FULL APRIL 2024 APOCABOX PLUS TUKTU BOX — APOCABOX (2024)

We only have 3 of these boxes left. Below are the contents:

April 2024 APOCABOX

THE TUKTU Box

The Tuktu documentary series was produced by the National Film Board of Canada between 1966 and 1968. Learn about traditional Inuit culture from this fascinating series. This series documents cultural practices, skills, and values in Nunavut, northern Canada. Each episode focuses on a different topic and does a good job of celebrating the skills and resourcefulness of the Inuit. The territory of the Inuit (also called Eskimo, Inupiaq, Yupik, and other regional names) covers the northern and western regions of Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland. The Inuit continue to live in these areas and maintain many cultural traditions while also incorporating some modern technology into their culture as well. The Inuit continue to have a deep respect and spiritual connection with the land and its resources. If you haven't watched this series yet, you can do so here: [link]

1. 60x84” 50% Wool Blanket: One thing Tuktu and his family could have used is a good quality wool blanket! Wool blankets are a critical piece of kit, not only for cold weather camping but also for at-home emergencies. You can never have too many warm blankets on hand if the grid goes down. They can be used to stay warm, zone off rooms, and much more! This 50% version is lighter weight than a full 100% wool, which makes it more practical for taking on the trail. It’s the perfect tool for a blanket chair, bed roll, or sleeping bag liner. WOOL for the WIN! We had to use a bigger box for this one!

2. 6-Inch Splitting Wedge: As I watched Tuktu’s father split up driftwood to make parts and pieces for their ocean kayak, I couldn’t help but think about how valuable a lightweight and durable splitting wedge would be for campcraft. I’ve seen many steel versions before but never something I’d consider carrying with me. I finally worked with a manufacturer to make one from a lightweight plastic polymer. Bright yellow to prevent from being lost, you can use this wedge to help make items around camp – or even a kayak!

3. 24-Inch Expandable Metal Bellows: When the temps are freezing and the wind is whipping, an expandable bellows can make all the difference when coaxing a small ember into a flame. At just a few inches long collapsed, this one expands to a full 24-inches. The grip is wrapped with a comfortable material that won’t freeze your fingers in cold weather. It can also be used as an emergency straw or coal burning tube. Add this to your fire kit today!

4. The TUKTU Knife Kit: I am always enamored by the cutting tools used by indigenous cultures. They always amaze me at what they can accomplish with such simple tools. When I saw the knife used in the TUKTU documentary series I knew that I had to recreate it for you to make at home for your own use. It’s small, unique blade and simple handle were used in crafting, kayak making, and more. It was, I’m sure, an invaluable tool for him and his family. To my knowledge, there is nowhere else in the world where a knife of this style can be purchased. When you’re finished making yours, it will be a one-of-a-kind. You can buy a regular knife anywhere, but these are the types of projects we pride ourselves in here at APOCABOX. Use the enclosed kit and instructions to make your very own TUKTU knife at home or around camp.

5. Bomb Net: Although this style of net wasn’t in the TUKTU documentary, I’m sure they would have loved to have it! The Bomb Net is a unique style of gill net that is crazy effective. Simply fill the metal basket on top of the net with bread or other “chum” that fish will eat and drop the net into the water. As fish go for the bait in the basket, they are caught in the invisible netting that floats below the surface. It is possible to catch more than a dozen fish in just a few seconds using this net. This would make an awesome addition to your survival fishing kit! Note: Please ensure you check all local fishing laws and regulations before using any kind of gill net.

6. Apocabox Skills Challenge: Your skills challenge this month is to make an authentic Inuit-style harpoon tip replica! Indigenous Inuit people carved harpoon points from bone and antler and then fitted those points with a sharpened slate tip. This harpoon point was then pressure-fitted with the end of a harpoon shaft and attached to a long tether kept in the hand. When thrust into a seal or fish, the harpoon point would come off the tip of the shaft and lodge into the animal. The hunter would then use the tether to pull the quarry up onto shore. It is an incredible bit of primitive technology! Use the included materials and instructions to master this craft for yourself.

APOCABOX PLUS ITEM

HAND MADE INUIT-STYLE ULU

As I thought about what to include for APOCABOX PLUS members, I kept going back to the Ulu. An ulu is an all-purpose knife traditionally used by Inuit, Iñupiat, Yupik, and Aleut people. It is used in applications as diverse as skinning and cleaning animals, cutting a child's hair, cutting food, and sometimes even trimming blocks of snow and ice used to build an igloo. Although there wasn’t much profit after having this one hand-made for you, I don’t regret it. Included in your box is a one-of-a-kind, hand-made Ulu. I’ve long been fascinated by the Ulu and watching Tuktu’s family use one to skin seals and prepare meat only made me love it more. Your Ulu is an heirloom-quality tool, complete with a white oak handle. Add it to your knife collection, use it in the kitchen, or take it on the trail! To top it off, each Ulu includes a custom hand-crafted full-grain thick leather sheath. Metal staples are used instead of stitching for durability in harsh conditions. Thank you for being an APOCABOX PLUS member!

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