Gerber Prodigy, by Pat Cascio

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I’m always on the lookout for knife bargains and knives to test for our readers. This time around Amazon led me to the Gerber Prodigy, a fixed blade survival knife, and we’ll give you a run down on it in this article.

Writers Who Test Firearms and Knives

Many readers believe that writers, especially those of us who test firearms and knives, make a lot of money doing this for a living. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most of us hold or have held other jobs while pursuing the testing/writing of products. As for me, I worked as a police officer and also did private K-9 security work, was a martial arts instructor, as well as offered firearms classes. I did whatever else I had to do to help make ends meet. These days, I’m semi-retired and only test products that I believe would be of interest to our SurvivalBlog readers.

On a Limited Budget

Some knife companies send me their latest products for testing. Other times, I purchase knives out of my own funds, and I’m extremely careful how I spend my money these days since I’m on a limited budget with my fixed income. My wife still works full time. However, in another year or two, she’ll retire and our income will be extremely limited. So, we budget now, and we’ll have to budget even more when that time comes.

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Economics & Investing For Preppers

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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. And it bears mention that most of these items are from the “tangibles heavy” contrarian perspective of JWR. (SurvivalBlog’s Founder and Senior Editor.) Today’s focus is on HF Ham Radio Transceivers  (See the Tangibles Investing section.)

 

Precious Metals:

Gold Extends Gains, at 5-Month High, as U.S. Stock Market Sell-Off Intensifies

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For those of you might want to hear from a Chartist: Silver At Historic Price Juncture: Which Way Will It Break?

 

Economy & Finance:

Inverted Yield Curve – The Complete Picture

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Chris Martenson: Every Bubble Is In Search Of A Pin

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At Zero Hedge: “It Can’t Go On Forever” – Bob Shiller Questions America’s “Gigantic Housing Boom”

 

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Preparedness Notes for Sunday – December 09, 2018

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December 9th, 1914 is the birthday of Maximo Guillermo “Max” Manus. He was one of the few Norwegians who had the testicular fortitude to put his life on the line, fighting the Nazi occupiers. (There surely would have been more active resistance fighters, but fearing widespread reprisal executions by the Germans, King H7 asked the civilian populace to stand down.) Max Manus passed away in 1996. I would have liked to have met him. His exploits are fairly accurately shown in the movie Max Manus: Man of War.

Guest Post: Another Day Older and Deeper in Debt, by Gary Christenson

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This post first appeared on The Deviant Investor.

Official US national debt exceeds $21 trillion. National debt increases over $3 billion per day.

Another day older and $3 billion deeper in debt!

The U.S. government pays the interest by issuing new debt. But that new debt increases total debt and (eventually) drives up interest rates, which requires more borrowing to pay the annual interest payments. Another year older and deeper in debt! A reset will occur when the debt load becomes too heavy.

WHY DEEPER IN DEBT?

Governments spend currency units, corporations demand their payoffs, the warfare and welfare lobbies own congress and the “borrow and spend” circus performs.

From Treasury Secretary Mnuchin:

“The real story is we made a significant investment in the military which is very, very important, and to get that done we had to increase non-military spending.”

The Deep State extracted its share of the swag, participants collected their payoffs and debt expanded. Borrow and spend is the lifeblood of the Wall Street and D.C. circus.

But it extends beyond Washington D.C. Consider these massive debt burdens in the U.S.:

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The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “HJL”. With Paris burning due to the riots, the questions start arising on why they continue. The answer may surprise you.

Paris Burning

Are you still wondering why Paris is burning? This article sent in by reader H.L. shows why there is so much civil unrest. France has the the highest tax rate in the industrialized world along with the worst investment record in Europe. You can physically oppress people all day long and they will usually just knuckle under and take the abuse. But when you start hitting them in their pocketbook and making it difficult to feed their family– lookout! Back in the 1700s the magic tipping point seemed to be around 6% tax. In today’s world, it would appear to be closer to 40%. France is at a whopping 46.2% tax rate. I don’t think a simple reversal of the new gasoline taxes is going to fix this problem.

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Put another way, Paris is basically burning over climate change taxes introduced in the last few years. The straw that broke the camels back was the $0.25/gallon climate change tax on gasoline. Imagine what will happen if that tax is closer to $49/gallon. That is the level of taxation that a United Nations special climate report calls for in 12 years using a carbon tax of $5,500/ton. The U.N. claims that a tax of $27,000/ton ($240/gallon) is needed to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees. Thanks to DSV for the link.

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The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

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“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (KJV)

Family Earthquake Preparedness: Are You Ready?

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The recent strong earthquake near Anchorage, Alaska underscores the importance of family earthquake readiness. Thankfully, we live in a country with modern building standards. This is not in the case of many Third World nations, where unreinforced masonry construction is the norm. In the Third World, folks tend to be very stingy with reinforcing bar (“rebar”). So its seems that every time there is a large earthquake in those regions, there are building collapses, with large loss of life.

By far, the safest houses for earthquakes are of wood frame construction. This is because such structures can flex and sway, when an earthquake rolls through. If you look at recent history of fairly large earthquakes in California, the three things that suffer the most are: 1.) Bridges and overpasses, 2.) Brick fireplace chimneys attached to wood frame houses, and 3.) Water mains. Again, we can be thankful that wood frame construction is the norm, and that most masonry buildings in the U.S. and Canada have sufficient rebar reinforcement. But even reinforced concrete and brick is inherently more vulnerable that wood frame, in the most severe earthquakes. (Magnitude 7.0, or higher, on the Richter scale.) By the way, the Richter scale is logarithmic. That means that a Magnitude 7.0 is 10 time more powerful that a Magnitude 6.

For those of you reading this who live in a wood frame house or apartment, you should have two concerns: A.) Seismic retrofitting, if needed, and B.) Securing furniture, water heaters, wall hangings, and fragile items from falling, in the event of an earthquake. In this article, I will be discussing both of these.

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Editors’ Prepping Progress

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To be prepared for a crisis, every Prepper must establish goals and make long-term and short-term plans. Steadily, we work on meeting our prepping goals. In this column, the SurvivalBlog editors review their week’s prep activities. They also often share their planned prep activities for the coming week. These range from healthcare and gear purchases to gardening, property improvements, 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 the Comments. Let’s keep busy and be ready!

JWR

At this time of year we often have family and friends visit the ranch. This activity curtails a lot of our prepping, aside for the usual day-to-day tasks and livestock chores.  So this week you won’t be reading any detailed descriptions of our projects. However…

With the new Democrat-dominated Congress about to be seated (on January 3, 2019), I have been planning ahead with some preemptive mitigation for upcoming firearms legislation.  I’m pursuing two main avenues of mitigation:  Stocking up on full capacity magazines, and buying some extra AR lower receivers–both 80% complete and 100% serialized varieties.  By mail order, I’ve been buying large quantities of AR15, AR-10, and assorted Glock magazines.  I’ve purchased many of these from GunMag Warehouse–one of our affiliate advertisers.  I’ve also been attending more gun shows, to search for AR-15 and AR-10 lowers–either stripped or complete.

Just the introduction of proposed legislation in January and February is almost certain to throw the market into a panic. Surely, prices will escalate.  Right now you can find standard AR-15 MagPul PMAGs for under $10 each.  Likewise, serialized stripped AR-15 lowers are available for around $50 each. But once the panic develops, those magazines will be $30+ and serialzed lowers will be $300+. Count on it.  The clock is ticking, folks, so stock up! – Jim & Avalanche Lily, Rawles

 

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The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods:

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SurvivalBlog presents another edition of The Survivalist’s Odds ‘n Sods— a collection of news bits and pieces that are relevant to the modern survivalist and prepper from “HJL”. It seems that a Skynet rising isn’t too far fetched anymore. We’re only talking chess here, but it is a short leap from chess to world domination given the right conditions.

New Jersey Magazine Ban Law

ANJRPC Releases Guide To Comply With NJ Magazine Ban By December 10

JWR’s Comment: If any New Jersey SurvivalBlog readers have any 11+ round magazines that they are considering turning in for destruction, PLEASE DON’T!  Instead, mail them to me, and I will gladly reimburse you for at least your postage, and probably a lot more. (Depending on the type of magazine, and its condition.) For example, I’m paying $6 each for USGI 15-round M1 Carbine magazines, in nice condition. And I’ll pay $18 each for 13-round Glock Model 21 factory magazines. Just box them up and mail them to Jim Rawles P.O. Box 303, Moyie Springs, Idaho 83845 …and I’ll mail you a check. It is just that simple.

Crazy Eyes

We are definitely in for a wild ride come January. Socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (a.k.a. Crazy Eyes) got a bit miffed when Donald Trump Jr trolled her on Instagram. I have to admit, it’s funny. For those who don’t want to click on the Instagram link, It’s a meme which has a pictured of Ocasio-Cortez asking the question: “Why are you so afraid of a socialist economy?” followed by a picture of Trump saying: “Because Americans want to walk their dogs, not eat them.”. Crazy Eyes’ response was to attempt to troll Trump Jr. back by threatening him with her subpoena power in about a month. Can you say “ethics violation”? See what happens when you don’t show up at the polls on election day?

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The Editors’ Quote of the Day:

“Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and put me in ward in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker: and we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he; we dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. And there was there with us a young man, an Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard; and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he did interpret. And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, so it was; me he restored unto mine office, and him he hanged.” – Genesis 41:9-13 (KJV)

Preparedness Notes for Friday – December 07, 2018

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On a December morning in 1941, America was caught sleeping. Then there was that September morning, in 2001. Let’s pray that nothing like those days ever happens again. – JWR

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SurvivalBlog Writing Contest

Today features another entry for Round 80 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The nearly $11,000 worth of prizes for this round include:

First Prize:

  1. A $3000 gift certificate towards a Sol-Ark Solar Generator from Veteran owned Portable Solar LLC. The only EMP Hardened Solar Generator System available to the public.
  2. A Gunsite Academy Three Day Course Certificate. This can be used for any one, two, or three day course (a $1,095 value),
  3. A course certificate from onPoint Tactical 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,
  4. DRD Tactical is providing a 5.56 NATO QD Billet upper. These have hammer forged, chrome-lined barrels and a hard case, to go with your own AR lower. It will allow any standard AR-type rifle to have a quick change barrel. This can be assembled in less than one minute without the use of any tools. It also provides a compact carry capability in a hard case or in 3-day pack (an $1,100 value),
  5. Two cases of Mountain House freeze-dried assorted entrees in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources (a $350 value),
  6. A $250 gift certificate good for any product from Sunflower Ammo,
  7. American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) is providing a $300 certificate good towards any of their DVD training courses.

Second Prize:

  1. A Model 175 Series Solar Generator provided by Quantum Harvest LLC (a $439 value),
  2. A Glock form factor SIRT laser training pistol and a SIRT AR-15/M4 Laser Training Bolt, courtesy of Next Level Training, which have a combined retail value of $589,
  3. A gift certificate for any two or three-day class from Max Velocity Tactical (a $600 value),
  4. A Three-Day Deluxe Emergency Kit from Emergency Essentials (a $190 value),
  5. Two 1,000-foot spools of full mil-spec U.S.-made 750 paracord (in-stock colors only) from www.TOUGHGRID.com (a $240 value).
  6. An assortment of products along with a one hour consultation on health and wellness from Pruitt’s Tree Resin (a $265 value).

Third Prize:

  1. A Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21 (a $275 value),
  2. A large handmade clothes drying rack, a washboard, and a Homesteading for Beginners DVD, all courtesy of The Homestead Store, with a combined value of $206,
  3. Expanded sets of both washable feminine pads and liners, donated by Naturally Cozy (a $185 retail value),
  4. Two Super Survival Pack seed collections, a $150 value, courtesy of Seed for Security, LLC,
  5. Mayflower Trading is donating a $200 gift certificate for homesteading appliances.

Round 80 ends on January 31st, 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.

Common “Weeds” as Food and Medicine- Part 4, by M.C.

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If things go very wrong, such as in an EOTWAWKI or SHTF scenario, you may find yourself without access to doctors and hospitals and may have to take care of yourself and your family. This is why we are looking at common weeds that can be used as food and medicine. You may want to print this and save it for such a time, when things are stressful and you may not remember the information here.

Warning: Never eat a wild plant unless you are 100 percent positive of its identification. Get yourself a good field guide, like Edible Wild Plants – A North American Field Guide.

In the three previous parts of this article, we have covered a number of other “weeds”. We’ll now move on forward through the alphabet of most common weeds for food and medicine, beginning with purslane.

Purslane

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea), believe it or not, though it is one you pull from your garden is sold in stores in Europe and was Gandhi’s favorite food.

Continue reading“Common “Weeds” as Food and Medicine- Part 4, by M.C.”