Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader Mike E. wrote to mention: “I recommend the show on TLC called Extreme Couponing. I have watched shows where a lady bought $640 worth of groceries and with her coupons it ended up costing $6.43. Currently I’m watching one that he had $870 in purchases and the buyer got it all free. This individual has a whole basement full of stuff, but he gives it all to charity. It is worth watching to encourage you on ways that you can  stock up on supplies for pennies on the dollar. The only problem I see is when you walk out with five shopping carts of stuff and it only cost you 10 bucks, people will talk. That is bad personal security.”

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SurvivalBlog’s Field Gear Editor Pat Cascio designs knives, and several are already being produced by various knife companies or custom knife makers. Pat recently mentioned in an e-mail: “I had one particular fixed blade knife design that I came up with many years ago. I searched high and low, for a custom knife maker to produce my design, to my specifications. However, as is the case with many custom knife makers, they are more into artsy and collectible type of knives, and they wanted to make “my” design, “their” way. I discussed my design with Brian Wagner of Okuden knives and with Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT). Wagner collaborated with me on the design – with a few improvements. He’s a maker, and I’m a designer, and he came up with some good ideas. Right now, it appears that our collaboration will appear in the 2012 line-up at CRKT, as a factory made knife. We’re still waiting on final word, however it’s all looking good.   My goal, in designing this particular fixed blade fighting knife (which is called the OC-1) was to come up with a fighting knife, that could be produced at an affordable price, for our men and women in uniform. I think we’ll be able to achieve that goal with CRKT producing the knife in a factory version. So, stay tuned.”

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Mike L. sent this gem: Burnt-out blender + broken bicycle = Survival blender.

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D.C. Residents Unable to Purchase Handguns After Sole Dealer Seeks New Office. My Inner Libertarian tells me we need a Weapon Shops of Isher culture–with private, unlicensed gun shops scattered far and wide.