Prepping Through Yard Sales: by DCN in Washington

Having been brought up under unique circumstances I hope that I can bring yet another perspective to the world of survival.  My mother as a single mom, a real taboo in the day, chose to go to Mexico chasing after a life that was difficult and unrealistic; however for me it was the beginning of survivalism to say the least.  I have learned that no matter what life tosses your way it should always be kept as a learning moment.  If it is a bad experience you will learn what not to do and hopefully overcome, and if it is …


Letter Re: Recommendation for the Classic Book Alone in the Wilderness

James, The public domain book Alone in the Wilderness is available free online at The Open Library web site. In 1913 Joseph Knowles went into the woods buck naked. His 295-page book details his experiences. It is funny how he mentions that he “wonders if modern man could survive in such a situation.”  I had to laugh at that thought because here was a man still very close to the land and yet he wonder if he could do it. Just think how many people in the present day could cope. I’d like to believe that I could but it …


News From The American Redoubt:

Several new laws have been enacted in Wyoming. Among others: You can speed while passing    o o o Reader M.J. told me about a great new product that is made in Columbia Falls, Montana. It is a new fly trap called the FlyStop, with a very clever design. It has a suction cup to attach it to windows (where flies are naturally attracted, by light.) Notably, it can be effectively used with or without attractants.    o o o Idaho House Unanimously Passes ‘Enhanced’ Concealed Carry Bill    o o o Someone did a nice job of putting some …


Economics and Investing:

Argentina Applies Law That Jails Hoarders as Bread Surges I noticed that the Gold-Eagle site has been revamped, making it easier to use, especially for those of us who have slow Internet connections. Gold And Silver – It Is Silver Sending A Message Items from The Economatrix: Has The US Lost Control On Debt Market Growth?  Unbridled debt expansion at the nucleus of rising debt inequality in the United States. US total credit market debt now over 3 times larger than annual GDP Europe’s Creeping Bank Run: Bail-In Fears Grow For Big Depositors In Euro Periphery Expected Rotation out of …


Odds ‘n Sods:

G.G. flagged this: Extreme Solar Storms Could Destroy Earth’s Power Grids    o o o In Case of Emergency: My Cellphone Knows What to Do    o o o Indonesia Readies Mass Production of Drones. Coincidentally, I described their Wulung drones in my upcoming novel Expatriates: A Novel of the Coming Global Collapse. (It will be released on October 1, 2013. Please wait until the release date to order your copy. Thanks!)    o o o Has Motorization in the U.S. Peaked?    o o o This link bears repeating: Informed Christians New Disaster Crash Course




Field Gear: Identifying The All-American Makers

My Mac’s e-mail in-box is stuffed full every morning. I plow through dozens and dozens of e-mails. After a glance, most of them get a perfunctory “delete” click. In addition to the inevitable SEO Optimization. V*agara, and Nigerian scam letters, I also get a lot of grammatically-garbled e-mails that begin like this one: “Hi friend, Greeting from Ceina. Compoka,China–Headphone manufacturer. What kind of headphones and earphones are you collecting now? Hope we can do some help for you….” This constant barrage of e-mails are a sign that mainland China is gaining global dominance in manufacturing of consumer goods. One of …


Pat’s Product Review: Beretta M92FS 9mm Handgun

I’ve put this article off for the longest time, however I’ve had so many requests from SurvivalBlog readers, to give my honest opinion on the Beretta M92 9mm pistol that I decided to finally sit down and give my two cents worth. I honestly thought everyone was sick and tired of hearing about the M92FS – seeing as how it has been our military handgun for close to 30 years – but apparently, more folks want to hear about this handgun.   First off all, let’s get the boring stuff out of the way. The Model 92FS 9mm pistol is …


Recipe of the Week:

S.A.’s Cold Spicy Shrimp I’m convinced that having someone in your group who understands how to cook, stretch meals, and provide filling, tasty, interesting, nutritious, and satisfying dishes will be as vital as your gun guy, security honcho, or medical expert. This is another well-tested recipe from a friend, a USAF wife. I never served it to a group where it wasn’t completely eaten. Only people who don’t care for it or eat it are shrimp haters and those with shrimp allergies. Often people with limited cooking experience will want to omit a particular recipe ingredient and will proclaim something …


Economics and Investing:

The one ounce American Redoubt silver coins are now selling even more rapidly, and Mulligan Mint is doing their best to ship orders promptly. But the current low price of silver (under $19 per ounce) has caused a huge rush of orders with all mints and dealers, so longer delays are inevitable. But rest assured that your coin order will be shipped in the order that it was received. And so it begins: Digital currency seized in alleged drug law violation in Charleston. (Thanks to J.B.G. for the link.) G.G. sent: China, Switzerland sign free trade agreement. A desperate derivatives …


Odds ‘n Sods:

One often overlooked traditional tool is a bark spud. You probably already own lots of axes and perhaps a shingle froe and a draw knife. But few folks recognize the importance of a bark spud for peeling logs. (In fact, these days most people wouldn’t even be able to name this tool, if they were handed one.) These are expensive to buy new, so look for used ones, via Craigslist. Or watch for garage sales or estate sales where “logging tools” are mentioned.    o o o Frank and Fern (pseudonyms) recently started blogging about their retreat and their preps. …



Notes from JWR:

“They can’t stop the signal!” Please help spread the word to mitigate the latest ping flood attack on SurvivalBlog’s main server. If there is another wave of pinging attacks, folks can use this temporary site:  http://64.92.111.122. (Please bookmark that!) — This is the last day in Camping Survival’s 25% off sale on Mountain House foods. Meanwhile, Freeze Dry Guy has extended their 25% Off Special on All Mountain House #10 Cans through July 10, 2013. — This is also the birthday of Robert A. Heinlein. (1907-1988.) I’ve quoted Heinlein in SurvivalBlog more often than any other fiction writer. One of …


Low-Budget Photovotaically Charged Drill Batteries, by C.K.

I’d like to discuss some practical aspects of power tools. Some posts in the past have been mentioned about them but I am going to discuss making solar power tools. And not just buying the pieces and making them (which you could do if you wanted) but actually making them from salvaged “junk”.   I’ll be the first to admit that while I love and own all types of traditional (non-electric) hand tools, using them does take considerably longer and more effort than the powered ones. (Not surprisingly).   My background is that of a professional tinkerer, and a trained …