Year: 2021

Preparedness Notes for Monday — September 6, 2021

September 6th, 1757 was the birthday of the Marquis de Lafayette (often known simply as Lafayette), a French aristocrat and military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War. He was a close friend of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson. George Washington met him through his connections in the Free Masons and was impressed with him. After he offered to serve without pay, Congress commissioned him as a Major General and he was an integral part of the battle at Brandywine. — An Important Reminder: There are just two days left to comment on the ATF’s proposed “pistol …


Zero Tolerance 0707, by Pat Cascio

I’m continually amazed at the innovations in folding knives. Just when I think there isn’t anything new that can be done to a folder, someone does it! I’ll confess, this latest innovation for Zero Tolerance Knives,is something I’d never thought of before. Before we get into the meat of the 0707, I wanted to mention how lightweight this American-made folder is. At first, I thought that there wasn’t anything in the box. The 0707 only weighs in at 2.3-ounces, and for a full-sized folder, with a 3.5-inch blade, that’s pretty lightweight. However this folder isn’t light when it comes to …


Recipe of the Week: Sweet Zucchini Relish

The following recipe for Sweet Zucchini Relish is from SurvivalBlog Reader “Sis.”  (Note: This is not an inadvertent repeat. Last week, Sis sent us a recipe for her Dill Zucchini Relish. This alternate recipe has a quite different taste.) Ingredients 20 cups zucchini  (I grate it then chop it to make small pieces)  5 cups onion, diced 7 cups vinegar (I use half cider and half white) 6 cups sugar (I use half turbino and half white) 3 tsp. Celery seed.  3 tsp. Tumeric. 1 tsp. Clove powder 1 tsp. Cinnamon. 4 tsp. Allspice powder 2 Tbl. Mustard seed. Directions …


Economics & Investing For Preppers

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. We also cover hedges, derivatives, and obscura. Most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor, JWR. Today, we look at the adoption of Bitcoin as a currency in El Salvador. (See the Forex & Cryptos section.) Precious Metals: I checked over at Kitco, and there were some big moves in the metals markets on Friday. Most notably, silver was up 81 cents per Troy ounce (3.37%.)  And there were …



Preparedness Notes for Sunday — September 5, 2021

On September 5, 1774, fed up with the meddling of the crown and being mostly independant-minded, our nation’s founding fathers met together in the First Continental Congress, in Philadelphia, laying the foundation of what would become the world’s greatest nation. — I just heard that L. Neil Smith passed away on August 27th, at age 75, in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was the author of the libertarian novels Pallas and The Probability Broach. He was a great author who will be missed. Lester Neil Smith III was born May 12, 1946. His biography page on Infogalactic notes: “L. Neil Smith …


Fire Prevention and Preparedness, by W.Va. Underground

One of the greatest discoveries humankind ever made is fire. Through the many years, mankind has learned a great many things about this process and its benefits. Without a doubt, fire is one of man’s greatest tools. However, like most tools, when used improperly or by the untrained, it can become one of the most destructive forces imaginable. The same tool that can provide life-saving heat in the middle of a brutal winter storm can also reduce an entire forest to smoldering ash. (At this time we’ll leave out any discussion as to the State of California’s terrible forestry management …



The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over …


Preparedness Notes for Saturday — September 4, 2021

September 4, 1862 is the fateful day that General Robert E. Lee invaded the North with 50,000 troops. Historians will banter back and forth about the real reasons for the civil war, but we will probably never fully understand. It is my personal belief that General Lee was gambling on a quick offensive because the South did not have the resources for a prolonged war. Whatever the case was, President Abraham Lincoln trampled the Constitution and created the foundation for the “Big Brother” government we have today. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 96 of …


Food: The Ultimate Weapon, by MacHam

Never before in the history of mankind has a generation of people been so distant from their food sources, both in geography and in knowledge of how they are created. Those who are intent on doing evil have used withholding food as a weapon of war for thousands of years. Unlike modern weapons of war that leave great environmental damage, starvation is a silent albeit slow killer. This leaves a populace malnourished and the people are hence easily led, unable to resist the commands of leaders. Depopulation follows, leaving all wealth and infrastructure in place. It truly is the perfect …


Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make long-term and short-term plans. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities and planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, ranch improvements, bug out bag fine-tuning, and food storage. This is something akin to our Retreat Owner Profiles, but written incrementally and in detail, throughout the year.  We always welcome you to share your own successes and wisdom in your e-mailed letters. We post many of those –or excerpts thereof — in this column, in …



Preparedness Notes for Friday — September 3, 2021

English general and statesman Oliver Cromwell died on September 3, 1658. On September 3, 1752, Great Britain and its colonies, including the future United States of America officially adopted the Gregorian calendar, and it immediately became September the 14th. — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 96 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: The photovoltaic power specialists at Quantum Harvest LLC  are providing a store-wide 10% off coupon. Depending on the model chosen, this could be worth more than $2000. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This …


The Utility of 9mm Braced Pistols, by Francis, The Semi-Prepper

I use the term Semi-Prepper to describe myself as I live in an HOA in a small college town adjacent to a large Southern City. I’m 75 years old and just can’t see myself becoming completely self-sufficient. I honestly feel as a country we are in la-la land. I spend a lot of time reading about history and the failures of leadership, empires, and countries. Some historians will tell you the flourishing life of an empire is about 240 years, many disagree. Do the math since 1776. While I have to admit the history of the United States is filled …