American Survival Guide September 2017

AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

HOW-TO: Utilize Your Dog's Instincts

Vol. 6 Issue 9

OBSERVE, ADAPT,

VOLUME 6 - ISSUE 9

SURVIVE ESCAPE NATURE’S FURY BY PREPPING NOW

NATIONAL

PREPAREDNESS MONTH

Helpful Resources for Troubled Times

YOUR PREPPER

ACTION PLAN

Codifying Critical Procedures Before the Crisis

BEATING AROUND

THE BUSH

DIGITAL ISSUES AVAILABLE AT WWW.ENGAGEDMEDIAINC.COM

Field Test: 3 Sargent Edged Tools

HOMEMADE

EMP DEFENSES Build your own Faraday cage

SEPTEMBER 2017

U.S. $8.99 SEPTEMBER 2017 DISPLAY UNTIL 8/15/17

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74470 01319

ENGAGED MEDIA INC.

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,FZ.PE JT
IFSF 5.

AccuPoint TR24G • Trijicon 1-4x24 Riflescope $1,020.00

KeyMod™ is the tactical industry’s new modular standard!

BCM Diamondhead Defense • • American Folding Front Sight RECON X Scope ®

Diamondhead • BCM Folding Rear Sight ®

Mount $189.95

$99.00

$119.00

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Compensator Mod 0

KMR-A15 KeyMod Rail • BCM Handguard 15 Inch $199.95 ®

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Stock $55.95

Blue Force Gear VCAS Sling $45.00

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

BCM PNT™

KeyMod 1-Inch Ring Light Mount

BCM® KMR-A KeyMod Free Float Rail Handguards

For 1” diameter lights $39.95

Same as the fantastic original KMR but machined from aircraft aluminum!

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

BCM BCM BCM BCM

®

®

BCM® A2X Flash Suppressor $34.95

Ranger • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ • GEARWARD Grip Mod 0 $29.95 Band 20-Pak $10.00

$58.00

Low Profile • BCM Gas Block $44.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Vertical Grip Mod 3 $18.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ QD End Plate $16.95

B5 Systems SOPMOD Bravo Stock

$89.95

KMSM • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KeyMod QD Sling Mount $17.95

9 Inch KMR-A9 . . . . . . . . $176.95 10 Inch KMR-A10 . . . . . . $179.95 13 Inch KMR-A13 . . . . . . $189.95 15 Inch KMR-A15 . . . . . . $199.95

Trigger Assembly

KeyMod Modular Scout Light Mount For SureFire Scout Light $39.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

Polished – Nickel – Teflon $59.95

PWS DI KeyMod Rail Handguard Free float rail for AR15/M4 pattern rifles.

Wilson Combat Tactical Trigger

PWS DI 12 Inch Rail . . . . . . . . $249.95 PWS DI 15 Inch Rail . . . . . . . . $249.95

PWS KeyMod Polymer Bipod Adapter $23.95

$269.95

Inforce WML-HSP $119.00

Daniel Defense SLiM Rail Handguard

Slim, Light, Modular KeyMod Free Float DD SLiM Rail 12.0 . . . . . . . . . . $265.00 DD SLiM Rail 15.0 . . . . . . . . . . $265.00

Trijicon

TA31RCO-M4 ACOG 4x32

Daniel Defense KeyMod Bipod Adapter

$1,422.05

Aimpoint PRO

$47.00

Patrol Rifle Optic

Daniel Defense KeyMod 1 O’Clock Offset Rail Assembly

$424.00

$39.00

KeyMod Modular Light Mount For 1913 mounted lights $39.95

Arisaka Inline KeyMod Scout Mount $34.00 Arisaka Ring KeyMod 1” Light Mount $44.00

Thorntail KeyMod Offset Adaptive Light Mounts Thorntail 1.030 Mount $70.00 Thorntail M3M6 1913 Mount $50.00

Arson Machine Company KeyMod Light Mounts Scout M600 Mount $48.00 1” Ring Mount $44.00

All pricing is subject to change without notice. Please see our website for current pricing.

Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.com

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KeyMod is here! TM

Industries • Midwest Folding Front Sight $79.95

Micro H-1 2 MOA • Aimpoint with LRP Mount $709.00

• BattleComp 1.5 $155.00 1913 • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Modular Light Mount, KeyMod $39.95

KeyMod™ is the tactical industry’s new modular standard!

Industries • Midwest ERS BUIS $93.95

Ranger • GEARWARD Band 20-Pak $10.00

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KMSM KeyMod QD Sling Mount $17.95

KMR-A13 KeyMod Rail • BCM Handguard 13 Inch $189.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ QD End Plate $16.95

®

KAG • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Kinesthetic Angled Grip, KeyMod $18.95

PWS FSC556 Tactical Compensator $98.95

•

TangoDown ARC MK2 30 Round Mag $14.95

• BCM PNT™ ®

Trigger $59.95

• BCM

®

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Stock $55.95 • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Grip Mod 3 $17.95

Polymer Trigger Guard $6.95

Vltor Carbine EMOD Stock

Comp Mod 0 - 556

Threaded 1/2x28 for 5.56 AR15 platform

$89.95

$119.65

Comp Mod 1 - 556 Threaded 1/2x28 for 5.56 AR15 platform

$94.95

IWC KeyMod QD RL Sling Mount Accepts heavy duty or standard QD swivels

$17.00

IWC KeyMod Hand Stop Mount-N-Slot design $34.95

BCM® KeyMod Picatinny Rail Sections Mil-Std 1913 rails, Nylon Rails available in Black, FDE, Foliage Green.

Nylon Rail, 3 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.95 Nylon Rail, 4 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . $11.95 Nylon Rail, 5.5 Inch . . . . . . . . . . $14.95 Aluminum Rail, 3 Inch, Black . . $19.95 Aluminum Rail, 4 Inch, Black . . $24.95 Aluminum Rail, 5.5 Inch, Black . $29.95

PWS KeyMod Picatinny Rail Polymer Rail, 5 Slot. . . . . . . . . . $11.95 Aluminum Rail, 5 Slot . . . . . . . . $28.95

VTAC MK2 Wide Sling

BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Enhanced Lower Parts Kit BCMGUNFIGHTER™ With BCM® PNT™ Trigger Assembly, BCM® Mod 3 Grip, BCM® Trigger Guard, and Mil-Spec hardware kit. BCMGUNFIGHTER™ ELPK, semi-auto $99.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KAG

Kinesthetic Angled Grip

Uses biomechanically efficient forward rake, small profile textured front and back for positive engagement. Impact resistant polymers, in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green and Wolf Gray. KAG-KM, KeyMod Version . . . . . $18.95 KAG-1913, Picatinny Rail Version . $19.95

$44.95

VG MOD 3

Low-profile length for increased mobility and decreased “snag”. Made in the U.S.A. from impact resistant polymers, available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green, Wolf Gray. VG-KM-MOD-3, KeyMod Version . . $18.95 VG-1913-MOD-3, Picatinny Version . $19.95

Aimpoint Comp M4S Red dot sight, fully NVD compatible, with QRP2 Picatinny Rail Mount

$846.00

EOTech HOLOgraphic Weapon Sights

BCM® KeyMod Rail Panel Kits 5.5 Inch Rail Panels, in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green, Wolf Gray - 5-Pack . $9.95

Model 512 $429.00 Model 552 $529.00

All pricing is subject to change without notice. Please see our website for current pricing.

Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.com

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FEATURES 14 NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

Helpful resources for times of trouble By Steven Paul Barlow

38 FORMULATE YOUR PREPPER ACTION PLAN Codify critical procedures before the crisis. By Will Dabbs, M.D.

66 OBSERVE, ADAPT, SURVIVE Studying your environment pays big survival dividends. By Dana Benner

84 BACK TO THE BASICS

Mastering lost skills could save your life. By Peter Suciu

HOW-TO 30 HOMEMADE EMP DEFENSES Build your own Faraday cage. By Jim Jeffries

REVIEWS 22 BEATING AROUND THE BUSH

Testing three Sargent Edged Tools in the field By Kevin Estela

76 CENTER LINE SYSTEMS ANSWERS THE CALL Six products that can make your life easier By Kevin Estela

110 HANDY HATCHET

Klecker Knives’ take-anywhere axe head By Steven Paul Barlow

120 THIS SMALL PISTOL HANDLES A BIG ROLE

Why I chose the XD-S 3.3 as my sole sidearm By Dana Benner

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22 94

48 TRANSFORM A VINTAGE FILE INTO A CELTIC DAGGER You don’t need a forge to make a knife. By Larry Schwartz

94 SURVIVE WITH YOUR K9

Thwarting the end of mankind with man’s best friend By Ryan Lee Price

AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year—January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December—by Engaged Media, Inc., 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to American Survival Guide c/o VSI, Inc. 905 Kent Street, Liberty, MO 64068. © 2017 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC. P.O. Box 25542 London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada.

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AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [SEPTEMBER 2017]

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GEAR GUIDE

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DOG GEAR Kit out your K9.

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By Frank Warren

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SELF-HELP ESSENTIALS

Key emergency items to help keep you alive By Michael D'Angona

DEPARTMENTS

6

FIRST WORDS

8

NEW PRODUCTS

130

9/11 TRIBUTE

120

110

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Some articles in this issue might include stock images that are the property of Getty Images.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

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VOL. 6 ISSUE 09 EDITORIAL Doug Jeffrey Editorial Director Mike McCourt Editor Amy Maclean Managing Editor DESIGN David A. de la Torre Jr. Art Director

PREPPING IS A COMPETITIVE ENDEAVOR

A

mericans are generally competitive people. Most of us follow one or more sports and have favorite teams we want to see win. In many cases, our teams have rivals, and we really want to see our teams crush those opponents. On some levels, we compete along with our sports heroes, we savor the sweet taste of victory, and we suffer in the misery of defeat. We defend our team when it’s down, and we celebrate when it wins. With spending on licensed sports products reaching almost $14 billion in 2014, we clearly have no problem spending money to show the world where our loyalties lie. Being a fan can teach us many things beyond the rules, strategies and statistics we eagerly absorb. Being a New York Jets fan, I have learned useful lessons in humility, patience and the importance of appreciating each win, as well as dealing with frustration, disappointment—and relentless verbal abuse. These lessons have served me well, but I’d prefer those learned from watching my team win. Preppers are competitive, too. But we’re the participants in this game, and it’s for all the marbles, not just a ring or trophy or a spot in a record book. When the time comes, there won’t be any postponements because of bad weather, no ties and no opportunities to say, “We’ll get ’em next time.” Our “team” is much more dependent on every member to carry their load and perform every task at their peak. We might have some advantages on our “home” field, but this game has no rules, so we need to be prepared for any surprises we can imagine—and

then some. If we end up on “away” turf, we could be subjected to deadly disadvantages. What’s even more challenging is that while we share useful information and insights as a likeminded group of concerned citizens, we are potential adversaries the moment SHTF. There are no team uniforms to indicate “friend” or “opposition.” There are no specified or dedicated sidelines, dugouts or locker rooms to provide safe spaces where we can regroup or relax. Granted, many of us have plans in place with others for mutual support, but the biggest threat to our survival in serious situations will be all the other “teams” out there. Perhaps of greatest concern is that there is no schedule to give us advance warning of when we’ll be in play or the type of challenge we’ll face. This is disturbing, but it needs to be built into our plans. In this game, the most important rules are the ones we make up. The boundaries we operate within are those we set. The equipment we use is what we think is best for our strategy. In addition, this playing field is not level. And there will be no referees to throw a flag or umpires to call out the other players. Don’t even think about seeing an instant replay or filing an appeal. If we want to win this “game,” we are going to have to pull out all the stops. A grave emergency will be our championship game, and the loser won’t get the off season to rebuild and try again next year. There is no greater competition than for the prize of staying alive. There should be no greater motivation to make proper preparations than knowing your life hangs in the balance. Making the decision to get ready should be the easy part. —Mike McCourt

Editor’s note: In our July issue, we mistakenly labelled the Fat Rope Stick as a Fiddleback Forge product. This great survival essential is available exclusively at www.FiddlebackOutpost.com.

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CONTRIBUTORS Steven Paul Barlow, Dana Benner, Michael D'Angona, Will Dabbs, M.D., Kevin Estela, Jim Jeffries, Ryan Lee Price, Larry Schwartz, Peter Suciu, Frank Warren ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1930 [email protected] Casey Cliff ord Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1982 Mark Pack Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1939 Charles Dorr Account Executive (714) 200-1931 John Bartulin Account Executive (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746 John Cabral Advertising Design Eric Gomez Advertising Traffic Coordinator Gennifer Merriday Advertising Traffic Coordinator MARKETING Elise Portale Content Marketing Manager Brooke Sanders Content Marketing Specialist Eric Surber Content Marketing Specialist Michael Chadwick Digital Marketing & Media Coordinator Andrew Dunbar Videographer OPERATIONS Robert Short IT Manager Parveen Kumar Newsstand and Circulation Analyst Shailesh Khandelwal Subscriptions Manager Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant Victoria Van Vlear Intern Program Manager EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614 (714) 939-9991 • Fax: (800) 249-7761 www.americansurvivalguidemag.com www.facebook.com/americansurvivalguidemagazine www.facebook.com/eembybeckett AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December by Engaged Media Inc., LLC, 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE, C/O ENGAGED MEDIA INC, VSI, INC. 905 KENT STREET, LIBERTY, MO 64068. © 2017 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. GST#855050365RT001. Canadian Post: Publications Mail Agreement Pitney Bowes, Inc., P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada CUSTOMER SERVICE Engaged Media, Inc. 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614 Subscriptions, address changes, renewals, missing or damaged copies: (800) 764-6278 (239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries [email protected] [email protected] Back issues: www.engagedmediamags.com Books, merchandise, reprints: (800) 764-6278 • Foreign (239) 653-0225 Letters to the editor, new products or to contribute a story or photo: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES $32.95/1 year, $52.95/2 years. Outside the United States, add $32.00 per year payable in U.S. funds. Single copy price is $8.99. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for new subscriptions to begin.

ENGAGED MEDIA, INC. Mike Savino CEO Jason Mulroney Director of Content Pinaki Bhattacharya Vertical Manager Philip Trinkle Newsstand Sales Director Bob Hulsy Director of Business Development Sabra Morris Director of Content Marketing This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media Inc., as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy. GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC., P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada

AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [SEPTEMBER 2017]

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COMPILED BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA

1

SOG Baton Q3 This multi-tool is as unique as it is practical. Its innovative design is perfect to keep hidden on your body when bugging out in the city. Compact and with similar dimensions as a common writing marker, this item converts into an astonishing 13 distinct tools. From bottle opener, to screwdriver, pocket knife and wire cutter to much, much more, the Baton Q3 will get you out of sticky situations as you traverse the dangers of urban exploration.

Features • Closed length: 5.8 inches • Weight: 6 ounces • Simple, fold-out design • Perfect for both urban and rural survival • High-quality steel construction • Black-and-gray anodized finish

MSRP $94

URL www.SOGKnives.com

3

SOG Kiku 4-Inch Fixed-Blade Knife Need a reliable, all-around knife? Look no further, now that the SOG Kiku has hit the market. This fixed-blade knife fits into the contours of your hand and provides a firm, steady grip. The handle is crafted from linen Micarta, and the blade is constructed from VG-10 steel, providing years of regular use. The included sheath adjusts to your personal needs, keeping the knife in place with its locking mount feature. Durability, reliability and a sleek design—this knife has it all.

Features • Overall length: 8.6 inches • Blade length: 4.1 inches • Weight: 7.4 ounces • Black TiNi finish • Included adjustable sheath

MSRP $254

URL

5

Vegetarian MREs Vegetarians now have options when it comes to survival MREs. Perfect for nearly any emergency situation, these all-vegetarian meals—complete with flameless heater to get them piping hot—are delicious, nutritious and easy to prepare. Enjoy comfort foods such as cheese tortellini, pasta with marinara sauce and vegetarian chili. All entrees come with drink mix and a side snack. The accessory pack includes salt, pepper, instant coffee, creamer, wet nap and candy treat. These vegetarian MREs have a long, five-year shelf life.

Features • 1,100–1,300 calories per meal • Flameless heaters included • Tasty, all-vegetarian entrees and sides • Accessory pack included

MSRP $97.95

URL www.MRE-Meals.net

www.SOGKnives.com

2

SOG Sync II This innovative multi-tool attaches to your belt, pack or boot with ease. Unfolded, it becomes a much needed urban survival aid. The Sync II features screwdrivers, wire cutters, bolt grips and, of course, a razor-sharp knife blade. So no matter what you come up against, there is a tool on this amazing portable kit that can get you through. Constructed of top-quality steel, the Sync II can withstand the harsh outdoors and still provide top performance. Built for years of trusty service, this is one tool you can’t do without.

Features • Closed length: 3.1 inches • Weight: 5 ounces • Pocket-sized closed design • Also works as a belt buckle • Integrated carry clip

MSRP

4

Smith’s Pack Pal Clip Tool This simple carabiner tool hosts a surprising number of valuable outdoor functions. Use it to cut cordage, remove screws and bolts, open a bottle of beer or soda, and even help to get that pesky tick out from under your skin. Its rugged construction holds up to both urban and rural punishment, while its bright-yellow finish ensures you won’t lose it easily. Just clip it to your pack or pants, and you’ll always have it nearby. This tool is perfect for every member of your family or travel group.

Features • Simple, durable design • Hard-to-lose bright-yellow color • Multi-function emergency tool • Quick-locking feature

$80

MSRP

URL

$9.99

www.SOGKnives.com

URL

6

Hi Mountain Grilling Seasonings Grilling when the power grid goes down? Kick your food up a notch or two with this diverse and tasty collection of burger and bacon seasonings. As you grill on an open fire, enjoy the flavors of Buffalo wings, zesty salsa, garlic pepper and many more. Created with “tons” of herbs and spices and providing authentic flavors without the hassle, these seasonings will excite your taste buds as you turn mundane to exotic with just a few shakes.

Features • Six varieties • Jars contain from 4.9 to 6.7 ounces • Made in the U.S.A.

MSRP $41.94

URL www.HiMtnJerky.com

www.SmithsProducts.com

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AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [SEPTEMBER 2017]

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CALL TOLL FREE

THOUSANDS OF

ITEMS ONLINE

800-441-8855

YOUR SOURCE FOR SURVIVAL PRODUCTS 60 Servings

25 Year Self Life

CONTENTS: 1 oz FrogLube Solvent 4 oz FrogLube CLP Paste 1.5 oz FrogLube CLP Squeeze Tube, Brush, and Towel

RELIANCE 8 GALLON HYDROLLER WHEELED WATER CONTAINER #13-0025 | Weighs 5.72 .lbs | Measures 21"L x 11"W x 14"H

FROGTUBE 5 PIECE KIT

#06-0908 | Weighs .75 .lbs | Measures 8" x 3" Dia.

EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLY

#09-0034 | Weighs 9.90 .lbs | Measures 10”L x 10”W x 13”H Readymade meals are packed in airtight, nitrogenpacked Mylar pouches, and then encased in durable plastic containers. These kits carry up to a 25 year shelf life, with absolutely no rotation needed. Each 60 Serving Entrée Only Grab and Go Food Kit contains 2 servings per day (entrees only) for 1 adult for 1 month or 4 adults for 1 week. Each pouch contains 4 MSRP 139.95 servings. Stackable buckets include $ .95 all the nutritional ea PRICE information.

ASG

119

SURVIVAL FOOD TABS #11-0903 | Weighs 1.65 .lbs

Bottle contains 180 tabs and at the recommended 12 tabs per day, you have a 15 day supply. Packaged in a plastic bottle which can 39.95 be carried in a standard $ .95 G.I. canteen ea pouch.

SPECIAL BUY 2 or more at

FrogLube is a cutting edge firearm lubricant made from USDA Certified Food-Grade materials. It is non-toxic and it dissolves all that built-up carbon. Reduces friction, eliminates $ .95 fouling, and destroys rust. Safe for ea plastic, urethane, nylon, and wood.

49

$

#13-0019 | Weighs .15 .lbs | Measures 8½" x 1½" Dia Ideal for homeowners during emergencies such as local flooding which can contaminate drinking water 22.95 supplies. LifeStraw surpasses EPA guidelines for Ecoli, Giardia, and $ .95 Cryptosporidium oocysts, rigorous ea standards for water filtration.

19

BLUE LIVES MATTER T-SHIRT #01-0247 | Weighs 0.40 .lbs | Size: S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL

Blue Lives Matter T-shirts make a great gift item for police officers or to show your support. 19.95 100% cotton T-shirt $ .95 is printed in the USA. ea

.00

29

POTASSIUM IODIDE Potassium Iodide may be used to maintain beneficial and protective levels of Iodine in the 20.95 thyroid gland. 90 Capsules per $ .95 bottle. 32.5 mg ea per capsule.

16

Mudd Boots w/ Thinsulate® #08-9901 | Weighs 6.25 .lbs | Size: 8 - 12

Mudd boots with gum rubber sole and Thinsulate insulation to keep feet comfortably dry in adverse weather. 100% waterproof bonded/heat $ .95 sealed seams for ea added durability.

16 2 pairs at 14 ea $

.00

BIO-CHEM PERSONAL PROTECTION SUIT #11-5481 | Weighs 0.39 .lbs | Size: M, L, XL, 2X, 3X

Stay safe with our Tyvek chemical protective suit with elastic cuffs, hood and $ .95 booties. ea

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PLASTIC AMMO CAN - SMALL

#02-4440 | Weighs 2.15 .lbs | Measures 13¾"L x 7½"W x 6½"H Lightweight and durable, great for storing all types of items including ammo, first aid or survival items, inside dimensions are 12.25" x 6" x 4.75". The lid features a water resistant O-ring with metal latch and locking hasp that can be $ .95 secured with a standard padlock ea (not included).

17

BLACK 34" ASSAULT RIFLE CASE

5 Assorted Quality Machetes #03-7134 | Weighs 7 .lbs |

Rifle case with heavy-duty nylon, water-resistant 19.95 exterior. Features five outer flap-covered hook-n-loop mag pouches, large .95 accessory zipper pocket, protective $ ea padding, and heavy duty zipper.

Mixed blade lengths and finishes, mixed wood and plastic handles. Sizes and styles will $ .95 vary. Sorry, for 5 no choices.

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-441-8855

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MACHETE MADNESS

#08-0945 | Weighs 2.32 .lbs | Measures 35"L x 4"W x 14"H

14

M #

#11-7597 | Weighs 0.16 .lbs |

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LIFESTRAW WATER FILTER

24 22 ea

The large Hydroller water container (8 gal./30L) makes it easy to transport large quantities of water anywhere. With integrated 37.95 wheels and a fold-away handle .95 this unit is always $ ea ready to go.

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ORDER ONLINE www.MajorSurplus.com

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AMERICA’S

ORDER ONLINE

PREPAREDNESS

SUPPLIER

majorsurplus.com

YOUR SOURCE FOR SURVIVAL PRODUCTS Kit Includes:

SCOTT PRO MASK WITH FILTER

(1) Hard-shell case (1) First aid guide (1) Scissors (1) Tweezers (2) Vinyl gloves (10) Alcohol prep pad (3) Sting relief pad (6) Antiseptic towelette (10) 3/8" X 1-1/2" bandage (10) 3/4" X 3" bandage (1) Knuckle bandage (1) Knee/elbow bandage 22" X 2" sterile gauze pad 23" X 3" sterile gauze pad 11" Adhesive tape roll

Approved to EN 136 Class 3

#08-3690 | Measures 10"L x 10"W x 6"H

5

12

MRE - THE BASIC

COMPLETE MEALS!

#09-9177 | Weighs 12.74 .lbs | Measures 17½"L x 10"W x 8½"H

5

Quality control is the highest priority! Each Full Case contains a variety of different entrées, crackers, snack $ items, beverage powder, condiments and more.

59.95

49 ea

STEEL FRAME CAMO PACK #08-0947 | Weighs 5.11 .lbs | Measures 15"L x 8"W x 26"H.

Features a .75"tubular steel frame welded at all stress points. Main compartment has a drawstring cover that snugs down the contents which are further protected by the elastic, adjustable lid that has a rear zippered compartment and two top lashing straps for jacket or bedroll. Padded waist belt with mesh back, padded adjustable shoulder straps with sternum strap, mesh back panel and top carry handle round out the features of this deluxe camo backpack.

.95

SPECIAL BUY

Made of hypo-allergenic materials. The face shield is composed of highly impact resistant polycarbonate. Uses any standard MSRP 279.95 40mm $ .95 NATO ea filter.

79

Gas Masks and Gas Mask Filters are not for sale outside of the U.S.A. Sold as a novelty item only. Gas masks, filter and accessories are Not Returnable or Refundable.

RADIAC METER IM-179/U MILITARY GAMMA DOSE RATE METER #11-0449 | Weighs 0.60 .lbs

Meter reads .02 to 200 r/hr has a green-travel / yellow –caution / red-take cover scale also. The meter features a battery / circuit test button and a read button. Easy carry compact size 3¼" X 2¼" X 1" uses 1.5 volt battery and a 6 volt 159.95 battery both are included. All meters are circuit checked but not checked $ .95 against a radioactive source. A list of ea calibration labs is included with meter.

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53 PIECE FIRST AID KIT

#10-2223 | Weighs 0.50 .lbs | Measures 6½"L x 5½"W x 2½"H This 53 piece first aid kit from Lifeline is packaged in a hard-shell Realtree Camo case for easy storage and portability. It contains the basic supplies needed for minor medical $ .95 emergencies at home or on the ea trail. Great in the car or tent.

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3 lb. EMERGENCY BLANKET

#02-0310 | 54”L x 84”W

15.95 3 pound blanket made of 50% wool. Measures 54" x 84" and individually wrapped.

9 ea

$

.95

HOMEOWNERS KIT

#08-0433 | Weighs 8.40 .lbs | Measures 14" x 8" Dia.

MSRP 59.95

29 ea

$

.95

COMBAT SUB COMMANDER MINI BOOT KNIFE

#03-0121 | Weighs 0.15 .lbs | Measures 5" overall Hides discreetly within reach. An injectionmolded sheath with nylon lanyard ensures the knife is close at hand. Impact resistant TPR handle is strong and textured, complete with a brass lanyard hole. Razor-sharp AUS-6 stainless steel blades are double edged with a complete blood-groove. Can also $ .95 be worn as a neck knife. ea Blade measures 2½".

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Kit contains 2 RPD multipurpose units measuring 8" x 98". 6 Dam-it-up bags measuring 14" x 26" each. Homeowners Kit is packed $ in its own carry bag.

SPECIAL BUY 3 for

49.95

29 ea 65

$

.95

.00

MILITARY MOSQUITO COT COVER SET #08-8234 | Weighs 2.54 .lbs

Designed to fit over G.I. cots. Made of mildew resistant polyethylene “no-see-um” mesh with satin skirt and reinforced corners with ties. Complete with 4 wood cot poles. Mosquito bar and pole set comes in their own cord-lock carry 14.95 bag. Both of these bags fit inside a larger matching storage bag. This is a complete $ .95 set. New Unissued. ea Cot not included.

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THOUSANDS OF ITEMS ON SALE AT www.MajorSurplus.com

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5ive Star Gear Bug-Out Transport Sling Bag

5ive Star Gear Woobie 3 in 1 Blanket

Travel light, but well prepared, with this incredible bug-out sling bag. Contained within the durable sling pack are all your needed essentials to survive the aftermath of nearly any emergency, manmade or otherwise. Drinking water, food rations, a multi-purpose tool, emergency sleeping bag, steel firestarter and much more supply your Core-4 survival essentials when the worst scenarios strike. Extra goodies include a map compass, sewing kit, wire saw (and, most importantly: a two-pack of toilet tissue). Stores easily when not in use.

Versatility is the name of the game with this threein-one survival blanket. Use it as a sleeping bag, ground cover, blanket or even a shelter in a pinch. Its unique zipper system allows you to close the bottom, keep it open as a tube or combine it with other blankets to make a massive, double-sized protective unit. Made from heavy-duty ripstop material, this blanket will stand up to the harsh conditions of the outdoors and will serve you well for years. Available in black or ranger green.

Features

• 210T ripstop polyester • Open size: 86x64 inches • Weight: 1.9 pounds • Extra security snap closures • Included stuff sack

• Easy to carry and store • Basic supplies for one person for three days • 32 essential items • Lightweight sling bag • Supplies the Core-4 of survival needs

MSRP $120.95

URL

Features

MSRP

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Buck Model 110 Automatic Knife Everyone should carry a knife, so it might as well be one that is functional, fast and good looking. The Buck 110 Auto fits all these criteria. The 110 Auto has the appearance of one of Buck’s most popular lock-blade models and features Macassar ebony dymondwood handles and brass bolsters. However, a simple push of a button opens the 420HC clip-style steel blade, with the lock release at the rear of the handle. Check laws in your area for restrictions on automatic knives.

Features • Blade length: 3¾ inches • Weight: 7.1 ounces • Blade steel: 420HC • Includes leather belt poucH

MSRP $200

URL www.BuckKnives.com

$56.95

URL www.5iveStarGear.com

www.5iveStarGear.com

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8

5ive Star Gear Survival Tube Clip this survival wonder on your belt loop, and you’re good to go. Encased and secured within a durable aluminum tube are loads of survival items, ready for when you need them. With its firestarter and extra-dry cotton tinder, this mini kit will get a fire going to cook your food and warm you up. Use its paracord for making snares, securing gear or creating a sling or bow. The Survival Tube is available in black, coyote or olive drab.

Features

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Coghlan’s Insect Parachute Hammock You won’t be able to sleep while being attacked by biting flies and irritating mosquitoes. Remedy this problem with Coghlan’s new Insect Parachute Hammock. This easy-to-construct hammock keeps out pesky bugs while providing a comfortable night’s sleep nearly anywhere you go. Included straps and carabiners ensure a secure attachment to nearby trees or concrete posts. Stow your small gear in its large, flat storage pocket, zip up, and get the rest you need to recharge for tomorrow’s challenges.

• More than 6 feet of paracord • Includes a knife and hook sharpener • Clip-on carabiner for mounting almost anywhere • High-strength aluminum tube • Ready-to-use cotton tinder • Three color choices

Features

MSRP

MSRP

$16.95

$67.99

URL

URL

www.5iveStarGear.com

www.USASummitOrder.com

• Ultimate mosquito protection • Capacity: 300 pounds • Size: 5x10.5 feet • Total weight: 35.5 ounces • Includes stuff sack

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Leatherman Skeletool KB Knife The name, Leatherman, typically brings to mind complex tools, featuring every imaginable item a person could ever use in the field—from screwdrivers to knife blades to scissors. The new Skeletool KB knife is a simplified departure from the Leatherman norm, but it still provides the quality and performance you’d expect. The Skeletool KB features one-handed operation, a lanyard ring and a removable pocket clip that has an integrated bottle opener.

Features • Blade length: 2.6 inches • Closed length: 3.45 inches • Blade steel: 420 HC stainless steel • Weight: 1.3 ounces

MSRP $24.95

URL www.Leatherman.com

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THESE RESOURCES CAN HELP YOU PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES 24/7/365. STORY BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW / PHOTOS COURTESY OF FEMA

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS

MONTH

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S I

f you’re reading this magazine, I assume you are an independent person who has taken primary responsibility for your own survival. You know that you are the first, and last, lines of defense for your own safety and security. But we all appreciate a little help sometimes. Catastrophic weather events—hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, blizzards—can

turn your town into a wasteland. Terrorist acts in the form of chemical, biological and radiological attacks are realistic possibilities these days. Emergency services (police, fire, EMS) are stretched to the limit in the aftermath of disasters. Communities have to pull together; they must get involved. And, as much as we might be reluctant to admit it, sometimes, we even need the help of the federal government. Still, even under

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the best circumstances, the response of government agencies to any disaster can still mean you’ll have to fend for yourself for a number of days, or perhaps longer, before help can reach you.

GETTING THE WORD OUT You know this; and you’ve stockpiled supplies and created an emergency plan. But what about your elderly grandmother or your disabled next-door neighbor? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), now operating under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), wants your help in getting the word out to your friends and neighbors that we all need to be prepared for any number of calamities. To do this, DHS has designated each September since 2004 as National Preparedness Month. According to FEMA’s website, “September was chosen as National Preparedness Month, as the tragedies of September 11, 2001 highlighted to the nation the importance of being prepared. Also, September has been chosen partly because the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season is in mid-September.” FEMA Spokesperson Stephanie Moffett noted that “National Preparedness Month (NPM) is a nationwide effort to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies, including

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‹ Earthquakes, such as the 6.0 magnitude quake that hit Napa, California, in 2014, can have long-lasting, devastating effects. (Photo: FEMA/Eilis Maynard)

‹ Below: Inspectors from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) check for potentially toxic contaminants after severe fires burned homes in Middletown, California, in 2015. (Photo: FEMA/Adam DuBrowa)

“CERT MEMBERS LEARN ABOUT DISASTER-PREPAREDNESS FOR HAZARDS THAT MAY IMPACT THEIR AREA AND ARE TRAINED IN BASIC DISASTER-RESPONSE SKILLS … ”

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A GOOD WAY FOR A PERSON TO GET STARTED WITH EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS IS TO EXPLORE FEMA’S WEBSITE ... AT WWW. READY.GOV.

EXPLORING THE WEBSITE

‹ Below: FEMA officials take part in a PrepareAthon event in New York City in 2015 to encourage people to prepare for possible emergency situations. (Photo: FEMA/K.C. Wilsey)

According to the FEMA website, only 57 percent of Americans surveyed in 2009 by the Citizen Corps said they had disaster supplies set aside; and only 44 percent said their families had developed a plan for emergencies. A good way for a person to get started with emergency preparations is to explore FEMA’s website specifically for that purpose at www.Ready.gov. Moffett explained, “Ready.gov provides free, easy-to-use guides, checklists and resources to help individuals get, and stay, prepared.” Besides setting aside emergency supplies, Moffett noted that the website also recommends some other early steps to take:

natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks, and to encourage individuals to take action to prepare themselves and their families. National Preparedness Month promotes activities across the nation to encourage individuals to get an emergency supply kit, make a family emergency plan, become informed about different threats and get involved in preparing their communities for possible emergencies by hosting or supporting drills, exercises and discussions.” While the drive to get the word out is an ongoing effort, everything is heightened during September. “Each year, National Preparedness Month has an overarching theme, and for 2017, it will be ‘Don’t Wait. Communicate,’” Moffett added.

‹ Emergency equipment is on display at the Marshfield, Massachusetts, Safety Day in 2014. Events such as this show citizens the range of emergency services available via various agencies for deployment during disasters. (Photo: FEMA/Eilis Maynard)

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“… THE TRUTH IS, WE’RE NOT POWERLESS— WE CAN TAKE ACTIONS NOW TO HELP PREPARE FOR THE WORST.” • Sign up for local text alerts and warnings, and download weather apps to your smartphone so you know when danger is approaching and can stay informed as you weather the storm in a safe place. • Develop an emergency communication plan for your family. You might not be with your loved ones when disaster strikes, so have a communications plan in place so you know how to reach each other and where to meet up when conditions are safe. • Develop an emergency plan for your pet. Have a go-bag with pet supplies (i.e., food and medication) in a safe place next to yours in case you and your pet have to leave in a hurry. If you have a pet sitter, make sure they know your plan, too.

‹ Preparing an emergency kit should be a family event so that everyone knows what the kit contains and where it will be kept. (Photo: FEMA/Zachary Kittrie)

GET THE APP FEMA also provides ways for you to take its information and resources with you. “We, at FEMA, continuously think about how we can get this potentially life-saving information to people as effectively as possible,” said Moffett. “We know many people bring their smartphones everywhere for entertainment and to stay up to date on breaking news; and the FEMA app helps us get preparedness information into the palms of their hands.” According to Moffett, the FEMA app is available for free in the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android devices. “It provides tips (available with or without cell service) on what to do before, during and after emergencies and allows users to sign up for weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.” The app also features a place to share disaster damage photos, includes an emergency kit checklist and provides directions to open shelters. You can find more information about the app features at www.FEMA.gov/mobile-app.

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‹ A member of a HAZMAT team sprays the burned remains of homes during a debris removal operation in Middletown, California, to prevent toxic chemicals from going airborne. (Photo: FEMA/Adam DuBrowa)

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NEIGHBORHOOD TEAMS Preparing for emergencies isn’t just an individual activity: PrepareAthon is a program supported by FEMA that tries to get communities involved in protecting themselves against disasters.

‹ Students in Grapevine, Texas, simulate sheltering in place during a PrepareAthon exercise 2014. (Photo: FEMA/Stephanie Moffett)

‹ An emergency kit doesn’t have to be fancy: It can be as simple as supplies placed in a plastic bin. (Photo: FEMA/Zachary Kittrie)

AVAILABLE DETAILED PUBLICATIONS An emergency kit can see you through many disasters, but there are things you need to know about for specific incidents. At www.Ready.gov/prepare-for-emergencies, there is information about how to prepare for hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, wildfires and pandemics, along with man-made threats such as biological and chemical attacks, nuclear blasts, cyber attacks and more. FEMA offers free publications on many topics as well, including an emergency supplies list, family communications plan, as well as special preparation needs of children, seniors and businesses. There are also publications with information pertinent to specific regions of the country. These publications can be downloaded as PDF files, or you can order printed copies at www.Ready.gov/publications.

START EXPLORING

FEMA PREPAREDNESS WEBSITE WWW.READY.GOV

‹ Above: Disaster training can be an eye-opening experience. Here, EMTs undergo HAZMAT training in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to learn how to perform their jobs in the presence of toxic contaminants. (Photo: FEMA/ Win Henderson)

‹A HAZMAT instructor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, shows EMTs how to suit up during a 2005 training exercise on how to recover victims after a chemical spill. (Photo: FEMA/Win Henderson)

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“ … THE FEMA APP IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE … IT PROVIDES TIPS … ON WHAT TO DO BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER EMERGENCIES … ” “Communities conduct PrepareAthon events year-round with a focus on encouraging participants to take concrete actions, such as participating in a drill, exercise or discussion,” Moffett explained. “PrepareAthon events are unique to each community and might be aligned to a particular theme in the Ready Campaign’s National Seasonal Preparedness Calendar. During NPM, FEMA celebrates outstanding community accomplishments through national-level recognition.” FEMA also encourages the formation of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). According to Moffett, “CERT members learn about disaster-preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and are trained in basic disaster-response skills, such as fire safety, light searchand-rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Using training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT volunteers can assist others in their community following a disaster when professional responders are not immediately available to help.” More information on CERT activities is available at www.FEMA.gov/communityemergency-response-teams and www.Ready.gov/get-involved.

‹ Communities decimated by a disaster often depend on volunteers to assist in distributing supplies to surviving residents. (Photo: FEMA/Jocelyn Augustino)

‹ ReadyCampus events, sponsored by FEMA, give college students hands-on demonstrations to stress the need for education and preparedness for emergencies. (Photo: FEMA/Steve Zumwalt)

PREPARE NOW “When neighborhoods are struck by a storm, many feel powerless,” said Moffett. “But the truth is, we’re not powerless—we can take actions now to help prepare for the worst.”

‹ A kit in a can: Red Cross Emergency Smartpacks are examples of ready-made, easy-to-store emergency supplies. (Photo: FEMA/ Steve Zumwalt)

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‹ The National Guard is often called in to assist in supplying meals and drinking water to people in areas hard hit by severe weather events. (Photo: FEMA/Norman Lenburg)

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SET ASIDE SOME BASIC SUPPLIES “The recommendation to maintain at least 72 hours of emergency supplies and to store more, if possible, takes into consideration that first responders may not be able to get to you right away and also takes into consideration shelter-in-place and evacuation. The time frames will vary by hazard and by geographic location,” FEMA spokesperson Stephanie Moffett noted. What should your emergency kit contain? Here are the official FEMA lists:

THE BASICS Water: 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation ‹ Food: At least a three-day supply of nonperishable food ‹ Radio: Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and a NOAA Weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both ‹ Flashlight: With extra batteries ‹ First aid kit ‹ Whistle: To signal for help ‹

Dust mask: To help filter contaminated air Plastic sheeting and duct tape: To shelter in place ‹ Sanitation needs: Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation ‹ Tools: Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities ‹ Manual can opener ‹ Local maps ‹ Cell phone: With charger, inverter or solar charger ‹ ‹

ADDITIONAL ITEMS FEMA also suggests some additional items: ‹ Prescription glasses ‹ Infant formula and diapers ‹ Pet food and extra water for your pet ‹ Cash or traveler’s checks and change ‹ Important family documents and records in a waterproof container ‹ Emergency reference materials ‹ Sleeping bag for each person ‹ Change of clothing

Chlorine bleach Fire extinguisher ‹ Matches in a waterproof container ‹ Personal hygiene items ‹ Mess kits or paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils ‹ Paper and pencil ‹ Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children ‹ ‹

FIRST AID KIT Consider the following for your first aid kit: ‹ Two pairs of latex gloves ‹ Sterile dressings to stop bleeding ‹ Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes ‹ Scissors ‹ Tweezers ‹ Petroleum jelly ‹ Antibiotic ointment ‹ Burn ointment ‹ Adhesive bandages

Eye-wash solution Thermometer ‹ Prescription medications ‹ Pain reliever ‹ Anti-diarrhea medication ‹ Antacid ‹ Laxative ‹ ‹

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BEATING AROUND THE BUSH TESTING THREE SARGENT EDGED TOOLS IN THE FIELD BY KEVIN ESTELA

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C

lean, rugged, practical, smart.

These are the words that first come to mind when asked what I think about the work of Brian Sargent. Brian is a highly sought-after maker who produces knives that don’t last for very long on various online forums and his social media pages. He’s a true American and patriot, and his knives are a combination of classic designs and modern technology and materials. Brian is a “make-it-happen” kind of guy, and he knows how to make a particular design work. He’s able to get incredible performance out of tried-and-true steels such as O1, and his designs simply work. This is easily recognized the first time you handle one of his blades. My students have brought his blades to my courses over the years, and I had to get my hands on some to try them out for myself. So, after some great conversations and some good back-and-forth online, Brian sent me a box of blades to choose from. I picked the top three to accompany me into the field—from the frozen Northeast all the way to the tropical Hawaiian island of Kauai. The Sargent Edged Tools were worked hard in the great outdoors in both of these environmental extremes. It wasn’t easy choosing three to focus on, but once you read what follows, you’ll understand why this trio of tools was carefully selected to tackle anything Mother Nature could throw at me.

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THE BELT KNIFE: SARGENT EDGED TOOLS M3 The Sargent Edged Tools M3 Generation 5 is an all-purpose, 4.5-inch belt knife for all bushcraft tasks. With a 1/8-inch-thick blade that features a very distinct curve to the tip, the M3 is meant for slicing effortlessly; and with a keen Scandi edge, it push-cuts cleanly. The handle of the M3 is smooth and comfortable in all possible grips and long enough so that the butt of the handle extends past the palm of even the largest of the testers’ hands. This knife can be used for extended periods of time without any risk of hot spots or blisters developing. The M3 comes with a beautifully finished, 10-ounce tooling leather sheath that has been waxed for a snap fit. A “pull-the-dot” snap on the back of the sheath allows the user to attach or remove an optional drop-leg loop that lets the sheath swivel as the wearer moves about or sits down. Being able to rock the handle forward or back allows the user to easily draw the blade from its sheath.

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‹ Above: The author used the M3 by Sargent Edged Tools to baton through seasoned maple and beech. The knife showed no noticeable wear, except for some rub marks on the shoulder of the side of the blade. ‹ Below: The S.E.T. M3 was push cut through Manila rope multiple times. The ⅛-inch-thick blade and sharp Scandinavian grind were hardly affected by this test through this tough medium.

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‹ The M3 handle scales are secured with brass Corby bolts.

‹ Author Estela was able to return the S.E.T. M3 to razor sharpness with a series of Arkansas stones from Dan’s Whetstones.

‹ The M3 from S.E.T. comes with a 10-ounce leather sheath that is waxed for a snap fit and equipped with a drop-leg adapter that is easily attached and removed with a pull-thedot snap.

I WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED BY THESE THREE BLADES; THUS, THEY HAVE EARNED MY HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION. During testing, I subjected the M3 to tasks normally found within bushcraft circles. When axes aren’t available, batoning is often the solution. I used the M3 to pound through seasoned maple and beech with a heavy baton. I also used it to cut through cordage—a lot of cordage. I push-cut through 1-inch Manila rope and left a mess of fibers behind. The Manila cordage split apart with some effort and really worked against the sharpness of the edge. I also used the M3 to carve various projects such as tent pegs, pot holders and a few dinner steaks. Suffice it to say, the knife was well used, showed a good patina but was still working-sharp. What I mean by this is that it wouldn’t cleanly cut through looseleaf paper, but it would still carve feathersticks for fire-starting. I took the M3 to a set of Arkansas stones from Dan’s Whetstones. Working from medium coarseness to ultra-fine, I worked the M3 back into shape in no time. Considering the amount of cutting done with this blade, the steel’s condition after some hard use is a testament to the Peters’ heat-treat and Brian’s workmanship.

M3 SPECIFICATIONS OVERALL LENGTH:

9 INCHES

BLADE LENGTH:

4.5 INCHES

BLADE THICKNESS:

1/8 INCH

STEEL:

O1

HANDLE:

RED CORAL CANVAS MICARTA WITH BRASS CORBY BOLTS

WEIGHT:

7.5 OUNCES

SHEATH:

HERMAN OAK 10-OUNCE TOOLING LEATHER WITH ARTIFICIAL SINEW

MSRP:

$300

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THE CHOPPER: SARGENT EDGED TOOLS SERECHETE The SEREchete is a new take on the beavertail machetes of yesteryear. Far from the exotic and impractical “zombie-slayer” designs with impractical points and serrations, the SEREchete is meant to be a multi-purpose blade capable of heavy-duty work or fine carving. The SEREchete has a unique blade grind with a Scandi grind nearest the ricasso that transitions into a convex grind that extends around the beavertail. This allows the user to carve with a choked-up grip or chop with a traditional saber or hammer grip. Speaking of grips: The SEREchete’s handle is, by far, one of the best I’ve ever used in the field. Even when covered in rain, sweat and mud, it was exceptionally easy for me to maintain a good purchase on it. I normally shy away from cord-wrapped handles, because any raised surface on a working blade will cause hot spots. The thin-diameter jute twine impregnated with epoxy provided just enough texture without causing any blisters. For those who have never used a sharpened

› Right top: The author uses the SEREchete to process bamboo while on the Nā Pali coast of the island of Kauai, Hawaii.

› Right middle: The SEREchete finish protected the 1095 steel while cutting through green vegetation and only started to show wear when working with dried woods and materials.

› Right bottom: The SEREchete cut deeply into thick, dried bamboo. The convex edge held up and was not deformed after repeated use.

SEREchete SPECIFICATIONS

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OVERALL LENGTH:

16 INCHES

BLADE LENGTH:

10.5 INCHES

BLADE THICKNESS:

1/8 INCH

STEEL:

1095, RC 53-54

HANDLE:

HARD ROCK MAPLE SCALES WITH JUTE WRAP

WEIGHT:

17 OUNCES

SHEATH:

.090-INCH KYDEX

MSRP:

$250

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CLEAN, RUGGED, PRACTICAL, SMART. THESE ARE THE WORDS THAT FIRST COME TO MIND WHEN ASKED WHAT I THINK ABOUT THE WORK OF BRIAN SARGENT.

THE TOP 10 SEREchete TIPS & TRICKS

› The SEREchete comes with a heavy-duty Kydex sheath featuring a fuller indentation that provides some extra retention on the blade.

BY TERRY BARNEY, CO-DESIGNER AND FORMER U.S. AIR FORCE SERE INSTRUCTOR 1 The “H” fire: The spade end and cutting surface can be used to carve a capital “H” shape in the ground. You then pry the ground from the middle of the H to the top and bottom. This creates a slot that a small fire can be built in—and it can be quickly concealed, if necessary.

› The SEREchete worked as a strong chopping tool, as well as a fine working knife. The author used it to prepare fruit on the trail on multiple hikes and found it handled like a large knife.

2 One-handed firesteel: Bury your tool blade, end first, into the ground as deep as you can with one hand. Because the entire spine is a sharp, 90-degree angle, you can draw your firesteel toward you at ground level and drop the sparks into the tinder bundle. 3 Dig a cat hole: “Number 2” happens. A 12to 18-inch hole is optimum for sanitation and for bacteria to break down what you left behind. 4 Digging roots: Many flora have very useful and edible roots. Not only can you dig them up, you can also chop them out. 5 Fine work: The Scandi grind close to the handle makes fine work easier. Making deadfall traps is a breeze with this section of the blade. 6 Four-strike chop: By making four approximately 30-degree strikes in a circle around a pole, a soda can-sized piece of wood can be felled very quickly.

beavertail tip, it handles much like a large gouge. It can be used for scraping out hollows in logs to make bowls to boil in with rocks, and it works exceptionally well for digging in soil. The sharpened tip, when probed into the soil carefully, will cut right through roots. (For those of you who are wondering, it’s easy to differentiate when you make contact with a rock or a root.) In the field, I used the SEREchete for chopping down and splitting bamboo for various projects, as well as for preparing fruit for midday snacking on the trail. It was easy to use as a draw knife for carving and as a slicer in thicker green vegetation. This large blade handles extremely well and is very lively in the hand. It does not feel like a heavy-duty sharpened pry bar; rather, it feels more like a large camp knife. In letting others examine and use the blade, they also remarked about the comfort experienced with the handle, as well as the overall finish of the blade. For full disclosure, I must admit the blackened finish, like all finishes, will wear in spots of frequent use. My sample shows plenty of character after numerous days in the field.

7 File sharp: The high grind on the main chopping area and the spade end are very easily sharpened with a small, packable file. 8 Debarking: Poles can be debarked quickly by wedging them between two trees and holding the blade as a draw knife. 9 Harvesting grasses: A short, fast, thin chopper makes gathering grasses easier. These materials are great for insulating beds and shelter thatching. 10 Splitwood fires: The high grind and tough blade is batoned through most wristthick and smaller wood with little effort.

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[BRIAN IS] ABLE TO GET INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE OUT OF TRIED-AND-TRUE STEELS SUCH AS O1, AND HIS DESIGNS SIMPLY WORK.

MATILIJA SPECIFICATIONS OVERALL LENGTH:

7 INCHES

BLADE LENGTH:

3 INCHES

BLADE THICKNESS:

3/32 INCH

STEEL:

O1, RC 60

HANDLE:

BLACK CANVAS MICARTA WITH STAINLESS FLARED TUBES

WEIGHT:

3.6 OUNCES

SHEATH:

.080-INCH KYDEX

MSRP:

$250

S O U R C E Sargent Edged Tools (805) 216-3162 www.facebook.com/SargentEdgedTools

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› Above: The Sargent Edged Tools Matilija is a compact belt knife with a substantial handle for comfort and a keen Scandi edge for carving.

› Top right: The Matilija developed a deep patina during testing. This natural process actually protects the blade from rusting.

› Bottom right: The Matilija carry package comes with a deep Kydex pocket sheath with an ULTICLIP attachment.

THE PERSONAL KNIFE/NECKER/BACKUP: SARGENT EDGED TOOLS MATILIJA When a knife is too large, it is impractical to wear it 24 hours a day; when a knife is too small, it loses some of its utility. The Sargent Edged Tools Matilija is an excellent blade for daily and nightly carry. Designed as a miniature S.E.T. Model 1, the Matilija is sized just right for use as a neck knife or ultralight blade for the backpacker. It features a Scandi grind, so it is the perfect knife for the casual carver who sits around the fire and fiddles with various bushcraft projects. Whether in my hands or the smaller hands of a couple of female testers, the knife was comfortable and remained very sharp after considerable use. When sharpening was necessary, I used a traditional stone. Some of the modern super-steels require diamond hones, but O1 steel can be sharpened with a combination of Arkansas stones and light pressure. I wore the Matilija while hiking in very damp conditions. The deep pocket sheath helped protect the knife steel from exposure to my sweat and the rain. The polished edge of this knife took on a deep-purple patina the more I used it—as any O1 steel will. The rear flared handle tube was used as a lanyard hole; and, with a small length of paracord, the Matilija was easily extracted from the sheath. In terms of fire-starting with a ferro rod, the Matilija was the best of the three knives I tested. Its 90-degree spine and compact size enabled me to reach into fire rings and inside a fire lay without knocking over my tinder or kindling. The Matilija was designed as a small backup blade, but it could easily be used as a primary knife—in conjunction with a folding saw and small hatchet. It is the smallest fixed-blade knife I would be comfortable using as a primary belt knife without feeling inadequately prepared. However, for smaller-statured users, this knife is the perfect size. ASG

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AN INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN SARGENT American Survival Guide: Brian, you have a very loyal following of users in the bushcraft and survival community. What do you attribute your popularity to? Brian Sargent: Focusing on the knife as a tool and incorporating it into an efficient carry system. I’m a big fan of knives, in general, and using them in the outdoors. I try to push the “use it and have fun” side more than the “keep it pretty” collector side. That gives me a connection to the people [who] are using them on their adventures. ASG: Your designs are very straightforward and solid performers. What goes into your design process and the evolution of your blades? BS: I’m sure it’s similar to others. At first, there was a lot of sketching and searching for ideas. I have a few models that have now been tweaked 10 or more times over the years. That has taught

me a few things that I carry over into most of my designs. I use the feedback from end users quite a bit. There are some very talented people who use my knives, and I’ve bounced ideas around with most of them. I really enjoy throwing a few new ideas at an existing model and testing it for a few weeks. Then, I’ll move it along to someone else and see what they think. Each time, I get more ideas to try, and it starts all over again. Constant evolution and testing. It never gets old, and I hope it never does. ASG: What is something the reader should know about you but wouldn’t know or want to ask? BS: More often than not, my mind is in the LPNF (Los Padres National Forest)! ASG: There are a lot of blades on the market and some classic designs used by knife

enthusiasts around the globe. What blades or makers have inspired you? BS: I definitely fell in love with military and survival knives as a kid, so let’s get that out of the way! When I started making knives, I was inspired by Justin Gingrich, Matt Lesniewski, L.T. Wright, Rod Garcia, Rick Marchand and Mike Stewart. Rod Garcia’s Skookum Bushtool is a major influence. I enjoy primitive skills and the associated tools. Lately, short machetes, parangs and bolos are getting my attention. ASG: What’s next for Sargent Edged Tools? In other words, what’s on your bench or sketchpad that we can expect to see in the next year? BS: Lightweight, efficient carry systems, streamlined models in more super-steels, lots of SEREchete action and field-testing, and trying to refine the EDC/belt knife/SEREchete trio.

ULTICLIP FOR SECURE CARRY Sargent Edged Tools utilizes the ULTICLIP in its deep pouch-style pocket sheath. The ULTICLIP, for those not familiar with it, is an attachment system for holsters and sheaths that offers exceptional retention on whatever it is clipped to. It is an award-winning design (2016 Gun Digest Gear of the Year) and is growing in popularity. If you’ve ever worried about drawing a knife or pistol—as well as its sheath or holster accidentally—you know there are some clips that don’t work as advertised. With the political climate we live in, the chances are that if you are seen wearing a blade, you’ll raise someone’s suspicion. Traditional belt loop dangler carry for your average belt knife won’t always cut it (no pun intended!). This is why Brian Sargent adapted the ULTICLIP into his pouch sheath designs. Just grab your blade, tuck it, clamp it, and go. The 1075 heat-treated, MIL-SPEC, black-oxidefinished ULTICLIP will clamp onto ¼ inch of material— the equivalent of seven layers of denim. Worn inside the waistband, inside a jacket pocket,

Ulticlip www.Ulticlip.com (239) 400-CLIP (2547)

tucked in a purse or in a boot, clipped to the inside of a tunnel pocket on a pack, on a piece of paracord for a neck lanyard or anywhere practical, the ULTICLIP will not pull free accidentally, unlike lesser-made attachments. In testing the ULTICLIP (similar to the tests found on this company’s website) I recreated the tests with a luggage scale and found it difficult to induce a clip failure by pulling on the sheath with considerable amounts of force. I carried the Matilija with the wax-and-oil-treated ULTICLIP in the cold, hot, sandy, muddy and wet conditions of the proving grounds of my field tests. Never once did it fail me. The 100 percent American-made ULTICLIP is the next evolution of traditional clip-carry knives. The ULTICLIP will undoubtedly be found on more knife sheaths in the years to come. It is hard to argue with performance, and this attachment method holds strong, works on all fabrics and stands up to the elements. It will stand the test of time, too.

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HOMEMADE EMP DEFENSES BUILD YOUR OWN FARADAY CAGE TO PROTECT SENSITIVE ELECTRONIC DEVICES. BY JIM JEFFRIES

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T

he far-reaching effects of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), caused by the massive release of energy from a major solar flare or an atmospheric nuclear blast, can render useless many of the electronic devices we rely on every day. Because of the transformer effect of an EMP inducing currents in the power transmission lines, appliances and equipment connected to the power grid could be hit with a power surge that might be many times higher than they can withstand. This invisible wave of electromagnetic energy (a rapidly changing electromagnetic field travelling at the speed of light) will induce an electric current in any conductor it encounters. And if it is strong enough, it can fry the sensitive circuitry in devices that aren’t even connected to utility power.

PROTECT YOUR SENSITIVE DEVICES Losing a coffeemaker to a power surge is no big deal, but critical devices such as radios need protection beyond simply disconnecting them. Shielding valuable electronic equipment from the effects of

‹ Conductive materials in many forms can be used to make a Faraday cage. Wire mesh is often used, but chicken wire is not a good choice. (Photo: Yvonne Tsang, Wikimedia)

an EMP can be accomplished by placing the items inside an enclosure called a “Faraday cage” (made of wire mesh) or “Faraday shield” (made of solid sheet metal). A Faraday cage or shield works by redistributing the induced electrical charges into the conductive material that makes up the enclosure in the presence of an external electromagnetic field. Although it is very effective, it does not block all the energy; rather, it significantly “attenuates” (reduces) the strength of the field inside. Many factors come into play regarding the attenuation achieved: the conductivity and thickness of the material and type of surface of the enclosure (mesh vs. solid sheet), along with the frequency and waveform of the electromagnetic field. So, generally speaking, thicker, solid walls made of a highly conductive metal, such as copper, will provide the greatest attenuation across the broadest range of frequencies.

YOU’LL NEED THESE MATERIALS While commercially manufactured Faraday cages are available, making one at home from common items is fairly easy. Galvanized steel trash cans, steel drums of various sizes (with separate lids and locking bands), stainless steel stock pots and surplus ammunition cans all make excellent Faraday cages. Materials available at most hardware stores can be used to make custom-sized enclosures. In addition, aluminum flashing and galvanized sheet metal can be cut and formed into boxes or cylinders to create containers of virtually any shape. The geometry is not important, but electrical continuity across all surfaces is critical. Common hand tools such as tin snips, drills and screwdrivers, and specialized tools— including a pop rivet gun and multi-meter—should already be part of your preparedness tool kit. Put them to use building enclosures to protect your irreplaceable electronic gear. A few things to keep in mind when using these types of items to shield your gear: • A tight-fitting lid is important. Any gaps or openings around the lid might allow electromagnetic energy to enter the enclosure.

‹ A Faraday cage in operation: The women inside the cage are protected from the electric arc. (Photo: Antoine Taveneaux)

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A FARADAY CAGE OR SHIELD WORKS BY REDISTRIBUTING THE INDUCED ELECTRICAL CHARGES INTO THE CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL THAT MAKES UP THE ENCLOSURE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN EXTERNAL ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD.

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WHILE COMMERCIALLY MANUFACTURED FARADAY CAGES ARE AVAILABLE, MAKING ONE AT HOME FROM COMMON ITEMS IS FAIRLY EASY. • Rubber gaskets, as used in steel ammunition cans, will electrically insulate the lid from the can. Remove and wrap the gasket with a conductive material such as aluminum foil tape. Then, reattach the gasket to form a complete circuit between the can and lid. • Paint or other coatings can act as an insulator. Scrape or sand away any paint on the mating surfaces of the enclosure and its lid or door. • The inside of a sealed container can develop condensation, leading to corrosion that could ruin the item you are trying to protect. Place a desiccant pack inside the enclosure to absorb any moisture present in the trapped air. • Many devices require ventilation. Some types of batteries will produce gasses that might build up in the enclosure, potentially causing corrosion or other issues. In a case like this, some path for fresh air must be provided. Of all these considerations, ventilation might be the most difficult to accomplish. Wire mesh can be used to cover the vent holes to allow air to flow through but still form an effective barrier to electromagnetic fields. Plain aluminum window screen (available from home improvement stores) can be used, but in terms of electromagnetic energy, the holes in window screen are pretty big. To increase the effectiveness, use three pieces of screen, stacking and orienting them in such a way that the holes in the screen will be much smaller. If no suitable containers are available, aluminum foil can make an effective, field-expedient Faraday shield. Wrapping the device in enough foil to completely enclose it will attenuate any external electromagnetic field; placing the wrapped item inside a box or other container and covering that with an additional layer of foil will provide even more protection.

‹ Heavier-gauge wire mesh and closer spacing can prove very effective at blocking electromagnetic energy. (Photo: Precisioncrushers, Wikimedia)

‹ Galvanized trash cans with tight-fitting lids make excellent Faraday shields.

‹ Pails and kitchen pots can be converted to shields by simply placing the device inside them and putting the lids back on.

‹ Larger containers, such as these 55-gallon drums, can hold larger items. (Photo: Getty Images)

‹ Surplus steel ammunition cans come in various sizes. With a slight modification, they make great Faraday shields.

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COMBINING MULTIPLE MEASURES, SUCH AS WRAPPING A DEVICE IN FOIL AND THEN PLACING IT IN A GALVANIZED TRASH CAN (LINED WITH A HEAVY TRASH CAN LINER FOR ELECTRICAL INSULATION), CERTAINLY INCREASES THE ODDS IN FAVOR OF YOUR GEAR SURVIVING AN EMP EVENT. When it comes to protecting your electronic gear, there is no such thing as “overkill.” Combining multiple measures, such as wrapping a device in foil and then placing it in a galvanized trash can (lined with a heavy trash can liner for electrical insulation), certainly increases the odds in favor of your gear surviving an EMP event. Grounding the enclosure might increase the effectiveness of the Faraday cage. To avoid the chance of electrocution, don’t connect the enclosure to the ground terminal in an electrical outlet! Connect it directly to an earth ground using the shortest wire (or other conductor) possible. If grounding the enclosure is not practical, don’t worry about it—it will still work.

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‹ Foil, screen and flashing made of aluminum, as well as galvanized sheet metal, are good materials to use when making a Faraday cage from scratch.

‹ Common hand tools, along with a meter to check for electri‹ Check the lid of the enclosure to make sure it fits tightly. The cal continuity, are necessary when making your own enclosure. outline of the mating surface in this ammo can lid shows there are no gaps.

HAVE A BACKUP PLAN

‹ Removing the rubber gasket and covering it with an electrically conductive material ensures there is electrical continuity between the lid and can.

‹ Remove any paint or other coating that might prevent metal-to-metal contact.

It’s likely that a crucial piece of electronic gear will be in use when an EMP strikes, resulting in its destruction. Any piece of gear that plays a vital role in your preparedness or survival plan should have a like counterpart in safe storage: If it’s an electronic device, have a spare (along with all necessary accessories) safely tucked away in a Faraday cage. Remember the prepper’s adage: Two is one, and one is none.

‹ Condensation can be a problem in a sealed enclosure. Desiccant packs can help by absorbing moisture.

‹ Aluminum window screening is effective as is, but a few pieces together and oriented properly can make the screening even more capable of shielding items that require ventilation.

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EMP PROTECTION FROM WORLD GONE SILENT Protecting your small electronics from the threat of an EMP just got easier. With the EMP Bag from World Gone Silent, small electronics, including smartphones and tablets, can be stored and transported without the worry of being compromised by remote hackers (or a high-altitude nuke blast from Kim Jong-un). Simply place the device inside the 10x6-inch bag and roll the Velcro closure down twice … that’s it. The EMP Bag is made from special RF signal-resistant fabric that attenuates the outside signal strength from 78 to 82 dB or 70 to 84 dB, depending on which bag you choose. I’m not going to do the math on this one, but trust me when I say that is a lot of attenuation! World Gone Silent EMP Bags are available in copper (made with copper signal-resistant fabric) or black and silver (made with silver signal-resistant fabric) and are designed to provide protection from signals ranging from 10 megahertz to 100 gigahertz. Without proper test gear, the claimed performance was not verifiable, but in rudimentary analysis, the World Gone Silent EMP Bag performed as well as any Faraday cage tested. MSRP: $24.99—black and nickel EMP Bag; $29.99—copper EMP Bag WWW.WORLDGONESILENT.COM ‹ Small items can be wrapped in aluminum foil, placed inside a larger box and then wrapped with another layer of foil. ‹ World Gone Silent EMP Bags are made from copper or silver signal-resistant fabric to create a flexible Faraday cage. ‹ Properly closed, the EMP Bag will protect any item inside from strong radio frequency energy.

‹ Foil-wrapped items placed inside a steel trash can with a liner to insulate them from the inside of the can will have a better chance of surviving the effects of an EMP.

‹ Spare radio equipment stored inside a Faraday cage will ensure you have the means to communicate after the event.

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TEST YOUR FARADAY CAGE FOR EFFECTIVENESS

‹ Just because you don’t have access to expensive test gear doesn’t mean you can’t test your enclosure. (Photo: Getty Images)

‹ A receiver tuned to a strong signal will lose reception when placed inside a Faraday cage. If you can still hear the station when the enclosure is sealed up, it needs more work.

‹ If there are no strong radio stations available, using a Wi-Fi connection for testing is feasible. Check the signal strength before and after the phone is placed inside the Faraday cage. There should be a significant drop in signal strength inside the enclosure.

‹ The dip in signal strength occurred when the phone was wrapped in aluminum foil (red scale) but was much more dramatic when the phone was placed inside the galvanized trash can (blue scale).

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Thorough testing of a Faraday cage requires elaborate equipment that most of us just don’t have access to, so we will have to settle for an approximation. Like an EMP, radio frequency (RF) energy is a form of electromagnetic radiation. So, using a radio receiver, we can get a good idea of the shielding quality of a prospective enclosure. A good method of testing is to place a portable battery-powered receiver, tuned to a station with continuous program activity, inside the enclosure and close the lid. If the signal drops to the point that only static is heard emanating from within, the enclosure will likely work well as a Faraday cage. When performing such a test, be sure to use a strong station, such as your local NOAA weather alert channel, and turn it up loudly enough to be plainly heard from within the enclosure. If no strong radio stations exist in your area, as might be the case in some of the western states, you might have to improvise a bit. Try one or more of the following: • Place your cell phone inside the container and call it. If it doesn’t ring, you should be good to go. • If you have a Wi-Fi connection in your home, connect to it with your smartphone and analyze the signal strength from within the enclosure (there are free Wi-Fi analyzer apps that measure and plot Wi-Fi signals that are good for this test, as well as other uses). Don’t expect to see the signal drop to zero, but look for a significant reduction in strength. • Use a pair of walkie-talkies (one inside the enclosure and turned up loud) and transmit on the same frequency from a short distance away. These can be FRS/GMRS radios, but higher-powered portable transceivers operating on ham frequencies are much harder to block. Walkie-talkies on CB frequencies are a good test, as well—providing there is enough space inside the enclosure to extend the antenna for high reliability. Even if you can’t test your enclosure, by completely concealing your critical electronic devices inside a conductive enclosure they will stand a much better chance of surviving an EMP.

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FORMULATE YOUR

PREPPER ACTION PLAN CODIFYING CRITICAL PROCEDURES BEFORE THE CRISIS BY WILL DABBS, M.D.

“THE RUSSIANS DON’T TAKE A DUMP, SON, WITHOUT A PLAN.” -ADMIRAL JOSH PAINTER, THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER

T

hese words came from a fictional character in the Tom Clancy book, The Hunt for Red October. Another paraphrased axiom might be that “sweat in peace prevents blood in war.” As this concept applies to survival prepping, it simply means that the time to think about what you are going to do is not when the zombies come ambling up the driveway.

It seems that even the government thinks planning for calamity is a great idea.

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Photo: Dawn Armfield

OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK For those of us who work hard to pay our taxes, it can seem that we get precious little return for that massive recurring investment. We have decent roads and an admittedly prodigious pile of dead terrorists to show for our outlay, but most of that money always seems to go someplace other than the Dabbs family. However, there are some government-sponsored online resources that can do a fine job of helping get you organized when it comes to planning for a crisis.

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‹ Above: You need to recognize the possibility exists that you might lose everything you own from a wide variety of threats. Creating and practicing an action plan is the first step in protecting as much as you can.

That website is www.Ready.gov, and it is a FEMA product. The information is well-organized and easy to access. Potential threats range from pedestrian stuff (such as tornadoes and drought) to weird things (nuclear blasts, tsunamis and “space weather,” whatever that really is. Just kidding; the website explains it nicely). While the technical material should be of interest to anyone responsible enough to have purchased this American Survival Guide magazine, what it really did for me was get the juices flowing.

PRACTICAL TACTICAL It was easy when my kids were young. We lived way out in the woods on a potentially self-sufficient farm and were armed to the teeth. When we had a bad storm or a power outage, we all just retreated to the basement and let it flow over us. However, my three kids now live in three different parts of the country, all far from home. Actions to take in the event of an emergency are altogether different today.

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RALLY POINTS On an infantry patrol, the patrol leader spins his hand in the air every so often and points to an obvious landmark. This is a quiet way of communicating where to go in the event the unit gets separated. The same concept applies to your family in an emergency. Think about this in three phases. The first is what to do if you have to leave the house in the event of a fire or something similar. FEMA calls this “within your neighborhood.” Instruct everyone in the family to rally at the tool shed, the mailbox, a designated neighbor’s house or some similarly recognizable spot. It needs to be easy to find, even in the dark. If you live in a remote area, consider putting some old blankets at your rally point to help keep everybody warm while you wait for the “cavalry.” “Outside your neighborhood,” the rally point might be a place of worship, local library, a nearby friend’s home or a community center. Make sure everyone knows how to navigate there if going it alone. Practice getting there a few times to make sure it is viable. “Outside your hometown,” the rally point can be the home of a relative or close friend. If that isn’t handy, some easily recognizable public place might do. We use a familiar mini-mart along the intervening highway with a well-lit and spacious parking lot. Talk about ways to get there, as well as the criteria for executing a meeting in the event of lost communications. A crisis is frightening enough on its own. But face an emergency while being unable to account for your family members, and panic becomes an issue. Plan your rendezvous points and expect the unexpected. Many times, just knowing what to do can be a great boon in a disaster.

The products at Ready.gov include downloadable information cards to be used in an emergency. They provide a handy place to keep contact information for close friends and family. While you may have access to addresses and phone numbers for every relative, both immediate and distant, how about your 18-year-old college student daughter? If she had to get in touch with Uncle Joe or Aunt Jane when you weren’t there to help, and the Internet was but a memory, could she pull it off? Keep in mind that your cell phone, with its vast repository of personal and professional information, becomes a very expensive paperweight in the absence of electrical power. A good action plan should include communications, food, water, egress, security, clothing and shelter. Think through your particular circumstances and tailor the plan accordingly. Ready.gov has worksheets and guidelines to help you get there. Obviously, the survival considerations for an investment banker in Manhattan are different from those of a Mississippi farmer. Your individualized family prepper action plan should reflect this.

HAVING A PLAN HELPS YOU CONSOLIDATE RESOURCES AND TAMPS DOWN PANIC. KEEP IT SIMPLE; SIMPLE STUFF IS WHAT WE REMEMBER WHEN WE ARE TERRIFIED.

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WHEN THAT TIME COMES, HAVING A PLAN CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUCCESS AND FAILURE, HAPPINESS AND TRAGEDY.

WAR GAMES When I was an Army officer, we planned for every imaginable eventuality. We all knew that the master plan would change the moment we made contact with the enemy. However, that original plan gave us a framework upon which to build, allowing us to adjust to the tactical scenario as it unfolded. The same concepts apply to a family prepper action plan. My kids are hours away in sizeable urban cities. If disaster strikes, even if the infrastructure remains intact, chances are that the cell system will be overwhelmed. Your kids and distant family members need to know what to do so they will have that framework upon which to build if the world goes sideways. Stick with texting. Texts require a fraction of the bandwidth of a voice call. Make sure everybody has everyone else’s contact information in hard copy. Make a lost comms plan. In our case, my kids know to always keep their gas tanks above half full when there is trouble afoot. They are to meet me at a certain spot between their homes and mine at a certain time in the event comms breakdown and they have to run. On my end, I know where to go and look for them at our prearranged linkup site. Ideally, this keeps me from just rolling into their neighborhood—well armed—and looking for trouble after a disaster. It can be a game of sorts: Get everybody together and just imagine what could happen, where and how. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, civil unrest and weather gone wild are good places to start. Review what happened on 9/11 and during hurricanes Katrina and Sandy for

‹ Above: Echo-Sigma sells a wide variety of survival gear designed for almost any imaginable emergency. The company’s rigs are well reasoned and include quality kit.

› Right: MREs (“meals, ready to eat”) are actually tasty if properly prepared. However, they really don’t last all that long on the shelf. In addition, a decent hatchet makes camp chores such as firewood management markedly easier and also doubles as a splendid closecombat weapon.

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inspiration. Once you have this basic framework in place, you can adapt to your reality as necessary. Having a plan helps you consolidate resources and tamps down panic. Keep it simple; simple stuff is what we remember when we are terrified.

PERTINENT PARTICULARS Consider medical needs and plan to meet them. This can include critical medications or equipment. For instance— • Insulin-dependent diabetes is a guaranteed death sentence in the absence of insulin and a refrigerator. • Kids have different needs than adults. • Consider pets and close friends in your planning. You don’t want to end up so desperate that you have to consider eating any of them! • Differing languages and disabilities can change the landscape of a survival situation. Little things such as hearing aid batteries can become big things if you find yourself without them. • Research local shelters’ policies concerning service animals if you have such, and plan enough food and support gear to keep these critical assets online in a crisis. • Figure out a way to access emergency alerts and warnings when conventional means of communications are down. A compact weather radio is cheap and can be powered by anything from batteries to a hand crank to sunshine. Knowing what is really going on in the world can be half the fight.

ZOMBIES AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Despite appearances, our politicians are not actually brainless, undead spending machines fixated on squandering our hard-earned tax dollars and taking fact-finding trips to Aruba. And, in fact, I have it on good authority that zombies are not even a real thing … . However, that didn’t stop the government from preparing some splendid guidelines for surviving a zombie attack. This information is packaged in the form of a free webinar and is presented in concert with the Centers for Disease Control. The director of the CDC, Dr. Ali Khan, said, “If you are generally well equipped to deal with a zombie apocalypse, you will be prepared for a hurricane, pandemic, earthquake or terrorist attack.” Webinar speakers introduce fun and innovative emergency preparedness activities to spark discussion and get potential survivors involved before it is too late. The CDC has hosted a “zombie apocalypse” social media campaign, and the Kansas Department of Emergency Management even held a “zombie awareness” month. (Who knew that Kansas had such a problem with the undead?) Even if brain-eating ghouls never actually overrun American population centers, the basic equipment and techniques depicted by all our favorite zombie survivors on both the large and small screens have merit in helping us survive the more conventional emergencies. Every responsible American should maintain a bug-out bag, a serviceable firearm and some shelf-stable food and water—just in case. If nothing else, every self-sustaining American is one less helpless burden on inevitably stretched emergency services assets. Zombie legends actually have some scant basis in fact. Just Google “bovine spongiform encephalopathy” or “kuru” if you want a fright. These are untreatable prion (“prion” stands for “proteinaceous infectious particles” and are bits of misfolded protein that have the ability to spread by making other proteins misfold; [www. prionalliance.org]) diseases that degrade your brain and make you act strikingly zombie-like in the latter stages. Fortunately, however, these weirdly vicious diseases have never achieved an epidemic state. The take-home point is that the techniques required to combat them can be mighty handy in other emergencies, as well.

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YOU ARE NEVER MORE THAN A SINGLE HEADLINE AWAY FROM HAVING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF YOUR FAMILY. Recon places such as schools and churches in advance so you know how to retrieve your kids in a crisis. I have a well-funded friend with a helicopter who has a plan to extract his children aerially from their local school in an emergency. While the rest of us will have to make do with the family minivan, the basic concepts still apply. Once you have a plan, document it so that everybody understands what to do and when. The assets at Ready.gov can help you get organized.

‹ Above: Shelf-stable food such as this from Mountain House will last 25 years or more if left unopened in a cool place. However, all the food and cool-guy gear on the planet is worthless if you lack the means to protect it.

The military trains repetitively, because that is how you hardwire information for use in a crisis. The key to reliable performance of the human machine when the blood really starts pumping is this training. That can be a theater-level exercise replete with tanks, strike aircraft, Special Operations forces and live ammo. It can also be a game wherein you yell, “Go!” and see how long it takes your 5-year-old to get out the door and meet you at the mailbox. If properly crafted, such exercises can be fun and potentially lifesaving. Send your teenager a text five minutes before school lets out that says, “There has been a nuclear attack, and our neighborhood is overrun with radioactive mutants. What are you going to do?” Meet them at your pre-ordained rally point and then go grab some ice cream. If the zombies ever show up for real, your kids will remember what to do. It need not be complicated.

Photo: Clem Onojeghuo

COMBAT TRAINING

‹ Above: It’s very possible your phone will fail you during a serious emergency. Anticipate this challenge and create hard copies of important information about contacts, medical needs, physicians and other aspects of your life.

Ready.gov is well reasoned and nicely executed. Because it is a government website, there is naturally precious little about firearms or defending yourself in a crisis. Even so, stuff such as government

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Photo: Manu Adan

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

‹ Above: If you have pets, be sure to include them in your plans so you can protect and provide for them during emergencies.

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resources and technical information is available in spades. (And cool magazines such as American Survival Guide will keep you abreast of all your kinetic options.) Downloadable PDF files include printable emergency action plans for parents, kids and transit commuters. There are wallet-sized resources available, as well as tips and pointers on disaster preparation. There is also some explanatory information on the national system for emergency alerts and warnings. It’s all there … and it doesn’t cost you a dime to use it.

RUMINATIONS In its natural state, the world is chaos. We push back the best we’re able, but the inevitable inestimable entropy of the universe is always lurking just beneath the

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‹ Above: Keeping hard copies of important contact information is always a good idea. Each family member should keep a copy handy. Use something like this two-page checklist to ensure that important stuff is gathered and available to all family members. (Photo: FEMA)

‹ Above right: Vital records and paperwork can be difficult—or impossible—to replace. In a crisis, it is helpful to keep a checklist of important papers that need to travel with you. (Photo: FEMA)

… THERE ARE SOME GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED ONLINE RESOURCES THAT CAN DO A FINE JOB OF HELPING GET YOU ORGANIZED WHEN IT COMES TO PLANNING FOR A CRISIS. surface. You are never more than a single headline away from having to take responsibility for the safety and security of your family. When that time comes, having a plan can make the difference between success and failure, happiness and tragedy. So much of our tax money is squandered on stupid stuff we don’t want or need. I couldn’t care less about solar-powered beer or a study to determine why bugs are attracted to lights (these are, in fact, two actual government projects that burned through more than $100,000 in 2015). However, www.Ready.gov really does have some genuinely useful information that could help a great deal in a crisis. Surf on over and check it out. ASG

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ASG-1709-OFD Foods_mountain house 5/25/17 7:32 AM Page 1

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Follow these steps to receive your rebate by mail: Step 1: Purchase an individual Mountain House 14-Day Emergency Food Supply Kit, OR each individual 2-Day, 3-Day, 4-Day, and 5-Day Emergency Food Supply Kits between 2/1/17 and 11/30/17. Items can be found at various online retailers Step 2: Fill out the form completely (form can also be found at 14DayKit.com). Step 3: Circle product price on original receipt Step 4: Mail completed form and original receipt in a stamped envelope to:

Now is the time to ensure that your family is prepared to eat well in an emergency. Just in Case...®

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TRANSFORM A VINTAGE FILE INTO A

CELTIC DAGGER YOU DON’T NEED A FORGE TO MAKE A KNIFE.

© Getty Images

STORY BY LARRY SCHWARTZ PHOTOS BY PAUL KISH

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good friend of mine, Paul Kish, mentioned that the next step in his journey to learning blacksmithing was to make a knife from a file. I knew this would be something American Survival Guide readers would find interesting, and he agreed. So, with Paul’s permission and his able assistance, here is how he went through the process. This Celtic dagger is the first knife he has attempted on his journey into blacksmithing. It’s crafted using only a 1-inch belt sander and a Dremel-type grinding tool. No forging, annealing or hardening was needed for this project. What follows are the six basic steps Paul used to turn the file into a nice, Celtic-style dagger.

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Step 1: Pick the Right File Paul started this project with a vintage Bell Systems axe-sharpening file, but any file will work—as long as it is a flat file with a wide handle. The type of teeth on the file doesn’t matter either, because you are going to grind them off. He decided on this one, because the full handle makes for a nice, wide tang. A file with a rattail handle, one that narrows, will also work, but it will be harder to fit to the scales of the knife handle.

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NO FORGING, ANNEALING OR HARDENING WAS NEEDED FOR THIS PROJECT.

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WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS PROJECT There are three major parts to this project: shaping, acid etching and finishing. For shaping the dagger, you will need— 1. An old file 2. A 1-inch belt sander 3. Safety gear (eye protection, work gloves) 4. A grounding strap (to reduce static shocks) 5. A round or triangular file for cutting the slot in the guard For acid etching, you will need—

IF THE SPARKS COMING OFF THE FILE CHANGE AS YOU GO DEEPER INTO THE METAL, YOU ARE PROBABLY HITTING SOFT METAL. Another reason Paul chose this file is because it was an older file. He had heard that modern files are often only hardened on the outside, so be careful. If the sparks coming off the file change as you go deeper into the metal, you are probably hitting soft metal.

Step 2: Smooth and Shape Your File Once you have selected your file, it is time to put on your protective gear and get to work. Attach your grounding strap to something metal—and to yourself. Paul didn’t use one at first and got shocks in his hands about three seconds apart the entire time. It’s generally not especially dangerous, but it got old really fast. Using the 1-inch belt sander, begin removing metal to make the rectangular file into a pointed blade. You can do this by eye; alternatively, if you want a specific shape to the blade, you will want to mark the outline with a pencil or felt-tip marker. Once you have the shape you are looking for, you can work on grinding off the file teeth. The file is hardened steel, so this will take awhile. Be patient, because rushing your work can result in an uneven thickness to your blade. With the teeth removed, you can now start curving the flat down to make the cutting edge.

1. Muriatic acid 2. Hydrogen peroxide 3. Metallic Sharpie marker 4. Electrical tape (optional) 5. A cool design 6. Nitrile gloves 7. Eye protection 8. A plastic container long enough to hold the file 9. Buckets of water 10. Fine-grit wet-dry sandpaper 11. A work space with very good ventilation For finishing, you will need— 1. Some wood for the handle and scabbard 2. A Dremel-type rotary tool 3. Two-part epoxy adhesive 4. Leather stripping 5. Clear polyurethane and a way to apply it

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ATTACH YOUR GROUNDING STRAP TO SOMETHING METAL— AND TO YOURSELF. PAUL DIDN’T USE ONE AT FIRST AND GOT SHOCKS IN HIS HANDS ABOUT THREE SECONDS APART THE ENTIRE TIME.

Take care shaping the cutting edges. You want to get them close to sharpened, but don’t go too far. Better to leave a flat “edge” of 1/8 inch that you can sharpen by hand later rather than taking off too much and then having an odd-shaped blade.

Step 3: The Tang and Guard Paul wanted to put a brass guard on the knife, so he purchased some solid brass line cleats from a local boat store. To make the slot in the cleats for the knife’s tang to go through, you will need to remove the brass between the screw holes. The best way to do this is to use a round- or triangular-shaped file. Start in one hole and work your way across

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to the other hole. A line drawn between the two holes will help you get a straight slot instead of a curved or wavy one. Go slowly with this, because you don’t want to remove too much metal. If you make the opening too large, the guard might not fit snuggly. Once you have your slot in the guard, start grinding the tang so it will fit into the slot you cut in the guard. Paul got the guard to slide just over the base of the blade. If you don’t like the size of the cleat/guard, grind it down to the look you want. Brass is very soft, so go carefully here. Use a fine-grit belt to polish it up. If the guard moves around against the blade too much, you can still continue to the acid-etching step; just secure the guard with J-B KwikWeld when you attach it to the handle later on.

Step 4: Acid-Etching Your Design

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It is time to apply your design to the blade. Put your design on paper. Paul chose a style of Celtic braid so it could follow the blade. You will need to transfer or freehand it. Regular pencil will show up on the metal and is the easiest way to apply the design.

   

         
    

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Use a metallic Sharpie to apply the image to one side of the blade, and then put the mirror image on the reverse side. Paint the parts you want to stay shiny with the Sharpie. Cover the blade edges and tang with electrical tape so they do not get etched by the acid bath. Because the metallic Sharpie and electrical tape block the acid from reaching the metal, you are basically creating a negative image of the finished design. Next, put on your eye protection and Nitrile gloves. In a well-ventilated area, pour one part muriatic acid (e.g., 1 pint) into a plastic container (Paul used a plastic paint roller tray). Then, add two parts (2 pints—which equals 1 quart) hydrogen peroxide to the muriatic acid. Don’t add the acid to the peroxide, because it will bubble up and splash acid. Carefully place the blade into the bath. The longer you leave it, the more defined the etching will be. Paul left his knife in for around three hours. Once it’s done, rinse the knife thoroughly to remove all the etching solution. Use 300-grit wet-dry sandpaper (under water) to gently remove any remaining metallic marker. A note on the blocking material: The metal in the metallic Sharpie will be eaten by the acid, leaving a “weathered” or “ancient”-looking patina. For cleaner, more pronounced lines, fingernail polish and remover work very well.

› Right: There are many types of Celtic designs to choose from. This one is more intricate than Paul’s and is better suited for wider blades.

CAREFULLY PLACE THE BLADE INTO THE BATH. THE LONGER YOU LEAVE IT, THE MORE DEFINED THE ETCHING WILL BE.

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Step 5: Handle and Scabbard Paul chose walnut for his knife handle, because he liked the natural color when wet. Cut your wood or other handle material into suitable sizes for the handle and scabbard. Trace out your tang with the guard in place; do the same with the blade without the guard. You will need to sand a spot for the guard to sit in later. Start grinding the wood away until you get to half the thickness of the tang for the handle. You will want it to be a little more than half the thickness of the blade for the scabbard. Test-fit them often until the two pieces of wood meet without gaps. The scabbard should allow the blade to be drawn and inserted smoothly. Make sure there is extra room for the point to go into, because you will still need to sand things down. Once your fit is good, fit the guard to the blade, fill both sides of the handle with epoxy, and clamp tightly, with the blade end pointing up. If you have it pointing blade down, the epoxy will run out of the handle and all over the blade. If there is space between the guard and blade, fill it with a little J-B KwikWeld. A note of interest for those who want to make a knife they will actually use as a cutting tool: As described, this dagger is suitable for decorative use, such as costumes or wall displays. If you only attach the handle to the tang with epoxy,

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REMEMBER TO CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS REGARDING THE LENGTH OF KNIVES YOU CAN CARRY WITH YOU. the handle might come off in hard use. If you intend to use it hard, drill two or three holes through one handle scale, through the tang and out the other handle scale. Then, fix pins in the holes you just made and sand them flush. For the scabbard, put a thin line of epoxy on the mating surfaces and clamp them, point end up, until set. You don’t want epoxy setting up on the inside, because this will block the blade. Once the epoxy is set, sand the wood to the shape you want. On the scabbard, sand, carve or grind notches for the guard to settle into. Use progressively finer grit to smooth things out.

Step 6: Detailing and Finishing Now that you have the blade, handle and scabbard completed, it’s time to add some embellishments to your dagger. Paul used 4mm leather stripping and an old dirk frog (basically just a leather loop) to dress it up. You can do whatever you want: For instance, carve a pattern into the wood, stain it a different color, embed real or synthetic gemstones in the handle and scabbard, or inlay it with silver or gold wire. Once it’s to your liking, finish it with polyurethane to protect it and keep all the leather secure. Your dagger is done. If your file was made from good steel that is hard enough to take an edge but not so hard that it is brittle, you should be able to sharpen it to a pretty fine edge, if you are so inclined. If the quality of the steel isn’t that good, you will still be able to put an edge on it, but it might be best for ceremonial or costume use. One final—but important—note: Remember to check your local laws regarding the length of knives you can carry with you. ASG

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©2017

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6/5/17 4:08 AM

DOG TREATS KITTING OUT YOUR K9 COMPILED BY FRANK WARREN

Rex Specs Large Dog Goggles Overview While allowing for full movement of the jaw and complete visibility, Rex Specs dog goggles protect your dog’s eyes from debris, environmental hazards, and the sun or snow blindness. All lenses are UVA/ UVB protective. Rex Specs dog goggles come with two interchangeable lenses: one clear and a second lens color of your choice.

Specifications • Designed for working dogs • Assists in the treatment of chronic superficial keratitis • Rated ANSI Z87.1 • Rated UV400 from UVA/UVB rays • Frame colors: Blue, purple, black, coyote, red, orange, neon pink, airport yellow • Lens colors: Clear, smoke, red revo, blue revo

MSRP $79.95

URL www.RexSpecs.com

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Ruffwear Approach Pack Overview

Specifications

The Ruffwear Approach Pack allows dogs to carry their own gear without inhibiting their movement. The integrated harness aids in fit, pack stability and overall structure. The rounded saddlebags are form fitting and better at carrying a load than rectangular bags. Combined with the lightweight materials and a streamlined design, the Approach Pack is comfortable and allows dogs to carry trail necessities.

• Customizable fit with five points of adjustment allow for full range of motion • Single-piece, anodized aluminum V-ring and webbing loop attachment points • Stash pockets and external gear loops • Harness suspension system provides stability, comfort and fit • Colors: Meadow green or orange poppy • Sizes: XS to L/XL • Capacities: XS/6 liters; S/12.5 liters; M/14.5 liters; L/XL/24 liters

MSRP $79.95

URL www.Ruffwear.com

Adventure Medical Kits Me & My Dog Medical Kit Overview

Specifications

With dual purpose in mind, the Me & My Dog Medical Kit is for both you and your dog, providing a host of gear that can treat injuries to humans, as well as dogs. Weighing only 1.47 pounds, this kit contains all the first aid essentials you would expect in a fully loaded first aid kit. The whole kit fits into a 7.5x3.5x5.3-inch pouch, while the gear, itself, is split into two waterproof bags to keep everything fresh and clean.

• Wound care/cuts: 45 pieces of assorted bandages, eye wash, wipes, gloves and more • Sprain/strain: Triangular bandage, Instant Cold compress and safety pins • Medical instruction/instruments: Two manuals, shears, forceps, hydrogen peroxide and survival blanket • Medication: Aspirin and antihistamine

MSRP $50

URL www.AdventureMedicalKits.com

Feliscanis Tactical Dog Vest Overview

Specifications

The soft 1000D nylon on the outside helps avoid irritation on the dog’s body, while the grid design of the vest allows for breathability and comfort. A soft pad insert on the collar prevents chafing on the dog's neck. There is a carry handle and leash buckle on each end of the vest, along with MOLLE system webbing on both sides for adding pouches and other accessories.

• Vest material: 1000D nylon • Strap material: Nylon • MOLLE system webbing • Metal leash buckle • Sizes: M and L with adjustable fit

MSRP $35.83

URL www.Feliscanis.net

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OneTigris Tactical K9 Training Vest Overview

Specifications

The Tactical K9 Training Vest is made from two layers of waterproof 1000D nylon fabric with a soft, padded lining for the dog's comfort. All seams are reinforced for strength and durability, while a sturdy, padded handle and metal leash clip at the top of the harness help keep control of the dog. The front chest strap has two slides for better two-way adjustment.

• Easy to put on and take off • Loop-and-pile sides • Quick-release buckle • Sizes: XS–XL • Weight: 6.3 ounces (S); 9.5 ounces (L) • Available in black and coyote brown • Capacities: XS/6 liters; S/12.5 liters; M/14.5 liters; L and XL/24 liters

MSRP $27.99

URL www.OneTigris.com

Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl Overview

Specifications

Keep your dog hydrated while on the trail or in the field. This collapsible bowl is a good way to give your dog a drink without taking up a lot of space between uses. The Port-A-Bowl tucks easily into a backpack, pocket or purse and provides an easy way to give your dog food and water while on the go.

• 24- and 48-ounce sizes • Folds flat, cleans easily and dries fast • Dimensions: 3x4.5 inches (Small); 3.5x6 inches (Large)

MSRP $5.99

URL www.OutwardHound.com

Doggles Trail Trackers Boots Overview

Specifications

Doggles Trail Trackers Boots are great for all conditions and weather. They are designed to stay on your dog’s feet, no matter what the terrain is. These boots feature wide openings and two hook-and-loop straps. The rubber soles provide traction, and the neoprene material is durable.

• Flexible for dog's movements • Excellent insulation against the cold • Prevents scrapes and cuts in rough terrain • Sizes XXS–XXL

MSRP $39.59

URL www.Woof.Doggles.com

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Midwest Pet Products Side-by-Side SUV Crates Overview

Specifications

The key feature of the Midwest SUV Crates is that they fit side by side in the back of midsized or large SUVs and vans. Two models are available, and although one is larger than the other, they are both 21 inches wide, giving an overall width of 42 inches for both crates together. One door on each end of the crate provides great flexibility in how you use the crates: Clean dogs enter from the vehicle side, while dirty dogs come in through the tailgate door.

• Black electro-coated finish is tough, attractive and long lasting • ABS pan included to keep messes away from your vehicle • Folds easily without tools so you can stow it conveniently

MSRP $165.99

URL www.MidwestPetProducts.com

Ruffwear Jet Stream Cooling Vest Overview

Specifications

The Ruffwear Jet Stream efficiently cools dogs on hot days through shading and evaporative cooling. The Jet Stream uses shade-providing spandex over the back, while Ruffwear’s three-layer evaporative cooling chest panel disperses heat from the dog’s core.

• Three-layer construction chest panel cools the dog’s core: • Wicking outer layer facilitates evaporation. • Absorbent middle layer holds water for evaporation. • Comfortable inner layer transfers cooling effect to the dog. • Vest cut for fast and light athletic endeavors • Zippered closure for easy fit • Sizes: XXS–XL

MSRP $39.95

URL www.Ruffwear.com

5.11 Tactical TAC K9 Handler Gloves Overview

Specifications

Created as a result of input from K9 teams around the country, the TAC K9 glove is specifically engineered for canine patrol officers. The palm features reinforcements at contact surfaces on the palm, thumb and trigger finger, ensuring lead control and extending glove life. The patented TacticalTouch precision fingertip design offers exceptional tactility when performing pat-downs or presenting your firearm. Flexible TPR knuckle impact protection zones guard against abrasion and laceration.

• Stretch mesh back panel • TPR knuckle impact protection zones • Elastic cuff with hook-and-loop closure • Sizes: S–XXL

MSRP $39.99

URL www.511Tactical.com

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Insect Shield Bug Repellent Dog Blanket Overview

Specifications

Perfect for any outdoor activity where there are bugs (everywhere!), the Insect Shield portable blanket is soft, comfortable and lightweight. It features built-in insect protection for your pet, and it is easily transportable in a small stuff sack. This blanket is the result of intensive research and field studies that have proven its effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and flies.

• Material: 100% polyester with a nylon carrying bag • Treatment lasts through 25 washings • Odorless protection • Lightweight • Size: 56x48 inches

MSRP $36.99

URL www.Chewy.com

Insect Shield Reversible Bug Repellent Dog Bed Overview

Specifications

Meant for use inside the crate and outside, as well, this reversible dog bed protects your pet from insect bites with Insect Shield’s proprietary materials. The repellency lasts approximately 25 washings, and all Insect Shield Repellent Gear products are EPA registered to repel mosquitoes, ticks, flies and fleas.

• Removable cover for laundering • Sized to fit most wire crates • Four sizes: S, M, M/L, L

MSRP From $29.99

URL www.Chewy.com

Uncommon Goods Dog Bowl Water Bottle

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Overview

Specifications

Designed just for dogs, this water bottle keeps them well hydrated while on the go. With just a squeeze of the bottle, the attached dish fills with water at a convenient height for dogs to drink. This patented design is leakproof, and excess water drains back into the bottle to minimize waste. The adjustable strap lets you attach the bottle to a backpack, belt or wrist.

• Fits any standard car cup holder • Food-safe and BPA-free polypropylene • Dimensions: 8.5x4.25 inches • Capacity: 20 ounces

MSRP $15

URL www.UncommonGoods.com

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NAR K-9 Handler IFAK Kit Overview

Specifications

The North American Rescue K-9 Handler Kit enables handlers to provide lifesaving treatment to injured canines when veterinary care is not immediately available. This kit and its contents are compact, durable and allow the handler to carry an individual first aid kit that can be used for rendering care to the handler, their canine or other injured persons.

• Dimensions: 7x4.5x2.75 inches • Some contents include: C-A-T tourniquet; assorted dressings; HyFin Vent Chest Seal, twin pack; ARS; needle decompression kit, 14 gauge; digital vet thermometer • Colors: Black, coyote, OD green, multicam

MSRP $124.99

URL www.NARescue.com

MIA K9 Tactical Military Dog Collar Overview

Specifications

Made from high-quality materials, such as AustriAlpin Cobra buckles used in most climbing gear, this 1.5-inch-wide dog collar has military-grade polyamide webbing sewn into two layers for extra toughness. The handle makes it easier to control your pet during tough situations.

• Tear- and wear-proof • Break- and snap-proof • Colors: Black, coyote brown, dark coyote, olive green, tan, sand • Sizes: M-XL

MSRP $40.15

URL www.MIAK9.co.uk

Sea Pet Good2Go Hammock Dog Seat Overview

Specifications

To keep the interior of your car clean— instead of covered in hair, fur and scratched from your dog’s nails—the Good2Go No-Fur Zone Hammock dog car seat cover provides a great barrier between your dog and your upholstery. Made from soft fleece, it has strong straps and is easy to install.

• Dimensions: 58X59 inches • Color: Gray • Strong, adjustable straps for easy installation and secure fit • Durable, water-resistant backing for added protection against accidents and spills

MSRP $56.98

URL www.Sea-Pet.com

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Glow Hero GlowCollar Overview

Specifications

Dark-colored dogs are at a disadvantage (and danger) at night due to a lack of visibility. However, the Glow Hero GlowCollar features two methods of visibility: an active LED and passive reflective stitching. The collar is water resistant, made from high-strength nylon and weighs only 3 ounces.

• Modes: Fast blink, blink, steady • Visibility: 600 yards • Colors: Green, orange, red, blue • Sizes: Large (18.5-22.5 pounds); medium (16-18.75 pounds); small (15-16.5 pounds) • Weight: 3 ounces

MSRP $39.99

URL www.GlowHero.com

Gamma2, Inc. Vittles Vault Outback 50 Overview

Specifications

A big problem for preppers is storing enough food for their pets while keeping the food fresh. With sealed lids and made from tough materials, the Vittles Vault is strong enough to keep out pests and rodents while keeping the food free from moisture. The Vittles Vault comes in various sizes.

• Includes free scoop • Space efficient; tall profile • Use a dry-erase marker to personalize your lid sticker • Food-grade, BPA-free HDPE plastic • Dimensions: 14x14x20 inches • Capacity: 13 gallons (about 50 pounds of dog food)

MSRP $32.49

URL www.VittlesVault.com

Woof Hoofs Black Diamond Winter Dog Boots Overview

Specifications

Woof Hoof’s winter boots are made of stretchable, insulating neoprene material. These boots protect a dog’s paws against snow and snow-melting chemicals. They use a durable, yet flexible, rubber traction sole. The dual-strap design ensures a secure fit that minimizes slipping, flipping or falling off.

• Neoprene upper • Double straps • Rubber sole • Size: XXS–XXL

MSRP From $28.99

URL www.WoofHoofs.com

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Rogue K9 4.5-Foot Adjustable Dog Leash Overview

Specifications

Weighing just 5 ounces, the Rogue K9 dog leash is made with double-ply, 1-inch A-A55301 MIL-SPEC webbing, ITW G-Hook and Kong Frog carabiner, rendering it extremely durable and perfectly suited for any situation. At a length of roughly 4.5 feet, the leash’s strategically placed openings and ITW G-Hook allow for quick adjustments to the length.

• Kong Frog carabiner buckle • Width: 1 inch • Materials: A-A-55301 MIL-SPEC webbing • ITW G-Hook

MSRP $49.95

URL www.Etsy.com

Outward Hound DayPak Overview

Specifications

The DayPak allows your pup to comfortably carry extra gear and essentials that are just for him. A light-capacity pack, it features a saddlebag-style design that is ideal for both quick getaways and everyday errands with your dog. There are four expandable pockets, and a leash can attach directly to the DayPak’s D-ring clip.

• Expandable pockets • D-ring leash attachment • Adjustable straps • Breathable mesh harness • Reflective accents and vibrant colors enhance visibility • Colors: Green, blue • Sizes: S–L

MSRP $34.99

URL www.OutwardHound.com

PAWS Aboard Neoprene Pet Life Jacket Overview

Specifications

Of course, dogs can swim, but like people, some are better at it than others. The PAWS Aboard Pet Life Jacket provides buoyancy and high visibility to keep pets safe in or around the water. It features an advanced breathable mesh underbelly for proper draining and drying, which provides comfort and minimizes chafing.

• New, reflective strips for maximum visibility • Bright colors and unique designs • Handle on top for quick and easy grabbing • Adjustable nylon straps • Quick-release buckles • Sizes: XXS–XL

MSRP $32.99

URL www.FidoPetProducts.com

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STUDYING YOUR ENVIRONMENT PAYS BIG SURVIVAL DIVIDENDS. BY DANA BENNER

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he act of surviving any situation involves as much mental might as physical strength. Sure, physical well-being plays a large part without a doubt, but it is those people who understand the situation and who don’t let the mental pressures beat them down who will survive. One way to deal with the mental pressures is knowledge, which will lead to understanding the environment you find yourself in. Whether you are in an urban environment, a desert or a swamp, knowing what that particular environment can offer you and how you can best utilize its resources will help ensure your survival. All the fancy, top-of-theline equipment will do you no good if you don’t use your brain to recognize the assets available around you. Every year, I travel to an area I am unfamiliar with. I spend about two weeks studying the environment. I learn as much as I can about the resources—both manmade and natural—that can be utilized if I ever find myself in a bad situation. I speak with, and listen to, native elders about how their people have survived for thousands of years. I watch birds and animals, because doing so will teach you a great deal if you are willing to take the time to observe them. I try to learn about the best places to shelter and the areas to stay

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‹ Above: This area is a great place to gather food; it is also dangerous. A cut here can lead to an infection that could take you out of the game.

‹ Right: This area screams danger. Don’t linger here. Get to higher and drier ground.

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ALL THE FANCY, TOP-OF-THELINE EQUIPMENT WILL DO YOU NO GOOD IF YOU DON’T USE YOUR BRAIN TO RECOGNIZE THE ASSETS AVAILABLE AROUND YOU. away from. I learn which plants are edible, which ones will kill you quickly and which ones have healing properties. Can I gather all the information I need in two weeks? Of course not, but I can gather enough to keep me alive. The learning process is an ongoing process. A Pequot elder once told me, “Nobody knows everything, but everybody knows something.” If we stop learning, if we stop asking questions, we are already dead.

THE LEARNING BEGINS As soon as you step one foot beyond your comfort zone, the learning begins. I am very comfortable in a natural environment: I grew up in a rural area. I have hunted and fished most of my life, and I grow as much of my food as I can. As soon as I step out of that environment and enter a city, I am on guard. Unfortunately, most airports are in cities. I always make sure to arrive early so I can get a “lay of the land.” No weapons are allowed in airports, so I must rely on my mind as my primary defensive tool. I locate all exits and find nooks and crannies where bad things can happen … and then, I stay away from them. I sit with my back against a wall so nobody can get behind me, and my eyes are always moving, trying to locate potential threats before they can do any harm to me or someone else. I credit this heightened awareness to my 12 years of enhanced U.S. Army training. Sometimes, my wife travels with me. She, unlike me, is comfortable—no matter where she is—almost to the point of throwing caution to the wind. This raises my survival senses to new levels, because I need to protect her as much, if not more, than I do myself. When I get to wherever I am going and can get out of the city, my senses (which have been on overdrive) can relax. They don’t turn off, because every new place can produce unseen and unknown dangers, but the intensity is different. I can then truly engage my learning mode and am open to the lessons being presented.

WHAT TO DO If you find yourself in a survival situation, what are you going to do? Assess the situation: Don’t panic! Decide whether you need to leave or stay in place. Locate possible threats, and eliminate them by safely and quickly removing yourself from the threat. Do not confront the threat unless you need to. Remember: Use your head. Locate and collect resources: Whether you are in an urban or natural environment, you need to know what you have and what you need. If you have your pack, you have enough resources to survive for a couple days. Let the environment tell you where to find additional resources, and take advantage of everything you find. Secure shelter: Establish a safe and defendable shelter to ride out the situation. It is not always the visible dangers that will take you down. Dehydration and exposure will kill you quicker than anything else. A shelter will protect you from the elements.

‹ Above: Cattails, rushes and reeds indicate fresh water. ‹ Left: This black racer in the Florida Keys is a great food source … if you can catch it.

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WATCH AND LEARN We all know people need food, water and shelter to survive. No matter where we are, we need these basic things. To find them, all we need to do is keep our eyes and ears open. Water. Even in places such as Arizona’s Sonora Desert, one of the hottest and driest places I have ever found myself, there is water. How about the Florida Keys? These islands, which are surrounded by saltwater, do have natural freshwater sources. So, how do you find them? The very first thing I do when I get myself into an area is find a water source. I do this by looking at the vegetation. All plants need water to survive, but some need less water than others. Some flora, such as mangrove trees, can survive in brackish water (a mixture of both fresh and saltwater). People can’t drink brackish water, but the mangroves indicate there is a freshwater source nearby—because you can’t have brackish water without freshwater. As you get closer to the freshwater, you will start to see trees such as maples and oaks, bulrushes and cattails. Don’t rely on the presence of mosses, because these plants have the ability to take

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‹ Be aware of potential dangers— both natural and man-made. It is the ones you don’t see that will get you.

› Mangroves indicate freshwater nearby. Other broadleafed trees indicate higher and drier land, as well.

AS SOON AS YOU STEP ONE FOOT BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE, THE LEARNING BEGINS. moisture out of the air. Sometimes, as in the American Southwest, the water will not be obvious. It might be underground, or maybe it will only be a small seep among a pile of boulders. In these situations, I look for both plants and animals or signs that animals frequent the area. All animals need freshwater, so let them lead you to it. Follow game trails if you’re able to find some. Just be careful: Predators often hunt near water sources. Continue to watch the plants to identify possible sources of water. In the Arizona desert, many of the plants growing there can live with very little water, but there are

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THE ACT OF SURVIVING ANY SITUATION INVOLVES AS MUCH MENTAL MIGHT AS PHYSICAL STRENGTH. also a few cottonwood or willow trees. These trees are great indicators of a good source of freshwater. Shelter. Now that you have found a water source, what about shelter? The tendency to build your shelter extremely close to the water is one that many novices fall prey to. Don’t do it, because this mistake can kill you in more ways than one. You found this water source, so that means others—both two- and four-legged—will find it also. Remember: You aren’t camping; you are in a survival situation, and the competition is on for everything that can sustain life. Like my native ancestors before me, I want my shelter on the highest ground possible. First, it is drier than areas close to the water. A sudden rainstorm could flood the lower area. Believe me, you don’t want any part of that. In addition, biting insects tend to be less problematic the higher up you go, and there is more fuel available for your fire. High ground gives me the ability to survey the surrounding area, enabling me to detect both food and possible danger. Higher ground is also easier to defend. Keep in mind that there are always things out there that will try to get you. Building your shelter on higher ground will make you much safer. Just be very careful you don’t signal your presence, which is also easier to do at higher levels. Use available materials to construct a shelter that will protect you from the elements and possible threats and that blends into the surrounding area. If you keep all this in mind, you should be all set. There are many different shelters and ways to make them— way too many to discuss here. Knowledge of building several types of debris or expedient shelters should be something you have before venturing into unknown areas. Food. While I always carry some food with me (see the sidebar on page 74), the ability to secure food is needed for situations lasting longer than a few days. You probably won’t know how long your situation will last, but it makes sense to investigate your food options sooner rather than later. My father used to say, “If it walks, crawls, flies or swims, you can eat it.” While this is

› Even in urban areas, food can be found outside grocery stores.

› Lizards seem to be everywhere, whether in the tropics or the desert, and they make an easy meal. Never pass them up.

› Frogs are always good sources of food. But be careful, because some are poisonous (this one is not). If in doubt, leave it alone.

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IN TODAY’S WORLD, IT IS VERY EASY TO GET COMPLACENT AND NOT TAKE SERIOUSLY THE PREPARATIONS FOR DEALING WITH THE CHALLENGES WE’LL FACE IN ANY VARIETY OF SURVIVAL SITUATIONS. › Snakes, such as this one in Florida’s Corkscrew Swamp, make great food sources.

› Right: Proper footwear is a must at all times. The coast is a great place to gather food, but always wear something on your feet because of hidden dangers such as rays, lionfish, scorpionfish and urchins. These Chaco sandals are perfect because of their thick soles. › Below: Turtles make a great survival food, and the shells can be used for many purposes.

not entirely true, it does drive home the point that food is all around us. The roots of cattails are edible, as are the young shoots of ferns, called “fiddleheads.” Many berries are edible, but use caution here, because some are poisonous. In a true survival situation, you can set snares to catch birds and small animals. That water source you found probably has some fish, frogs, snakes (once again, use caution here), all of which make a good meal. Man-Made. Humans have been part of the environment for thousands of years. Take advantage of what past human

‹ Near left: Shallow coastal waters are easy to access and can yield food, such as this large hermit crab.

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KI-1705-Jantz 2/20/17 9:35 AM Page 1

1-800-351-8900 Jantz Kydex Molding Press

KYDEX SHEATH MATERIAL 12” x 12” x .080”

See Website for Additional Thicknesses

Made in the USA. Featuring an innovative ratcheting mechanism which maintains even tension while locking the press; single hand closure, lock, and release. This molding press allows you to set and walk away while the thermal molding foam sets your heated Kydex to the size and shape needed. Made with 3/16” steel plate. Comes with two pieces of 8” x 12” x 1” thick high quality foam. 9 lbs/cf density, 225°F heat rating. Replacement foam is available. JS900 .................................. Molding Press ..............................$89.95 JS901 .................... Replacement Foam for Press (2 pcs) ..........................$12.95

Kydex is a thermoplastic material used to make formed sheaths for your knives. It is cut to shape, formed by use of a heat gun then held firmly together with rivets, eyelets, or glue. Also a great holster material. Basic instructions are included. Kydex is 12” x 12” x .080”. KY301 ....................................... Black ....................................$3.99 KY302 .................................. Hunter Orange ...............................$4.45 KY304 .................................. Olive Drab Green .............................$4.45 KY305 .................................. Blood Red ..............................$4.45 KY306 .................................. Neon Pink ..............................$4.45 KY307 ................................... Storm Gray .............................$4.45 KY308 .................................. Tiffany Blue .............................$4.45

PROVIDING QUALITY AND SERVICE TO KNIFEMAKERS FOR OVER 50 YEARS JANTZ PREMIUM LEATHER SHEATHS MADE IN USA Made from the best quality 8-9 oz. vegetable tanned top grain leather. Every custom knife deserves a custom sheath. These sheaths must be cased (wetted) and form fitted to your individual knife. Strap style sheaths include the snas for you to attach.

Pouch Style Sheath

Snap Style Sheath Measurements listed are the inside dimensions.

Measurements listed are the inside dimensions.

KT116 ............. 1-1/2” X 5” ............. $16.95 KT106 ............. 1-1/4” X 5-1/2” ............. $16.95 KT104 ............. 1-1/2” X 5-1/2” ............. $16.95 KT121 ............. 2” X 5-1/2” ............. $16.95 KT117 ........... 1-3/16” X 6-1/2” .......... $16.95 KT103 ............ 1-3/4” X 6-3/4” ........... $16.95 KT111 .......... 1-7/8” X 7-1/8” .......... $16.95 KT102 ........... 1-7/8” X 7-3/4” ............ .$16.95

KT231 KT232

Measurements listed are the inside dimensions. High Quality Stitching

KT101 KT124

.................................. 1-1/4” X 9-1/2” .................................. 1-3/8” X 13-1/2”

..............................$19.95 ..............................$21.95

CORDORA CASES

PREMIUM QUALITY

Durable protective cases for your projects. Featuring a black Cordura exterior and soft fabric interior. Black poly foam padding and a nylon zipper.

All of our leather is 100% natural vegetable tanned top grain cowhide. Excellent for tooling, works well with dye, oil and antique finishing. Ideal for sheaths holsters, cases and many other craft projects. 12” x 24”

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..............................$12.95 ..............................$12.95

Fillet Sheath

LEATHER

OTHER SIZES & BLACK LEATHER COMING SOON!

.................................. 1-5/16” X 3-1/2” .................................. 1-1/4” X 4”

Maker - Gustavo T. Cecchini

AG524 ....12” X 24”.... 9-10oz. Leather ... $44.95 WV418 ....12” X 24”....12oz. Leather ... $49.95

R6N R7N R10N R13N

.................................. .................................. ................................... ..................................

6”length 8”length 10”length 13”length

..............................$7.95 ..............................$7.95 .............................$7.95 .............................$8.95

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IN MY PACK My pack always goes with me, wherever I venture. Although many of the things I carry will depend on where I am going, there are some things I always have in there.

PEOPLE HAVE SURVIVED IN THIS WORLD BY LEARNING TO DEAL AND WORK WITH THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND THEM.

FIXED-BLADE KNIFE A thick-bladed sheath knife is a must. It serves so many functions that it is very hard to get by without one. There are many good knives out there, but the one I carry is the Gerber StrongArm.

WATER I always carry water. It could be a day or two before I find a reliable water source, so what I carry will keep me going. I carry my water in Hide-Away collapsible flasks. In addition, any water found along the way needs to be treated—either by chemicals, boiling or filtration. For ease, I like to use a portable filtration system such as the Sawyer Mini.

FOOD I always carry some food in my pack. There are a ton of brands out there, but I have found that Mountain House and Paleo Meals To Go work best for me. Additionally, there are always some Lawless or Three Jerks jerky or some of The New Primal meat sticks in my pack, as well as some Simple Squares snack bars.

FIRST AID KIT I never leave home without it.

FIRE I carry paper matches, wooden matches, a friction device and a few butane lighters on my person and in my pack. I store them in resealable plastic sandwich bags to keep them dry.

COMPASS I don’t rely upon electronics, because they can fail. I take a reading with my compass before I set out and then use the compass to get me back.

‹ Old Man’s Beard is a lichen found almost everywhere east of the Mississippi (this image happens to be of the Corkscrew Swamp in Florida). It makes great fire tinder. Collect it as you go so you will have it when you need it.

occupation has left behind. It could be in the form of shelter or supplies. You never know until you find these opportunities. If there is an old, abandoned structure of some sort, it was put there for a reason. Perhaps it was an area of good hunting or fishing. Maybe it indicates a reliable water source. Chances are, both were available at the time it was built, because the builders had the same basic needs we do today. Being able to recognize these features in the environment where you find yourself could save your life.

PAY ATTENTION

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Survival is simply the ability to stay alive. In today’s world, it is very easy to get complacent and not take seriously the preparations for dealing with the challenges we’ll face in any variety of survival situations. There are people who say all we need is to own the latest and the greatest gadgets in order to survive. However, the most important tool humans have is our brain, along with the ability to use it. People have survived in this world by learning to deal and work with the environment around them. We can, too, as long as we are willing to be good observers and listen to the lessons being taught.

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CENTER LINE SYSTEMS

ANSWERS THE CALL

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KEEP THINKING, KEEPING MOVING, NEVER QUIT! BY KEVIN ESTELA

M

odifying gear is not a new process. Soldiers cut off magazine pouch flaps, backpackers replace heavyweight components with lighter materials, and Jeep enthusiasts are known to add to their factory rig with countless aftermarket products

from time to time. It seems whenever there is a disconnect between a maker of a product and the end user, the product is doomed to be modified until it resembles what the user always wanted it to be. Sometimes, the end product is the result of an easy fix; other times, it looks like Frankenstein’s monster. Every once in a while, a company comes along that simply “gets” it and eliminates the need for modification. Its products represent the thoughts and wishes of the users, and there is no need for modification for improvement. Its designs might not be new, but they are perfectly executed. One such company is Center Line Systems. Designed by outdoorsmen, for outdoorsmen, this manufacturer’s products are the result of cumulative ideas. Center Line Systems has tested, modified, refined and ultimately improved upon some classic, basic, go-to pieces of gear that we will always want, need and keep.

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GEN 2 GEAR ROLL (G 2)

The Center Line Systems Gear Roll makes organization simple. Much like a traditional tool roll, this product features assorted pocket sizes secured with hook-and-loop fastener flaps. The G2 Gear Roll is rolled shut and secured with two 1-inch webbing straps that run over the bundle. There are two additional docking straps included with each gear roll for mounting it on the exterior of another pack or to the bottom of the Mother Canteen carrier. The Generation 2 Gear Roll can be used to hold commonly used camp tools such as folding saws, larger flashlights, hanks of cordage, signaling equipment or other items that otherwise could be lost at the bottom of a pack. The G2 Gear Roll can be worn as a modified chest rig with the addition of a length of paracord around the neck and attached to the fabric tabs; alternatively, it can be strapped to a tree when in camp to keep group gear organized in a central location. It can be used to organize a dedicated emergency kit, cleaning supplies and tools for firearms, food-gathering gear or a bushcraft shelter kit, complete with tarp, ground cloth, ridgeline cord and tent pegs. MSRP: $85

‹ The Center Line Systems G2 Gear Roll has an assortment of pouch pockets that will organize plenty of the small items you carry in your kit.

CENTER LINE SYSTEMS HAS TESTED, MODIFIED, REFINED AND ULTIMATELY IMPROVED UPON SOME CLASSIC, BASIC, GO-TO PIECES OF GEAR … ‹ Left: The G2 Gear Roll can be secured to a tree with the provided straps so it is placed in a central location in camp to organize group gear.

‹ Left: The Center Line Systems G2 Gear Roll is available in a number of colors and camo patterns.

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THE MOTHER CANTEEN CARRIER The Mother Canteen Carrier is an evolution of the U.S. military canteen pouch, adapted to carry a multitude of water bottles. While designed to carry the Heavy Cover Titanium Canteen, it can easily carry a Nalgene bottle with nesting cup, insulated bottle pocket during winter months, VARGO BOT or similarly sized bottles. This canteen carrier can be attached to a web belt, MOLLE panel or worn over the shoulder with the provided strap. The Mother Canteen Carrier allows the user to build a small emergency kit around a water container. The two side pockets close with buckles, as does the larger center exterior pocket. There is also a sleeve pocket for the Heavy Cover Titanium Canteen lid or for instant coffee packets. The Mother is equipped with webbing slots on the bottom of the carrier to attach auxiliary gear, such as rolled-up ponchos or the Center Line Systems Gen 2 Gear Roll. After the purchase of a quality knife, I would rank the purchase of a quality canteen and carrying system second in importance. Paracord, fire-starting materials and first-aid gear will all get used and replaced, but my kit still contains the same knife and water bottle components that have been with me for years. MSRP: $100

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S-CARD SYSTEM

Shotgun shells aren’t as easily carried as rifle and pistol cartridges in convenient magazines. They tend to make a lot of noise when thrown loose into an open pocket, and when carried in a box, they are, well, boxy. The Center Line Systems S-Card System is the solution for organized and streamlined extra ammunition carry. Each S-Card holds six rounds of 12-gauge ammunition in individual elastic loops. Each S-card can be mounted on the buttstock of a shotgun for on-the-weapon ammunition carry or worn on the belt. Additionally, if your equipment has an attached loop patch, the back of the S-Card can be adhered directly to it. The S-Cards fit perfectly into cargo pockets, and two S-Cards can be pressed together to hold 12 rounds of ammunition back to back. We tested ours at the range and numerous nights out in the field. During the day, we would pocket our spare ammo, and at night, we attached it to our shotgun to prevent it from getting lost. MSRP: $25 per card › The S-Card System can be mounted to a variety of gear in multiple ways.

EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, A COMPANY COMES ALONG THAT SIMPLY “GETS” IT AND ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR MODIFICATION.

EVERYDAY CARRY (EDC) BELT

A sturdy pistol belt is absolutely essential to support the weight of gear carried on the waist. Far too often, concealed carry is executed poorly, because the weight of a handgun or spare magazines causes the belt to flop and therefore pull away from the body, where it increases the chances of them printing. The Center Line Systems EDC Belt is 1.5 inches wide and has an internal stiffener. The belt has a single Cobra buckle that replaces a traditional roller buckle found on other belts. One side of the buckle is sewn to the belt; the other is left open where the loose end of the belt is threaded through prior to use. The benefit of the Cobra buckle is its quick-release feature. For those who wear the same clothes day in and day while out in the field and might need to put their pants on quickly, there is no faster and more secure buckle available. There are various available belt sizes, and ideally, the belt should have enough room to expand to accommodate layers worn underneath or an inside-the-waistband holster. The Center Line Systems EDC Belt will not release or loosen, even while carrying multiple belt-mounted pouches, along with a pistol and belt knife or multi-tool. During testing, I used it on the range instead of my larger, more-dedicated battle belt and found it capable of holding all I needed for both pistol and rifle drills without issue. MSRP: $75

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AN INTERVIEW WITH CLS OWNER MARK LAINE American Survival Guide: What is your professional background prior to running CLS? Mark Laine: I served for 20 years in the U.S. Army (infantry), both active duty and reserves, and the better part of a decade as an operations officer in the Central Intelligence Agency.

ASG: What inspired you to start a company such as CLS? ML: It wasn’t planned or inspired. I was lucky that in both the Army and the agency, I was around units/elements for which we were able to customize gear and the like. When I left the agency, I moved back home to northern Minnesota and immediately got back into hiking, camping, bow hunting and fishing—pretty much spending all my time in the outdoors I’ve loved since I was a kid.

with $10 an hour: The seams/stitching will come apart after the first hard use. If I used a cheap material, you will get a product consisting of cheap material, which will then fail when you need it most. And if you don’t die during that “Oh, crap!” moment, you will have to buy a second or a third of the same cheap product. Quality material and superior craftsmanship produce that piece of gear your kids are using 20 years later; or that piece of gear which, after five years of just getting the snot kicked out of it, finally breaks and you look at it and say, “Hell, yeah, that was worth every penny!” because you know you abused the living crap out of it.

It didn’t take long to realize that the big-box stores did not have the type of equipment I needed. Or, it was poorly made junk that wouldn’t stand up to real-world punishment. So, I took some of my downrange gear and started making modifications for hunting. In addition, I created an item specific to a task (the Gear Roll was born this way). Then, a friend would see it and ask, “Where did you get that?” or “Can you make me one of those?” Next thing you know, I am making gear—which sure as hell beats going back overseas as a contractor or taking a consulting job in the Beltway!

ASG: In three sentences, how would you sell us on supporting your business? ML: As a small business, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of each piece of gear we make, hand-crafting products using only American-made/MIL-SPEC/Berry-compliant materials. I design the gear based on my real-life experiences— me, not some guy sitting in an office who doesn’t know the first thing about hunting, survival or tactical applications. And finally, customer service: Call, and it is me, the owner, who answers your question or hand writes the thank-you note on each invoice. ASG: People are going to ask, “Why are your products “expensive”? ML: Quality products consist of quality craftsmanship and quality material. That is not to say you cannot find a great piece of gear for a low cost. Take a P-38 can opener: I still have the one my father gave me about 40 years ago, and it has seen plenty of use. But that original one was made of metal. Today’s versions are of some cheap/flimsy aluminum, and I have broken two of those. [They are] cheap and easily replaced, and I can buy them in quantities, so I have at least one or two in each piece of kit. If buying cheap is your thing, go right ahead; you get what you pay for. Just be prepared to pay for it again and again and again. We use the best plastics, webbing, Cordura, etc., and we take our time to make sure it is solidly constructed. Simply put, this costs money, which impacts the cost of goods and price of a product. If I pay a seamstress $10 an hour, you will get sewing commensurate

› The author’s Mother Canteen Carrier is well traveled. He has taken it to the Arctic, the jungle, the desert and many points in between. After pocket equipment, it is his next-line-of-emergency equipment, which he carries religiously.

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EVERYDAY ORGANIZER (EDO)

When Center Line Systems owner Mark Laine was in the military, he created a pouch to hold all his administrative gear. This pouch was designed to be used on various operations to covertly transmit messages and hold sensitive navigation equipment. That original pouch looked nothing like the latest version of the company’s Everyday Organizer. The Everyday Organizer (EDO) features dual deep pockets on the front and back covers. There is a security strap with elasticized loops, as well as two elasticized straps to hold it together. It can either be used by snapping the security strap directly to the body, or it can be used with the elasticized loops and easily slipped on and off. On the interior, the EDO has a clear vinyl window that can be used as a writing surface with a dry- or wet-erase marker. The EDO comes into its own when used on the shooting range to hold daily atmospheric conditions data, ballistic cards and pens/markers. On navigation practice exercises, it was used to hold protractors, flagging tape, pencils, primary compass, chemical light sticks and small AAA pen lights. Some users will carry it on a daily basis to organize checkbooks, shopping lists and “honey-do” lists. The vinyl window helps hold items without shifting when placed against it. Therefore, a folded map or other documents will stay in place if hastily sandwiched inside. MSRP: $65

‹ Center Line Systems’ Everyday Organizer makes a great companion on the trail or at the range when you need to access and add notes to maps, your shooter’s data log or other documents.

K9-CONTROL SYSTEM

Center Line Systems is known for making gear for the outdoorsman. However, the outdoorsman is not the only one in need of gear in the field. Man’s best friend often joins those trips to the great outdoors. The K9-Control System is a body harness that replaces a traditional collar. It is used with working dogs in the police and military, and there are sizes available for a lapdog all the way up to the largest breeds. Should you need to control your dog and keep it closer at hand, there is a strong shoulder strap grab handle that will not separate or break. Instead of a traditional collar worn around the neck, the K9-Control System by Center Line Systems is more comfortable and puts less stress on your pet. MSRP: $30

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CLS

Center Line Systems is a relatively new company that draws from years of experience in the field. Look carefully, and you’ll find its gear in the hands of many outdoor professionals, police/military and outdoorsmen. Since its beginning, CLS has steadily grown to offer additional products. As the company continues to attract loyal users and build a dedicated fan base, it will surely offer more innovative products to address other outdoor purposes. CLS’s Mark Laine will continue to think about the needs of his customers and keep moving in the direction of making some of the best gear around. His gear, in turn, will never quit in any conditions it might be subjected to. ASG

S O U R C E Center Line Systems (218) 730-7304 www.Center-Line-Systems.com

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‹ The K-9 Control System is a flexible and strong harness that can help you control your dog with more confidence and less stress for both of you.

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‹ The author frequently uses his Everyday Organizer to keep his precision rifle data and instruments in order.

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x CNC for any Size Shop, Located Anywhere x Machine Parts from Aluminum and Steel x Precision Manufacturing in Your Garage x 120 VACPlug It In Anywhere ‹ The Center Line Systems K-9 Control System allows you to handle your dog from closer to its center of strength and eliminates the possibility of choking it—as can happen with a standard collar.

CNC Mill Starting at:

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BACK TO THE BASICS MASTERING JUST A FEW LOST SKILLS COULD HELP SAVE YOUR LIFE. BY PETER SUCIU

I

n the year 642, the city of Alexandria was captured by the Muslim army of ‘Amr ibn al-’As, and its Great Library—which had been considered one of the largest and most significant centers of learning—was destroyed. This was not the first time the library had been sacked or had its books and scrolls burned, but this event has since symbolized the loss of knowledge and attendant cultural destruction. Yet, this event is hardly the only example of a loss of knowledge. The fall of the Roman Empire in the West, the fall of Constantinople in the East, the Crusades, the Spanish sacking of the Inca Empire and many other historic episodes mark significant destruction that resulted in the loss of past knowledge. However, in most cases, the knowledge was more historical in nature, and life went on. Today, the knowledge of how to do basic things that were once crucial to daily life has been slowly disappearing, thanks to modern conveniences. While urban hipsters and rural hippies, alike, might know how to raise a garden for fresh veggies, few people today know how to raise enough food to actually survive; and while there are plenty of people who can “upcycle” used items to make clothing, furniture and office equipment, most of us today couldn’t build an adequate shelter. This is really the dangerous lost knowledge, and what you don’t know how to do could truly hurt you.

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There are many skills that can be easily learned. If you know how to read, you can follow the instructions—which are more readily available to the common man than at any time in history. However, people increasingly rely too much on the Internet for advice on basically everything from considering tax credits to medical insight to the plethora of “how-to” sites that give step-by-step directions on virtually anything you could possibly want to build, repair or do. If it exists, the Internet can show how it can be made and how it can be fixed. But one thing the Internet doesn’t do a very good of job is helping one prepare for a world without the Internet. There might be sites devoted to honing skills, but the truth is that unless you’re printing out every document online and maintaining a physical copy of every site you regularly reference for this help, the Internet is going to be pretty useless, even in a minor power outage. Without access to the virtual “cloud,” you might as well seek guidance from the clouds in the sky, because that will end up being just as effective.

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‹ While not as impressive as the Great Library of Alexandria, the Library of Celsus in Ephesus was built in honor of the Roman senator Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus and completed in the year 135. It was built to store 12,000 scrolls and serve as a mausoleum for Celsus, who is buried in a crypt beneath the library. It was destroyed by the Goths in 263, and much of its knowledge was lost to the ages.

Photo: Peter Suciu

BUILD A LIBRARY

‹ Books can provide instructions on simple, everyday tasks that have been largely forgotten in our modern world. Even if you know how to do plumbing tasks and automotive repair, chances are you can’t also knit a blanket or make a quilt. However, there are plenty of books that can help ensure you are covered.

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‹ Today, few soldiers actually know how to ride a horse. One exception is the Household Cavalry of the British Army, which is tasked with ceremonial duties that include guarding the queen. Many of these soldiers never knew how to ride a horse before joining the army but went through a robust training program. Today, they are all considered to have excellent horsemanship skills.

Fortunately, there are plenty of books that can provide the basics for carpentry, plumbing and most forms of mechanical repair. A few tools are often all that is needed to maintain a house and do basic repairs. Stockpiling these books should be a top priority, so think of these as your own “Great Library”—because, in a world without the Internet, books will, once again, be the way knowledge is preserved and shared.

BE ONE WITH THE ANIMALS The bigger problem the world faces with lost knowledge is that some skills simply can’t be learned via reading alone. One of the most notable is horseback riding, a skill that was common among humans for eons but has become increasingly rare over the past two centuries. Even 100 years ago, most soldiers knew how to ride a horse. By World War II, few soldiers had ever been on one. Today, many American soldiers have likely never even seen a horse. Yet, in a world without access to crude oil and the facilities to refine gasoline, cars won’t be rolling down the roads for long.

TODAY, THE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO DO BASIC THINGS THAT WERE ONCE CRUCIAL TO DAILY LIFE HAS BEEN SLOWLY DISAPPEARING, THANKS TO MODERN CONVENIENCES.

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GROW YOUR OWN SPUDS When many people think of potatoes, Ireland’s Great Famine of the 19th century comes to mind, but the truth is that potatoes served the Irish people with hardy food for centuries. The potato was introduced to Western civilization after the Spanish conquered the Inca Empire in the 16th century, and it spread throughout Europe. However, the more-pious English at the time rejected potatoes, because they grew underground—in “Satan’s realm”—and instead, passed them off to the Irish. By the 18th century, potatoes were widely cultivated in Ireland, because the moist ground and cool climate were much like the South American highlands where the potato was bred. Today, potatoes are hardy enough to be grown in most soil. Seed potatoes should be planted about 12 inches apart and covered with about 3 inches of soil. When the shoots reach 10 to 12 inches tall, a hoe or shovel should be used to scoop the soil between rows while burying the stems halfway. Straw mulch can be used to help conserve soil moisture, smother weeds and also help protect the crop from pests (such as the Colorado potato beetle). And the best part of harvesting potatoes is that a few from each year’s crop can be used over the winter to start a fresh crop in garbage bags or other containers. The soil will still need some sun, but a winter crop can be maintained by placing it near a window. This will ensure the crop offers year-round sustenance.

› In some parts of the world, horses are still used as a form of military transport, because they can travel where wheeled vehicles often cannot. This 2001 photo shows U.S. Special Forces and combat controllers on horseback with the Northern Alliance of Afghanistan. (Photo: Master Sergeant Chris Spence, FOB-53/ U.S. Army, United States Special Operations Command/ Public Domain)

THE BIGGER PROBLEM THE WORLD FACES WITH LOST KNOWLEDGE IS THAT SOME SKILLS SIMPLY CAN’T BE LEARNED VIA READING ALONE. › Right: More than just knowing how to ride, good horsemanship includes knowledge of how to care for your large friend.

› Left: One of the more important skills to regain is gardening, because even a modest plot can provide significant benefits.

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More importantly, it isn’t just learning to ride; it is we now know,” Henderson added. “But, like with also the care involved in the health and well-being of riding, that knowledge is in the hands of a small horses and other useful animals. Apart from today’s number of people, not the masses, as it once was. small farmers, most people have little idea how to Our perception of the horse has changed in the last care for an animal. The skill of “animal husbandry” 100 years from being viewed primarily as livestock, has all but disappeared. to today where most owners see their horses as “People can relearn this skill, and do so on a companion animals. That has made a big impact on large scale, although strictly for recreation and the type of care horses receive today as compared to competition,” said Dr. Ginger Henderson, chair of the many years ago.” Equestrian Department at Averett University. The good news is that there are programs—both at ASG-1709-Acme/Camillus 6/8/17 1 level, as well as via private classes—that “Knowledge about how to care for horses has 12:46 PM thePage university really increased dramatically in terms of what can teach people today how to ride and care for horses. ‹ Breeding sheep are on display at the 2017 AgroFarm All-Russian livestock husbandry exhibition at the VDNKh exhibition center. (Photo: Artyom Geodakyan/TASS via Getty Images)

This is no time for games.

My body is tense, my mind is sharp, and my training is about to pay off. I don’t know what lies ahead, but there’s always the chance that danger is lurking. I’m prepared. I’m ready for anything.

‹ 75-year-old breeder Seydi Turan rides a donkey as he herds his sheep in Sanliurfa, Turkey. (Photo: Halil Fidan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

It’s time to move.

CONQUER YOUR WORLD. © Getty Images

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“Some people are afraid of horses since they are large animals, but with the proper training they can learn to overcome their fear,” said Dr. Jenifer Nadeau, Equine Extension specialist at the University of Connecticut. “Horses can teach valuable life skills like confidence, patience, responsibility, consistency and good communication, including improved ability in reading body language,” explained Nadeau.” As far as care of horses, at UCONN we like to teach even beginners how to get their horses ready to ride and how to take care of [them] after the ride. This is called ‘horsemanship’ and we are big believers in that.” Books can’t teach riding skills, but Nadeau suggested that, as with other skills, reading can go a long way in understanding these former beasts of burden. “When I was a kid, I read every book about horses I could get my hands on, which led to the variety and depth of knowledge I have today,” she added. “I am saddened that reading about horse care is declining.”

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‹ A woman practices with her horse outdoors. This is really the only way to become an accomplished equestrian.

S O U R C E S Dr. David S. Douches Director of the Potato Breeding and Genetics Program, Michigan State University Dr. Ginger Henderson Chair of the Equestrian Department, Averett University Dr. Jenifer Nadeau Equine Extension Specialist, University of Connecticut

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‹ Peppers are quite easy to grow and can complement other dishes, including wild salads and meat dishes. Ironically, the name, “pepper,” was given to these vegetables after Christopher Columbus brought the plant back to Europe, because it was similar to the unrelated Piper nigrum plant from India that is the source of pepper spice.

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GOOD EATS

THANKS TO GROCERY STORES AND FASTFOOD RESTAURANTS, MANY PEOPLE ARE LOSING THE SKILLS TO EVEN COOK DINNER, LET ALONE THE ABILITY TO GROW ENOUGH FOOD TO SUSTAIN THEMSELVES. ASG-1709-Strattec Security 5/23/17 1:25 PM

‹ Today, grocery stores are filled with more food than our ancestors could have imagined. Without such stores, most people today would starve, because they don’t know how to grow their own foods.

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Thanks to grocery stores and fast-food restaurants, many people are losing the skills to even cook dinner, let alone the ability to grow enough food to sustain themselves. Hunting and fishing can provide much-needed protein, and while the hungriest person can learn to butcher an animal, the skills to actually grow food are a bit more complex. As noted, there is a trend in “micro-gardens,” in which urban dwellers plant a few items to spice up their diet, but that is unlikely to keep anyone fed for long. Fortunately, growing vegetables isn’t that hard, and anyone who can manage even a small garden can easily upgrade it to something much bigger. One key is choosing the right plants to grow. Spring onion and silverbeet are hardy and can be grown in a range of conditions, while kale is a leafy green that grows quickly and is one of the most nutritious foods. The downside to kale, lettuce and tomatoes is that all can be attacked by pests and need a fair amount of water. These plants need more care than, for instance, peas, cucumbers and potatoes (in fact, potatoes are so easy to maintain, they can even be grown in buckets and bags). Even on a large scale, potatoes are a good crop, because they don’t up take a lot of room. “Commercial potato farms in Michigan can produce 20 tons—40,000 pounds—per acre,” said Dr. David S. Douches, director of the Potato Breeding and Genetics Program at Michigan State University. “That can feed a lot of people. [But] you have to be able to store the potatoes well so you can eat them until the next year’s harvest. Potatoes also offer good nutritional balance but not fat … It should be eaten with other foods to have balance in your diet.” Balancing out that diet isn’t hard, because other easily grown foods include peppers and carrots, which can also provide a lot of food for little work. Carrots grow quickly in the ground, and, despite what cartoons may suggest, rabbits and other pests tend to shy away from carrots.

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During the rule of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, some 2.5 million people died out of a population of roughly 8 million. While many of these people were killed by the government, many others died as a result of starvation after the government attempted to turn Cambodia into a classless society by depopulating cities and forcing the urban population—the so-called “New People”—into agricultural communes. Forced to become farmers in labor camps, these former urban dwellers had no idea how to grow enough rice to survive—a fact made worse by the reality that the average tons of rice produced before the regime were less per hectare than what was expected of these new farmers. However, even if the former city dwellers had known how to farm, they likely would still have died, because many were overworked and had no access to medical care. The greatest lasting lesson from the killing fields might be to not forget such histories and to know how to fight such unwarranted acts of repression.

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THE LESSONS OF THE KILLING FIELDS OF CAMBODIA

‹ While the carrot plant probably originated in Persia and was cultivated for its leaves and seeds, today, the most commonly eaten part of the carrot (Daucus carota) is the taproot. The domestic carrot, which has been selectively bred for its greatly enlarged, more palatable taproot, is easy to raise. In its modern form, it isn’t as desired by rabbits and other pests, either.

… ONE THING THE INTERNET DOESN’T DO A VERY GOOD OF JOB IS HELPING ONE PREPARE FOR A WORLD WITHOUT THE INTERNET. However, carrots are a biennial plant, which means that the life cycle of the plant takes two years to complete. In the first year of the life cycle, the embryo within a seed develops into a mature plant. While maturing, the plant grows foliage and stores sugars in an enlarged root. During the second flowering year, you should allow the seed heads to fully ripen on the plant. When the flower heads begin to brown and become dry, you carefully cut the heads and store them until the drying is complete. These are then planted for the carrots that can be eaten. To add some protein to this otherwise vegetarian diet, nothing beats the mushroom, which is very easy to grow, even indoors—in the dark—during winter months. The key, of course, is making sure that the mushrooms aren’t poisonous. One easy way to inspect mushrooms is to look for those with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem; those indicators can quickly tell you these mushrooms should be avoided, because they are poisonous. In addition, mushrooms with red on the caps or stems should be avoided. However, because mushrooms are porous, they can absorb pesticides and fungicides. A way to avoid these is to utilize a growing tray about 8 inches deep that will hold compost, peat moss and the mushroom spores. The ideal temperature should be between 65 and 70 degrees (F). After a few weeks of growing, the mushrooms will be ready to be harvested to add flavor to the rest of your home-grown foods. ASG

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CAN YOU SURVIVE:

NO FOOD? NO WATER? NO ELECTRICITY? Do You Have the Knowledge to Survive?

SIX

PILLARS OF SURVIVAL:

×FOod ×water ×shelter ×security ×cOmmUnIcatIOnS ×heaLth L Lth

LEARN ONLINE EMPOWERING SURVIVAL TECHNOLOGIES FROM WORLD-CLASS SURVIVAL EXPERTS.

CAPTIONS (clockwise from top left) Retired Green Beret Craig Connor on right and Retired Green Beret Master Sergeant Brian Morris on left carry a human litter down a mountainside in NC • Brian Morris is a retired Special Forces Master Sergeant and the Lead Instructor and Producer of American Survival Guide University • Retired Green Beret Craig Connor on the gun. Retired Green Beret Command Sergeant Major Brian Berry instructing • Retired Green Beret Captain Mykel Hawke cuts his way out of the bush in the Florida Everglades • Retired Sergeant Major EJ “Skull-Crusher” Snyder carves a spear out of a stick

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THWARTING THE END OF MANKIND WITH MAN’S BEST FRIEND

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TEXT AND PHOTOS BY RYAN LEE PRICE ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE CATALANO

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SURVIVAL

K9 WITH YOUR

Y

our once-familiar neighborhood is bathed in a morning light that can barely break through the smoke and dust in the air. The streets in all directions are littered with the rubble of buildings, burning cars, destroyed barricades and the detritus of a conflict lost. The dog sitting attentively at your feet, ears alert, eyes always scanning, suddenly springs upright and bolts to attention, pointing in the direction of an abandoned house with dark windows and a kicked-in door. His nose plies the air, and his ears twitch as if he’s hearing sounds that are well out of your range. He turns to you with eyes filled with concern: It’s time to leave. It’s not safe here.

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However, having a dog is a big game-changer if you are forced to bug out after a major catastrophe or disaster, and having a dog along has a couple of downsides. The bad news first: They eat food and drink water. Hungry dogs, even welltrained hungry dogs, will prioritize food over you and your well-being. They can be nervous and become unpredictable. So, to keep them happy and loyal, they’ll need food. And guess who has to carry it? Dogs create waste, make lots of noise and take up space in your shelter, bug-out vehicle and on the road. On top of this, if the situation deteriorates further, your dog will be considered food for lots of people, putting him in danger—and, subsequently, you, if you feel the need to protect him. In addition, there are certain terrains (steep climbs, large piles of rubble, very sharp debris) a dog is not suited to tackle. This being said, dogs are as much a part of some families as their children, and under no circumstances could they consider a scenario in which their dogs would be left behind, abandoned or sacrificed for the good of the group. That’s fine; no dogs left behind.

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NO DOG LEFT BEHIND

… DOGS ARE AS MUCH A PART OF SOME FAMILIES AS THEIR CHILDREN, AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES COULD THEY CONSIDER A SCENARIO IN WHICH THEIR DOGS WOULD BE LEFT BEHIND, ABANDONED OR SACRIFICED FOR THE GOOD OF THE GROUP. 96

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A DOG’S PURPOSE A dog’s daily life harkens back to his wolf instincts. He digs, he buries food/bones, he hides his waste and he eats solitarily. He is acutely aware of his surroundings and has a pack mentality. He sleeps in a den (if he has others with him), and his aptitude for defense is without equal in other domestic animals. A dog can be a very useful “item” to have in a survivalist’s toolbox. Nevertheless, to be honest, a typical untrained house dog is good for two things: personal defense and companionship. A dog can be trained to do most anything, however: He can carry a canine backpack for some of his own gear or pull a sled, wagon or primitive travois. But a dog can sense your fear and get antsy and nervous if you haven’t properly trained and prepared him for a stressful situation. A nervous dog might bite, run off or bark incessantly. These are all things you want to avoid.

TOP SKILLS YOUR SURVIVAL DOG MUST HAVE What your dog needs to know to be prepared for an emergency situation: Recall: Your dog should have a solid recall for any situation. Does he come to you when there are other dogs and people around? Does he come to you when there is a danger you see and you need to get him back to you on a moment’s notice?

Stay: If you decide to check something out, will your dog stay in place? Will your dog stay outside a building as you walk inside to investigate? Will he still be waiting for you in the same spot—unmoved—no matter the time it takes to return?

Heel: Will your dog follow you without question? Through a crowd of people? Through a park full of dogs with balls being thrown? A dog needs to stay by your side without much effort when you have a lot going on.

Alert: If someone knocks on your door, will he bark? Will your dog alert you to danger in the dark of night while you are trying to sleep? It is important that while you are not able, your dog can still be alert.

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Quiet: Will your dog be quiet on command? Maybe you do not want to alert everyone in the area that you are there.

Every dog can bark, and every dog will defend his space against anything he deems hostile. If you are part of his pack (or vice versa), having a dog nearby can, and will, benefit you when it comes to detecting intruders, providing a stout level of protection for you and your group. Your dog will detect a visitor with his keen hearing and powerful nose long before you will. Pay attention to your dog when your instincts tell you to. His demeanor, physical appearance and actions will change when he perceives a threat. He will stiffen up, stand taller and turn sideways against the threat. The hair on the ridge down his back will stand up. His ears will drop back, and his head will skulk low into his shoulders. If your dog is trained to attack on command, he must also be trained to “turn off” completely on command. If you want a barking alert based on what the dog smells or hears in the distance, the dog must be trained to also stop barking and remain quiet upon direct command. It is counterintuitive in many circumstances to have continuous noise giving away your exact location for predators to zero in on.

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K9 DEFENDER

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In the basest of terms, your dog can be a warm blanket. A dog’s normal body temperature is a couple of degrees higher than a human’s and, in addition to his fur coat, he makes for a warm companion on a cold night. Because dogs instinctively sleep in dens, where they take advantage of body heat to stay warm on cold nights, you can take advantage of that same thing. Dogs have a wonderful sense of direction. They use a combination of senses and perceptions to find their way and remember where they came from. They utilize the vestibular system in their inner ear to know speed and turns, and they unconsciously count how many steps they’ve taken from one place to another. Dogs can predict the weather (they can sense a change in barometric pressure). They are astute judges of character. And they can be used to keep children calm and distracted.

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A WARM BODY AND FRIEND

A DOG CAN BE TRAINED TO DO MOST ANYTHING ... HE CAN CARRY A CANINE BACKPACK FOR SOME OF HIS OWN GEAR OR PULL A SLED, WAGON OR PRIMITIVE TRAVOIS.

The beautiful thing about a dog is that he is ready to do anything at anytime. However, one of the bad things about a dog is that he will continue to do whatever he’s occupied with until he literally collapses. If you insist on taking your dog with you in a bug-out scenario, you’ll have to take precautions to make sure he stays a healthy, alert and functional member of the team. Food: Dogs are scavengers that can, and will, eat most anything they find that’s edible. That buried leftover steak is pretty tasty to a dog two weeks later. Given this, dogs can eat what you eat (and vice versa).

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CARING FOR YOUR COMPANION

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THE SURVIVOR’S DOG: PROS AND CONS

Rottweiler

Hands down, the Lab is the world’s most popular dog. Its webbed feet make it an excellent swimmer. In fact, its original job was to retrieve fishing nets in England in the early 19th century. Pros: Excellent hunting dogs, they have high endurance and are strong swimmers. They are very trainable, intelligent and possess excellent hearing and sense of smell. Cons: Labs can overheat easily in extreme heat and can be loud and clumsy at times. Their lovable nature makes them questionable protection dogs. They lose focus easily when around prey in the field.

Originating in Rottweil, Germany, the Rott is a very old line (from the Roman era). They are a very strong and intelligent breed. Pros: They are the best dogs for personal protection, given their reputation and intimidating appearance. They are very intelligent and easily trainable. They have a very strong body and can carry/pull a great deal of weight. Rotts have excellent senses of hearing and smell. Cons: They do not have a great endurance and can overheat easily. Rotts are not good hunters/retrievers, and their breed

German Shepherd Originating in Germany, the shepherd line of dogs is only 120 years old and was developed to efficiently herd sheep in the fields. It is the foremost police and military dog and is extremely popular among those wanting a dog for protection, personal assistance or search-and-rescue. Pros: German Shepherds exhibit high endurance, speed, agility and strength. They have a very strong work ethic and pose quite a formidable presence when used as protection. They possess the best hearing and sense of smell and are very intelligent. Cons: Thanks to their popularity and breeding, they can be plagued with hip dysplasia and other health problems.

isn’t respected for being a “safe” dog around strangers/public.

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© Getty Images

Labrador Retriever

Jack Russell Terrier The Jack Russell was developed for its ability to hunt foxes. The breed hasn’t changed much for the last 250 years. These dogs possess a high level of energy and require a great deal of exercise. They are tenacious and persistent, making them wonderful hunting/tracking dogs. Pros: One of the best characteristics of Jack Russells is their endurance level. They have exceptional hearing and smell, and their small size means they eat less and take up less space. Cons: They aren’t very intimidating, and they’re not very quiet—due to a high amount of barking. They are not coldweather dogs, and their drive makes them difficult to contain.

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Even so, in order for a dog to remain heathy, he should stay on a steady diet of the same food—specifically, dog food. If you are sheltering in place (or realize that this will be the most likely outcome), keep as much dog food on hand as you have food for yourself. The best way to store dry, kibble-variety dog food is right in the original packaging (unless you have a rodent problem; in which case, use foodgrade containers). The bag keeps the food dry and in the dark and even allows it to breathe slightly. This is important, because even dry pet food contains moisture in the form of fats and oils. In the bag, it can last up to two years. Even better at storage is canned wet dog food. It can remain untouched for around five years before it begins to lose its nutritional value. Find out how much your dog eats and calculate how much you’ll need. If he eats two cans a day, and you are planning your survival cache for three weeks, you’ll need 42 cans, which don’t take up that much space. (The best thing about having dog food on hand is that if the times get especially rough, you can eat it, too.) Water: Your dog drinks from the toilet and rainwater out of muddy puddles in the yard. Therefore, he must have an iron-clad stomach and be impervious to bacteria and parasites ... not necessarily. Outdoor water sources—such as rivers, lakes and ponds—carry microscopic organisms that negatively affect your dog, just as they do you. These protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium, affect the gastrointestinal systems of dogs if they are ingested. Exposure to these protozoa can cause severe diarrhea and intestinal bleeding. Healthy dogs can often carry a protozoan without showing symptoms. However, if a dog has an underlying illness, is very old or very young, or has an impaired immune system, a protozoan can be dangerous to his health. Although the danger is not super high for dogs when drinking from natural sources, having a clean supply of water is necessary to keep them healthy. Make sure to always have a bowl of water handy so drinking from other sources is not needed. Health: Because he can’t talk to tell you what’s wrong, to keep your dog healthy, pay special attention to his actions. If your dog is unusually lethargic, looks tired or if something just isn’t right, odds are good he has an illness. Without medical

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR DOG WHEN YOUR INSTINCTS TELL YOU TO. HIS DEMEANOR, PHYSICAL APPEARANCE AND ACTIONS WILL CHANGE WHEN HE PERCEIVES A THREAT. resources, it is your job to find out what it is. To keep all your bases covered, keep in your bug-out cache medical supplies specifically for dogs, including grooming supplies, flea and tick control protection, anti-worm protection, nail and teeth kits, and specialized medicines (Zymox, for example, if your dog is prone to ear infections). Protection: Dogs get cold. They get hot. Their feet get blisters. And if you have an especially stubborn dog, you won’t notice anything is wrong until you see bloody footprints or uncontrollable chills. Depending on your local environment and range of weather, have on hand a blanket or vest to help your dog stay warm, especially if he is single coated (such as terriers, Boxers, bulldogs, Doberman Pinschers and other short-haired dogs). Terrain can be rough on a

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DOGS HAVE A WONDERFUL SENSE OF DIRECTION. THEY USE A COMBINATION OF SENSES AND PERCEPTIONS TO FIND THEIR WAY AND REMEMBER WHERE THEY CAME FROM.

THE WORLD’S GREATEST SURVIVAL DOG The Great St. Bernard Pass connects Martigny in Switzerland with Aosta in Italy via the third highest road in Switzerland. It passes along the ridge between Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa, the two highest summits of the Alps. Evidence of people using this road have dated back to the Bronze Age, and portions of it were part of the original Roman road system. Along the highest point in the road and perpetually covered in snow, the Great St. Bernard Hospice was founded in 1049 by Saint Bernard of Menthon, an archdeacon in Aosta whose responsibility it was to care for travelers who frequently used the treacherous mountain pass. Tired of seeing weary travelers arriving in Aosta after having been terrorized by highway robbers, he decided to build a hostel at the summit—some 8,000 feet above sea level—to offer protection and a place of respite against the dangers of the road. Six hundred years later, monks at the hostel began to breed mastiff-style Asiatic dogs with other large breeds found in Italy as companions and guard dogs for the hostel. Just before 1700, they started naming their breeds St. Bernards, and by 1750, they routinely were sent along with servants called marroniers, who helped guide the travelers safely down the mountain. The broad chests of the St. Bernards were used to clear a path in the snow. However, it was soon discovered that they possessed an incredible sense of smell and that they could easily discover people buried in snow and seek out injured or lost travelers. For the next 150 years, they would be sent out in packs of two or three in search of lost travelers or avalanche victims. When a traveler was scented, one St. Bernard would dig down through the snow, locate the person and then sit on him to provide warmth. The others returned to the hostel to alert the monks. The most famous St. Bernard of them all was Barry, who lived at the hostel from 1800 to 1814 and is credited with saving more than 40 people in his lifetime. The most famous rescue occurred when a young boy was injured in an avalanche and was unable to move. When Barry found him, he licked the boy’s face until he awoke and lay with him to warm him up. Incredibly, this amazing dog carried the boy on his back to the hostel. Since then, one dog at the hostel has always been named Barry in his honor. (By the way— those little casks of rum on St. Bernards’ collars? Just myth.)

dog’s feet, so have boots ready if you encounter glass, hot pavement, debris or jagged ground. A dog’s eyes can get affected by the same dust, blowing sand and smoke that yours do, so a pair of dog goggles will remedy that. Treats and Toys: Your dog might not understand what is happening, so to keep him in a semblance of normalcy, try not to change his routine and patterns too greatly. If your dog is used to a regular treat before bed or a ball in the morning, make sure those are with you. A happy dog is a healthy dog.

Whether or not to keep a dog during uncertain times is a dilemma in itself. A dog can help you sense intruders before they have an opportunity to harm you or your family. Because people will be the greatest of threats, it makes sense to have a dog for protection. Dogs might also help you with hunting and ultimately be the most essential of tools in your arsenal for putting meat on the table ... if you’ve already trained them to do so. On the other hand, a dog might end up competing for the same resources of food and water for survival if you have not trained him to hunt. In addition, your dog might bring unwanted diseases from fleas and ticks picked up in the wild. If your dog is part of your permanent pack and will go to the ends of the earth with you, make sure you understand what is at stake, what you’ll need to keep him happy and safe, and how you plan to protect your dog from danger—as he tries to figure out how to protect you. ASG

© Getty Images

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SELF-HELP ESSENTIALS EMERGENCY ITEMS TO HELP KEEP YOU ALIVE, WHETHER YOU ARE HUNKERING DOWN OR HITTING THE ROAD BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA

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o bug out or not to bug out ... that is the question. The decision to leave your home and venture out into the unknown is a decision you sometimes don’t have the luxury to make. A man-made or natural disaster can force you out of your home if a serious threat comes knocking on your door. Conversely, at other times, your home is your stronghold to protect yourself and your loved ones from dangers lurking outside. The solution to this complex question is simply to be equally prepared for both contingencies. This means

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stocking basic supplies and other items at home — including extra food, water and first aid—while keeping a packed bug-out bag or supply kit always accessible nearby or in your intended bug-out vehicle. The basics are always your priority because, once an emergency hits, supply lines stop, and staples become very scarce. Don’t be left hungry, cold or thirsty for fresh water; stock up today for a more comfortable and stress-free time when things go bad. The other great unknown is how long your preparations will need to last, so we’ve divided this gear guide into seven- and 21-day supplies for bugging in and bugging out.

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BUGGING OUT: UP TO SEVEN DAYS Survive Outdoors Longer Urban Survivor Kit Overview

Specifications

A natural or man-made emergency can have you evacuating your home with no time to spare. Be ready with the Urban Survivor Kit. This selfcontained “goody bag” has all the items you need to survive for several days while on your own. From shelter to food, water and first aid, this kit has you covered when times get rough. High-quality and thoroughly tested products all fit within the included easy-to-locate, brightorange backpack. Don’t take survival lightly; be prepared and live another day!

• (4) 400-calorie rations and (10) 4.4-ounce water packs • Signal mirror and 100 dB whistle • Fire Lite striker and Tinder Quik • Survival blanket and rain poncho • Medical kit • Many more survival items

MSRP $80

URL www.SurviveOutdoorsLonger.com

Survive Outdoors Longer Survival Medic Kit Overview

Specifications

Why limit yourself to just first aid? This amazing medic kit contains all the needed items to patch you up in case of an unforeseen accident and also contains other survival items. It is compact enough to fit inside a jacket pocket, so you can rest assured you will always have first aid nearby when needed. Useful survival items include a fire-starter, whistle, tinder and compass to find your way back if lost. Additionally, the included containment pouch is waterproof and durable enough to withstand the rigors of Mother Nature. Equip every member of the family with this handy kit.

• Compact and lightweight • Fire Lite striker and Tinder Quik • Adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment and other basics • SOL survival instruction information

MSRP $15

URL www.SurviveOutdoorsLonger.com

Sawyer Pocket First Aid Kit

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Overview

Specifications

This compact, yet comprehensive, first aid kit will go where you go with ease. Containing nearly everything you need to treat minor injuries while on a short bug-out, the Pocket First Aid Kit features items useful to treat minor cuts and scrapes, blisters, insect bites and stings. Anti-infection ointments are included to keep bacteria at bay, while a convenient pair of tweezers aids in removing wood, glass or metal slivers. Don’t leave home without this valuable survival asset.

• Perfect for purse, briefcase or backpack • Water-resistant vinyl pouch • Treats minor injuries on the go • Made in the U.S.A.

MSRP $7.99

URL www.Sawyer.com

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LifeStraw Go Two-Stage Filter Bottle Overview

Specifications

After a man-made or natural urban emergency, your municipal water source might be unsafe to drink from. Thankfully, you have the Lifestraw Go to get you through. Incorporating the revolutionary process found in the original Lifestraw, this unit is an all-inone drinking system. Just fill your bottle with nearly any source of water and drink. The built-in filter removes 99.9999 percent of waterborne bacteria and 99.9 percent of dangerous protozoans, including giardia and cryptosporidium. Portable, easy to use and a must-have when fresh drinking water is unavailable, the Lifestraw Go will keep you hydrated and illness free.

• Primary filter treats up to 264 gallons • Second-stage charcoal capsule is effective for up to 26 gallons • BPA free • Uses replaceable activated carbon capsules • Meets U.S. EPA standards • Available in five colors

MSRP $44.95

URL www.LifeStraw.com

Wazoo Companion Key Chain Overview

Specifications

A mini survival kit in your pocket! Clearly, your keys go with you wherever you go, including when you need to bug out. However, this keychain is equipped with some very special features: Included within the paracord-wrapped keychain are a firesteel and striking plate, fishing line, fish hook and needle. Choose from dozens of solid or patterned paracord colors. Personalized etching is available on the name plate. Multi-purpose items are the name of the game during survival scenarios, and this keychain delivers.

• Looks like an ordinary keychain • Personalized etched nameplate option • Inconspicuous to others

MSRP $25

URL www.WazooSurvivalGear.com

Echo-Sigma Bug-Out Bag Overview

Specifications

Sometimes, you can’t get home before a disaster strikes, so having the Echo-Sigma Bug-Out Bag is the next best thing. Contained within the highly durable backpack is everything you need to survive for a full week or longer. All survival areas are complete within this fully assembled and ready-to-go kit. Covering shelter, food and water, fire-making and first-aid, nothing is omitted to help you endure what man or nature can throw at you. Customizable options are available to upgrade, replace or remove items to fit your particular needs.

• Keep in your vehicle or at the office • Top-quality gear and supplies • Customizable to your personal needs • Durable backpack construction • All items arranged, organized and stowed • Packaging removed from all items

MSRP $599.99

URL www.Echo-Sigma.com

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BUGGING OUT: UP TO 21 DAYS Coghlan’s Trekking Umbrella Overview

Specifications

More versatile than most people realize, this trekking umbrella offers features suitable for hiking outdoors or exploring urban environments. Use its integrated LED handle light to help guide you when visibility is low. Then enjoy its full, 42-inch canopy to protect you from a downpour. You can stay dry and prevent hypothermia as you traverse wet conditions. Or, when the sun is at its brightest, protect your skin from sunburn and help reduce your chances of getting heatstroke. A high-density, ultra-comfortable handle provides a strong and steady grip.

• Integrated LED lights • Full fiberglass frame • Lightweight and rugged • Vented canopy

MSRP $17.99

URL www.Coghlans.com

Copper Spur HV UL1 mtnGLO Tent Overview

Specifications

Constantly relocating while bugging out might be necessary, so be prepared with this amazing, ultralight tent. Constructed of highly durable ripstop nylon and breathable polyester mesh, this home-away-fromhome sets up quickly, with plenty of room to avoid that claustrophobic feeling some tents evoke. Additionally, your activities don’t have to stop once the sun goes down as a result of the added bonus of LED lights positioned on the ceiling. Integrated within the tent seams, these lights operate on three AAA batteries (not included) and are built to withstand the rigors of constantly setting up and taking down.

• 20-square-foot floor plus 9-square-foot vestibule • Packed weight: 2 pounds, 9 ounces • Fly is included • DAC featherlite pole system

MSRP $429.95

URL www.BigAgnes.com

Mt. Shasta Extended Stargazer Pioneer Overview

Specifications

Keep your tent and your vehicle close by with this incredible top-mounted outdoor shelter. Equipped with both a sleeping area and spacious vestibule, this tent has plenty of room for you, a second person and plenty of gear while you bug out from your permanent residence. A comfy mattress allows for a great night’s sleep, and its waterproof, breathable mesh keeps you cool, dry and bug free. It is compatible with multiple rack systems. Available colors: tan and earth green.

• Sleeps two • Adjustable ladder included • 2.5-inch-thick, high-density foam mattress • Removable PVC floor • 36-inch covered overhang

MSRP $1,895

URL www.CascadiaTents.com

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Kaito’s KA 600 Voyager Solar Powered Radio Overview

Specifications

When out “in the field” after an emergency, you need information, and this multi-function radio can give it to you. Whether using its hand crank, solar panel or battery pack, this unit will always be ready to turn on and broadcast the latest news, weather and emergency alerts from just about anywhere. Not content with just being a radio, this unit also functions as a flashlight, reading light and convenient charger for your cell phone or other small electronic devices. This radio is a multifunctional piece of equipment essential for extended time away from home.

• Multiple power options • Connected to the Emergency Alert System • Adjustable solar panel • Heavy-duty casing • Includes user manual

MSRP $99.95

URL www.KaitoUSA.com

Wazoo Cache Belt Overview

Specifications

Long-term outdoor survival can cause desperate people to steal from others. Keep your valuable gear hidden from others with this amazing belt. Over two dozen survival items tucked within this belt will help make your outdoor life a bit easier until normality returns. From fire-starters to cordage, tinder to fishing gear, this belt holds it all—in place and out of sight. It is perfect for dress pants or your favorite torn jeans and goes with just about anything. Three equipment packages are available.

• Three gear options • Pairs with almost any attire • Top-quality survival gear • Inconspicuous design • Four sizes to fit waists from 26 to 56 inches

MSRP Starts at $25

URL www.WazooSurvivalGear.com

BUGGING IN: UP TO 7 DAYS Aquapodkit Plus One Tub Liner Kit Overview

Specifications

An emergency can happen almost instantly, preventing you from reaching the store for life-sustaining, fresh drinking water. Now, that worry can be put behind you. This simple-to-operate unit offers two 65-gallon liners that can be filled and stored in your own bathtub. This is enough water to meet the needs of a family of four for up to 14 days. The “lock and load” pump system keeps the water vessel sealed yet easy to retrieve when needed. This liner kit is a must-have for any urban emergency.

• Easy to use • Keeps water fresh for up to eight weeks • Two 65-gallon liners included • Fits almost any tub • PVC and BPA free • Liner made in the U.S.A.

MSRP $29.95

URL www.AquaPodKit.com

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UST FlashBlade Recharge Knife 1.0 Overview

Specifications

A knife always comes in handy, no matter where you are, including your own home. When power is down and you need to secure your house and belongings, the FlashBlade can help. Its 3-inch blade can cut cordage, heavy tape or any number of obstacles you might face. The bright LED light’s two-hour run time will illuminate your path or work area and is charged via a USB port. A carabiner clip and integrated glass breaker are included.

• Push-button light switch • Included charging cord • Tanto-style blade shape • Ergonomic handle design • Two-year warranty

MSRP $26.99

URL www.USTBrands.com

BUGGING IN: UP TO 21 DAYS Nitro-Pak Family Water Storage Package #2 Overview

Specifications

Stop worrying about having enough fresh water during an emergency. The Family Water Storage Package #2 provides fresh drinking water for your entire family during any bug-in emergency. The process is simple: Just add tap water and an included stabilizer and seal the cap. Your water will remain fresh for up to five full years! This amazing kit includes four 55-gallon barrels, a siphon pump, stabilizer tablets, bung wrench and protective seal caps.

• Barrel size: 35x22.5 inches • One full barrel weighs approximately 463 pounds • Five-year shelf life • Easy-to-operate pump included • Barrels are FDA approved

MSRP $665

URL www.Nitro-Pak.com

UST 30 Day Duro Lantern

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Overview

Specifications

Stranded indoors for weeks with no power? The amazing 30 Day Duro Lantern can run continuously on low power for up to 30 days; in SOS mode for 15 days; and on high power for 22 hours straight. It offers clean, bright light—enough to illuminate a standard-sized room. Its durable construction can hold up to accidental impacts, while its unbreakable LED lights never need replacement or servicing. This is the ideal lantern for nearly any man-made or natural disaster and is a must-have addition to your emergency kit.

• Lumen output: 700 (high); 140 (medium); 30 (low) • High, medium, low and SOS modes • Water resistant • Integrated hanging hook • Requires 3 D batteries (not included)

MSRP $49.99

URL www. USTBrands.com

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HANDY HATCHET KLECKER KNIVES OFFERS A TAKE-ANYWHERE AXE HEAD WITH MULTI-TOOL CAPABILITIES. STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

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THE KLAX, ITSELF, WEIGHS LESS THAN A POUND AND TAKES UP LITTLE ROOM IN A PACK.

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n most backwoods situations, I prefer a hatchet or tomahawk over a large knife for a chopping tool. The shape and weight of the head, together with the leverage from a longer handle, simply make them more efficient for the task. Klecker Knives produces a handy item called the KLAX Lumberjack Head, which is essentially a hatchet head with some other multitool functions built into it. When I first saw it, I thought it had some strong possibilities as a useful backwoods tool. Nevertheless, I wasn’t going to add it to my daypack or go-bag unless I was sure of it.

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‹ The KLAX includes other tools, such as hex wrenches, knife blade, belt cutter/gut hook, hammer head, ¼-inch hex bit driver socket and ruler.

‹ Bottom: Although it is not as heavy as some other hatchets, the KLAX proved to be quite capable at chopping. While the center of this log was rotted, the outside was still quite hard and was a good test of the tool.

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SPECIFICATIONS MODEL:

KLAX LUMBERJACK HEAD (INCH)

LENGTH:

6.5 INCHES

HEIGHT:

3.7 INCHES

BLADE LENGTH:

1.7 INCHES

BLADE MATERIAL:

SUS420 STAINLESS STEEL

AXE CUTTING EDGE:

3.75 INCHES

KNIFE CUTTING EDGE:

1.75 INCHES

WIDTH AT BACK:

.5 INCH

WEIGHT:

14.4 OUNCES

OTHER FEATURES:

KNIFE BLADE, HAMMER HEAD, CUTTING/GUT HOOK/BOTTLE OPENER, (4) HEX WRENCHES (INCH MEASUREMENTS), ¼-INCH HEX BIT DRIVER SOCKET, LANYARD HOLE, CARABINER, RULER (INCH MEASUREMENTS), BALLISTIC NYLON SHEATH

MSRP:

$180; $30 EXTRA FOR OPTIONAL HARDWOOD 15-INCH AXE HANDLE

WWW.KLECKERKNIVES.COM

› Right: The KLAX Lumberjack tool comes in a sturdy nylon sheath. The optional hardwood handle is custom made for it.

HEAVYWEIGHT DILEMMA Having an axe in camp not only keeps me supplied with firewood, it can also be valuable in removing downed branches across the only road out. With a hatchet, I can quarter game and improvise other things I need—such as a travois for dragging out heavy loads, supports for a kettle in my camp kitchen and stakes for an improvised shelter with my poncho or tarp. A hatchet is quicker at all these tasks than my knife, which I’d prefer to keep sharp for other, finer cutting tasks. The problem is that more often these days, I’ve returned to the philosophy of my younger days: When you’re far from the beaten path, less is more. Less gear dragged along translates to being able to cover more miles with less effort. And less effort means an overall more pleasurable experience. I don’t need the weight of gear I don’t need or won’t use. So, when I’m on foot and traveling light, room in my daypack is at a premium. I often leave a hatchet or tomahawk behind. Yes, there are hatchets with extremely short handles that are more portable, but I find those short handles don’t offer sufficient leverage to make them efficient choppers.

THE KLAX SOLUTION The advantage of the KLAX Lumberjack Head is that it can be used with or without a handle. For around a base camp, Klecker Knives offers an optional ready-made hardwood handle for the KLAX that’s about 15 inches long. When it’s attached, the KLAX operates like any other hatchet or lightweight axe. If I need something more portable, I can simply pack the KLAX without a handle and either use it alone or make my own handle for it wherever I am. The KLAX Lumberjack Head is the only tool you need to make its own handle. The KLAX, itself, weighs less than a pound and takes up little room in a pack.

FEATURES The KLAX is made of trouble-free stainless steel and has cutouts that not only lighten its weight, but also form other tools. There are several hex wrenches, a ¼-inch hex bit driver socket, hammer, lanyard hole, carabiner, ruler and a knife blade. There’s also a tool that serves as a strap cutter, gut hook and bottle opener, all in one.

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‹ The hardwood handle is not included with the KLAX, but it’s a good option, especially for times when you don’t want to take the time to improvise your own handle.

THE KLAX LUMBERJACK HEAD IS THE ONLY TOOL YOU NEED TO MAKE ITS OWN HANDLE.

‹ The wrenches on the KLAX won’t fit some hard-to-reach areas, but with the handle attached, the tool does provide good leverage for loosening stubborn nuts and bolts.

The KLAX head fits into a split on one end of a handle—either a factory handle or one you improvise. A foldout clamp screws tightly into notches on either side of a handle to secure it.

PUTTING IT TO WORK I love a new gadget, but I’m usually a bit skeptical until I see for myself that it works. I attached the factory handle first, which took less than a minute. I tried one of the hex wrench cutouts on the nuts holding a bicycle wheel. With the handle attached to the tool, there was plenty of leverage. However, the shape of the tool will prevent you from using it on nuts and bolts in tight places. Next, I tried chopping into an old log. I found the handle well shaped and, at 15 inches long, it provided good leverage for chopping strokes. The KLAX bit into the wood very well. I did have to turn the thumbwheel to tighten the clamp slightly after every few strokes, but that was a minor inconvenience.

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‹ The ends of the tool’s clamp fold flat when not in use but extend (as shown) when you’re ready to attach the tool to either a ready-made or improvised handle.

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EXOTICS FROM AROUND

I continued to work the KLAX in the split to remove and open up the wood so the axe head would fit. I also had to slice away some wood to reduce the diameter around the split end to allow room for the clamp. I then whittled down the other end to reduce the size of the grip. This is when I found out how handy the KLAX was without the handle. I realized I would probably use it just as often that way—more similar to an ulu or skinner than a hatchet. I used the built-in knife blade to whittle the notches where the clamp would fit. The blade worked well, too, and the shape of

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‹ The factory handle is shown next to the piece of wood the author chose to make his own handle. Making your own handle enables you to make it as long as you’d like.

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I figured the real test would be in making my own handle and then seeing how the KLAX would perform with it. I cut a piece of sapling about 20 inches long and about 1.75 inches in diameter. That was perhaps a bit stouter than I needed, but I wanted to make sure it would hold together when I split one end to attach the axe head. I stood my new handle on its end and tapped the KLAX axe blade into it, using another piece of wood as a baton. The KLAX easily split the piece of sapling, and I had to be careful not to let the split run too far down the length of the wood.

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‹ Bottom Right: The author uses a piece of wood as a baton to tap the back of the KLAX for splitting one end of what will become the tool’s handle.

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WITH A HANDLE OR WITHOUT, THE KLAX IS A QUALITY EDGED TOOL. THE LONGER YOU OWN IT, THE MORE USES YOU’LL FIND FOR IT. ‹ Above: The author uses the knife edge of the KLAX to whittle notches in each side of the handle where the clamp will fit.

‹ Left: The author chose a rather thick piece of wood for a handle, because he wanted to make sure it held together when one end was split to fit the axe head ...

‹ Near left: ... However, he had to whittle down the other end for a better grip. ‹ Far left: On its own, the knife edge is a very capable of tool that adds to the overall versatility of the KLAX.

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‹ With a new handle attached, the KLAX showed it could perform more heavy-duty chopping chores than without it.

ASG-1707-KRW Packiing Machinery 2/28/17 8:02 AM Page 1 the tool provided a natural guard so my fingers wouldn’t slip forward onto the blade. I had started with a piece of sapling that was actually a bit larger than what I needed, and I trimmed it down until the axe head fit rather tightly. I secured it by turning the thumbwheel to tighten the clamp. In all, I spent only about 10 minutes in fashioning my handle for the KLAX.

… I FOUND OUT HOW HANDY THE KLAX WAS WITHOUT THE HANDLE. I REALIZED I WOULD PROBABLY USE IT JUST AS OFTEN THAT WAY— MORE SIMILAR TO AN ULU OR SKINNER THAN A HATCHET.

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IPHONE TO TOOLBOX Just about everyone carries a cell phone and a key ring. Klecker Knives offers a selection of small Stowaway Tools that you can store in the company’s special iPhone cover or string on your key chain or a carabiner. You automatically have a selection of tools when you grab your phone or keys and head out the door. There are currently 16 different Stowaway Tools offered; these include a lockback knife, magnesium fire starter, screwdrivers, tweezers, scissors, wrenches, pliers, belt cutter, comb and pen. You can even get a key blank so you can have a spare house key made that will store in the back of your phone. The iPhone cover features four storage slots so you can mix and match your selection of tools to meet the day’s activities. Say, for instance, you are going on a hike. You might choose the knife, fire starter, tweezers (to remove pesky ticks) and maybe the screwdrivers for equipment repair. For “urban” missions, you might choose the pen, comb, scissors and belt cutter. I tested some of these and found them to work well, considering that their small size doesn’t give you much room to get a grip. The knife was sharp and locked open securely. The scissors worked well on various thicknesses of paper, and the belt cutter easily cut through some narrow nylon straps. The phone cases are available in several colors and sell for $25. There are models for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 (with more, hopefully, on the way). The brass carabiner with titanium gate is $30. Individual tools vary from $7 to $15.

I then started chopping about a foot farther along the same log I had used earlier and found my new handle worked very well. As with the factory handle, however, I did find that I had to retighten the clamp just a little after a few strokes. Even so, that wasn’t a big concern. The KLAX never came close to coming off my handle. As a matter of fact, when I was done with the test, I had to use that wooden baton again to whack the axe head off my handle. The baton was starting to show some wear, but the KLAX was unscathed.

› There is a wide range of Stowaway Tools designed to fit into the slots of a special iPhone cover, thereby converting your cell phone into a takeanywhere toolbox.

› Stowaway Tools can also be carried on a key chain or on this brass-andtitanium carabiner offered by Klecker Knives.

› The lockback knife was sharp and locked securely. Although quite small, it can handle a large number of cutting chores when you might not have a pocket knife with you.

VERSATILE, PACKABLE TOOL At an MSRP of $180, the KLAX Lumberjack Head is more expensive than a typical hatchet but cheaper than many custom tomahawks. And what you get is a versatile tool with many extra features and the ability to carry it when you’re traveling light— those times you would leave your axe, hatchet or tomahawk at home. With a handle or without, the KLAX is a quality edged tool. The longer you own it, the more uses you’ll find for it. ASG

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› The Stowaway Tools belt cutter easily sliced through this nylon strap.

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SMALL PISTOL,

BIG ROLE WHY I CHOSE THE SPRINGFIELD XD-S 3.3 AS MY SOLE SIDEARM

L

et me start off by saying that I have never been a big fan of handguns.

However, I believe they do have their place in the arsenal of anyone interested in protecting themselves, their family and their survival stores. When it comes down to it, I would rather use a 12-gauge shotgun for home-defense; but away from home, a shotgun draws a great deal of attention (typically unwanted attention).

BY DANA BENNER

My thoughts on sidearms changed because of the numerous shootings taking place at schools, shopping malls and the like. Today, more than ever in our recent history, there is a need to not only have the means of protecting yourself in public, but also for knowing how to use those tools.

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I FOUND THE XD-S TO BE LIGHT AND TIGHT. IT PERFORMED PERFECTLY RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX AND IS REALLY FUN TO SHOOT. Because I didn’t own a handgun, I needed to do some research to decide which model would be the right fit for my needs. Personal security wasn’t the only reason I would carry this gun, so I needed to take a lot of factors into consideration. Reading about how I went through this process might help firsttime handgun buyers find the best option for their own needs. The main purpose for my firearms is hunting—which means I have rifles and shotguns, not handguns. While some people do hunt with pistols, I never have. I hunt pigs here, in New Hampshire, and

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› The author’s preferred sidearm—the Springfield XD-S—along with American Eagle rounds and a Blackhawk! holster

› Below: Author Benner practices shooting his XD-S right handed.

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‹ The author’s pack with the XD-S and Gerber StrongArm knife. These two help keep the author safe in the field and when he is away from home.

some of my friends who hunt pigs in other parts of the country asked me what I was using as a sidearm. When I told them I didn’t use one, they recommended highly that I get one. I thought about it, realizing a long gun would do me no good when trailing a wounded boar or bear into thick brush. So, now the search was on. Which handgun would give me the knockdown power I needed—but at the same time, would be light enough to carry all day? I visited gun shops and asked a lot of questions. I looked at .44 Magnums and .357 Magnums. I looked at revolvers and semiautomatics. After a great deal of searching, I found the Springfield XD-S 3.3 in .45 ACP. I liked its feel. It was just the firearm I was looking for.

‹ Below: Loading a magazine with American Eagle FMJ rounds

to carry all day in the field on hunting trips. Second, it needed to have enough punch to stop a wild boar or a bear in an emergency situation. And, third, I needed a firearm my wife could pick up and use in an emergency. The XD-S fit the bill. During my search, I asked a lot of questions. I spoke to friends who hunt wild boar in Florida and Mississippi. I talked to bear hunters and with the people at gun stores. I got different answers. Some preferred semiautomatics, while others liked revolvers. One thing that they all agreed on is that I needed something with a lot of knockdown power and nothing smaller than a .357 Magnum.

WHY THIS GUN? There are plenty of really good handguns on the market today in every style and caliber you can think of, so the choice was hard to make. When searching for this gun, there were certain things I was looking for: First, it had to be light enough

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I spent 12 years in the U.S. Army, for which my issued sidearm was a 1911 .45 ACP; my personal sidearm was a Smith & Wesson Model 27 .357 Magnum. Both guns have the power to do what I want, but they are heavy, and weight and size are issues. Because I was also looking for a firearm my wife would feel comfortable using, I also looked at .38s, .38 Specials, .380s, 9mms and .40s; these were small enough to meet most of my needs and they are great people-stopping rounds, but they would do little on a wounded boar or an enraged bear. The Springfield XD-S 3.3 was the perfect gun for my needs. It weighs 21.5 ounces (without a fully loaded magazine), measures only 4.4 inches high when

› Right: Zeroing in on the target at the Manchester Firing Range at 30 feet

› Below right: Taking aim with his new XD-S, the author was six for six with hits at 40 feet.

AMMUNITION You have the firearm. Great; but what about using it? Are you prepared to draw and fire? Can you hit what you are aiming at? When I first got the Springfield XD-S, I wanted to head right for the range and see what it—and I—could do. While hollowpoint (HP) ammunition would be what I would use for both hunting and self-defense, it is much too expensive to use on the shooting range. Instead, I went with American Eagle .45 ACP Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). It is perfect for the range, where a great deal of ammunition will be spent sighting-in the gun and going through the break-in process. If worse came to worse, this ammunition could, and will, be used as a self-defense round— although with 230 grains and a muzzle velocity of 872 fps at 25 yards, be prepared for the round to go right through what you are shooting at. Due to the expense, I would not waste my money or ammunition using HP rounds on the firing range. The American Eagle rounds are perfect and less expensive. Keep those HP rounds for the times when it really counts.

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… I NEEDED SOMETHING WITH A LOT OF KNOCKDOWN POWER AND NOTHING SMALLER THAN A .357 MAGNUM.

‹ Above: The author shoots his XD-S left handed at an outdoor range.

fitted with the compact five-round magazine and has an overall length of just 6.3 inches. The polymer frame design, single-stack magazines and 3.3-inch barrel all work together to reduce weight and overall size. Springfield produces this sidearm in .45 ACP, so I was able to get the knockdown power I was looking for. Despite the positives, there are a few drawbacks to this firearm. First, the standard five-round magazine makes this firearm hard to handle if you happen to have large hands. In its defense, the XD-S is designed to be a concealed-carry firearm, which requires the small size. There is a six-round magazine available that makes gun handling much easier and user friendly. The second drawback

is that because of the very nature of its design, the available magazines don’t allow for the number of rounds many people are used to.

SAFETY I am a firm believer in gun safety. Nothing upsets me more than hearing about someone being shot—and the excuse given is that someone was cleaning the gun and it went off. Guns don’t just “go off.” The question is, Why were they cleaning a loaded gun? With that being said, I liked the XD-S because of its safety features. While no gun is truly safe unless it is unloaded, the XD-S is about as idiot-proof as you can make a gun.

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BLACKHAWK! HOLSTERS I am a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Army, so I take great pride in buying American-made products when I can. Blackhawk! produces quality, American-made products. Originally started by a U.S. Navy SEAL, this company’s offerings are top notch. My medical pouch is made by Blackhawk!, so I went to this manufacturer for the holster for my XD-S. I shoot left handed, so finding a holster that fit my gun and was also left handed was nearly impossible. However, Blackhawk! makes numerous holster models that are ambidextrous. I chose the nylon ambidextrous multi-use holster. It comes with a spare mag pouch, which is a great extra feature.

What I really like is the holster’s nylon construction. I often find myself in less-than-ideal locations and conditions. Nevertheless, the material used can stand up to whatever I put it through. Blackhawk! makes a ton of gear, with holsters being just part of its products. This holster works for me—but it might not be for everyone. However, I’m sure you’ll find a suitable holster from among the inventory Blackhawk produces.

I LIKED THE XD-S BECAUSE OF ITS SAFETY FEATURES. WHILE NO GUN IS TRULY SAFE UNLESS IT IS UNLOADED, THE XD-S IS ABOUT AS IDIOT-PROOF AS YOU CAN MAKE A GUN.

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One of the reasons I bought this firearm was as a backup gun while I am hunting. That means carrying it loaded in the field—a place where a stick or anything else could possibly hit the trigger and discharge the firearm. However, the XD-S offers a couple of safety features that help prevent this from happening. There is the grip safety, which needs to be depressed at the same time as the trigger is pulled in order for the gun to go off. Another safety feature is the Ultra

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› Top: The Springfield XD-S with five-, six- and seven-round magazines

Blackhawk! (800) 379-1732 www.Blackhawk.com › Above: The Springfield XD-S .45 ACP (Photo: Springfield Armory)

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ASG-1706-TPS Arms 2/27/17 12:45 PM Page 1

     
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› Above: Author Benner is shown working on his accuracy from 30 feet.

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SHOOTING With my new gun in tow, I headed up north to Lancaster, New Hampshire, where my friend Mark lives. He belongs to the Groveton Fish & Game Club, and I used its pistol range to put the XD-S through its paces. I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting a great deal, because the 1911 .45 I had in the Army was nothing to write home about. It was loose and probably would have only been good in a crowded elevator. I was proven wrong with the Springfield XD-S. I found the XD-S to be light and tight. It performed perfectly right out of the box and is really fun to shoot. At 25 yards, the rounds were going under the target. At 20 yards, the rounds were hitting the target but were low. At 15 yards, I was hitting perfect kill shots with American Eagle 230-grain FMJ rounds. Even though I had fun firing the Springfield XD-S, at the end of the day, it is still a tool that has a specific job. To be honest with you, I hope I never have to fire this gun anywhere, except at a shooting range. Nevertheless, I feel a bit more comfortable having this firearm available—as well as the skill to use it—if the need ever arises. ASG

Bravo Company ................................................................................................................................2-3 Camillus...............................................................................................................................................89 Condor Outdoor ................................................................................................................................132 Doom and Bloom, LLC...................................................................................................................... 53 Hogue Grips ......................................................................................................................................... 21 Jantz Supply .................................................................................................................................73, 115 LT Wright Handcrafted Knife Company ....................................................................................... 83 Major Surplus & Survival ............................................................................................................. 10-11 OFD Foods, Inc ................................................................................................................................... 47 Ready Made Resources .....................................................................................................................37 Smart Bottle ...................................................................................................................................... 117 Strattec Security Corp. (BoltLock) .................................................................................................91 Surefire ................................................................................................................................................131 TOPS Knives ...................................................................................................................................... 119 Tormach LLC ....................................................................................................................................... 83 TPS Arms ...........................................................................................................................................129 Vista Outdoor ......................................................................................................................................57 World Gone Silent ..............................................................................................................................75 The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Survival Guide readers. American Survival Guide is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers..

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PATRIOT DAY 2017 We honor the thousands of people who lost their lives in the heinous terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in the years since.

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OPTIONS ARE THE KEY TO SURVIVAL The only certainty off the beaten path is uncertainty - that’s why the rechargeable DBR Guardian™ gives you two useful beams from one rugged polymer portable package. The first provides a wide beam of light for closer range tasks, while the second is far-reaching for searching/signaling. Both are controlled by our auto-adjusting IntelliBeam™ Technology that delivers the perfect amount of light for your surroundings. The included micro USB-C cable makes it easy to recharge with a solar-powered charging system. It’s good to have options.

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