Gary’s Stuff
Knives, knots, tools and the gear that’s earned a place in the truck, the camp box and the shop.
The practical, hands-on side of the site: bushcraft and navigation, knots and cordage, blades and sharpening, everyday carry and the tools worth owning. Built from years of camping, Scouting and fixing things, and written for southern Alberta.
I’ve carried a Buck knife since the ’70s, and over the years the sharpening bench has collected a KME, a Wicked Edge, an Edge Pro Apex, a Lansky, crock sticks, a Work Sharp Ken Onion, plus stones and strops. As a former Scout leader, knots, navigation and being ready were always part of the deal. This is where I share what I’ve learned along the way.
Explore Gary’s Stuff
Bushcraft, Fieldcraft & Navigation
Skills for time outside: shelter, fire, water, finding your way and staying out of trouble.
Knots and Cordage
The handful of knots worth knowing by heart, plus paracord and rope that does the job.
Knives & Multi-Tools
Fixed blades, folders and multi-tools: what each is good for and how to choose.
Sharpening & Edge Maintenance
Guided systems, stones, strops and belts, and how to keep an edge that actually cuts.
Knives: The Law and Teaching Kids
What Canadian law says about carrying a knife, and how to teach kids to use one safely.
Coming to Gary’s Stuff
Radio and electronics supplies (connectors, coax and soldering), truck and RV systems, and more of the gear from Gary’s own camp and shop.