Blade Care and Safety --
When I need to remove rust I like to use a stainless steel scrub pad. It's really quite amazing to watch the rust come right off while the finish of the gun remains intact. It should be noted that not all stainless steel scrubbies are created equal. Some will scratch the metal and others will not. You just have to test them, preferrably on a rusty piece of metal, to find one that won't scratch. -- Updated December 11
Making A Survival Kit --
There are quite a few survival kits on the market. Some fall into the "good but expensive" category, while many of the others are stocked with inferior products. If you're like me and want the best kit money can buy, you'll probably have to build it yourself. -- Updated June 26
Field Expedient Match Waterproofing --
Heat the paraffin in a spoon over a flame. As you can see from the photo, I am using a candle for this. When it has completely melted, dip the top half of a match into the paraffin, rolling it from side to side and then quickly remove it and hold between your fingers until the paraffin goes from opaque to clear, which means that it is dry. -- Updated December 11
Making Your Own Firestarters -- I constructed this fire using only wet twigs and a dryer lint firestarter that had been sitting out in the rain for over an hour. The method I use is similar to a log cabin fire, but you can arrange the fuel in whatever pattern you prefer. Just remember, it's a good idea to have at least one layer of sticks for your firestarter to rest on. As the vaseline melts, it will drip down and help to ignite everything below. -- New article added August 30
Review of the Striker 500,000 Volt Stungun -- There's been a lot of news over the last year about how great the Taser is as a non-lethal weapon. Unfortunately, they are also prohibitably expensive for the average person, as in $1000 or more for the X26c and $600 for the M18L.
-- Updated February 3
Cold Weather Camping -- Surviving in very cold conditions requires some knowledge of how the human body is affected by heat loss. For instance, approximately 80% of your body heat is lost from your head, if it is uncovered. Extremities such as fingers, toes, ears, etc also need to be protected, especially under windy conditions. -- New information added December 11
