The Art and Science of Tool Making, by Grandpappy

Introduction

The rule of “Two is one, one is none” applies to almost all preparations. But what happens if once we’re safely in our shelter, we discover we’re missing a tool?

In a WTSHTF situation, with no way to go out to a hardware store or have an online store deliver it to your doorstep, this situation would be catastrophic unless you had basic tools and knew how to build your own.

With makeshift materials (as some military manuals call them) when there isn’t anything else suitable available, you can build a tool for yourself that will do the job.Continue reading“The Art and Science of Tool Making, by Grandpappy”

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, news about an accident at Shoshone Ice Caves.  (See the Idaho section.)

Idaho

Three injured during walkway collapse at the Shoshone Ice Caves.

o  o  o

A television news segment: Gun ban sparks Idaho Caldwell Night rodeo controversy.

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Idaho 2nd Amendment Alliance wants to ban ‘gun-free school zones’.

Continue reading“SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt”

Preparedness Notes for Monday — September 1, 2025

On September 1, 1752, Pennsylvania’s new State House bell (known today as the Liberty Bell) arrived in Philadelphia from Whitechapel Foundry in London, England.

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On September 1, 1836 Narcissa Whitman, one of the first white women to settle west of the Rocky Mountains, arrived at Walla Walla, Oregon Country (now US state of Washington.) On November 29, 1847, Dr. Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and twelve others were killed by members of the Waiilatpu band of the Cayuse tribe. This heinous massacre has recently been the subject of massive revisionism, mostly at the hands of National Park Service historians/apologists.  To the NPS historians, the massacre of 14 people was termed “revenge” and the subsequent gang rapes of two women survivors were euphemized as “unwanted attention.”

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September is Kilted to Kick Cancer Month.

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September is also National Preparedness Month.

SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 120 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  2. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  3. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  4. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.
  5. Preparedness author Jennifer Rader is offering a $200 purchase credit for any of her eight published food storage and medical preparedness books, including the Good Eats at the TEOTWAWKI Café series, the Armageddon Pharmacy series, and the Medicine Surrounds Us series.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. A $269 retail value survival-ready power package from Solar Power Lifestyle. This includes two Solar Power Lifestyle 25W Portable Solar Panels, plus a $150 gift card to use for any purchase at solarpowerlifestyle.com.
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $960,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 120 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.

Bear Knuckles G305 Hybrid Driver Gloves, by Thomas Christianson

I was making good progress untying some difficult knots. The wind had taken down a tree in a marshy area in the woods by our home. I had used a block and tackle to pull the tree to drier ground so that I could process it for firewood. Now I was busy tidying up my ropes.

Suddenly, I realized that something was different. I was wearing gloves. Usually shedding my gloves is the first step in the process of untying difficult knots. The Bear Knuckles G305 Hybrid Driver Gloves that I was wearing provided such good grip and dexterity that I had unconsciously just continued to wear them while I engaged in the untying process.

The Bottom Line, Up Front

Bear Knuckles G305 Hybrid Driver Gloves are comfortable, tough, provide a secure grip, give excellent dexterity, and breathe well. The fronts of the gloves are made of drum buffalo hide and the backs are made of nylon. The backs of the thumbs are covered with terry cloth, which is very convenient for scratching an itchy nose or chin. The gloves are also machine-washable, which is evidence of their toughness and handy if you like clean gloves.Continue reading“Bear Knuckles G305 Hybrid Driver Gloves, by Thomas Christianson”

Recipe of the Week: 

The following seasonally apropos recipe for Roasted Summer Squash is from SurvivalBlog reader J.P.V..

Ingredients
  • 1 pound summer squash (two medium-sized ones)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
Directions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 400 F.
  2. Cut squash into ½”-thick slices.
  3. Toss with olive oil.
  4. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl and toss with squash.
  5. Place squash on a baking pan and roast 12-14 minutes or until squash is tender.
  6. Broil 1-2 minutes or until crumbs are lightly browned.
Chef’s Note

For squash that is tender-crisp, cut it a little thicker.

STORAGE

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place under broiler or in a toaster oven for 2-3 minutes, until crispy.

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Do you have a well-tested recipe that would be of interest to SurvivalBlog readers? In this weekly recipe column, we place emphasis on recipes that use long-term storage foods, recipes for wild game, dutch oven recipes, slow cooker recipes, and any recipes that use home garden produce. If you have any favorite recipes, then please send them via e-mail. Thanks!

SurvivalBlog Graphic of the Week

Today’s graphic: Time of First Permanent European/European Descendant Settlement Within Modern-Day State Boundaries. (Graphic courtesy of Reddit.)

The thumbnail below is click-expandable.

 

 

 

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Please send your graphics or graphics links to JWR. (Either via e-mail or via our Contact form.) Any graphics that you send must either be your own creation or uncopyrighted.

Preparedness Notes for Sunday — August 31, 2025

90 years ago today, August 31, 1935, the first national skeet championship was held.  This tournament match ran from August 26th to 31st, 1935. A roster of 113  participants was hosted by the Solon Skeet Club, near Cleveland, Ohio.

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August 31, 1911: The unconstitutional “Sullivan Act” requiring New Yorkers to possess licences for firearms small enough to be concealed went into effect.

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today we present another entry for Round 120 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any of their one, two, or three-day course (a $1,095 value),
  2. A Peak Refuel “Wasatch Pack” variety of 60 servings of premium freeze-dried breakfasts and dinners in individual meal pouches — a whopping 21,970 calories, all made and packaged in the USA — courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  3. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses. Their course catalog now includes their latest Survival Gunsmithing course.
  4. HSM Ammunition in Montana is providing a $350 gift certificate. The certificate can be used for any of their products.
  5. Preparedness author Jennifer Rader is offering a $200 purchase credit for any of her eight published food storage and medical preparedness books, including the Good Eats at the TEOTWAWKI Café series, the Armageddon Pharmacy series, and the Medicine Surrounds Us series.

Second Prize:

  1. A SIRT STIC AR-15/M4 Laser Training Package, courtesy of Next Level Training, that has a combined retail value of $679
  2. A $269 retail value survival-ready power package from Solar Power Lifestyle. This includes two Solar Power Lifestyle 25W Portable Solar Panels, plus a $150 gift card to use for any purchase at solarpowerlifestyle.com.
  3. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from TOUGHGRID.com (a $287 value).
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun. There is no paperwork required for delivery of pre-1899 guns into most states, making them the last bastion of gun purchasing privacy!

Third Prize:

  1. A Berkey Light water filter, courtesy of USA Berkey Filters (a $305 value),
  2. Two sets of The Civil Defense Manual, (in two volumes) — a $193 value — kindly donated by the author, Jack Lawson.
  3. A $200 credit from Military Surplus LLC that can be applied to purchase and/or shipping costs for any of their in-stock merchandise, including full mil-spec ammo cans, Rothco clothing and field gear, backpacks, optics, compact solar panels, first aid kits, and more.
  4. A transferable $150 FRN purchase credit from Elk Creek Company, toward the purchase of any pre-1899 antique gun.

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More than $960,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 120 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.

Review: Ramen Bae Topping Mix, by Mike in Alaska

DISCLAIMER: I paid out of my own pocket for this food and Ramen Bae did not sponsor this review article in any way.

Some folks love Ramen, but others say if you eat it you’ll die a horrible, painful death. Well, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch; bottom line is that as food it’s not the same as say a prime rib dinner. But then it doesn’t need you to take out a second mortgage to buy, either.

After all the years I’ve eaten food that some might call questionable, ramen isn’t anywhere near the top of the list in dangerous. It’s just noodles that you heat up in hot water. I have eaten them that way, just to see what it tastes like; tastes just like pasta in hot water, only not like chicken.Continue reading“Review: Ramen Bae Topping Mix, by Mike in Alaska”

JWR’s Meme Of The Week:

The latest meme created by JWR:

Meme Text:

What’s the Difference Between a Conspiracy Theory and a Conspiracy Revelation?
About Six Months

News Links:

Notes From JWR: Do you have a meme idea? Just e-mail me the concept, and I’ll try to assemble it. And if it is posted, then I’ll give you credit. Thanks!

Permission to repost memes that I’ve created is granted, provided that credit to SurvivalBlog.com is included.

The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.” – 2 Thessalonians 3 (KJV) 

Preparedness Notes for Saturday — August 30, 2025

On August 30, 1645, Dutch settlers and local Indians signed a peace treaty in New Amsterdam (New York).

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August 30th is the birthday of the late Joachim Rønneberg, a hero of the Norwegian resistance during World War II. He was born in 1919. His exploits earned him the War Cross With Sword, Norway’s highest military honor.  Rønneberg died in 2018, just one year short of his 100th birthday.

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Today’s feature piece is too short to be included in the judging for the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $960,000 worth of prizes have been awarded since we started running this contest.  Round 120 ends on September 30th, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that there is a 1,500-word minimum, and that articles on practical “how-to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging. In 2023, we polled blog readers, asking for suggested article topics. Please refer to that poll if you haven’t yet chosen an article topic.

 

 

Data Collection in Our Lives, by Anonymous in Ohio

With all of the recent discussion of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) threats in SurvivalBlog, I want to share a recent experience with what I assume was an A.I.-intervened technology. We were recently moving some of our supplies across state in a small cargo trailer to our cabin. We had unloaded the trailer and were returning home when I saw flashing lights in my mirror. I thinking to myself, I can’t be trailer lights, everything is rewired new, new tires, bearings, doors were locked.

The State Trooper came up to the window and tells me that my plates on the trailer registration do not match the trailer. He said the plates on the trailer registration is for an XYZ (example for the trailer brand) trailer and you have an ABC trailer. He concluded that I had accidentally put the boat trailer plates which were for an XYZ trailer on the cargo trailer. He gave me a warning and said since my registration matched my driver’s license, he knew that it wasn’t stolen. But had a friend borrowed the trailer with the wrong plates, they would have impounded it.Continue reading“Data Collection in Our Lives, by Anonymous in Ohio”

Editors’ Prepping Progress

To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make both 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 the Odds ‘n Sods Column or in the Snippets column. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

Jim Reports:

I kept busy this week finishing up my firewood cutting for our greenhouse woodstove.

I also packed and mailed out two Elk Creek orders.  Recently, I bought more than a dozen pre-1899 guns and blackpowder guns from estate sales, and as time permits, I’m starting to catalog those. There are some really nice ones including some like-new-in-box Ruger Old Army percussion revolvers. Those guns should all be up at the Elk Creek Company website within two weeks.  Well, perhaps three weeks.

As I was driving home from town on Thursday afternoon, I caught a glimpse of a fox crossing the county road onto our property. So we will have to be extra vigilant in penning up our chicken flock every night. We have no shortage of predators here at the Rawles Ranch, including owls, hawks, eagles, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, and bobcats. Occasionally, we are also visited by lynx, mountain lions, foxes, otters, ermine, weasels, and bears (both black bears and grizzlies). We’ve never seen badgers, which are in our region, but one winter, just once, Lily saw wolverine tracks in the snow passing through our South pasture. Both wolverines and badgers are notoriously troublesome with livestock.

I constructed two sets of 21-compartment “mineral buffet” feeders for our separate sheep flocks, using generic U-Line blue plastic parts bins. Lily will give you the details on those feeders, in her part of the report.

Continue reading“Editors’ Prepping Progress”