so did you know how to lock the handles on the butterfly cup ?

Wish I could get back all the old gear I had as a kid, I found all the old stuff is much better than the modern current issue of gear.

I bet your classes are amazing. But finances prevent me from attending. I learn so much from these videos. 71 yo silver wolf fan. Thanks for what you do.

During Desert Shield Storm, the Canteen cup was an ideal way to heat your MRE. In the Vietnam Era the Canteen cup was an ideal way to make coffee or hot cocoa. We didn't use the canteen cup to heat C Rations because all you had to do was put the entre in to the cardboard box and let it burn. Once the cardboard burned off that meal was heated so well we took the P 38 and punched holes in the can and it actually hissed from the heat produced from the cardboard box. That's right was a GI from End of Vietnam through and beyond Desert Storm.

I got a lot of useful info I wasn't expecting from this video. I did not know about the D-ring setup, using the old style cover for a warmer, and the advantages of carrying both old and modern sets. Good job and thanks for the lesson!

I remember a book from the seventies called Roughing It Easy, that was about cooking with tin cans, making them into stoves, etc. 😊

Honestly, you are an AMAZING storehouse of knowledge! I learn so much from every single video! Again, thank you!!!

When he referred to the diameter of the stick for the handle at 12:50 he actually said, "Dammiter." I love this guy!!!

The US Army metal canteen is well designed and I used it long after the plastic canteens came out. I later used a German Army 1L medal canteen with a wide mouth. That way in the winter, if the canteen froze, all you had to do was heat it in a fire. The plastic canteens you had to not fill it (so it would slosh and not freeze) and sleep with it in your bag to keep it from freezing. You can heat the metal canteen and put hot water in it to throw into the sleeping bag. I preferred the older style cups. I had a new cup lose the handle when the spot welds gave free in the winter with my hot cocoa 😞 Another advantage to the older cup is the slit i the handle is to use a knife to lift the cup out of a fire. With the cover the cup, you can use it like a dutch oven. With a cover and a stove, this was an excellent GI camp kitchen! For the field, we used the issued trioxane heat tablets. They worked great, but the fumes were terrible/poisonous. Used Esbit tabs in Europe, but they took a while to cook with, but not as long as alcohol stoves. We used the MSR GXK multifuel stoves in the mountains and winter times. They were the best stove, but you had to carry the stove and fuel. They burned everything, but I cannot recommend diesel. One of my buddies ran out of white gas and found some diesel. It burned, but his coffee smelled like diesel fuel. They actually issue the MSR GXK to special operations today and MSR has modified the design to better pack away in the rucksack. If traveling light, I used fuel tabs under the canteen stove until they ran out, then twigs. The Germans had a three part cook set that was excellent. If you need something different, look at their cook sets. The US Army mess kit was flat form (~ 1" deep)with three sections. The larger section could be used as a fry pan. The other section had two sections. It was designed so that the two section part laid on top of the handle to allow you to hold both sections at the same time. The mess kit also came with separate three metal utensils. These worked, and attached to the mess kit for cleaning. The Germans had a better set that nested into one another, making it smaller and easier to pack. Never used the ARMY mess kit once I left basic training.

Man, you woke an old memory when you showed that you could click the butterfly handles together. I completely forgot about that. This video caused me to buy a couple of items to kit out my two canteens with covers, stoves, and lids. I also ordered the new Nalgene canteens (X4). Thanks Blackie. Great video. I love old-school gear mixed with some up-to-date modern stuff.

I have been using the USGI canteen and canteen cups for camping and hiking for the past decade. ANd I didn't expect to learn anything new, but was curious. Boy was i wrong. Blackie, this is probably the most comprehensive guide on the subject. T H A N K Y O U ! ! ! 😁

Great video, the large horizonal slot at the bend in the long (old) handle canteen cup was to put your GI fork in as an extended handle. The fork is large and strong. If you have one, try it and let me know what you think.

I grew up not just poor, but po.' I have a so-so retirement investment. So I look for all the bang for the buck in anything in my possessions. So thank you for all these tips and hacks.

Being 70 years old myself and working in the Forest and Deserts I have carried many a USA army canteen. I started using the old WWII and Korean Cups and later Vietnam cups. I preferred the former Cups to the later cups because they were easier to use for cooking.

You could even store some of those hello kitty bandaids in one of those pouches. I'm still using my old US plastic canteen and cover I've had for 30 + years. Great tips thanks.

I like hearing the stories of adventures past. Thanks for sharing, keep up the good work!

We always locked our butterfly handles together by fiddling around awhile but didn't realize it works so easy by pinching the bottom. Thanks for that tip! My best buddy filled his canteen full during winter training (Camp Ripley Minnesota). It froze hard and cracked during the day while we were walking around. At night we put our canteens in our sleeping bag to thaw them out and keep them unfrozen. His cracked canteen thawed out and soaked his sleeping bag with water. Quite the surprise the next morning! He got by for several nights but it never dried out until we got back to "civilization". He started each night out with a frozen spot in his bag.

Ich habe sehr viel gelernt von dir wie man in der Natur sich gemütlich macht Danke für dein Video

Blackie, love your presentation, I have one suggestion, move your camera closer to the bench so you don’t have to go back and forth. Whenever I had to give a lecture I would stand right next to the table, so I only had to turn pick up whatever I was talking about. I had forgotten half the stuff I used in service. Thank you buddy

Great video! As the youngest brother and kid on the block, I was made to play the German enemy. I was lucky enough to have an uncle who owned a surplus store. Having to use the German mess kits, I believe it had significant advantages over the G.I. kit in many ways; that being said, you showed me many things I had no clue of. For example, the snapping handle has made me rethink how I looked at it before. I also genuinely want metal canteens and cups back in service, back up, ya know? Our surplus was all WW1, WW2, Korea, and Vietnam combinations.

I was in the corps too, I was w/the grunts 1st bn 4th marines, only 4 yr enlistment, spent time in the field and used my canteen cup ALL OF THE TIME, got out in 79, I keep 2 / 2 canteen sets w/cup cover and stove, still use them , I am so glad to hear you say that that is bushcraft! because to me , it works the best.

I have just got my canteen cook set. Haven't had time to use it yet. Seeing your videos like this make me excited to use it. Keep up the good videos.

Best presentation on canteens and covers I have ever heard, thanks.

Good info on something most of us take for granted.

Hi Blackie! My first canteen and carrier were Vietnam War surplus. As you know, surplus from that period was everywhere and could easily be had in the late 70s and early 80s. Despite having used a lot of this equipment, there are giant holes in my understanding of them. I really appreciate how your videos give me those missing bits. I would never fault the adults who ran the old scout program I was in as a boy, but I don't recall ever seeing even some of the very basic knowledge and skills that you offer here on a regular bases. Programs like the Scouts CAN be a invaluable means of instilling self reliance in the young but the effort requires skilled instructors like yourself to work well. Thank you, Blackie!

Someone gifted me a U.S. canteen. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out that contraption in the lid. Thanks for that bit of info.

My father used to keep a piece of scotch bright? The green coarse pad. At bottom of canteen set. Reason was for cleaning after use.

The canteen cover that dies not have the lining in it can be augmented with a cotton bandana. Cotton is the ideal cloth for evaporative cooling. Also you can now add one more use to your list if things you can do with a bandana. Wrap your canteen in the bandana get everything wet and off you go. This was an excellent video and I learned a few things. Love the D ring handle idea. Thanks for this one.

I have few surplus canteen cups and canteens and covers for my wife and i. Also have military metal canteen dated 1944. Used with two regular canteens in the Army ate 70’s. Bringing back old memories. Thank you for an informative video.

A good book that I’m sure you’ve read is “ Ruffin’ it easy “. I learned a lot from that book but now a day’s KZfaq works too. Love your ideas and videos keep them comin man

Excellent content, I love the way you teach things. Respect for your field knowledge.

I almost didn't look at this video but I'm glad I did. I did learn some tips-n-tricks. I'm glad you finally pronounced Nalgene correctly. 😆

Thank you for all your work.

There was a time in my life where i spent weeks hitch-hiking. I came up with a system that worked for me... i used two powerade bottles as my double "canteen" system. I rotated bottles often. I'd buy one in the morning, mango flavored. Use yesterdays bottle as plain water. & it worked for me. The powerade bottles are durable. I dont know if they can hold hot water or not. But for warmish & cold water, they were perfect. Just the right amount of water too

I have yet to see a Blackie Thomas video from which I didn't learn something. I never thought about rotating two canteens. I always filled both at each and every opportunity. But I've been known to carry two canteens on my belt and another two in or on my pack. You can cram a bunch in a bag under the seat in a Huey. When I was in the army (1964-66), we still had the canteens with the wire clip on the cover. Soaking the cover did keep the water cooler, but the canteen riding on the hip soaked fatigue pants and caused some serious chafing. The alice clips mounted the canteen higher and helped with the chafing.

Thanks for the tip to lock the butterfly handles!

Man I love watching ur shows so informative thank u Blackie

Excellent video!!

tHANKS FOR THESE GREAT TIPS!😄

if you look on Ebay or similar for Stainless 'hip' flasks they are neary all made in China and range from 1 ounce (key ring fitting) to 18 ounces in steps, the 2 ounce is long and slim will safely hold denatured alcohol and will also fit easily into the side pocket of the modem issue or repo canteen pouches

Outstanding 👍🇺🇸

Thoroughly enjoyed your video.

I really appreciate your videos. They are a cut above many others because you teach how to do the task, what it's applications may be and then demonstrate how to actually do the tasks all in one video. Excellent.

Love your videos pal, very insightful.

Thank you blackie! Your knowledge is very helpful! Appreciate your videos!

Outstanding video Blackie ! If you haven't, you ought to try Folgers Coffee Bags (like tea bags, but COFFEE). TWO bags (or 3) in a 3/4 full canteen cup makes a darn good cup of coffee. They come in individual foil packets. Box of 46 or so for $7-9

Blackie , Another Great Video and Outstanding Information on canteen and cups and covers . Thanks For Sharing. I really appreciate you taking of your time and knowledge and passing on the craft, You Are The Master Woodsman and Buschcrafter. Tim L.

Another informative video. Few things I didn't know, but made lots of "Common" sense. When I served, instead of cutlery or spork (which wasn't a thing yet back in the day), I carried chopsticks to eat. My Platoon always made fun of me ( granted I'm of Asian descent), but it always made more sense to me to be able to eat with it while holding your canteen. I was always the fastest to clear my plate during outdoor excersises. After few months some started to do the same 🤣

Very informative.Thanks 👍

As usual another great video, I appreciate the compliment from you on the leather canteen carrier I made.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Being able to look at all the pros and cons really helps us to be well-rounded.

In Germany before the Berlin Wall came down out in the field we used to set the Canteen Stove on the Truck Fender and put Heating Fuel Tablets or Chafing Dish/Sterno Fuel (small) cans under the Stove to Heat Water for Coffee or Hot Chocolate while we took turns Standing Guard Duty in the Winter. The old style MRE's had packets of Instant Yuban Coffee in the and Cigarettes .Lots of guys were happy to give up the coffee since I never smoked. You have a lot of good tips I never thought of like the D ring stick handle. U.S.Army Retired 23 1/2 years.

Great info, bringing back memories. A few things I didn't remember and new tips.

Good video, my friend. I always enjoy learning from your experience!

Good demonstration blackie

Worth noting that eventually the Nalgene bottles will get..funky no matter how much you clean them. I have a few that smell super chemically and off/unplesant after 7 years of near daily use. I put everything (coffee, tea, lemonaide, everything) in them so if you use only water that might not happen.

Wow, as always... VERY INFORMATIVE ! THANKS. ...Alan in 🇨🇱

Great 👍 video

Good advice and good review. Many thanks!

just found your channel. Love your style!

What’s your take on the 2Qt plastic soft side canteen? And, you should put out a bushcrafters cook book or online book on cooking with surplus Canteen and recipes. Great video. PS. I also love using the Swedish Trangia cook set.

This guy's knowledge is amazing. I've seen him a lot elsewhere too. Definitely subscribed now 💪

As always great information thanks Blackie!

Absolutely, absolutely loved this one! Learned a few tricks about my own gear. I've downloaded it in order to watch it a cpl of more times so that it will sink into my old noggin.

Another bunch of great tips and info. Thanks Blackie

Appreciated this video. Just found your channel and am enjoying it

You’re the MAN!…Love, love, love the stuff you are teaching for survival…you are also VERY Creative!

Lots of tips and tricks! Useful info! Thank you.

Some wonderful and clever tips. Thanks.

Excellent info, love it, keep it coming, thx!

Another great video. Thanks!

Well I learned all sorts of good stuff here... 😊

Amazing knowledge that is rapidly passing away! I had now idea of most of these uses, Thank You Sir!

Great lesson and video. My canteen kit is similar but I use the old stainless steel canteen. I clipped the metal cap chain half way and then use a short length of dog tag chain to reconnect the cap to the canteen. It weights a bit more but worth it. This system allows better meals than pouches. Thanks.

Very informative. Easy to get sucked into the new and expensive without realizing the usefulness of surplus.

You are the best!!

Thanks, that was very helpful.

Great find that cover. No matter what I try I can not get a canteen cup cover to fit any of my canteen cups. I spent many of my early youth cruising the surplus stores. Loved the smell.

I have several canteen kits and love them. You certainly covered a lot of tips and tricks on how to use them thank you for sharing. Big thumbs up 👍.

Good info 👍

Great advice Blackie!!

I have several canteen cook sets thanks to you're expert advice and they are perfect for solo adventures. Thanks for the learning. 👌🤠👍

Thank you for the information blackie

Hey, Blackie Thomas! Thanks for another awesome video. That little bit was a real education for me. By way of giving back, if you’re a real fan of the canvas but not so much the nylon, But like the pockets, you could put an extra pocket on your canvas one. Most of the people I know that are bush crafters or even outdoors a lot or fairly handy, but it wouldn’t take much to just take a needle or awl and stick a pocket right on there, even possibly removing one off of the nylon carrier if you really weren’t such a big fan of The nylon itself.

just stumbled onto your channel and i am glad i did!

Awesome stuff! I love your real world kinda videos & info....Always learning something from your videos!

Blackie... What great information on these ol military standard equipment. Really enjoyed the history you added in as well!!

That was really good. I learned quite a few things. Thank you

Good stuff Blackie! Once again I learned a few things. Very entertaining as well.

Welcome home, brother!

Great video, I didn't know a few things. I have both kinds of covers and like them both. Very good, keep it up.

Sharing this with my old NG unit. This info will help some of the young bucks.

Super tips in this video's thanks Blackie 👍

Blackie , good informational video , thanks for sharing ,God bless !

Another great video. I learn more stuff every video.

I have never found a canteen stove ( of any kind ) in the local surplus stores here . Handle extension for mess kit & cup that you came up with is just simply dang cool . 👍 When one gets serious about chowing down , nothing beats a GI spoon . 😀

I've been perusing canteen cook sets and really appreciate what you have to say, its helpful in knowing what to look for and what I will prefer. Thanks!

Thanks Blackie another great video full of information. I don’t own much military gear but, I always use a canteen cup when camping. It a great and versatile cup, bowl, and pot. Thanks for all the information really enjoyed it.

This is one of my favorite videos of all time. I just watched it again because lately I have started cooking in my canteen cup with folding handle. Nothing too complicated so far, mostly rice with Spam grilled over the fire while the rice cooks. Add some Tabasco and you have the Three Main Food Groups right there! Now I am inspired to cook some stews and bake some breads. I really like the current issue GI molle canteen covers and I set mine up just like you have. I gave a set to my son and keep mine in my truck. After working with the GI canteen, cup and stove for a while, I was fired up enough to buy the Pathfinder canteen cook set. It is a heavy mother, but it holds a lot and still fits in the molle cover. And, of course, you can boil water in the canteen. I deliberated a while before I spent the money on the Pathfinder set but I am glad I have it. I use it more than my stainless water bottle and cup set.

Thanks for a fun video. First purchase of camping gear I made from Canteen Shop was the butterfly handle, heavy cover and cook top grill. Have the hard handle cup given to me by my older brother with the steel canteen. Fun stuff and still in use today.