Sharpen a Knife Using a Common Household Item

This post originally appeared in Apartment Prepper

A friend told me about this knife sharpening method and I got really curious I had to try it myself.

Dull knives are dangerous! I’ve cut myself a few times by using a dull knife – instead of cutting properly, dull knives will skip or slip and cut you. That is why I am obsessed with always having sharp knives, and a knowing a few ways to sharpen knives comes in handy.

Read the rest here

Solo Stove Titan and Solo Pot 1800

Here is a review of the Solo Stove Titan and Solo Pot 1800 that appeared in Survival at Home

Check it out!

Solo Stove Titan and Solo Pot 1800

Copyright © 2014 - Survival at Home - Read more at: http://survivalathome.com/solo-stove-titan-solo-pot-1800/

GNS Knife by LT Wright

Check out this knife review that originally appeared in Survival Weekly

Readers here know of my great affection for Self Reliance Illustrated magazine. It is one of my absolute favorite publications and I never miss an issue. What some of you may not know is they also sell a small selection of gear. As would be expected, they do not deal in cheaply made equipment that is more likely than not to fail when put to the test. Case in point, the GNS Knife.

Read the rest here

Find a Way to Get Home in an Emergency

If an emergency happens while you're away from home, you'll need backup ways to return home if the roads are blocked or if you have to walk home from an unfamiliar area.

- Pre-plan multiple routes including freeways, side streets, public transportation, or on foot.

- Keep paper maps handy at the office, or in the car.

- GPS devices can help as long as the satellites are functional.  See this handy personal GPS device called Bushnell BackTrack Detour - you can pre-program up to five destinations. 

Source:http://apartmentprepper.com  

The Emberlit-Stove Looks Easy to Use

I am always on the lookout for light-weight and easy-to-use survival stoves so this article: 

Sherpa Gear Review: The Idiot Proof Emberlit-UL Stove

caught my eye.  Idiot-proof is a good quality for a survival stove:  during a high stress situation, you need your equipment to be reliable and with very easy instructions.   Understanding the equipment directions should be low on your list of worries!

The Emberlit Stove looks to have performed well according to the article.  At $37.99 it is priced reasonably too, and that is why I am adding it to my survival equipment wish list.

EcoZoom Versa Stove

 

One of the issues about backup stoves including barbecue grills is fuel.  In an extended emergency, you can potentially run out of fuel such as charcoal briquets, propane or gas.  The Zoom Versa Stove is a nicely built stove that can use twigs, branches, pinecones, acorns, all very easy to find.

I enjoyed this field test of the EcoZoom Versa Stove by the Prepping Guys  http://www.preppingguys.com/

The stove worked very efficiently.  It's not a portable stove, and would be ideal for a shelter in place type situation.

Inexpensive Ways to Start Prepping

In the aftermath of monster storm Sandy, many people are taking a fresh look at preparing for emergencies.  But it is not always easy to get started, especially if money is tight.  You can get started with a very limited budget.  The important thing is to just get started.

Here are some good articles to get you thinking:

18 Low Cost Ways to Start Prepping

Prepping Supplies for 99 Cents

Budget Prepping for a Buck

$5 a Week Shopping Challenge

These articles provide great ideas to get prepping supplies inexpensively.  And with all the uncertainties facing us today, we'd better get our emergency supplies in order.

New Book Out - Beyond Collapse

I heard about a new book about preparation and survival and it is available as a free download or paperback.  The author is kind enough to provide the free download here:

(Please note, the free version is not for commercial distribution but for personal use and can be distributed to friends and family.  I recommend you print it out for future use.)
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B6e3oH1LuRvzeGZlTHRkeHZQSkk

You can find the paperback here:




http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Collapse-Joseph-Miller-Jr/dp/1480140805/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351565239&sr=8-1&keywords=Beyond+Collapse

This promises to be a good book to have.

Motorola MH230TPR Giant Rechargeable Two Way Radio 3 Pack, FRS/GMRS

We needed some radios to communicate with each other while backpacking.  Being deep in the mountains, our cell phones would not work as there was no network available.  We ordered the Motorola MH230TPR Two Way Radios from Amazon.  This was the box it came in:

And here are the contents:

The instructions were not overly complicated and were easy to follow.  We used the radios while in the car in case one group got separated by a few blocks and they worked just fine.  There were channels that picked up other conversations, but if you choose the correct channel specified in the manual then you avoid the static and interference.

In addition to backpacking/camping purposes, we plan to have this in our emergency kit.  Communication can be crucial in an emergency.  If cell phone service were to be interrupted, it's good to have backup radios for your group.

All in all Motorola MH230TPR Two Way Radios set is a good product.

KA-BAR 5704 ZK (Zombie Killer) Chop Stick Machete

I will need a machete for the emergency kit/camping equipment soon and found this review over at Willow Haven Outdoor:

Product Review: KA-BAR 5704 ZK (Zombie Killer) Chop Stick Machete

/http://willowhavenoutdoor.com/uncategorized/product-review-ka-bar-5704-zk-zombie-killer-chop-stick-machete/

It's higher priced than I can afford and it sounds like there may be more choices out there.  Will need to keep looking!

Off-Grid Clothes Washing

I am pretty reliant on the washing machine and dryer right now.  If there were no electricity I would not have a problem hanging a clothesline.  I would use some paracord and just string it across two solid objects. 

Washing by hand would be a lot harder.  You'd need a bucket, detergent and water.  But your hands sure will get tired and pruney.

I ran across this post about the Hillbilly Washing Machine and I thought it was neat.  I already have a bucket but I'd have to get a new plunger from Walmart.

If you have a secure lid for the bucket another thing you can do is just soak the dirty clothes in the bucket (like colors only), then snap on the lid.  First check if it leaks.  If the lid is snug, roll the bucket around and most of the clothes should come out clean after a few minutes - low tech agitating action!   Wring all the water out and hang to dry. 

Still Looking at Emergency Lighting

Last post, I checked out a flashlight review.  This time, I am looking at a head lamp.  They look a little odd, but they are convenient, as your hands remain free to do chores in the dark.  I saw this review over at Modern Survival Online:

Equipment Review: Zebralight H502 AA Flood Headlamp

It's $69 at Amazon.  It's lightweight and convenient, both good qualities for lighting.

Looking for a Good Flashlight

I discovered one of our Eveready flashlights was ruined when the batteries leaked.   When I opened it to change the batteries, I discovered the chamber was covered with battery acid so I promptly tossed everything in a plastic bag and into the trash.  I thought I'd start looking for a replacement and found this article in SHTF Blog:

Coast HP 14 LED High Performance Flashlight Review – Suh-weet!

I hadn't heard about this company before but their products sound well made.  $52 for a flashlight may sound expensive, but if it has high quality and will last long then it might be worth it.  I will keep looking at a few more before I decide but this one is in the running.  I found it on Amazon.

 

Smith’s Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening Kit

I once cut right threw my thumb while slicing some watermelon.  I ended up getting 6 stitches at the emergency room.  It is said that dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones, because they are more likely to slip.  In a disaster, you will want sharp knives to be able to do tasks properly.

I need to add a knife sharpener to my emergency tool chest, and maybe even the bug out bag.  Suburban Survival Blog tested Smith's Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening Kit and posted it here:

Review of Smith’s Diamond Precision Knife Sharpening Kit

It's a well-written and positive review.  I am adding it to my Amazon wish list

Not a Bad Pair of Hiking Shoes for the Price

We originally purchased the Hi Tec Bandera Men's Waterproof Mid Hiking boots for one of our kids.  We did not want to spend a bundle because kids tend to outgrow their shoes very quickly.  Sure enough, he did. 

I tried it and it fit me so I kept it for myself.  I have been taking hikes with them and they are very comfortable.  They are waterproof saw walking through puddles has not been a problem at all.  The shoes are lightweight enough that I don't feel I am being dragged down by shoes.  I have not had a blister yet, after walking with them for several months.

At $44.99, there are many more shoes available with lots of features.  We bought it at that price a year ago, but it looks like the price has gone up to $49.99.  They have lasted well and have a good construction.  I don't know if they will last several years or not, but I have already gotten at least a year's worth of comfortable wear.  All in all, the Hi Tec Bandera Men's Waterproof Mid Hiking boots is a good buy.

A Lightbulb that Doubles as a Flashlight

Photo of ASCELLA Emergency Light Bulb from Suburban Survival Blog

I like items that can be used for multiple purposes, especially for prepping.  If you are short on space, you will want to have dual or multipurpose items.

Here's a lightbulb that turns into a flashlight or vice versa.

Check out:

The ASCELLA Emergency Light Bulb / Flashlight

over at Suburban Survival Blog 

It's priced at $39.99 at 1800prepare.com

You can use it as a lightbulb for a handy, easy to reach lamp.  In case of a power outage you can unscrew it and use as a flashlight.  Neat!

Berkey vs Propur

 

There are so many choices in water filter systems it is hard to make a choice.  If you are still shopping around, take your time.  There are a lot of features to decide on:  size, cost, type of filter, flow rates, contaminants filtered and many more.  It gets even more confusing when products try to compete with the top sellers. 

Propur has positioned itself as an alternative to the Berkey.  Is it comparable?  Check out this post from Apartment Prepper:

Just Go with the Flow

Modern Survival Blog also has a posting about choosing water filters:

Which Water Filter to Buy

Choose wisely!

Paracord Belts - for Everyday and Emergency Use

Paracord is a very strong nylon material that can be used whenever you need rope.  It has so many uses:  shoelaces, fishing line, securing a shelter, tying items to your roof rack, and much more.  Paracord can even be used to repair things around the house.  See Paracord to the Rescue

You can keep paracord handy for emergencies by wearing it as a bracelet or belt.  Check out this review of Ridgerunner Belts by the Prepping Guys.

Make your Own Solar Generator - Cheap!

Not really a gear review today, but I thought I'd share this interesting post.  There have been some huge power outages lately (India was a big one) and a lot of folks are wondering about backup power.  For anyone wanting to have their own power generator, but balks at the cost, check out this article over at Ghost Prepper:

DIY - A Cheap Solar Generator

The materials look very affordable and the instructions are fairly simple.  You will need a few tools though, so read the directions carefully and find out if you have all the tools before proceeding.

 

What If You had to Go to a Shelter?

As news about Isaac approaching the Gulf Coast fills our new reports, we are reminded that hurricane season is in full swing.  Many residents in New Orleans have already evacuated into shelters for safety, while some are choosing to stay home.

What if you did have to go to a shelter?  I would have no idea what to expect, never having experienced anything like it.  Being in close quarters with many others could breed infections.

This article from The Survival Doctor has some great suggestions on what to take with you to help you avoid catching something:

Small Items Could Prevent Major Misery in Emergency Shelters

Even if you never have to go to a shelter, these are good items to include in your bug out bag.