Year: 2024

Chainsaws for a Decade of Service – Part 3, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 2.) We will also need a narrow flat file, preferably one with a smooth side so as not to dull the chain teeth.  This file is need to set the rakers for the depth of cut.  A raker gauge is expensive, but you will need at first to help make sure than enough material is removed to lower the raker height and allow the teeth to take a big enough bite of the wood to cut efficiently.  If you file the raker too low, then the chain will cut too aggressively and may  slow the saw engine …


The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods

SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods. This column is a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from JWR. Our goal is to educate our readers, to help them to recognize emerging threats, and to be better prepared for both disasters and negative societal trends. You can’t mitigate a risk if you haven’t first identified a risk. In today’s column, we look at new Federal identification requirements. “REAL ID” Will Be Required in May, 2025 The statist MSN reports: TSA Makes Final Ruling on Real ID Requirements at …



Preparedness Notes for Wednesday — November 6, 2024

On November  6, 1917, during the Bolshevik Revolution, bombardment of the Winter Palace in Petrograd began, during the Russian October Revolution. (“Red October.”) — November 6, 1941 was the birthday of country singer/guitarist Guy Clark, in Monahans, Texas.  (He died in 2016.) — SurvivalBlog Writing Contest Today we present another entry for Round 115 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 …


Chainsaws for a Decade of Service – Part 2, by Tunnel Rabbit

(Continued from Part 1.) Aftermarket Saw Parts While original equipment is preferable, because of the dominance of Asian manufacturing, name-brand components are now often made in Asia and no longer in the country from where brands go their start. This is a sad fact.  A more happy fact is the increasing quality of the aftermarket parts. While somewhat inconsistent in quality, the aftermarket parts are also sold in the U.S. under different brand names. Thus, they have raised the bar of the quality needed to compete in the aftermarket. The quality of Chinese parts in certain sectors has improved.  And …


SurvivalBlog Readers’ & Editors’ Snippets

This weekly Snippets column is a collection of short items: responses to posted articles, practical self-sufficiency items, how-tos, lessons learned, tips and tricks, and news items — both from readers and from SurvivalBlog’s editors. Note that we may select some long e-mails for posting as separate letters. — Helene the most destructive hurricane in North Carolina history; estimated $53 billion in damage. o  o  o New Chinese Mystery Flattop Emerges.  (A hat tip to H.L. for the link.) o  o  o Reader Richard T. wrote: “I recently sold a generator that I had for many years and started doing some …



Preparedness Notes for Tuesday — November 5, 2024

On November 5, 1905 Roald Amundsen reached Eagle City, Alaska, and announced by telegraph his was the first expedition, in 400 years of attempts, to complete a Northwest Passage. — On November 5, 1605, King James of England learned about the Gunpowder Plot. Hence, we now have Guy Fawkes Day. “Remember, remember the Fifth of November Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.” — Natchez Shooters Supplies (one of our affiliate advertisers) is running an an unusual 3-day promo from 11/4 to 11/6 with many discounted items and $5 Flat Rate Shipping …


Chainsaws for a Decade of Service – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit

I believe this could be an important article. Few preppers in my region in the cold Intermountain West possess an adequate supply and ability to keep their chainsaws in operation for more than a year or two.  This area of prepping is overlooked or underappreciated.  I suspect that as many folks will freeze to death during the first winter after a collapse as those who die of malnutrition. In the cold north, the risk of dying from hypothermia is greater than the risk of being killed by a gunshot or a bacterial infection.  This is a huge hole in the …


SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt

This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. (Idaho, Montana, eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and Wyoming.) Much of the region is also more commonly known as The Inland Northwest. We also mention companies located in the American Redoubt region that are of interest to preppers and survivalists. Today, a look at the issue of “Corner Crossings.” (See the Region-Wide section.) Region-Wide Corner crossing debate Tensions between public access, private property rights. o  o  o For some interesting history reading: Our Checkered Past. Here is an excerpt: “Despite the distractions of the Civil War, …



Preparedness Notes for Monday — November 4, 2024

On November 4, 1929, Richard E. Byrd (pictured), Laurence McKinley Gould, and their polar expedition team began a 2½ month, 1,500-mile dog-sled journey into the Queen Maud Mountains. This was the first exploration of the interior of Antarctica. — November 4th is the birthday of Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone. He was born in 1916 in Buffalo, New York.  The town still has an annual parade, in his honor, and a John Basilone mural was recently painted. — Because the owner of Seed for Security is retiring and shutting down the business at the end of this month, we …


OmniWool Merino Wool Hiking Socks, by Thomas Christianson

OmniWool Merino Wool Hiking Socks are comfortable and reasonably priced socks that are appropriate for everyday or field wear. Early in my testing, I would not have recommended them for extended field use. At first, the socks began to get less comfortable after a couple of days of continuous wear. But over the intervening months of use, they have gradually become more and more comfortable. Now I would not hesitate to wear them for extended field use, as well. At the time of this writing, the socks in size medium were priced at $19.99 for a 3-pack at www.crescentsockshop.com. In …


Recipe of the Week: Nigerian Kamu

The following recipe for Nigerian Kamu (Cream of Wheat) is from SurvivalBlog reader Tammy S.  She says: “This is a simple and comforting breakfast food that can be made with just three of your standard storage foods. It is great to cheer you up on a cold morning.” Ingredients 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (ground from your stored wheat.) 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup powdered milk Directions Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan. Heat on a hot stove until it boils. In a large cup or a small mixing bowl, add water to the whole wheat flour and …