Adventures of an Imperfect Man In Search of a Handmade Life
A look at the origins and evolution of our favorite camp stove... This post was going to be a few words about the Primus stoves we all love and some images I've collected from around the web. As usual, I found myself rambling all over the topic without a clear direction but here is a … Continue reading Classic Liquid Fuel Stoves
Although this blog isn't really focused on our daily activities, I thought I'd share a few photos. We had time for a beautiful day out this weekend in the eastern Ozarks. Many plants were in bloom, the insects were moving and ticks had their presence as well. It was also an opportunity to get out … Continue reading Springtime
A few too many camp knives? This is what happens as you travel, receive gifts, buy better stuff, always need a good knife, etc. From the upper left: Camillus 5-1967 (a friend carried this through Vietnam), my small Arkansas stone for field touch-ups, Buck folder, two classic Victorinox Pioneer knives (I've carried this style every … Continue reading Too Many Knives
Here's a nice look into some Minimalist but modern camping gear.
Just how important is safety in a happy and complete life? Don't get me wrong. I have known people with little regard for their own well-being, be it physical or otherwise. Some of these are confirmed idiots. Whether they are just non-thinking zombies or the overly entitled who expect someone else to look out for … Continue reading Safety, above all…?
Just an infomercial about how much I like my chickens. Feeding western barbarians like me since 500 B.C. Chickens clean up your yard, patrol garden areas and give us great eggs for virtually nothing per month. Most dogs can be trained to watch over a flock. Unfortunately, they don't always respect other flocks so keep … Continue reading Chickens
Continuing on with the theme of admiration for the classic camp stoves, here is a visual overview of the Optimus 80 / Svea 71. No, they are not exactly the same, but are very close and share virtually all the same features. For those interested in the early history of the liquid fuel camping stove, … Continue reading Camp Stoves: Optimus 80
Just some eye candy of the Optimus 8R. Battered, grungy, and well-used, much like it's owner. I really wanted one of these back in the mid-1980s. Since I was bumming around and using air travel, I went to a butane cartridge stove instead. For those interested in the early history of the liquid fuel camping … Continue reading Camp Stoves: Optimus 8R
Arguably the pinnacle of white gas stove design. My little Svea 123. It is essentially a brass fuel tank and a burner; a Molotov Cocktail with a valve. And it comes in one of my favorite colors, shiny brass. During a recent extended power outage, I used this guy on my electric stove top for … Continue reading Camp Stoves: The Svea 123
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 