Another multi-tool gets a solid first test

My wife shot me another one of her deadly looks when she handed me the small box that had just arrived in the mail.

“Another toy to go with your Navy Seal survival kit?” she queried. “Pretty soon you won't have an inch to spare on your macho, cammo, rugged-man's web belt.”

I suggested she leave me alone, otherwise I would have to bind her hands with my mail-order plastic handcuffs and matching blindfold.

She turned on her heels and melted into the woodwork. I headed to my man cave, taking my little brown box with me.

I have gone through four sets of multi-tools, not from heavy usage, but rather from heavy pilferage. Because I have chosen to do most of my long-distance traveling by air, I pack items in my lockable duffel bags that won't pass inspection at the security checkpoints. But even a locked bag is no guarantee all the bag's contents will safely arrive at the luggage carousel when you get off the plane.

I have had some expensive fly reels removed from a bag, along with boxes of flies and wading accessories. I presumed the bag was rifled someplace behind the scenes where luggage is moved around to the various gates.

Anyway, the new tool is a wondrous accoutrement to everything outdoorsy.

This gem is the SOG PowerLock tool, which if it had a voice, would cry out to be used on every mountain man's expeditions. I have been sans beard for a number of years, so I don't qualify for that designation. But I did take this beauty for a spin.

Needing to clear my head and lungs, I headed for a huge chunk of woods just over the Illinois-Wisconsin state line. I had a pocket compass, large water bottle, one sandwich, a small coffee pot with enough coffee for two cups, bug and tic spray, small back pack, a light jacket, and the multi-tool, along with the Flint Striker.

I traversed a deer trail hoping to see a white tail or two. No such luck, but I did come across a coyote that scampered away when it detected my presence.

About a mile into the forest I arrived at a small stream, a place I had discovered about 20 years ago. It was time to relax and take in the woodsy aromas. I found some dry branches and began scraping flecks of tinder from them. Of course I could have used a pocket knife for this simple task, but I had the SOG along and it needed a christening.

In about 10 minutes I had a tall pile of shavings. I then used the Flint Striker to generate some sparks, which ignited the tinder. After that I strategically placed a few larger branches around the smoldering fire, grabbed some large rocks from the stream and got ready to brew a pot of Joe.

In past columns I had waxed poetic about being in the woods during these precious autumn days. A small campfire giving off small clouds of smoke helps mark the annual ritual of a fall renewal.

I have great plans for this little SOG PowerLock tool. I can see it with me in the far north, helping to remove a hook from the mouth of a big pike. I will probably use it to saw branches to be used for fuel. The big knife blade is sharp and flat enough to filet a fish, while the Phillips head screwdrivers could be called in to service to secure a rifle scope.

As my dear friend A.J. has always said, “one needs the right tool to get the job done right.”

Well put — and without a laser look.

Ÿ Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, and catch his outdoors radio show 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.