YUP I have heard that numerous times as well.

I was teasing. My original comment was about people.

This thread has taken a turn for the decidedly disgusting. While I can speak extemporaneously regarding cannibalism in dire situations (Stalingrad anyone?) I found it to be a forbidden topic on most survival forums for obvious reasons. This, a family oriented forum, might also be inappropriate.

Anyone want to talk about knives?

NOTE: I neither condone or encourage the consumption of humans. My knowledge is related to deep research into human behavior while subjected to extreme survival circumstances. I conducted corresponding research into contemporary views regarding depravitity to gauge the likelihood of savage behavior in modern times. The topic generally enraged uninformed individuals who espoused a utopian vision of the end times wherein all people would join hands and sing kumbaya. This is in obvious contradiction to all historic evidence regarding human behavior in critical circumstances. The level of self delusion I encountered, ironically, reinforced my concerns about a canabalistic apocalyptic scenario as many in the now defunct "prepper movement" where woefully under prepared for the realities of a world without the rule of law. Therein these individuals would have participated (willingly or unwillingly) in the creation of the very environment they denied had existed.

We must all remember that our "first world" view of food has changed. Most individuals do not grasp the fragility of our food supply and distribution systems. Thus, they anticipate the never ending availability of Twinkies at Wal-Mart. Their cupboards are as bare as their knowledge of food production, food acquisition and preservation.

The "first world" has never been more susceptible to a food crisis than now.

I cannot buy a bell pepper made in the United States locally. GMO is also invading every corner of US agriculture. If you're uniformed about the potentially castrophic effect of GMO food ask a biologist what they think about people releasing invasive species into nature. They'll likely tell you about the havoc created by the apple snail and others. Short story: they destroy the indigenous species. Now, what happens when an organization creates "patented food" that cross breds with indigenous species? Monsanto sues the farmer for patent infringement. They have not been defeated in court. This is a serious issue on two fronts: heirloom seeds are disappearing (the only type of seed capable of producing the same plant from harvasted seeds) and one mega corporation is exerting increasing control over our food supply: they will literally sue you if their product falls out of a grain truck and sprouts on your property.

Thankfully it is largely a non issue for most folks.

YUP, Knives are a good subject. I think My GTI Folder (large) will be a good one for the PSP (personal survival Pouch) we've been talking about. BUT it would make for a good excuse to buy a new folder though.

Oh an almost any of the ZT folders would work because of their Bomb Proof Build.

If there was ever a thread that got off topic...this is it! Lol

GREAT minds often wander Rich, that's how we've come up with all the good stuff we have. ONE thought leads to another.

Rich is infinitely more qualified to speak of people's mental abilities, issues, etc than I would ever hope to be. My research was specific to one issue. I hope I didn't step on your clinical toes!

Back to ZT...

I sent my 301 and 561 back to ZT for a sharpening. I bought both "NIB" from individuals. The 301 seller claimed light use and it's edge reflected this. The 561 seller outright lied. The 561 was FAR from NIB with considerable edge issues.

After testing the 301 and finding it satisfactory I decided I wanted to test it and the 561 with a factory edge. $13 worth of shipping plus $7 KAI handling fees will yield factory edged ZTs.

I'll post a follow up with turn around time, edge quality and of course ... Testing!

Bummer you had to send them back Gary. MOST of my knives when I sharpen them I use a shallower angle than factory. Don't really know how this has came to be but I guess that over the last 50+ years of sharpening (or trying to) knives it is just what I automatically default to. MOST OF THE TIME it works for me, so why try to change it now.

It's just a minor annoyance. I'd like to test them with a factory edge or I'd sharpen both at home. I'm new to the blade material so I'd like to proceed with factory edges.

I suspect my gallows humour was lost in translation ergo the fava beans and wine (Dr Lecter to Agent Starling in Silence of the Lambs ).

Andy,
I could smell what you were cooking all the way over here!

Don't particularly like brains. Had Hog brains From time to time growing up, mainly with scrambled eggs. Now IF I put enough ketchup on it I could handle it OK, but it just wasn't my "Cup of Tea". Oh and it wasn't lost Andy, I just had to break for lunch.