Letter Re: Low-Cost Knives for Long-Term Survival

Mr. Rawles, I am writing with regards to M.B.’s piece. I have had the 12″ Ontario machete (economy version) with the the “D” handle for the past two years. I would completely agree that this is an uncomfortable handle which can be difficult to obtain a proper grip on. However, I solved this problem cheaply with a little bit if DIY, by folding some tough tissue paper and wrapping it around the handle two or three times. I then wrapped the handle and tissue in electric insulation tape, using about two layers of tape. Since doing this, the machete is …


Letter Re: Home Water Storage in Water Cooler Bottles

Hello. I am a brand new prepper. Within the last year I have been introduced to the world of Prepping and preparedness by a co-worker of mine. I have been reading up on as much as I can, but despite my efforts at increasing my knowledge and awareness of disaster preparedness, I am woefully un-prepared for even the slightest disaster or minor interruption of my accustomed lifestyle. I am beginning to acquire some extra food items, and I am making small steps toward expanding my food and water storage. One thing that I have been thinking about of late, is …


Economics and Investing:

Gary S. spotted this: The Next Metal Crisis: Copper The cascading waves of debt implosion – 5 charts looking at debt leverage, velocity of money, and contagion impacts from the European crisis. 25 Horrible Statistics About The U.S. Economy The Daily Bell reports: Austerity Staggers, Germany Blows Up? Items from The Economatrix: Maybe No Housing Rebound For a Generation US Slowdown Intensifies Global Economic Crisis Signs of Slowing Economy Drive S&P Down in April Five Banks Fail in Worst Week Since April 2011


Odds ‘n Sods:

There will be a new Survivalist Show held in Mesa, Arizona, on May 19th. This one-day show will be held at the Commemorative Air Force Museum, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the museum. As a bonus, attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the war bird museum at no extra charge. For information, call Lance Baker at: (480) 229-5691.    o o o Rhonda T. mentioned an interactive summary of state self-defense laws that was posted by CNN: Expanded self-defense laws    o o o Our newest advertiser, Be Prepared Now, has a kit of …



Notes from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 40 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include: First Prize: A.) A gift certificate worth $1,000, courtesy of Spec Ops Brand, B.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost $795, and C.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $350 value.) D.) a $300 gift certificate from CJL Enterprize, for any …


Publishing Schedule Update From JWR

Here are some updates on my upcoming book release dates from Atria Books and its subsidiary Pocket Books division: Atria trade paperback (6″ x 9″) edition of “Survivors”: September 11, 2012 Atria hardback edition of Founders: A Novel of the Coming Collapse: September 25, 2012. (With simultaneous ebook and audio book releases.) Pocket Books mass market paperback (4-1/4″ x7″) edition of “Survivors: A Novel of the Coming Collapse” September 25, 2012   To explain: “Founders” is the second sequel to “Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse”. It is set contemporaneously to the first two novels, but in …


Two Letters Re: Motorcycle BOV

Jim: This video shows why motorcycles are the answer to rural mobility. The 11 minute video is of a road that was washed out by storms, apparently in Japan. Much of it is overgrown and vanishing and the motorcyclist has to dodge quite a few downed limbs. – InyoKern   James, I would like to thank Jeff H. for writing this article on the use of a motorcycle as a BOV as I was planning on doing the same in the near future.  He touched on quite a few very good topics.  But, from his submission, you can tell that …


Letter Re: List of Countries by Real Population Density

James Wesley: As they say in the radio world, “long time listener, first time caller”… First off, thank you for sharing your words of wisdom for those of us who aren’t prepared.  Admittedly, I am one of those fence-sitters, liking the idea of prepping but not having near enough money to start in that direction, let alone uproot the new wife farther from her family than we already are.  Nonetheless, your articles (and those by your contributors on SurvivalBlog.com) are eye-opening and help me remind myself that we are just a few small steps from something really bad. As to …


Economics and Investing:

Peter S. sent this prediction of housing market doom: Maybe no housing rebound for a generation: Shiller . In an another interview, he said: We Are in Age of ‘Late Great Depression’ Michael Pollaro: The Bernanke Bust, the why how and when The Results Are In: Conservative States Prosper, While Liberal States Decline. (Thanks to James C. for the link.) G.G. flagged this evidence that the Mother of All Bailouts (MOAB) is far from over: Senate votes to slow closing of post offices Items from The Economatrix: Gold Will Win Money War Derivatives:  The Unregulated Global Casino For Banks Two …


Odds ‘n Sods:

An update from Dr. Bob at Surviving Healthy: Change is Good? (The Missouri State Pharmacy Board has been hounding him, so he now must see each patient in person in Branson, Missouri.)    o o o Tim J. sent this article on post-Schumer aftermath: For 22 murder victims, Los Angeles Riots leave legacy of justice eluded.    o o o Anti-Bullying Speaker Curses Christian Teens. JWR’s Comment: Sounds like a bully to me…    o o o Reader Joe K. mentioned a survivalist novel called “A Distant Eden” available as an e-book, through Amazon.com. Joe’s comment: “For 99 cents this …



Pat’s Product Review: Montie Gear AR Rest

Over the past month or so, I’ve received quite a few requests from folks who want me to test and evaluate their products. I enjoy testing products for SurvivalBlog, and reporting back my findings to SurvivalBlog readers. Some of the companies that contact me, have a lot of questions, and I’m happy to answer them. Some companies ask me if I can guarantee that I’ll write an article on their products – and the answer is “yes.” Then, they ask me if I can guarantee them that the article will appear on SurvivalBlog – I refer them to Jim Rawles, …


Letter Re: Electric Cars and Bicycles

Sir: I had an epiphany a few years ago when I first viewed “Who Killed the Electric Car?” Since then, I’ve acquired several cars converted to electric and a Nissan Leaf. We bought our last tank of petroleum fuel in May of 2011. Recently, I’ve been pondering how the electric cars might be used as a backup source of electric power. The battery packs of the conversions are readily accessible and can provide almost 100 kwh of energy. The Leaf’s battery is not accessible at this time. Inverters that use the car’s DC voltage (120-156v) as input are available but …


Recipe of the Week:

Ray R.’s Chicken Stew We have a favorite soup recipe, made as follows: Chicken Stew 16 c Water – for a soup instead of a thick stew make this 20 to 24 cups – we use water from our Berkey filter since it tastes better. 16 tsp Knorr tomato/chicken bouillon – adds a great flavor. 25 oz boneless skinless chicken – this can be fresh, frozen, or home canned – it is about a quart of my home canned chicken. 1 c Dry pearled barley – we buy these in 25 lbs sacks at Restaurant Depot which we first learned …