All posts by Tony Cataldo

Recipe: Fruity Brine

I am still experimenting with this recipe. It produced turkey with a nice, fruity flavor.

1 gallonFiltered water
2 quartsApple juice
2 quartsOrange juice
2/3 cupSalt (or 1 cup of coarse salt)
2/3 cupBrown sugar
10cloves (whole)
1 tablespoonnutmeg (ground)
1Carrot, diced

Experimental

The basic fruity brine was very good but I want to experiment with adding some savory notes to the fruity flavor. I have not tried this yet but I want to add another carrot, diced onion, and some parsley to the brine. I do not know how this addition will work but will update this post after I try it.

1/2 gallonFiltered water
2 quarts
2 quarts
Apple juice (if using concentrate reduce water by 1/2 can)
Orange juice (if using concentrate reduce water by 1/2 can)
1/2 cupSalt (or 1 cup of coarse salt)
2/3 cupBrown sugar
10cloves (whole)
1 tablespoonnutmeg (ground)
2-3
1
Several Sprigs
Carrot, diced
Onion, finely chopped
Parsley, chopped

Directions

  1. Bring water to a boil and add diced carrot, salt, brown sugar, cloves, and nutmeg. Allow it to boil for about 10 minutes to release all of the flavors.
  2. Remove the pot, add juice, and allow to cool.
  3. Add meat so that it is completely covered by the cool brine.
  4. Allow meat to brine for 24 to 48 hours.
  5. Remove meat, rinse, and pat dry.
  6. Rub olive oil on the meat and cook or smoke until internal temperature reaches 165°

Review: Leatherman Bit Extender

The Leatherman Bit Extender is a an accessory kit that adds a great deal of versatility to bit-compatible Leatherman multitools. The stainless steel bit extender connects to the interchangeable bit tool to give the bits more reach. It accepts Leatherman flat bits and standard ¼” hex bits. Carry it on the side of the nylon or leather sheaths. It seems much more secure in the leather sheath. It felt more apt to fall out of my nylon sheath. The flat bits fit cross-ways in the extender. The Leatherman multitool becomes much more versatile with the addition of the Bit Extender. My multitool case has room for one bit card. I took the extender bits and the bits included with the multitool and combined bits to create a bit card that works best for my needs.

Earth Friendly Weed-Be-Gone

This is an environmentally-friendly weed killer. I got the recipe from a booth at the Everett, WA Sorticulture event.

1 gallon White Vinegar
2 cups Epson Salt
1/4 cup Dawn Dish Soap

Directions

  1. Mix ingredients
  2. Apply with a sprayer or watering can

Review: Leatherman Skeletool

The Leatherman Skeletool is a lightweight, minimalist, and very high-quality multi-tool. Most Leatherman multi-tools pack a large number of tools in a small package. The Skeletool takes a different direction and includes only the most critical tools. Removeable bits provide added versatility. It includes two bits with #1 and #2 square drivers on one and #1 and #2 Phillips bits on the other. In addition you can use the optional Leatherman bit extender which accommodates the flat Leatherman bits or standard drive bits.

The Skeletool includes tools in a compact, stainless steel body. The locking 2.6″ combination knife (smooth and serrated) is made from 420HC stainless steel and is accessible when the tool is folded. The large carabineer has a spring loaded closure and doubles as a bottle opener. The removeable bit and holder are accessible when the tool is open and the body of the Skeletool includes a space or an extra Leatherman double-ended bit.

The Skeletool includes:

  • Needlenose & Regular Pliers
  • Wire & Hard-Wire Cutters
  • 420HC Combo Knife with locking 2.6″ blade
  • Carabiner/Bottle Opener
  • Large Bit Driver with #1/#2 square bits and #1/#2 Phillips bits
  • Large removeable clip
  • Strong, nylon sheath
  • Weight: 5 oz
  • Length (Closed): 4.0″

The Skeletool includes the Leatherman 25-year no hassle warranty. This would be a very nice tool to carry in a pocket or pack since it is rugged, capable, versatile, and very lightweight. If you want even more versatility then consider adding the Leatherman Bit Extender and optional bits.

Disadvantages

The Skeletool has a bit holder and two double-sided bits. I would like to carry an entire bit card with the tool but it does not include a sheath.

Olight M2R Warrior Flashlight

The Olight M2R Warrior is a medium-sized, tactical flashlight that generates a 1,500 lumen (682′) beam. It can use either two CR123 batteries or a 18650 rechargeable battery. The M2R is 5.12″ long with a body diameter of 0.96″ (1″ at the head). It is a bit larger than most EDC flashlights and it is at the upper limit of what I would use as a concealable EDC (EveryDay Carry) flashlight. It has both side and tail switches and a magnetic coupler to recharge the 18650 battery.

Features include:

  • Beam: 1500, 700, 250, 15, 1 lumens
  • Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes on highest setting
  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, mild strike bezel on front, tight/smooth threads, O-ring for water sealing.
  • Size/Weight: 5.12″ long, 5.26 oz
  • Batteries: Two CR123s or one 18650 rechargeable battery
  • Charging via a magnetic coupler that connects to tail
  • Waterproof: IPX8 waterproof
  • Durability: Unknown
  • Price: About $100
  • Switches: Silent switch and tail switch has momentary ON with instant access to strobe
  • Clip: Friction fit and removable double clip
  • Beam Pattern: 54″ x 13″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

The M2R is a larger, high-powered, tactical flashlight that uses duel fuel (two CR123s or one 18650 battery), has a magnetic charger coupling, and machined aircraft aluminum body. The M2R can be used as an EDC light but it is at the upper limit of what I would want for EDC. The length allows the flashlight to be a good tactical choice for those with very large hands.

Advantages

The M2R would be a good choice for a larger everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.

  • Turbo beam of 1,500 lumens with almost 2 hours of run time
  • Low beam of 15 lumens with 70-hour battery life
  • Aluminum construction with front tactical bezel with mild crenellation
  • Larger but still concealable
  • Large enough to extend across the palm of those who have large hands
  • Instant strobe mode using tail switch

Disadvantages

  • Sleeve required when using CR123 batteries.
  • Complicated user interface but easy to use in normal light modes.
  • Larger than I prefer for a pocket EDC light.

These are minor disadvantages and should NOT dissuade you from purchasing this light.

Recommendation

I had the chance to briefly play with this light and I was pretty impressed. I liked the way that I could instantly access the strobe mode using the tail switch. I like the dual fuel option and the magnetic charger coupling. The M2R is larger and it is at the very top limit for what I would use for EDC.

Additional Reviews & Information

The Survival Handbook

Title The Survival Handbook: Essential Skills for Outdoor Adventure
Auther DK Publishing (Author), Colin Towell (Contributor)
ISBN
Pages

This is a very comprehensive book that covers equipment, techniques, and mental attitudes needed for survival. It contains practical advice for almost any situation that you might encounter outdoors. In addition to “normal” preparedness topics it includes sections for kayaks, canoes river crossings, making snow shoes, improvised camps, hygiene, fire, reading terrain and weather, and a host of other topics. I recommend this book as a good reference for survival topics and for exception situations.

From Amazon.com:

From planning an expedition, to packing essential kits, to discovering what to do on a trail, The Survival Handbook is an invaluable tool when you’re in the great outdoors.
Among a myriad of outdoor skills, it teaches readers how to make shelters, find water, and spot, catch, and cook wild food. And if there’s an emergency, it shows which essential first-aid techniques to use when, how to mount a rescue, and even how to get yourself found. Now in Paperback!

Review: Streamlight ProTac 2L-X

The StreamLight ProTac 2L-X is a medium-sized, tactical flashlight that generates a 500 lumen (6,800 candela) beam. It can use either two CR123 batteries or a 18650 rechargeable battery. The 2L-X is 5.14″ long and could easily be carried in a holster. The 2L-X is a bit larger than most EDC flashlights and it is near the upper limit of what I would use as an easily concealable EDC flashlight. It uses the standard Streamlight programming with High/Strobe/Low and also offers the TEN Tap programming to switch it to High only or Low/High only.

Features include:

  • Beam: 500 lumens at 6,800 candela with 165m beam
  • Runtime: 2.75 hours from two CR123s or 3.25 hours from 18650
  • Construction: Machined from aircraft grade aluminum, mild strike bezel on both head/tail, tight/smooth threads, O-ring for water sealing.
  • Size/Weight: 5.14″ long, 3.9 oz w/CR123 batteries, 4.4 oz w/18650 battery
  • Batteries: Two CR123s or one 18650 rechargeable battery
  • Waterproof: IPX68 dust/waterproof — waterproof to 2 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Durability: Withstands 2-meter drop.
  • Price: About $50.
  • Features: High/strobe/low by default and Ten-Tap Programming for High only and low/high.
  • Beam Pattern: 46″ x 6″ at 3′ (Beam Scale)

It is a larger, high-powered, tactical flashlight, that uses duel fuel (two CR123s or one 18650 battery), has high/strobe/low modes, and the body is machined from aircraft aluminum. The 2L-X is larger than the ProTac 2L but is still small enough to be used as an EDC light. The length allows the flashlight to be a good tactical choice for those with very large hands.

Advantages

The 2L-X would be a good choice for a larger everyday carry (EDC) flashlight.

  • High beam of 500 lumens with up to 3.25 hour run time
  • Low beam of 40 lumens with 30-hour battery life
  • Aluminum construction with tactical bezels on the front and back
  • Larger but still concealable
  • Large enough to extend across the palm of those who have large hands

Disadvantages

  • No low battery indicator: This light will work fine until the batteries get low and then it will stop working with very little warning. If you needed to light in a tactical situation and the batteries were low you may have a completely non-working light.
  • The light does not tail-stand easily. While this is a disadvantage if you want to tail-stand the light it means that the button is easier to press use to less material on the back of the light.

These are minor disadvantages and should NOT dissuade you from purchasing this light.

Recommendation

My favorite Everyday Carry (EDC) is still the ProTac 1L-1AA but the 2L-X is a good choice due to its size and brightness. Also consider the ProTac 2L-X flashlight. The 2L is a bit smaller, generates a 350-lumen beam, and uses two CR-123 batteries.

Permethrin

The pesticide, Permethrin, is often used to treat clothes so that they act as the first line of defense against insects. Some flea and tick medications for dogs contain permethrin. While permethrin is effective (and normally safe) for dogs, it can be very bad for cats. According to Wikipedia:

“Pesticide-grade permethrin is toxic to cats. Many cats die after being given flea treatments intended for dogs, or by contact with dogs having recently been treated with permethrin. In cats it may induce hyperexcitability, tremors, seizures, and death.”

When used properly permethrin is an effective defense against insects but be aware of the side-effects and risks of this chemical. It is often sprayed on clothes to make them insect resistant. Permethrin must be re-applied after clothes have been washed multiple times (will last for up to six washings).

Sassamint Tea

This is minty tea with the earthy taste of sassafrass and a strong aroma that reminds me of root beer.

1 gallon Filtered water
3/4 tsp Sassafrass tea
1 tsp Peppermint
1 tsp Spearmint
3/4 cup Sugar (more or less to taste)

Directions

  1. Pour water into a pot over a medium heat.
  2. Add the teas and sugar.
  3. Allow the tea to brew on medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes.
  4. Turn off the burner and allow the tea to cool for several hours.
  5. Pour the tea and leaves through a very fine strainer, chill, and enjoy.