He does take risks (it's his personality), and it is entertaining, but I look past that and notice that
this dude is really knowledgeable, intelligent, and accomplished.

I watch them both, but I prefer Man vs. Wild because Bear explains in more detail what he is doing while doing it.
Survivorman skips around a bit, and doesn't explain things as well, at least that is my perception.

Hmm. I find Bear Grylls a little irritating, but I've only seen his show a couple of times so I'm definitely open to giving it a chance. Not too sure why I never liked him more--- the fact that the name "bear" seems so unfitting? (He's a pale, rather flimsy-looking fellow). The sometimes overly dramatic jumping around & seemingly pointless stunts? (Like the time he broke the surface ice on a lake and jumped in--- "to show us not to do that", or leaping around smashing the bird eggs against the rock wall before eating them). I really like Survivorman, but there seem to be so few episodes. I've seen them all, some of them at least twice.

The spike? That's not a utility or adventure knife, that's a weapon. I'd be scared to let you back on the bus too, if I saw you with that. LOL.
But muli-pliers---that was silly to not let you put it in your bag. They should notify passengers of regulations like that.

I've taken Mr. Brown's courses, met him, had some pleasant conversations with the man. I know several family friends of Mr. Brown. He is an amazing individual, somewhat akin to Daniel Boone...as is he is the topic of many tall tales. That being said, when you actually see him track and explain his methods, he definitely knows his stuff.
His field guides are well written, and his one for children is excellent for any age.
I was honored to be asked to speak at his school last year on the topic of medicinal plants...unfortunately I had another teaching engagement that very week. This year, my youngest daughter will be attending his standard class here in California. She's the last Garcia to take a Tom Brown course. It almost brings a tear to my eye.

CG

Bear is coming out with new shows in June, and judging from the trailers, they should be rather entertaining as well as informative.

i have to agree ray mears is awesome, i never saw the bear guy but it looks fun, who likes
the show mantracker. i have to say i was a bit dissapointed i often go to the woods
and survive for a few days with just a knife and was excited because a can opener
would be smaller to carry but i just bought a leatherman and it has a can opener on it.
i think im getting hooked to multitools, they are really good for urban survival, as well
as in the woods.