other a small tarp or 10x10 leaders tarp was all I needed to see the the stars and the campfire while drifting off to sleep. I also like to see what critters come into my camp. I quickly converted to a 1940s GI down bag in the 1960s and later to a better down bag in the 70s. And I always packed a US GI wool blanket to go over my bag. Back then we packed a cotton tick and later used drum liners to sleep on. Usually slept 2 feet away from the fire wool blanket over my bag. Small tarp pegged at the feet end than pulled up and put behind my back. If heavy dew or rain blew just pull the tarp over me. I just couldn’t be cooped up in a tent unless it was really cold.

I have a green canvas with leather straps Forest Service personal equipment pack I often use. Very similar to the Yucca.

I loved the video. I used to use the top center D ring to cinch rolled up items like rain coat, Jacket or sweater. And used a second cord to cinch the top. Tarp or tent was made into a horseshoe shape and secured around the pack. Here’s a tip. Use clear nail polish to seal and water proof a cloth tie where it is stitched to a tent or the ends of the cloth tie to stop it from fraying