Duracave Recalls Popular Toy Kits That Contain Machetes and Other Dangerous Items

This morning, Duracave, the popular maker of survival products and systems, has recalled their “Little Liberty Survival Kits”, and their “Junior Jungle Explorer Packs”, after it was discovered that several contained real survival gear. Some parents who bought the packs found dangerous items such as hatchets, machetes, saws, flares, and even highly volatile magnesium ribbon. Duracave CEO Barrett Stone says that a mix-up in the distribution and packaging process led to the unfortunate incident, and the company will refund and replace any kit containing dangerous gear.

Branded with the slogan “Survival Is Child’s Play,” the Durave toy packs were supposed to offer kids a chance to learn about survival techniques through an instructional manual and a wide variety of survival items. The sets were supposed to include items such as: a canteen, a compass, cordage and a canvas tarp, fishing lines and hooks, and several of the company’s “Complete Dinners In a Can,” like Fred’s Famous Raccoon Noodles. However, what some children found inside their kits were sharp blades and dangerous incendiary fire starters.

Stone says a limited number of kits were packed with the wrong items, but the problem is limited to Maui. “We don’t believe that any of the kits in question made it to the mainland.” Barrett says that he understands some of the concern expressed by parents, but thinks the media coverage is a bit overblown.

“We actually considered addressing this issue by just changing the recommended age range to 13+ instead of 6 and above. I believe 13 is a great age to start swinging a machete, and learn how hot and bright magnesium is when it burns, but the lawyers pushed for a total recall, and that’s what we’re doing. I think it’s important to remember that only a few kits contained a handful of questionable items. Mostly kids got a compass, the stuff to make a lean-to, and some cans of food that are guaranteed to be shelf stable for 50 years, hardly anything to get worked up about. We believe that you’re never too young to prepare for the worst, in order to live your best. That’s what these kits are designed for, educating children in a fun way about the rigors of survival.”

Parents who purchased the tainted toy packs however feel like they learned a different lesson, “I’ll never buy anything for my son again without thoroughly looking through it,” says Tanager Lane resident Shelby Pio. Shelby was one of a handful of parents who discovered dangerous items inside the kit she bought her 9-year-old son.

“I came home to find that Troy had hacked down the hibiscus bush in he front yard, and had lit a whole roll of magnesium ribbon in a trash can in his room. The entire house was filled with smoke. It not only burned out the bottom of the can, but all the way through the floor, and also into one of the floor joists. We’re lucky the whole house didn’t catch on fire! This kit not only put my son and home in danger, but now we’re in violation of the neighborhood’s mandatory hibiscus program, and our HOA president called in the building inspector to make sure my house was still safe for habitation. This Junior Jungle Pack has cost me a lot of sleepless nights, and daily fines until the gardener can replace the shrubbery. I would say it is definitely not kid friendly.”

The public uproar has caused an unexpected surge in price for improperly packed kits. Despite, or because of the potentially dangerous items inside, one of the tainted packs can sell for upwards of $1000 now, as collectors buy up as many as they can before they are turned into Duracave. Randy Wilcox, one such collector, says he plans on handing them out to his nieces and nephews for Christmas, despite what might be inside.

“I just think these things are terrific at teaching responsibility, and allowing kids to get an idea of what they are good at. I know I would have been head over heels if I got one of these things when I was young. My friends and I had to play with sharpened lawn mower blades, a bombs made of tin foil and drain cleaner when I was young. This is some top-of-the-line Duracave stuff, not something put together from what you can find in your uncle’s shed. Instead of sheltering these kids, I think it’s important for them to learn what they’re good at, and that some actions have consequences. A kid who can responsibly handle a chunk of burning magnesium might have a great future in demolitions, or the fire dancing arts. A kid who can’t, gets burned and learns a valuable life lesson. There’s no downside!”