Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card Review

First Impressions of Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card

The Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card promises a comprehensive set of survival tools in a package smaller than a credit card. Marketed toward bushcraft enthusiasts and survivalists, this stainless steel card boasts a unique tool retention system. The promise of durable tools, packed into a tiny, easily carried format, immediately piqued my interest.

As someone with over a decade of experience in outdoor and tactical gear, I’m always searching for ways to lighten my load without sacrificing essential capabilities. I often find myself tinkering with my bug-out bag, striving for the perfect balance between preparedness and portability. The allure of a complete toolkit consolidated into something the size of a playing card was too tempting to ignore.

Upon receiving the Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card, my first impression was positive. The stainless steel felt substantial, not flimsy, and the laser-cut tools were cleanly separated. The Grim Workshop boasts a tool retention system which proved effective in keeping the implements from simply falling out, a common problem with some similar products.

Compared to other credit card-sized survival tools I’ve tested, such as the various Swiss Safe options or generic multi-tool cards, the Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card felt more focused. Other cards attempt to include everything from wrenches to screwdrivers, resulting in compromised designs. The Kelso card seems dedicated to wilderness survival, with tools like arrowheads, saws, and fish hooks. I chose it because it seemed less like a novelty and more like a genuinely useful piece of kit.

I was initially excited by the possibilities the card presented, but also cautiously optimistic. The true test would be how well these miniature tools performed in a real-world setting. Could something so small actually stand up to the rigors of bushcraft?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card to the Test

First Use Experience

My first opportunity to test the Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card came during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I wanted to evaluate its usefulness for basic camp tasks. I aimed to assess its feasibility to replace some of the standard gear I normally carry.

I primarily focused on the saw, the arrowheads, and the small knife blade. The saw, while small, actually worked surprisingly well for cutting small branches for kindling. The arrowheads, while needing some additional crafting to create a full arrow, showed promise for emergency hunting situations. Using the knife blade was initially awkward due to its small size, but it proved adequate for feathering sticks. The conditions were dry and mild, so I didn’t get to test it in adverse weather.

The initial learning curve was steeper than I anticipated. Manipulating the tiny tools required patience and dexterity. However, the tool retention system performed admirably, securely holding the implements while allowing for relatively easy removal and replacement. I did, however, manage to cut myself slightly while removing one of the smaller hooks – a reminder of the need for caution when handling such miniature implements.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of sporadic use, the Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card is showing minimal signs of wear and tear. The surgical grade stainless steel has resisted rust and corrosion, even after being exposed to moisture. The laser-cut edges remain sharp.

The tool retention system continues to function effectively, although it has loosened slightly with repeated use. This might be a potential long-term concern, but for now, it still holds the tools securely. Cleaning the card is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to my previous experiences with other multi-tool cards, the Grim Workshop card holds up better. It offers more specialized functionality for bushcraft tasks. Many other cards prioritize general-purpose tools that end up being less effective in the wilderness. The Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card still requires supplementary gear for serious wilderness excursions, but it can be a lifesaver for emergency repairs and small tasks.

Breaking Down the Features of Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card

Specifications

The Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card has a streamlined design for easy portability. It measures 3.38 x 2.13 inches, making it almost identical in size to a standard credit card. The card weighs only 0.04 lb, barely adding any noticeable weight to your pack or wallet. Made from surgical grade stainless steel, this card offers a non-magnetic tool with a durable construction.

The card’s design allows tools to be removed and put back, with the tool retention system. Its color is silver, which is a traditional appearance for stainless steel. These specifications are crucial for several reasons. The small size and lightweight design make it incredibly easy to carry. The durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity. The tool retention system avoids the frustration of losing individual components.

Performance & Functionality

The Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card performs its intended job reasonably well, especially considering its size. The saw is surprisingly effective for small branches. The various hooks and points are useful for crafting traps and snares. The blade works as a backup cutting tool.

The card’s strength lies in its portability and potential utility in a survival situation. Its weaknesses are the small size of the tools, which can make them difficult to use effectively for extended periods. While the Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card has some useful features, it does not meet expectations as a full bushcraft replacement. It is more appropriately viewed as a last-ditch emergency tool rather than a primary resource.

Design & Ergonomics

The Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card showcases intelligent design. Its laser-cut tools maximize the available space. The surgical grade stainless steel gives a premium feel.

However, the small size of the individual tools can make them awkward to use. The tool retention system, while functional, can sometimes be difficult to manipulate, particularly with gloved hands. There is a small learning curve involved in understanding how to best utilize each tool and remove them safely.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction of the Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card suggests a long lifespan. The card resists corrosion. However, the long-term durability of the tool retention system remains a question mark.

Maintenance is simple. Cleaning requires only a quick wipe-down. A small amount of oil on the moving parts of the tool retention system can help to prevent seizing.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card does not come with any additional accessories. Given its nature, there are limited customization options. The card is intended to be a self-contained unit.

It’s possible to pair the card with a small ferro rod and tinder for fire starting. A small length of paracord would also increase its versatility. However, the card’s primary appeal is its simplicity and compactness. Adding too many accessories would defeat the purpose.

Pros and Cons of Grim Workshop Bushcraft Kelso Survival Card