American Survival Guide-July 2017-FiLELiST PDF

How-to: Select and Build the Right Firelay
AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE
GOING IT Vol. 6 Issue 7
ALONE
20 MUST-HAVES FOR
SELF-RELIANCE
VOLUME 6 - ISSUE 7
BARGAIN
BLADES
10 Great Knives Under $100
GOTTA GET A
GUN SHOP
There’s No Substitute for a
Professional Gunsmith
DRESS FOR
SUCCESS
The Outdoorsman’s First
Line of Defense
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BCM PNT™®
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Polished – Nickel – Teflon KeyMod Modular
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PWS DI KeyMod Rail Handguard Light Mount
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Combat PWS DI 15 Inch Rail . . . . . . . . $249.95
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Trijicon DD SLiM Rail 12.0 . . . . . . . . . . $265.00 Adaptive Light Mounts
TA31RCO-M4 DD SLiM Rail 15.0 . . . . . . . . . . $265.00 Thorntail
ACOG 4x32 Daniel Defense 1.030 Mount $70.00
$1,422.05 KeyMod Bipod Thorntail M3M6

1913 Mount $50.00
Adapter
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Arson Machine Company KeyMod
Aimpoint Daniel Defense Light Mounts
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ASG_1707_3 4/10/17 3:50 AM Page 3
KeyMod™ is the tactical

KeyMod is here!
TM
industry’s new modular standard!
• Midwest Industries • Aimpoint Micro H-1 2 MOA • Midwest Industries
Folding Front Sight $79.95 with LRP Mount $709.00 ERS BUIS $93.95
• GEARWARD Ranger
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• BattleComp 1.5 $155.00 • BCMGUNFIGHTER™

KMSM KeyMod QD Sling
• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ 1913 Mount $17.95
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QD End Plate $16.95
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• TangoDown ARC MK2
30 Round Mag $14.95
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PWS FSC556 Tactical

$59.95
Grip Mod 3 $17.95
Compensator $98.95 • BCM ®
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BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Vltor
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and Mil-Spec hardware kit. for increased mobility
IWC KeyMod Hand Stop BCMGUNFIGHTER™ ELPK, semi-auto $99.95
and decreased “snag”.
Made in the U.S.A.
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from impact resistant
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KeyMod BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KAG VG-KM-MOD-3, KeyMod Version . . $18.95

VG-1913-MOD-3, Picatinny Version . $19.95
Picatinny Kinesthetic Angled Grip
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textured front and back for positive engage-
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fully NVD
Nylon Rail, 4 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . $11.95 KAG-KM, KeyMod Version . . . . . $18.95 compatible,
Nylon Rail, 5.5 Inch . . . . . . . . . . $14.95 KAG-1913, Picatinny Rail Version . $19.95 with QRP2
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Aluminum Rail, 3 Inch, Black . . $19.95
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Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.com

FEATURES
14
SURVIVNG EXPOSURE IN
HOW-TO
ALASKA 22
Close call for a young Coast Guardsman FABRICATING THE RIGHT
By Jim Jeffries FIRELAY
All fires are not created the same way.
By Frank Philips
30
GOTTA GET A GUN SHOP
There’s no replacement for a good REVIEWS
gunsmith.
By Kevin Estela 58
YOUR NEXT TARGET RIFLE
We review the new Ruger American
38 Rimfire Target rifle.
HISTORY’S SURVIVORS By Kevin Estela
Holding out against all odds
By Peter Suciu
66
48 THE TEACHER’S TOMES
Favorite texts of a survival instructor
BARGAIN BLADES By Kevin Estela
Ten great knives for under $100
By Larry Schwartz
110
84 PICKING A PERFORATING
PEN
PREPARE FOR IMPACT Which is the right one for you?
Preparing yourself for ballistic and blade By Larry Schwartz
impacts
By Peter Suciu
22
94
ESSENTIAL OFF-GRID
120 102
TOOLS
The top 10 tools to have when the lights
go out
By Dana Benner
102
PREVENT THE MORTAL
BLOW
Avoid traumatic brain injuries.
By Joseph J. Kolb, M.A.
120
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
The outdoorsman’s first line of defense
By Reuben Bolieu
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,
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4 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2017]
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8
GEAR
GUIDE
76
ESSENTIALS FOR
30 66 INDEPENDENCE
Great additions to your
self-reliance supplies
14 By Jim Cobb
DEPARTMENTS
6
FIRST WORDS
8
NEW PRODUCTS
130
LAST WORDS
76
84 48
Some articles in this issue might

include stock images that are the
property of Getty Images.
[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 5
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VOL. 6 ISSUE 07
EDITORIAL
Doug Jeffrey Editorial Director
Mike McCourt Editor
Amy Maclean Managing Editor
DESIGN
Nadia Sverdlova Design Director
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Joe Kolb, M.A., Frank Philips, Larry Schwartz, Peter Suciu
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MARKETING
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veryone is familiar with the story of from having to test your defenses to their limit. Brooke Sanders Content Marketing Specialist
how the Greeks caused the demise of Had Troy’s Paris not absconded with Helen (the Eric Surber Content Marketing Specialist
Michael Chadwick Digital Marketing & Media Coordinator
Troy with the masterful subterfuge wife of one of the Greek leaders), there would Andrew Dunbar Videographer
of the famous Trojan Horse. While have been no war. Don’t mess with other peoples’ OPERATIONS
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COMPILED BY JIM COBB
1 3 5
Streamlight Bandit Rothco Concealed- Superesse
Headlamp Carry Jacket Patch Kit
Streamlight’s newest entry into the headlamp are- This concealed-carry jacket from Rothco is Morale patches are found on packs, pouches, hats
na is lightweight, yet powerful. The Bandit comes perfect for both right- and left-handed shooters. and sleeves. Few would see one and imagine it
with an elastic strap to keep it in place on your Inside the jacket, you’ll find an inner pocket contains anything—let alone lifesaving gear and
head, but the light can also attach to the brim of a and two magazine pouches on each side. supplies. Each patch is laser cut and is modified
ball cap. On the “high” setting, the Bandit blasts out The lightweight cotton-and-polyester-blend with a storage pocket inside. The patch shown here
a full 180 lumens. At a mere 1.3 ounces and fewer material won’t weigh you down and looks quite is the MacGyver, or supply, pouch, which contains
than 3 inches long, it will fit into all but the smallest handsome. You can be tactical without freaking tools and items useful in everyday situations.
of kits. The internal battery charges in a couple of people out on the bus or train (always a plus!). Superesse has 15 different patch kits, including first
hours via USB. aid and escape-and-evasion.
Features
Features • Two zippered handwarmer pockets Features
• Three modes: high (180 lumens), low (35 lu- • Adjustable wrist closures • Screwdriver head
mens), emergency flash (180 lumens) • 55% cotton/45% polyester construction • Duct tape
• Rechargeable lithium battery • Full-length front zipper • Cordage
• Available in yellow or black • Available in black or coyote brown • Small blade
• Weight: 1.3 ounces • Sizes: small–4XL • Additional supplies
• Width: 2.7 inches • Patch size: 3x2 inches
MSRP
MSRP $81.99 MSRP
$35 $40
URL
URL www.Rothco.com URL
www.Streamlight.com www.SuperesseStraps.com
2 4 6
Extreme Wilderness Dragonfire Flint Wazoo Cache Belt
Survival and Steel Set The Cache Belt leaves old-fashioned money belts
in the dust. A hidden pouch runs a full 2 feet along
One of the latest survival manuals to hit the market This fire-making kit is a collaboration among several the back of the belt, allowing you to covertly store
is this one, written by noted survival instructor (and well-respected outdoors craftsmen: Malcolm all manner of gear and supplies. At a minimum,
American Survival Guide contributor) Craig Caudill. Coderre of The Hidden Woodsmen designed the the Cache Belt can carry a supply of cash, as well
This is a no-nonsense look at wilderness situations, carrying pouch; Mikhail Merkurieff, creator of the as travel documents and other essentials, so you
along with emergency preparedness in general. Emberlit stove, created the dragon-themed steel don’t need to worry about pickpockets—at home
Caudill is the founder of Nature Reliance School striker; and the Texas chert included in the kit was or abroad.
and has taught survival and tracking to members provided by Jonathan Burton. Included with the kit is
of the military, as well as law enforcement officers a 16-ounce tin stuffed with natural tinder collected Features
from federal, state and local agencies. by Dragonfire owner Daryl Halseth and his team. • Available in waist sizes from 26 to 56 inches
• Gray with carbon steel buckle or black with
Features Features stainless steel buckle
• Suitable for beginners and seasoned outdoors- • Texas chert and steel striker • May be purchased empty or complete with
men, alike • Fatwood and chaga pieces survival kit for an added charge
• Covers survival mindset, shelter, food, water and
MSRP MSRP
many other topics
$75 Not available
• Paperback, 192 pages
• 7.4x8.9 inches URL URL
www.DragonfireTinderbox.com www.WazooSurvivalGear.com
MSRP
$21.99
URL
www.PageStreetPublishing.com
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PREVAIL DELUXE 72 HOUR SUPPLY FOR TWO
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Protect yourself from the unexpected during your everyday travels with our new
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2 12 Hour Light Sticks - Non-Toxic 1 Whistle With Lanyard
1 50 Hour Candle 1 Jungle First Aid Kit: Reg. Sale Price 73.95
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PREVAIL DELUXE ONE PERSON 72 HOUR EMERGENCY KIT
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1 Information Sheet 2 Heat Packs 1 Minor Medical
6 MRE Entrees 1 12 Hour Light Stick First Aid Kit
6 MRE Side Dishes 1 50 Hour Candle 12 4 oz. Pouches Purified
Reg. Sale Price 79.95 6 MRE Snacks 1 Box Waterproof Matches Drinking Water
ASG 3 Spoons 1 Emergency Space Blanket
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1
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Tube Tent
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1 3600 Calorie 3-Day Food Bar 1 12 Hour Light Sticks
10 Snack Items 1 50 Hour Candle
6 4 oz Pouches of Drinking Water 1 Box Waterproof Matches
1 1 Qt Canteen 2 Hand Warmers Reg. Sale Price 59.95
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Drinking Water
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7 9 11
Make Ready CRKT Tecpatl B.O.S.S. Fire
with Tony Blauer: Knife Survival Kit
The SPEAR A push knife is perhaps one of the most instinctive The B.O.S.S. (Bug Out Survival Supplements) Fire
System DVD
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The SPEAR System utilizes the body’s hard-
a single finger hole and ergonomic shape, the weather condition. The Kevlar thread and flange
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close-quarter defensive tactics. Tony Blauer
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has been teaching this personal defense Features
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• Kydex sheath with MOLLE-compatible clip
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ASG-1707-PRODUCTS.CX.indd 12 4/17/17 10:49 PM

7
10
11
12
ASG-1707-PRODUCTS.indd 13 4/16/17 11:44 PM

PERSONAL TALES OF U.S. COAST
GUARD SERVICE: LESSONS LEARNED
BY JIM JEFFRIES
ASG-1707-COAST.indd 14 4/12/17 4:53 AM

ASG-1707-COAST.indd 15 4/12/17 4:53 AM

A
t the age of 18, I left my
home in the Midwest and
set off on a course that
would take me from coast
to coast. I went north
to Alaska, south to Costa Rica and on to
Hawaii and Jamaica, as well as other places
most people only dream of. This eight-year
adventure wasn’t for fun, but I enjoyed
almost every minute of it. I had enlisted in
the United States Coast Guard.
After boot camp, my first duty station
was the Coast Guard Cutter Sweetbrier.
She was a 180-foot seagoing buoy tender ‹ Left: PO1 James Cole-
man, executive officer
that was homeported in southeastern of the U.S. Coast Guard
Alaska. Her primary job was to maintain Cutter Elderberry,
pilots the cutter’s small
aids to navigation—the system of buoys, boat through a channel
channel markers and other signals that near Juneau, Alaska,
while performing
help ensure safe navigation along coastal maintenance on aids
to navigation. The pro-
and inland waterways. tective clothing worn
by crews today are
much more appropri-
GOING FROM COLD TO NUMB ate that those available
I reported aboard just after Thanksgiv- in 1978. (Photo: PO2
Grant DeVuyst, U.S.
ing 1978. It was the first time I had ever Coast Guard)
been aboard a ship, and it took awhile
to get used to it. The biggest shock was
‹ Below: A 10-year-
old boy clings to … THE INVESTMENT IN TRAINING
being dumped in Alaska in the middle of
ME WAS WELL WORTH IT. THE
his father after
being rescued by
winter. Everything was frozen, and deep the Coast Guard 24
snow covered the ground from the surreal miles southwest
of Matanzas Pass
COAST GUARD MOTTO, SEMPER
mountain tops all the way down to the
ocean. It was breathtaking!
Preserve, Florida.
(Photo: PO2 Bran- PARATUS–ALWAYS READY—IS
With little time for taking it all in, I was
don Castelletti, U.S.
Coast Guard) STILL MY GUIDE.
ASG-1707-COAST.indd 16 4/12/17 4:53 AM

… THE LESSONS to it via one of our small boats. Due to the rough seas and the rugged terrain around the
aid (essentially a vertical rock wall), we would use our Zodiac inflatable boat to haul the
I LEARNED AND four-person work detail and gear to shore. This operation included replacing the near-
THE TRAINING I ‹ Below: The crew
of U.S. Coast Guard
exhausted batteries that powered the flashing light in the aid, and the size and weight of
the new battery packs would make two trips with the small boat necessary: one for the
RECEIVED HAVE Cutter Sycamore ser-
vices a buoy. Once men and another for the materials.
CONTINUED TO the buoy is pulled
from the water, the
After everything was ashore, the Zodiac, with its own two-person crew, would stand by a
safe distance out from the rocks until it was needed for the return trip. I was assigned the
SERVE ME AND THE
crew cleans off the
barnacles and gives
it a fresh coat of task of stepping ashore first and holding the bowline as the other three men debarked and
COMMUNITY IN THE paint. New batteries
and light bulbs are
again when the boat returned with the new batteries.
YEARS SINCE … installed, and the

buoy is then set back
Reaching the shore, I stepped out on a rock ledge and held the line, pulling in and playing
out slack as the small boat rose and fell with the waves and tossing the line back after the
on location. (Photo:
U.S. Coast Guard) other three men stepped out.
hard at work from the moment I stepped
aboard the ship. When we weren’t servicing
buoys, day boards or shore aids (navigation
markers installed on the shoreline), we
conducted routine patrols or responded to
SAR (search-and-rescue) missions.
One particular job had a significant impact
on me. Late in the winter of 1978–1979, the
Sweetbrier was scheduled to service a shore
aid located atop a point of land that jutted
into the sea. The skies were clear, and even
though the sun had only been up a couple
of hours, it would be setting in just a couple
more. Temperatures were below freezing,
and a stiff wind created 3- to 4-foot waves
that crashed against the shoreline and the
side of the ship. The water temperature was
31 degrees (F), the normal average for that
time of year.
Shore aids are usually not accessible
directly from the ship, so we had to get
‹ Venturing out of
the marked channels
can lead to ground-
ings. Here, a 58-foot
commercial fishing
vessel must wait
for high tide to lift
her from the rocky
bottom. (Photo:
PA3 Christopher D.
McLaughlin, U.S.
Coast Guard)
ASG-1707-COAST.indd 17 4/12/17 4:53 AM

ICE HAD
FORMED ON
THE OUTSIDE
OF MY BOOTS,
AND I COULD NO
LONGER FEEL
MY FEET … EACH
STEP WAS A
STRUGGLE.
The first stage went smoothly, but when
the boat returned, it took much longer to
get the battery packs unloaded. Standing
with my back against the rock wall, I
could not avoid the occasional splash of
‹ U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healey crew members make contact with a mariner aboard his 36-foot sailboat trapped in the
cold seawater that eventually soaked Arctic ice 40 miles northeast of Barrow, Alaska. This Coast Guard ice breaker assisted in freeing the vessel from the ice.
(Photo: U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healey)
me from the waist down. Unable to drain
my boots and wring out my socks at that
moment, I helped lift the heavy batteries
up from the boat and then carried them
to higher ground, where the navigation
aid was mounted.
I sat down on one of the battery packs
and wrestled the now-frozen boot laces
free, emptied my boots and squeezed what
water I could out of my thick cotton socks;
even at that point, my feet were cold and
had a waxy appearance.
It took quite some time to service the
marker, and even though I was busy the
entire time, I began showing signs of hy-
pothermia: My muscles were very stiff, my
speech was slurred, and the shivering was
becoming uncontrollable. Ice had formed
on the outside of my boots, and I could no
‹ Two people return to shore after being rescued from their sinking vessel off Tybee Island, Georgia, on June 19, 2011.
longer feel my feet. In fact, it felt as if my The aircrew diverted from a training flight after hearing the MAYDAY distress broadcast on VHF Marine Channel 16.
legs were stumps that ended at my thighs. (Photo: Daniel W. Lavinder, U.S. Coast Guard)
Each step was a struggle.

The sun was just a sliver on the horizon as
we carried the depleted battery packs down
to the waiting Zodiac. I noticed the sea level
had risen several feet with the incoming
tide. The rock I had stood on earlier was
now submerged under the frigid water but
would reappear briefly as the waves swept
out. Still, it was the only place that would
provide sure footing for holding the boat
in position. I half slid down to the rock as
the small boat approached and caught the
tossed line. As my shipmates lowered the
batteries down to the boat, I noticed the
water no longer felt cold!
With the battery-laden Zodiac heading
back to the ship waiting offshore several
hundred yards, I tried to climb back up the
rock face, but my legs would not cooperate. ‹ New Orleans, September 7, 2005. A Coast Guard rescue swimmer with pilots from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic
City, New Jersey, prepare an elderly man and woman for transport to safety. (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)
A member of the detail grabbed my life
ASG-1707-COAST.CX.indd 18 4/17/17 12:04 AM

COMMUNICATIONS
ON THE WATER
In some instances, boaters are unaware “Before you purchase anything else, make
that a tropical storm or hurricane is sure you have a VHF marine radio. A VHF
headed their way. Weather forecasts and marine radio is the single most important
warnings are constantly issued over dedi- radio system you should buy. It is probably
cated radio frequencies, but many boaters also the most inexpensive. If you plan to
fail to monitor them. travel more than a few miles offshore, plan
‹ PO3 Kyle Love discusses radio and electronic navigation systems.
(Photo: PO1 Phillip Null, U.S. Coast Guard) All marine VHF radios made today to purchase an MF/HF radiotelephone or
have the NOAA weather frequencies mobile satellite telephone, an emergency
permanently programmed in, but without position-indicating radio beacon ... and a
at least occasionally switching over to the second VHF radio or cellular telephone, as
frequency or enabling the “weather alert” well. Mobile satellite telephones are becom-
function, warnings will go unheard. ing more common and more inexpensive.
If you are venturing beyond the range of The mobile satellite will provide easier and
VHF signals, medium or high frequency clearer communications than the MF/HF
(MF or HF) marine radios should be radiotelephone, but the HF radiotelephone
installed, as well. will receive high seas marine weather warn-
Advanced distress signaling devices, such ings.” (www.NavCen.USCG.gov)
as an emergency position indicating radio The U.S. Coast Guard attends public
‹ During an inspection, maritime enforcement specialist PO2 Heather beacon (EPIRB) or personal locator beacon events and performs demonstrations
Clay speaks with local boaters about proper safety equipment. (Photo: (PLB) are not required on vessels under a to educate the public on boating safety
PO1 Zac Crawford, U.S. Coast Guard)
certain size or pleasure craft in general; it is topics. All across the country, Coast Guard
up to the boat’s skipper to determine what auxiliary personnel conduct courtesy safety
is adequate for his or her safety. inspections, providing peace of mind that
As suggested by the U.S. Coast Guard a boater’s vessel is safe to operate and is in
Navigation Center: compliance with Coast Guard requirements.
‹ PO1 Dicey McKay

checks expiration
dates for various
types of signaling
devices. (Photo: U.S.
Coast Guard)
‹ U.S. Coast Guard

boarding team mem-
bers conduct a vessel
safety inspection.
(Photo: U.S. Coast
Guard)
ASG-1707-COAST.indd 19 4/12/17 4:53 AM

jacket and hoisted me up to dry ground. strong gales that blow out ahead of the storm wall. Surging waves can tear off rudders,
When the boat returned, the coxswain leaving the craft with no way to maneuver out of the storm’s path.
(boat operator) pushed the rubbery bow We charged into a storm more than once, arriving in time to get a line to the stricken
into the rocks long enough for us to jump in. vessel and tow it out of the fury. Unfortunately, many just had to hang on and hope for the
I can’t say I remember the trip back to the best (in almost every major hurricane, vessels are reported as lost at sea).
ship, but I do remember climbing the cargo
net that had been lowered over the side for
us. I had to look at each of my hands and
will my fingers to close around the webbing
that I could not feel, and somehow, my feet
found their way into the holes of the net.
If not for my shipmates pulling me up onto
the steel deck, I don’t think I could have
made it aboard.
I was no longer shivering; and the nor-
mally bright deck lights were wavy streaks
swirling around me. I could not speak.
My next memory was standing in a
shower with scalding water raining on
my clothed body—boots and all. The
ship’s corpsman was standing outside the
shower, talking to me in an apparently
unrecognizable language. Finally able to
speak, I asked him to turn the hot water
down. The ship’s doctor, this time speaking
‹ Haitian migrants are brought aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless after being interdicted at sea. (Photo: PA2
in English, informed me the shower water Robin Ressler, U.S. Coast Guard)
was actually cold.
Over the course of a few days, the blistered
skin sloughed off my feet. I lost the nails
from both little toes and had to wear bunny
boots (oversized rubber boots) for several
days until the pain and swelling subsided.
With severe hypothermia and frostbite
under my belt, I would make darned sure it
never happened again.
INTO THE STORM

Over the next few years, I found myself
stationed on some of the (then) newest
cutters in the Coast Guard fleet. We were
homeported on the U.S. East Coast, so
most of our patrols were law enforcement
related. Drug interdiction then, as now,
was a priority, and most cruises were
spent boarding suspect vessels. During
hurricane season, our attention shifted
to the storms. When a tropical storm or ‹ A U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane crewmember provides food to a Haitian migrant. (Photo: PA2 Jennifer Johnson,
U.S. Coast Guard)
hurricane threatened, we would head
far out to sea, pre-positioning the ship
for rapid response when the inevitable
distress call would come.
It’s just a fact that mariners get caught in
hurricanes. Ships large enough to ride it out
often do, but those on smaller craft, espe-
cially sailboats, can quickly find themselves
in peril. Sailboats and hurricanes are a bad
mix, because sailboats usually lack the
speed to outrun a fast-moving storm or are
skippered by someone inexperienced in the
‹ FT2 John Perez examines a Haitian migrant onboard ‹ A group of Haitian migrants are given lifejackets before
face of such a threat. Sails can be ripped the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane. (Photo: PA1 Eric being transported to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet
away, and mast rigging can snap under the Eggen, U.S. Coast Guard) Lane. (Photo: PA1 Jennifer Johnson, U.S. Coast Guard)
ASG-1707-COAST.indd 20 4/12/17 4:53 AM

Perhaps the boat was too far offshore to make radio contact, had no radio at all or had not
COAST
paid attention to weather reports. It was in those situations that we would hunt. The searches
were often conducted by aircraft (such as the HC-130 Hercules) that could drop emergency
GUARD
supplies to survivors, keeping them alive until a helicopter or cutter could arrive to pull them
from the sea.
MISSIONS &
CARIBBEAN RESCUE MISSIONS
Another pressing mission for the Coast Guard was (and still is) migrant interdiction. Haitian
migrants would pack themselves into rickety watercraft and set sail across the Caribbean on a
northwesterly course, hoping to make landfall somewhere along the United States coastline.
Crammed together like sardines in a can, they had only the clothes on their backs to protect
them from the elements, and rarely were any life jackets present.
Leaky boats overloaded with 100 or more people aboard would set out with a single cloth sail
MATERIEL
In 1978, there were slightly more than 40,000
that was hung from a makeshift mast—a giant sack of dry rice and a drum of fresh water being
active-duty Coast Guard personnel; that is the same
their only sustenance for a journey that could for last weeks. Certainly, not all of them made it.
number of men and women currently serving active duty.
A constant flow of cutters, augmented by aircraft, patrolled off the Florida Coast between
Today’s Coast Guard has all the responsibilities it had in
the Bahamas, Cuba and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Once located, the migrants were brought
the past—plus more: In 2002, the U.S. Coast Guard was
aboard the cutters and tended to. Medical issues were addressed, bathing and sanitation
moved from the U.S. Department of Transportation to
facilities were provided, everyone was given bedding, and all were able to eat and drink as much
the newly created Department of Homeland Security.
as they desired. Then, with a deck full of migrants, we would head to Haiti and turn them over
Homeland Security missions include ports, waterways
to government officials.
and coastal security, drug interdiction, migrant interdic-
tion, defense readiness and other law enforcement.
SHARING THE BENEFITS OF LESSONS LEARNED
Non-Homeland security missions include marine
By this time, I was reaching the end of my second tour of duty and decided not to re-enlist.
safety, search-and-rescue, aids to navigation and ice
Now, more than 30 years later, I still miss the ships and my shipmates.
operations (The Coast Guard operates the U.S. ice break-
But the lessons I learned and the training I received have continued to serve me and the
ers responsible for keeping shipping lanes open from the
community in the years since, teaching boat safety, explaining the “rules of the road,” channel
North Pole to the South Pole and the Great Lakes).
markers and buoys, and more to boaters.
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sweetbrier and many more of
Working as the manager of a marina, I had the knowledge necessary to prepare a landing
the pre-World War II-era ships that were still in service
area for a helicopter coming in to evacuate a young lady who had been ejected during a boat
into the 1990s have been decommissioned (some have
collision. She was suffering from a life-threatening injury and needed to quickly get to a hospital
been scrapped, and some are serving in the navies of
more than 60 miles away. There was not enough time to transport her by ground.
other countries). New ships and aircraft, including the
MH-60T Jayhawk, are replacing the old assets, thereby
IT’S JUST A FACT THAT MARINERS allowing the Coast Guard to continue conducting
missions vital to the nation’s security and safety at sea
GET CAUGHT IN HURRICANES. SHIPS more efficiently and effectively.
LARGE ENOUGH TO RIDE IT OUT OFTEN Technologies and materials designed to protect
personnel from the extreme elements reduce the like-
DO, BUT THOSE ON SMALLER CRAFT, lihood of hypothermia and other hazards encountered
ESPECIALLY SAILBOATS, CAN QUICKLY in day-to-day activities. This includes gear that was in
FIND THEMSELVES IN PERIL. short supply or non-existent in the 1970s and ’80s.
The last two ships I served on—U.S. Coast Guard
Cutters Tampa and Harriet Lane—are now more than
30 years old … and still going strong. May they continue
upholding the highest Coast Guard standards for many
years to come.
Semper Paratus!
Were it not for my time as part of the

flight deck crew aboard my last two Coast
‹ Forty-four-foot Guard cutters, I would not have known what
Coast Guard
motor lifeboats needed to be done to create a zone that
were counted on was safe for the helicopter, its crew and the
to make rescues
in the roughest bystanders in a busy parking lot.
surf, even coming There are more examples, but I’ll just say
out to save the
author once. the investment in training me was well worth
(Photo: PA3 Chris
Rose, U.S. Coast
it. The Coast Guard motto, Semper Paratus–
Guard) Always Ready—is still my guide.
ASG-1707-COAST.CX.indd 21 4/17/17 12:04 AM

HOW TO PICK THE BEST FIRE LAY AND FUEL
FOR THIS CRITICAL SURVIVAL NECESSITY
BY FRANK PHILIPS
S
ince the dawn of time, the invention, cultivation and control of fire
comprise one of mankind’s greatest achievements. Because of it,
he was able to cook his meals and avoid food-borne parasites and
bacteria; he was able to extend the day by adding light to his camp, also
thereby warding off predators; and he was able to adapt to harsh winter
climates by keeping warm around a fire. These benefits haven’t changed much in the
last million years, because man still hovers around the fire to cook food, keep warm
and light up the night.
THE FIRE TRIANGLE

There are only three things you need to start a fire: a fuel source, air and heat.
Without one of these elements, you’ll be cold and left in the dark. Fire is the result of a
chemical reaction called “combustion.” It’s a type of oxidation—a reaction that occurs
when a combustible fuel (e.g., wood or gas) is exposed to a source of heat (a match or
spark) in the presence of oxygen. The oxidation of the molecules that make up fuel is
an exothermic reaction, meaning that it releases energy in the form of heat and light.
We know the result of this reaction as fire.
ASG-1707-FIRELAY.CX.indd 22 4/17/17 12:18 AM

GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY: ONFOKUS

FUEL
For the sake of this article, we will use
wood as our source of fuel; it is abundant
in nature, inexpensive in civilization
(compared to liquid fuels) and easily
controlled. Gathering wood for a campfire
is an age-old practice, and this fuel can be
broken down into four main groups, each
one a necessary step to easily go from
spark to flame:
❰ Tinder: Tinder is soft and light, has a
large surface area and is easy to ignite.
Think of tinder as any combustible
material that will ignite with a small
spark—for example, thin wood shavings,
dry grass, pine needles, cattail fluff and
birch tree bark.
❰ Kindling: Kindling usually consists of
small twigs thinner than the diameter
of a pencil. While tinder will burn easily,
kindling is used to keep the fire going after
the tinder has sparked. Consider cedar
bark, dry leaves and small twigs. ‹ Below: The A CAREFUL BALANCE BETWEEN
❰ Sticks: Sticks are small limbs slightly
FUEL, HEAT AND AIR IS ESSENTIAL
teepee fire is
bright, warm and
larger in diameter than your thumb hot, but if you’re
(about an inch). These will maintain a alone in the
wilderness, you
FOR THE FIRE TO BE EFFICIENT. TOO
small fire once the tinder and kindling
have burned off.
won’t get a lot of
sleep … because MUCH OR NOT ENOUGH OF ONE
THING WILL SNUFF OUT THE BLAZE.
you need to keep
❰ Wood: Larger pieces of wood around 3 or feeding it.
GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY: JEAN-ERICK PASQUIER

4 inches in diameter are needed to maintain ONCE YOU START A FIRE, THE
a healthy and long-lasting fire.
TINDER AND KINDLING WILL BURN
BUILDING A FIRE UP QUICKLY, AND YOUR FIRE WILL
Once you start a fire, the tinder and
kindling will burn up quickly, and your fire will
EXTINGUISH ITSELF IF YOU DON’T
extinguish itself if you don’t augment it with AUGMENT IT WITH ADDITIONAL FUEL.
additional fuel. The process works best if you
have prepared various piles of your materials
‹ Left: Make sure
before you add the match or spark to the you have plenty of
firewood collected
tinder. This way, you can assemble a proper
before you start
fire by using each group of fuel, gradually your fire.
going up in size as you do so.
While building up the fire, make sure you
don’t pile too much fuel on the fire all at
once; a fire has to breathe, so leave spaces
for oxygen to get into the fire. A careful bal-
ance between fuel, heat and air is essential
for the fire to be efficient. Too much or not
enough of one thing will snuff out the blaze.
FIRE CONSTRUCTION
Much as a specific knife has a particular ‹ Below: This is a
great illustration of
function or how specialized boots will
what can happen
handle different terrain, not all camp fires when you roughly
toss a log on a large
are equal. The purpose of the fire—whether fire. The resulting
it’s to warm, cook, provide light, last all airborne embers
can quickly become
night, signal or to be stealthy—deter- a hazard if you’re
mines the way it should be built. There not careful.
GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY: GOGIYA

THERE ARE ONLY
THREE THINGS
YOU NEED TO
START A FIRE: A
FUEL SOURCE,
AIR AND HEAT.
are different construction arrangements—
called “fire lays”—that achieve specific
effects for a variety of situations.
For example, while not illustrated here, a
Dakota hole fire is a small fire that sits just
below the ground in order to camouflage
its light. A secondary hole is dug a foot or
so away with a tunnel connecting the two
‹ The “long fire” fire lay method holes; this funnels air into the base of the fire.
Also, although technically not considered a
fire lay, per se, the keyhole fire utilizes rock
placement to form a keyhole shape, which is
perfect for cooking. While the fire blazes away
in the main fire ring, a small rectangle of rocks
outlines a cooking area to which coals are
scraped and over which a pot is placed.
Depending on your situation, you can
choose from many different fire lays.
Some have very creative names, such
as “bean hole fire,” “Yukon stove” and
“Gilwell fire.” However, most are slight
variations of the nine most popular and
useful designs shown here.
(Note: We used store-bought wood in our
illustrations for two reasons: The consistency
of each piece better illustrates the different
levels and sizes of the fuel; and the construc-
tion of each fire lay is easier to recognize and
describe with uniform pieces of lumber.)
‹ The “fire stick” lay method
1. LONG FIRE
The long fire can be built above ground
using two long logs (shown) or in a
shallow trench. Either way, the effect of
the logs and trench is to shade the fire
from unwanted wind and to keep the
coals together. The proximity of the logs
depends on how large a fire you need and
the diameter of your cooking pots.
This fire lay, built next to a large reflector
(such as a boulder or the wall of a ravine),
can be used to keep a nearby tent warm. The
sticks underneath the long logs allow oxygen
to reach the coals.
2. FIRE STICK LAY

The rocks at either end support the main
log of this fire lay. On it, various-sized kindling
and sticks are laid. With tinder under the log
and lots of air between the various-sized
‹ Two views of the “star fire” lay method sticks, a bright and warm fire is produced.

Like a long fire, this can be used to warm a tent or keep two people on either side warm.
The down side is that the fire doesn’t last as long as some others.
3. STAR FIRE
Also known as the “Indian” fire, this is a safe fire lay—one that can be easily con-
trolled by pushing in or pulling out the arms of the star. It is also good for conserving
fuel, because it produces a small fire that will burn for a long time (as long as you
WAYS
TO
keep pushing in the fuel as it burns).
Because the logs of each arm can be of any length, the fire will remain the same size
as long as it is burning. The stones between each arm keep the coals concentrated
IGNITE
in the middle.
4. PYRAMID FIRE
A FIRE
With large-sized fuel at the bottom and smaller and smaller fuel positioned as you go
toward the top, the pyramid fire is a self-feeding fire. As the levels burn, it will fall in on
itself, thereby adding new fuel from the upper levels as the bottom levels burn.
This is a great, long-lasting fire that will keep burning, maintenance free, for hours—but it
Although there are many ways to start
takes a great deal of fuel to build. By keeping the levels close together, you starve the fire of
› The “pyramid”
a fire (some are unintentional, such as
oxygen so it will burn slower. If done correctly, by morning, a nice bed of coals will remain. fire lay method
an electrical short, a lightning strike or a
chemical combination), many of the ways
to intentionally start a fire without matches
are mechanical and creative.
MAGNIFICATION OF SUNLIGHT
‹ Magnifying glass
‹ Flashlight reflector
‹ Bottle or bag of water
‹ Polished Coke can bottom
‹ Convex piece of ice
‹ Fresnel lens
‹ Solar dish
ELECTRICAL
‹ 9-volt battery and steel wool
‹ Car battery and jumper cables
‹ Battery and fishhook
‹ Car cigarette lighter
‹ Lightbulb filament
MECHANICAL SPARK
‹ Flint and steel
‹ Ferrocerium rod and steel
FRICTION
‹ Fire plow
‹ Spindle
‹ Crooked stick
‹ Bow drill
‹ Rope drill

5. LOG CABIN FIRE
Because of the open and airy construc-
tion of this fire lay, the log cabin fire burns
fiercely, producing a great deal of light and
heat. That said, it also consumes a lot of
fuel quickly, reducing it to a substantial
bed of coals that is great for cooking. To
make the fire last longer, build a small
teepee lay within the log cabin and keep it
fed so the fire won’t consume the “logs” of
the cabin so quickly.
The difference between this fire lay and
the pyramid fire is the spacing of the fuel.
With the pyramid fire, you want to limit
the amount of oxygen to make the fire last
longer; with the log cabin fire, the idea is to
promote the flow of oxygen to have a large
fire and end up with a lot of coals. The log
cabin fire is the most popular fire build next ‹ “Log cabin” fire lay
to the teepee fire.
6. TEEPEE FIRE
This is the most popular kind of fire lay
used; it’s the one almost everyone builds
when constructing a fire. It burns large,
bright, hot and quickly. With the fuel
angled in this manner, it creates a natural
chimney that funnels a great deal of air
into the spaces at the bottom, creating a
very large fire.
The teepee fire lights easily and is easy
to maintain (simply lay on more fuel), but
the downside is that it is also a tall fire, so
make sure not to construct this one under
overhanging branches.
If you toss on some green foliage
for smoke, the teepee fire becomes a
perfect signal fire.
7. ALTAR OR PLATFORM FIRE

‹ “Teepee“ fire lay
Also known as a “snow-base” fire, the altar
fire is used when the ground is particularly
wet or covered in snow too deep to dig
down to the ground. The idea is to build a
platform that raises the fire above the snow.
By using green logs as the base, they
won’t easily burn and break through to the
snow below. You can create as many layers
as you need to keep the fire out of the
snow, but as you go up, crisscross each new
layer to better protect it.
8. LEAN-TO FIRE
The lean-to fire is used mainly to direct the
heat in a specific way: toward you. The sup-
port stick can be propped up with rocks, while
larger and larger pieces of fuel are leaned up
against it. The tinder and kindling are lit inside,
and the fuel acts as a wind break.
This fire allows for a lot of airflow and
‹ “Altar,” “platform” or “snow-base” fire lay

WHICH WOOD?
Collecting the right wood is essential for building an efficient fire, and while there are
hundreds of types of trees around the world, not all of them make for a good source
of firewood.
ALDER: Doesn’t provide a great deal of ELM: To burn well, it needs to be very dry
heat, because it burns quickly. (because it contains a lot of moisture).
ASH: Best-burning wood. It provides both MAPLE: This wood produces a good
flame and heat and will even burn when flame with a high heat output.
green. OAK: Dry, old oak is excellent for heat; it
BEECH: A rival to ash in heat and flame, burns slowly and steadily.
but it does not burn well when green. It PINE: Burns with a good flame, but the
produces a great deal of embers. sap content causes the wood to spit.
BIRCH: The heat is good, but it burns POPLAR: A very smoky wood with low
quickly. The smell is pleasant. heat production.
CEDAR: Burns small when dry, but it will SPRUCE: Burns too quickly and with too
burn for a long time. It produces crackling many sparks.
and popping sounds. SYCAMORE: Burns with a good flame
CHESTNUT: Produces a small flame and and moderate heat, but it needs to be
very little heating power. well dried.
FIR: Not a good burning wood. It makes a WILLOW: This is a poor-burning wood,
small flame and provides very little heat. even when dry.
ELDER: This is a very smoky wood that
‹ Top: Construction of the “lean-to” fire lay begins with the support stick.
‹ Above: “Lean-to” fire lay burns quickly with little heat.
‹ Above: “V” fire lay heat, but the downside is that if the
support stick is not big enough, it will
quickly burn through and collapse the
whole structure.
9. V FIRE
This fire lay is a slightly modified version
of the long fire. The shape of the “V” via
two large logs allows you to either block
the wind (if it is especially harsh) or take
advantage of a slight breeze to feed oxygen
to the fire. The V is placed either pointed
toward or against the wind, depending on
GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY: HENN PHOTOGRAPHY
what result is needed.

Additionally, coals from the fire can be
scraped toward the junction of the V, over
which a pot can be placed for cooking. In
this manner, it is a simplified keyhole fire.
Adding rocks to the opening of the V can
control how much oxygen gets to the base
‹ This roaring fire is
large enough to keep a
of the fire, which will determine how much
large group warm. fuel the fire will consume.

ASG-1707-GUNSHOP.indd 30 4/12/17 6:04 AM

WHY YOU NEED A GUN SHOP,
NOT A GUN STORE
BY KEVIN ESTELA
YOUR
FIREARM’S
FRIEND

JOJO’S GUN
WORKS,
SOUTHINGTON,
CONNECTICUT
Jody Joseph and John Napierski, the
gunsmiths behind JoJo’s Gun Works, have
a combined 37 years of experience working
with firearms. Both have carved a niche for
themselves since 2006, serving recreational, › Welding is some-
semi-professional and professional shooters, times necessary in
gunsmithing. This
as well as the law enforcement community.
W
is not a task for the
unskilled.
They have earned a reputation for creating
firearms that perform as incredibly as they
look. Their custom work has been delivered e have all seen the guy in his yard working on his own car, day in
to all parts of the country as far away as and day out, with no success. Stubborn pride prevents him from
Alaska, and even the Colombian police getting professional help with his mechanical issues, and he is
department is armed with their work south likely causing more harm than good by addressing problems above
of the border. his pay grade.
JoJo’s Gun Works is located in New The same stubborn pride that backyard tinkerers suffer from is found in some gun
England in the center of American firearms owners. They strip apart their firearms and hammer parts together. Fine mechanical parts
history. Jody, a gunsmith graduate of the are mashed or ground down, and precise tolerances are ignored or exceeded.
Colorado School of Trades, is the chief It’s said that the two loudest sounds in the world are a gun that goes click when it
builder of 1911s for competition, carry should go bang and a gun that goes bang when it should go click. Mess around with your
and collection. John is the gunsmith who firearms beyond your knowledge of maintenance and repair, and one of these two sounds
handles most of the modern polymer pistol will echo in your ears.
jobs, as well as AR15 builds. Additionally, Is that a chance you want to take? Is that a chance you want to trust your or your
there are five other employees with various family’s safety to?
› Jody Joseph (left) This is where a proper gunsmith comes into play—with a strong emphasis on proper.
specialties who work at JoJo’s; these and John Napierski
include custom grip and stock building, grip (right) comprise the A gunsmith is not just someone who knows guns; rather, he or she is someone who has
combined effort
reductions and machining. been properly trained in how to assemble, disassemble, modify, fix and maintain firearms.
behind JoJo’s Gun
JoJo’s is a full-time gun shop that is Works. Training is more than reading “how-to” manuals found at gun shows or watching YouTube
“closed only seven days a year” and not a
part-time operation. It is a Class III manu-
facturer in all firearms and an FFL dealer.
The employees on JoJo’s staff enjoy shoot-
ing as much as they do working on firearms.
In fact, some of their work has been
featured in the pages of American Survival
Guide over the past few years, including a
customized Smith & Wesson Model 66, M1A
and the Remington 870 Police.
JoJo’s has both a showroom and store-
front and will also accept orders via phone
and e-mail.
JOJO’S GUN WORKS

(860) 426-9414
WWW.JOJOSGUNWORKS.COM
ASG-1707-GUNSHOP.CX.indd 32 4/17/17 12:25 AM

BEYOND LOOKING
UP CUSTOMER
REVIEWS, TALK
TO THOSE WHO
USE FIREARMS
REGULARLY AND
PROFESSIONALLY,
AND FIND
OUT WHOM THEY
USE TO KEEP
THEIR WORK
GUNS RUNNING.
videos. Just as you wouldn’t trust the ‹ A Glock frame your long gun or sidearm back to the manufacturer than look at it themselves. Many gun
is held in a vise at
vehicle you drive your family around in to JoJo’s Gun Works stores are in the firearms industry only to make money, not help the customer.
the guy working on cars in his backyard, you while it is in the A gun shop, on the other hand, is generally staffed with shooters who know pistols, re-
process of being
shouldn’t trust the firearm that you use to stippled. volvers, rifles and shotguns inside and out. Rather than putting you out in the cold—your
protect your home and family to just anyone. firearm en route to the factory—they’ll often diagnose the problem and fix it right there.
Here is how to locate a quality gunsmith Sometimes, they can take care of it while you wait for just a few minutes.
and research what they can accomplish It’s easy to locate a quality gun shop via modern technology, but you shouldn’t believe
with some common firearm types. only what you hear online. Beyond looking up customer reviews, talk to those who use
firearms regularly and professionally, and find out whom they use to keep their work
SELECT A SHOP guns running. Seek out the gunsmith or gun shop responsible for fixing your local police
Search your local Yellow Pages (if you department’s firearms or where big-box stores send trade-in firearms for inspection or
still have one of those), and you’ll likely repair before reselling them to their customers.
find numerous listings for firearms stores. Listen to the advice of the oldest guy at your shooting range. He has likely seen gun
A firearms store is not the same as a gun stores and shops come and go. He probably also has an opinion not formed by Internet
shop. The guy working the counter at your gun celebrities, TV training or the opinions of newly minted pistol-permit holders working
firearms store might know little about behind the counter.
firearms but talks a big game and is a Before you leave your granddaddy’s pistol in the hands of a stranger, visit that gun
salesman first. Think of a gun store as an shop and do some recon. You should gauge how well the smiths interact with customers.
auto dealership and a gun shop as the ‹ Below, left: Greg Make small talk with people waiting while their firearms are worked on. Use your gut
from JoJo’s Gun
service center around back. Works measures instinct to determine if that shop is the right one for you.
If you are new to firearms, you might washers to ensure a Some gunsmiths are known for their work on one type of firearm, but a competent
Surefire flash hider
wonder what to do with your firearm if and suppressor gunsmith will be able to address concerns with any rifle, handgun or shotgun. Ask to see
adapter will line
it doesn’t work as intended. There are samples of their work, and take note of their specialty. Ultimately, make your decision
up correctly and
many gun stores that would sooner ship attach firmly. based on the sense of trust you have in their work. After all, if you are using their firearm
‹ Left: An assort-
ment of spare
parts can usually
be found in gun
shops. At times,
oddball parts
might be hard to
locate or are even
unavailable and
must be fabricated
from scratch.

› Jody Joseph, one
for self-defense, you are trusting their of the owners of
work to ensure the firearm doesn’t JoJo’s Gun Works,
sorts through some
malfunction when it is needed most. parts before start-
ing on a customer’s
work order.
COMMON SERVICES/FIXES
OFFERED
A quality gun shop will be able to address
problems encountered with any type of
firearm. If you are uncomfortable with
working on your own firearms, speak to
your gun shop about the problems you’re
encountering. The gunsmiths there might
help educate you so you can self-diagnose
the issue and address it.
If it is an issue or modification you would
rather let a professional handle, the follow-
ing are some common examples of problems
encountered on various platforms.
REVOLVER A FIREARMS STORE IS NOT THE SAME AS

For the traditional wheelgun shooter, a
gun shop can provide services no online
A GUN SHOP … THINK OF A GUN STORE AS
tutorial or YouTube video can walk you AN AUTO DEALERSHIP AND A GUN SHOP AS
through. Revolvers are known for reliabil-
ity, but a quality gun shop can lighten the
THE SERVICE CENTER AROUND BACK.
double- and single-action trigger pull,
ensure the timing is correct, polish the
cylinder and cut a dovetail into the front
sight for night sight installation.
Many older revolvers have a finish worn
to the white. A quality gun shop should be
able to refinish one in any number of ways,
including bluing, parkerizing or Cerakoting.
PISTOLS
Whether you have a 1911, Glock or any
pistol found in between, a quality gun
shop can help fit the pistol to the user.
Customized grip panels can be made from
various synthetics such as Micarta and
G10 or exotic materials such as desert
ironwood or mother-of-pearl for form
and/or function.
Grip reductions, undercut trigger guards
and beavertail upgrades are some of
the ways a master grip can be improved.
Slide serrations, dehorning and custom-
ized porting of the barrel and slide are
some common enhancements made to
the slides of pistols found on the bench
of reputable gunsmiths. Pistols with
traditional gun bluing can be refinished
with more-durable modern coatings
and finishes to withstand the elements
and holster wear.
MODERN SEMIAUTOS
The AR15, AK and M1A are three of the › John Napierski
from JoJo’s
most popular modern sporting rifles. Their inspects a custom-
ized AR prior to
popularity makes them common firearms delivering it to a
worked on in an average gun shop. While customer.

18 TERMS
YOU’LL
HEAR IN A
GUN SHOP
Bore sight: The process of aligning an optic
with the barrel using a muzzle-mounted
device to make the sight-in process easier
Chamfer: Breaks the sharp edges of the
‹ JoJo Gun Works’
Greg puts the fin- chamber. Commonly done for revolvers
ishing touches on Checker: Criss-cross texture pattern for
the attachment of a
Surefire suppressor enhanced grip
to a customer’s
Cocking serrations: Ridges added for
weapon.
manipulating the slide
Crowning a barrel: Contoured cut at the
these rifles are easily maintained in the field and one can learn how to keep them
end of the barrel that improves accuracy and
running like an armorer, “armorer” status doesn’t equate to “gunsmith.” A gunsmith can
provides protection to the rifling
cut barrels down for improved handling, install specialized triggers, properly build up
Dehorn: The process that removes
stripped receivers with precision parts and tune any of these firearms to meet the needs
exterior sharp edges for more-comfortable
of a competitive shooter, hunter or armed citizen.
concealed-carry of pistols/revolvers
Common modifications to modern semiauto rifles include swapping out flash hiders
Failure to extract: A malfunction that
and muzzle breaks, hand guards and modular stocks. A reputable gunsmith will have
causes a chambered round to remain in the
the specialized tools for assembly/disassembly that are considered too costly for the
chamber when the action is cycled
recreational shooter to own and use only once in a build. A Class III gunsmith will be able
Failure to feed: A malfunction that causes
to equip you with Class III accessories such as suppressors and also manufacture your
a round to jam in the firearm’s action instead
standard-length rifle into a short-barreled rifle.
of loading in the chamber
Free-float barrel: Eliminates contact
REPEATING FIREARMS
between the barrel and stock to improve
Lever-action, pump-action and bolt-action rifles and shotguns can all use a tune-up
harmonics and accuracy
from time to time. Bolts can be jeweled by a proper gunsmith and peep sites installed.
In the white: The unfinished state of a
Barrels can be cut down to shorter legal lengths, free-floated and re-crowned. Wooden
pistol prior to refinishing
stocks can be refinished if they are scratched and dinged, or they can be replaced with
It’s on the bench: This translates to, “Your
synthetic versions that might require slight fitting and bedding.
firearm isn’t done yet. We’ll call you when
Lever-action rifles can be fitted with larger “trapper”-style loops and “scout” rifle
it’s ready.”
mounts. Oversized bolt-action knobs are common modifications done to precision rifles
Jeweling: A polishing pattern done on rifle
to help the user manipulate the bolt with gloved hands.
bolts and actions to increase aesthetics for a
Furthermore, a reliable gunsmith can cut down rifle stocks to change the length of pull
similar reason chrome is added to a Harley-
‹ Far left, top: Jody Davidson
from JoJo’s assem-
bles a custom 1911. Kiss it up: A light touch with a file, polishing
wheel or stone to remove just enough material—
‹ Left: A special but not too much
miniature micro-
scope is used to Polish feed ramp: Improves reliability by
mate certain 1911
parts. This tool is
eliminating any rough surface a bullet could
vital for creating get hung up on
the signature
crisp single-action Scallop: Machined texture similar to reptile
trigger pull. scales
Stipple: Textured finish achieved with a
soldering iron
Reliability Package: Process via which the
firearm is inspected to see what is making
it unreliable; includes feeding, firing and
‹ Far left, bottom: ejection issues
Drop-in parts are
not the same as Trigger job: Enhances the feel of the trigger
hand-fitted parts.
A grip safety is
pull and can include lightening trigger pull,
carefully filed to reducing reset travel, removing grittiness, etc.
fit a custom-tuned
1911 pistol.

THEY CAN ...
HELP DIAGNOSE
PROBLEMS WITH
FIREARMS—
SUCH AS PARTS
INSTALLED
INCORRECTLY
OR REMOVING
SQUIB ROUNDS
AND OTHER
BARREL
OBSTRUCTIONS.
‹ Glock pistols are popular platforms to customize spe- ‹ Custom 1911 engraving turns a standard pistol into a
cifically to the user and intended purpose. (Photo: John work of art. Services such as this are not found in the
Napierski) average gun store. (Photo: John Napierski)
for shooters of various heights and builds.
As reliable as these repeating firearms are,
there can be issues with extractors, firing
pins, magazine tube springs and followers,
as well as any other moving parts.
MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES
Gun shop services don’t stop with the
custom guns seen on magazine covers.
What pays the bills for many gunsmiths
are the small jobs not easily done and con-
sidered far less glamorous than working
with high-tech black rifles and race pistols.
Many times, gunsmiths are asked to
mount optics with the correct amount
of torque for the rings and ring screws.
Other times, they might do a complete
disassembly and cleaning of a well-used
firearm, including rust removal. A good ‹ Highly customized 1911 pistols featuring custom slide ‹ Titanium nitride barrel refinishing and slide cutouts are
gunsmith will be able to save you time cuts and hand-fit parts (Photo: John Napierski) extremely popular modifications. (Photo: John Napierski)
and money at the range by bore-sighting

your rifle properly.
Gunsmith services can include complete
fabrication of hard-to-find parts for
firearms, as well as welding and repairing
broken parts. They can also help diagnose
problems with firearms—such as parts
installed incorrectly or removing squib
rounds and other barrel obstructions.
Every shooter and firearms enthusiast
needs a good gun shop. Murphy’s Law
states, “What can go wrong, will go
wrong”: The chemical and mechanical
processes that take place while shooting
are susceptible to failure. Sometimes, all
you have to do is swap out a particular
type of ammo or a better type of lubri-
cant. Other times, you need to ask your
gun shop to diagnose the problem and ‹ Engraving is commonly requested for presentation- ‹ An example of forward slide serrations that can be cut into
fix it for you. grade pistols such as this 1911. (Photo: John Napierski) the M&P line from Smith & Wesson (Photo: John Napierski)

ASG_1707_37 4/10/17 3:27 AM Page 37
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when it’s good to have a made-in- 7900GRYBLK 7200BLKST 7500BLK
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Comply with all local laws and regulations

concerning automatic knives.
WHAT ARE YOU CARRYING?
KERSHAWKNIVES.COM
ASG-1707-SURVIVOR.CX2.indd 38 4/17/17 11:14 PM

A HISTORY
OF
SURVIVORS HOLDING OUT AGAINST ALL ODDS
BY PETER SUCIU
ASG-1707-SURVIVOR.CX2.indd 39 4/17/17 11:14 PM

A
nyone on the losing side
of a major conflict has
experienced the end of the
world; or at least the end
of the world as they knew
it. This has been true for as long as man
has fought wars, and the list of those gone
forever is a lengthy one, indeed.
There may be Hittite and Carthaginian art
to still admire today, but their civilizations
have been otherwise completely wiped
from the face of the Earth. The same is true
of the Maya, Aztec and the Khmer empires,
each of which has left behind some cool
pyramids but whose culture today is little
more than a tourist attraction.
However, some soldiers, as well as armed
civilians, have refused to give up, even after
the cause was lost and the war was over.
One of the earliest “survivor tales” could be
about those Trojan refugees led by Aeneas
who escaped the wrath of the gift-bearing
Greeks and, after a series of adventures ‹ Above: Hisarlik, involved those who opted to hold out when hope seemed lost. Individual soldiers and
Turkey: a stone
around the Mediterranean, reached the wall with a wooden even small units have decided that their war wasn’t over.
Italian coast and founded Alba Longa. The Trojan horse This was certainly the case at the end of the American Civil War, and more than a
reconstruction in
Alban kings may not be so memorable, but the background at few Southerners couldn’t, wouldn’t accept that the Confederate States of America
their descendants certainly are: They founded the archaeological had been defeated and dissolved. The sailors of the raiding vessel, CSS Shenandoah,
site of ancient Troy
Rome. And while it took some 800 years, it (UNESCO World were on a mission to “seek out and utterly destroy” Union commerce, and under the
Heritage List, 1998)
does appear those Trojans got their revenge, command of Captain James Waddell, the ship had the dubious distinction of firing the
because Rome eventually conquered the final shots of the war.
Greeks. One other irony of this tale is that ‹ Below: Ruins of However, in this case, it turned out it was as much by accident as by design. The ship,
Aeneas had reportedly been the guest of the ancient city of which had sailed to the Pacific from England in late 1864, was at sea when General
Troy, Canakkale,
Queen Dido, who ruled over Carthage, a city Turkey Robert E. Lee surrendered in April 1865, and the Shenandoah spent the summer months
later destroyed by Rome.
Just as Rome could be seen to be one
of the ultimate testaments to surviving
against all odds, some of the peoples
it subjugated did the same—namely,
the Israelites. After a few uprisings, the
Romans got serious, and this included the
destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in
the year 70. Nevertheless, the Jews tried
again, but Bar Kokhba’s revolt (132–135),
was the last straw for Rome. Judaea, the
name of the Roman province, was literally
washed away, and the name of the land
was changed to Syria Palaestina, from
which we get the name, Palestine, today.
Emperor Hadrian wanted to erase the
historical ties of the Jewish people to the
region, and it wouldn’t become the center
of Jewish culture until the modern era.
However, in 1948, Israel declared itself an
independent state, and this was recog-
nized by most nations of the world a year
later. It might have taken a very long time,
but this is, indeed, a story of survival.
CONFEDERATE HOLDOUTS
Not every survivor tale happened on
such a grand scale. Wars have always
ASG-1707-SURVIVOR.CX.indd 40 4/17/17 12:34 AM

raiding American whaling ships in the Bering
Sea. Finally, on August 2, Waddell learned
A COUPLE OF COMMON THREADS
the war was over; but fearing he and his crew THROUGHOUT ALL THESE IMPRES-
might be tried as pirates, he opted to sail to SIVE SURVIVAL STORIES ARE THE
England. The only problem was they were off
the west coast of Mexico at the time and had DESIRE AND INTERNAL STRENGTH
to sail around South America and then to TO STAY COMMITTED TO A BELIEF OR
England—thus becoming the only Confeder-
ate vessel to circumnavigate the globe. CAUSE AND THE ABILITY TO LIVE OFF
The captain and crew were found to THE LAND WITH LIMITED SUPPLIES.
have not infringed on the rules of war, and
most eventually returned home. As for the Shelby into his forces, because less than two years later, the Austrian would-be ruler of
ship, it did not survive for long. It was sold Mexico proved to be not much of a survivor. Maximilian I was overthrown and executed by
to the sultan of Zanzibar, after which it firing squad, while Shelby and his comrades finally returned to the United States to resume
was seriously damaged in a storm in 1872 civilian life as survivors.
and subsequently scrapped.
Another Confederate opted to continue
‹ Left: A painting
the fight, even when he knew the war was by Scottish artist
over: General Joseph O. Shelby, who has David Roberts shows
the destruction of
earned the nickname, “The Undefeated.” Jerusalem. Ironically,
Having spent the war as a bushwhacker, the original painting
is now lost.
he and his roughly 600 men opted for
exile over surrender and headed to
Mexico, where they offered their services
to Emperor Maximilian I, the brother of
Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Josef. ‹ Below: The Dome of
the Rock on Temple
The irony was that Maximilian, who Mount in Jerusalem,
was put in power by France’s Emperor Israel, is the site
where the Israelites’
Napoleon III, didn’t actually want a ragtag Second Temple was
destroyed following
band of rebels in his army. Even so, he
a revolt. It took nearly
allowed them to found Carlota Colony, a 2,000 years, but the
Jewish people
settlement of Confederate expats. finally returned to
Perhaps Maximilian should have accepted the Middle East.
(Photo: Peter Suciu)
ASG-1707-SURVIVOR.CX.indd 41 4/17/17 12:34 AM

› While not exactly
“survivors,” the
people of Budapest
did rise up against
Soviet occupation
in 1957 after more
than a decade
behind the Iron
Curtain. For years,
a small resistance
group organized
and gathered up
weapons and
materiel—as noted
in this display
at the Budapest
Military Museum.
(Photo: Peter
Suciu)
CUT OFF BUT HOLDING ON

When a war ends, most soldiers,
especially those in far-off stations and
postings, are likely to throw down their
weapons as soon as they hear the war is
over. This was not the case for the Spanish
defenders at Baler in the Philippines.
However, in the fog of war, soldiers some-
times don’t actually believe the war is over.
That was true of the 57 Spanish
infantrymen who held out for six months
against some 800 Filipino insurgents.
The Spanish didn’t believe the conflict
was over, despite the Filipino attempts to
provide newspapers and other documents.
It was only when a Spanish soldier read a
› A display at the wedding announcement for a person he
Military Museum
in Prague depicts
knew that the soldiers believed the war
a scene from had really ended and finally surrendered.
1945, when the
Polish and Czech During World War I, German General
resistance each Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck earned the dis-
rose up to drive
the Nazis out of tinction of not being defeated in the field
occupied lands. while leading a long campaign of retreat
During World War
II, the resistance and guerrilla operations in East Africa.
in Czechoslovakia
and Poland relied
With just 14,000 men, including 3,000
heavily on cap- Germans and 11,000 Africans, he held in
tured weapons, as
well as whatever check a force of 300,000 British, Belgian
uniforms and and Portuguese troops.
gear were hidden
away when their But he was not the only German soldier
nations were to fight against the odds. Less known than
overrun. (Photo:
Peter Suciu) von Lettow-Vorbeck is Hermann Detzner,
ASG-1707-SURVIVOR.indd 42 4/13/17 12:06 AM

› Left: Hand
grenades, such
as these at the
Budapest Military
Museum, were a
favored weapon of
resistance groups
in the post-World
War II era. (Photo:
Peter Suciu)
›Below: Equipment
used by members
of the Czech
resistance during
World War II at the
Church of Cyril and
Methodius—the
holy place where
resistance mem-
bers took refuge
after the successful
assassination of
Reinhard Heydrich
in 1942. (Photo:
Peter Suciu)
who kept up the fight in Germany’s New Guinea colony after it was overrun in late 1914.
Detzner was a colonial officer in the Schutztruppe and was on a surveying mission when
the war broke out. When he heard that the German colony was overrun by the Australians,
Detzner and his force of just 70 men headed into the interior and fought a guerilla campaign
for the next four years—while trying to escape to neutral territory. He finally surrendered in
January 1919 after learning the war had ended.
JAPAN’S ULTIMATE HOLDOUTS

The most famous—or possibly infamous—holdouts were those Japanese stragglers
who continued the fight for years, even decades, after the emperor officially offered his
surrender. A number of circumstances can be attributed to the resolve of the Japanese.
The first and foremost is that many of the soldiers were ordered to hold their ground
until relieved of duty ... but were then cut off. This included Corporal Shoichi Yokoi, who
was captured on Guam in 1972, and Private Teruo Nakamura, a Taiwan-born Japanese
soldier who was the last confirmed holdout when he finally surrendered to a patrol
in December 1974.
For others, it was a matter of going to fight for another cause. This was the case of sol-
diers Shigeyuki Hashimoto and Kiyoaki Tanaka, who, after the Japanese surrender, joined
the Malayan Communist Party’s guerrilla forces as a way to continue to fight the British.
They finally laid down their arms in January 1990 after the group surrendered.
LATE-WORLD WAR II HOLDOUTS

The Japanese were far from the only soldiers to hold out during and after World War II.
In many ways, it could be argued that the French and other resistance fighters in Western
Europe, as well as the Yugoslavian, Greek and Soviet partisans, were essentially holdouts.
In all these cases, the fighters’ homelands had been overrun. While we know now that
liberation of these countries would be just years away, it certainly would have been very
different for those resistance members and partisans at the time.
The people they were fighting comprised the mightiest military power of the day. Even
so, it should be noted that their efforts actually shortened the war and drove the German
occupiers from their lands.

CHINA’S LONG
MARCH OF
HOLDOUTS
Perhaps no other nation has seen its fortune change as much
as China. Over the centuries, dynasties that seemed built in
stone as strong as its Great Wall fell to invaders. In fact, the final
Imperial Chinese dynasty, the Great Qing (also known as the
Manchu dynasty) was actually made up of Ming vassals from
Manchuria. When the Qing dynasty fell in 1912, China became
a republic. But instead of enjoying stability, it was plagued by
decades of civil war.
The Chinese communists were on the verge of complete defeat
in 1934, when they undertook a 6,000-mile historic trek known
as the Long March. This was the relocation of communist revolu-
tionary forces from the southeast to northwest China. From this
retreat, Mao Zedong began his ascent to power.
“Modern Chinese history has plenty of examples of political
and military actors holding out for an unlikely victory,” said Rana
Mitter, professor of history and politics of modern China at the
University of Oxford. “The Chinese Communists retreated to the
remote Chinese interior on the Long March in 1935–36, and yet,
a dozen or so years later, they ruled the country. The Chinese
government, under Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek, retreated
inland to Chongqing (Chungking) during the war against Japan
(1937–45). Few outsiders thought they could survive; yet, after
eight years of war, it was China, not Japan, on the winning side.” ‹ Equipment and personal effects of Japanese soldier Hiro Onoda
Ironically, just as the Red Army of the Communist Party of
China endured because of its retreat, so did the Nationalists in This can explain why Germany considered its own resistance efforts—dubbed “the
their flight to Taiwan at the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. National Redoubt”—which was rumored to include massive underground facilities
Today, there are two nations that claim to be the real in the Bavarian Alps. This turned out to be little more than propaganda and wishful
China as a result of their survivor determination. thinking, much like Germany’s “super weapons.”
There were limited efforts by the Werwolf groups, which included Radio Werwolf,
that ordered every German to stand their ground and do what they could. In the end,
this “werewolf” proved to have no real teeth, and the Germans were as happy as
anyone that the war was over.
‹ Right: Lithuanian partisan Adolfas Ramanauskas (code name “Vanagas”) was one of the “Forest
Brothers” who carried on a war against the Soviet Union after the end of World War II. He relied on a
mix of German and Soviet equipment and was able to survive, in part, from support from local farmers.
(Photo: Public Domain)

‹ Allied troops in
One of the final holdouts in Europe after
pursuit of German
World War II was ironically not aimed at commander von
Lettow-Vorbeck in
Germany, nor was it even directed by Ger- late 1918, when he
many. Rather, it was the Forest Brothers, a was down to his last
1,300 men in North-
group of Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian ern Rhodesia (now
partisans who waged a guerrilla war Zambia). (Photo:
Hulton Archive/Getty
against the Soviet rule of the Baltic states. Images)
This group formed in 1940 and then again
in 1944 to fight Stalinist repression. It
continued to no real effect until 1956.
The last known Forest Brother was Janis
Pinups, who only came out of hiding in
1995. Having been part of the partisan
group, he remained until the Soviet’s Red
Army finally departed Latvia. Originally
thought to have died in a 1944 battle, he
was a survivor.
COMMON THREADS
The big question in these modern holdout something similar going on psychologically.”
stories is, What drives the individual soldier This would certainly explain why those Japanese soldiers and other partisans con-
to refuse to surrender? In many cases, the tinued the fight. There was nothing to live for, yet these men, and a few women, just
answer is simple: fanaticism, rather than an weren’t ready to give up.
urge to survive. A couple of common threads throughout all these impressive survival stories are the
“Quite a few Nazi true believers commit- desire and internal strength to stay committed to a belief or cause and the ability to live
ted suicide right before or immediately off the land with limited supplies. As preppers and survivalists know so well, attitude
after the capitulation,” explained political and aptitude, paired with a strong commitment to carry on, comprise the base upon
ASG-1707-On the Edge Brands 3/14/17 2:17 PM Page 1
analyst Nick Ottens. “My guess is there’s which survival stories are built. (Read another story of survival on the next page.)

THE BOER “BITTEREINDERS”
The Boers of South Africa held out as no
other group. After the two Boer nations—
the South African Republic (or Republic
of Transvaal) and the Orange Free State—
were under nominal control of the British,
the war continued. The Boer commanders
adopted guerrilla warfare tactics and
made it nearly impossible for 250,000
British soldiers to effectively control all
of South Africa.
These holdouts were known as the
Bittereinders (“bitter-enders”), who
truly held out until the bitter end. Their
culture played a huge part in motivating
these individuals.
“The Boers were fiercely independent,” › Above, left: A Another large element of this independence was frontier living, and even as small cities
Boer commando
said Dr. Spencer Jones, senior lecturer guards a camp and mining towns developed, the majority of the population lived in the countryside.
in armed forces and war studies at near Ladysmith, “The living was tough, and it produced tough people,” added Jones. “All the risks you
Natal, during the
University of Wolverhampton. “They had Boer War. would associate with frontier living in the American West were present in South Africa:
emigrated—the ‘Great Trek’—from [the] › Above, right: There were range disputes, outlaws, cattle rustlers and native raids.”
British-ruled Cape into the wilderness Blockhouses In addition, for the Boers on the frontier, the gun and horse acquired a remarkable
such as this one
of eastern South Africa in the 1830s. were used by the symbolism as both a means and metaphors for independence.
Along the way, they had battled for British to finally “To lose one’s rifle was an intolerable shame for a Boer; and furthermore, a Boer living
end the Boer
survival against the Zulu, and later, they guerilla activities on the frontier would be terribly vulnerable without one,” explained Jones. “The British
at the end of the
… battled and defeated the British to win Anglo-Boer War.
attempts to create a ‘gun amnesty’ in 1900 were doomed from the start. Canny Boers
their independence. The Boers lived with (Photo: Creative handed in broken or obsolete rifles whilst keeping their modern magazine loaders.”
Commons/Public
something of a siege mentality and were Domain) While British soldiers could march and make camp, the Boers possessed a variety of
wary of any effort to take their hard-won advantages in this regard.
independence away from them.” “These men were frontiersmen,” said Jones. “They were physically and mentally
tough and possessed vast local knowledge. Boers [who] came from urban backgrounds
learned from their hardy comrades. In the early stages of the guerrilla war, they could
call upon friendly farms and homesteads in Boer territory and purchase—or even be
gifted—supplies. Incidents of looting farms were rare, although British farmers living in
Boer territory risked being robbed and even killed.”
As the British began a scorched-earth policy, the Boers became adept at raiding British
food supplies. They found that passing into British territory was an effective way to live
off the land, because the British Army was reluctant to burn farms that—theoretically, at
least—belonged to British subjects. They also simply did more with less.
“To Boer eyes, the average British soldier always traveled ‘heavy,’ being overburdened
with kit and supplies,” explained Jones. “A daily ration for a British soldier might last a
Boer several days, and a successful attack against a British patrol could produce enough
food to feed the hardy Boers for a week.”
Equipment was a trickier matter, but the Boers had gone to war in civilian clothes.
“The stresses of campaigning swiftly shredded these garments, and the guerrilla war
prevented easy replacement,” said Jones. “The Boers survived through ‘making do and
mending’ and by capturing British uniforms. British boots were especially prized, as were
well-made British officer’s jackets, but the taking of British uniforms was a source of
controversy.”
What eventually drove these holdouts to the negotiating table included improved
British counterinsurgency tactics, the creation of the blockhouse line that reduced
freedom of movement and sheer exhaustion after three years of warfare.
“Some testament to their toughness can be gained from the fact that in 1940, Winston
Churchill (who had had many adventures in the Boer War) chose to name Britain’s spe-
cial forces after the word the Boers used for their own military units: commando,” said
› The Boer commandos were a stark contrast to the spit-and-polish Brit-
ish soldiers in their khaki and sun helmets. The Boers were experienced
Jones. “Churchill called for ‘men of the hunter class,’ and he undoubtedly had the Boers
trackers and self-reliant minimalists who could live off the land. in mind as an example.”

ASG_1707_47 4/10/17 3:28 AM Page 47
QUALITY
AT THE
RIGHT
PRICE
10 GREAT KNIVES UNDER $100
BY LARRY SCHWARTZ
GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY: DAVID BITHELL / EYEEM
ASG-1707-KNIVES.CX2.indd 48 4/17/17 10:53 PM

W
e have all seen reviews and
advertisements for custom
knives that cost from a few
hundred to a thousand
dollars (or more). In most
cases, these examples of the individual knifesmith's
art are well worth their price tags. They are made by
hand, use the best materials and require many steps
from start to finish.
But a good-quality knife doesn’t have to be
expensive.
In this article, we showcase 10 knives (five fixed
blades and five folders) that have proven popular
with the knife-carrying public; and they are all under
$100. They are simpler in design and don’t use the
best materials, but they do come with the features
most of us require, and the steel does its job.

… REPUTABLE
BRANDS ARE
CONCERNED
WITH PROVIDING
GOOD QUALITY
AND A FAVOR-
ABLE CUSTOMER
EXPERIENCE,
REGARDLESS
OF THE PRICE
POINT OF THEIR
PRODUCTS.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY FIXED
BLADES
A good fixed-blade knife with the right
set of characteristics will do a wide variety
of chores well. From chopping wood for ‹ Whether it's a
fire or shelter to dressing out game for fixed blade (above) plastic or Kydex
or a folding knife
dinner and even defending yourself if (below), your knife • A flat spine for use as a ferro rod striker and for batoning wood
the situation arises, it should have the needs to be ready to • A full tang that runs the length of the handle for strength and balance
handle a multitude
following characteristics: of tasks—including • A blade design that is easy to sharpen
• A blade that is 4 to 6 inches long some for which it The following fixed blades have all or most of these features at a price point that
wasn't designed.
• A sturdy sheath made of leather, won’t empty your wallet or make you give up those weekend beers with your buddies.

WHERE TO GET
A GOOD DEAL
All the knives featured in this article have a retail price of under
$100; the prices came from the manufacturer’s websites. Fortunately,
there are many websites that offer knives at less than the manufac-
turer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), so you can get them for even
less than they are quoted here. Or, you can upgrade some of these
products with a different blade steel, a longer blade, additional
features or a better sheath.
Here are a few of those sites. A search of the Web will yield more,
but these have great selections, good prices and solid reputations:
1 BLADE HQ
WWW.BLADEHQ.COM
2 DISCOUNT CUTLERY
WWW.DISCOUNTCUTLERY.NET
The SRK is one of the

3 KNIFE CENTER
WWW.KNIFECENTER.COM
author’s favorite fixed blades.
It features an overall length of
10.75 inches and a 6-inch, SK-5
steel blade.
4 SMOKY MOUNTAIN KNIFE WORKS
WWW.SMKW.COM
WEB RESOURCE
COLD If you’re interested in learning more about the anatomy
STEEL
of knives, the author recommends visiting a site not
mentioned in the story, because the products don’t
SURVIVAL meet the $100 price cap. Custom knifemaker Jay Fisher
designs his own pieces and builds them by hand. His
RESCUE website is an excellent resource for learning about
KNIFE
knife construction.
You can also browse around and start a wish list for when
OVERVIEW you have some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket.
With an overall length of 10.75 inches and
a 6-inch SK-5 steel blade, the SRK is one WWW.JAYFISHER.COM
of my favorite fixed blades. It comes very
sharp from the factory and, at 8.5 ounces,
it has the weight to work well for chopping
small branches and batoning larger pieces
of wood. The synthetic Kray-Ex handle
stays in the hand without slipping, and the
handle’s ergonomics work well with the
hand for long-term use. A popular knife with
military and tactical law enforcement per-
sonnel, the SRK is the standard-issue knife
of the Navy SEALS for their BUDS training,
proving its worth time and time again in the
most demanding environments.
MRSP
starts at $69.99
URL
www.ColdSteel.com

BUCK N BEAR
TACTICAL
BUSHCRAFT
TRACKER
OVERVIEW
With similar lines as the Tom Brown
Tracker knife, the Buck n Bear Tactical
Bushcraft Tracker is a solid backcountry
tool whose design incorporates features
from different single-purpose knives
into one multi-purpose fixed-blade tool.
You can chop branches, make kindling,
scrape animal hides, carve and do other
fine tasks, cut notches, score bone and
metal, and baton wood into smaller
pieces for the fire. The 440C stainless
steel blade is 5 inches long and has a full
tang that extends all the way through
the maple burl handle. Its overall length
is 9.75 inches. The provided sheath is
made of leather and has pockets for
small items such as a sharpening stone
or steel.
MRSP
$99
URL
www.BucknBearKnives.com
This knife's handle is made of
synthetic Kraton G material that
absorbs shock when using the
knife for hard work, and it helps
keep it from slipping in your hand.
(Photo: KA-BAR) With similar lines as the Tom
Brown Tracker knife, the Buck n
Bear Tactical Bushcraft Tracker
is a solid backcountry tool.
(Photo: Buck n Bear)
KA-BAR
SHORT
BLACK
KA-BAR,
SERRATED
OVERVIEW
This knife’s big brother, the full-sized KA-BAR
combat knife, rode on my web gear during my
entire time as an infantry officer in the U.S.
Army, and I used it every day while in the field.
This shorter version will provide the same
level of service. Its shorter length actually
makes it a little easier to use in tighter spaces.
The full-tang 1095 Cro-Van steel blade is 5.5
inches long and 0.165 inch thick. The handle
is made of synthetic Kraton G material that
absorbs shock when using the knife for hard
work, and it helps keep it from slipping in
your hand.
MRSP
$77.38
URL
www.KaBar.com

SOG SEAL
Possibly the most interest-
PUP
ing and innovative feature of
the StrongArm is its sheath.
OVERVIEW
SOG made its name by designing and manu-
facturing full-sized combat- and field-ready
knives. At 9 inches long overall, the Seal
Pup is the little brother to the full-sized Seal
Team knife and retains its useful features
in a smaller package. The Seal Pup has a
4.75-inch, powder-coated, AUS-8 stain-
less steel clip-point blade with a partially
serrated cutting edge. The handle is made of
glass-reinforced nylon (GRN), with a grippy
checkered surface to help keep it in place
in all environments. It has a flat spine, so
you can use it with a ferro rod to spark a fire
or baton to split and chop. The Seal Pup’s
sheath allows you to mount the knife securely
in a variety of locations.
MRSP
$64
URL
www.SOGKnives.com
The Seal Pup is the little brother

to the full-sized Seal Team knife
and retains its useful features in
a smaller package.
GERBER
STRONGARM
KNIFE
OVERVIEW
The StrongArm is a next-generation version
of Gerber’s venerable LMF design. The
4.8-inch blade is made with 420HC steel
and is offered in fine and partially serrated
versions. The HC steel has a ceramic coating
that protects it from corrosion, and the blade
takes—and holds—a very sharp, long-lasting
edge. The glass-filled nylon handle has a
comfortable overmolded rubber surface with
a debossed diamond pattern texture to help
with retention, even when your hands are
wet or slimy. The StrongArm’s overall length
is 9.8 inches, with a spike pommel that can
be used as a glass-breaker or as a defensive
impact weapon. Possibly the most interesting
and innovative feature of the StrongArm is its
sheath, which is user customizable and allows
two-way carry on a belt, as a drop-leg and on
MOLLE platforms. Black and coyote brown
handle/sheath color options are available.
MRSP
$86
URL
www.GerberGear.com

CRKT’S CTC
PICATINNY
TOOL
OVERVIEW
The Picatinny Tool is a very purpose-built
folder. It was designed in concert with Crimson
Trace Corporation for those members of
the AR shooting community who use lasers
and optics on their firearms. It has a partially
serrated, 2.75-inch, high carbon steel main
blade and ambidextrous thumb studs for
one-handed opening. The blade is held in
place with a liner lock. In addition to the main
blade, the Picatinny Tool sports a set of two
removable Allen wrenches for adjusting optics
and a hex bit driver with flat head, Phillips,
torx and hex bits. A foldout blade designed for
scraping carbon from surfaces also includes
an 8mm wrench. A foldout pin with a rounded
head completes the toolset and is used to
clear jams and push on locking pins.
MRSP
$49.99
URL
www.CRKT.com
‹ Although they're often hard to find, good knife shops are excellent ways to
learn about and examine the knives you are interested in.
FOLDING KNIVES SHOULD

COMPLEMENT THE FIXED
BLADE YOU CARRY, RATHER
THAN TRY TO REPLACE IT.
POPULAR PRICE POINT FOLDERS
Folding knives should complement the fixed blade you carry, rather than try
to replace it. The folders chosen for this article range from small pocket knives
The Picatinny Tool is pur-
with multiple special blades to folders with stout blades that can do fine and pose built for members of
rugged work. the AR shooting community
who use lasers and optics
Regardless of its purpose, a folder should have the following characteristics: on their firearms.
• A blade that is 2 to 4 inches long
• A comfortable handle design and scales for comfort during long periods of use
• An effective locking mechanism to keep the blade from closing on your hand
• Easy to open with one hand
• A simple blade design that is easy to sharpen
• The right mix of blades and tools to accomplish your anticipated needs
The following five folders have most or all these features and are under $100.

KERSHAW’S
LEEK
OVERVIEW
Many people consider the Kershaw Leek the ideal
EDC knife. Its slim, stainless steel handle has a clean
design and houses a razor-sharp 3-inch blade. The
blade is held in place when open by a super-secure
frame lock, and a Tip-Lock slider locks the blade
closed when it’s folded in your pocket. The Leek’s
14C28N blade is a modified drop point, and it’s
offered in plain and partially serrated versions.
Opened to its 7-inch overall length, the Leek is a
good slicing knife, and its slim tip gives it piercing
capability and the ability to do detailed work. Like
other Ken Onion designs, the Leek features the
SpeedSafe ambidextrous assisted-opening system:
Just pull back on the flipper, and the Leek’s blade is
ready to go to work. The pocket clip can be mounted
in two positions.
MRSP
$79.99
URL
www.Kershaw.KAIUSALtd.com
The US-Assist features Gerber’s
innovative B.O.S.S. Tech ball
bearing system to provide
smooth assisted opening.
(Photo: Gerber)
GERBER’S
US-ASSIST
420HC
OVERVIEW
The US-Assist is one of Gerber’s newer
knives and employs its innovative
B.O.S.S. Tech ball bearing system that
provides very smooth assisted-open-
ing deployment. Designed with the
features you look for in an everyday
carry (EDC) pocket knife, it has a
single, 3-inch 420 HC steel blade that
locks in place with Gerber’s cross bolt
safety. Gerber offers both fine-edge
and partially serrated-edge blade
options. The handle has glass-filled
nylon (GFN) scales for durability and
a two-position pocket clip made of
heavy wire that is easy to clip onto
your clothing. The blade has an ambi-
dextrous thumb stud for easy assisted
opening. The US-ASSIST 420HC’s
overall length is 7.2 inches.
The Kershaw Leek’s slim, stain-
MRSP less steel handle and 3-inch,
razor-sharp blade make it a favor-
$99
ite for everyday carry.
URL (Photo: Kershaw)
www.GerberGear.com

VICTORINOX
RANGER GRIP 57
OVERVIEW
It seems fitting to finish up our list of affordable folders with a
full-featured general-purpose folder. The Ranger Grip 57 has
13 tools packed between its signature red synthetic scales with
black rubber grip inserts. Tools include: toothpick and twee-
zers, can opener, two screwdrivers, large blade, bottle opener
and wire stripper, wood saw, reamer/punch/awl, gutting blade,
corkscrew and key ring. The main blade has a thumb hole large
enough to use with or without gloves on. A liner lock keeps it
and other blades secured when they are open. The Ranger Grip
57 measures 5 inches closed.
MRSP
$97.50
URL
www.SwissArmy.com
The RAT 1A BP has Ontario's Tactical

Assisted Opening thumb stud for
easy one-handed deployment.
(Photo: Larry Schwartz)
ONTARIO
KNIVES
RAT 1A BP
OVERVIEW
The RAT 1A BP is the folder counterpart
to Ontario’s fixed-blade RAT 3. It has
OKC's patent-pending Tactical Assisted
Opening (T.A.O.) thumb stud for easy
one-handed opening. The knife’s design
is both aggressive and practical, and
its 8.5-inch overall length makes it a
good choice for both everyday chores
and emergency situations. The 3.5- The Victorinox Ranger Grip 57
inch AUS-8 stainless steel blade has has 13 tools packed into a handy,
pocket-sized package.
a smooth-cutting blade shape that
(Photo: Wikimedia.org)
will handle most tasks you throw at
it. The textured G10 scales surround a
frame that includes a liner lock to keep
the blade secure when in the open
position and a lock release to keep
the knife from opening accidentally. A
four-position pocket clip rounds out
this well-designed pocket folder.
MRSP
$81.95
URL
www.OntarioKnife.com

‹ It takes an
We’ve just looked at five terrific fixed assortment of
blades and five great folders, each of which quality tools to
survive through
costs under $100—proving you can find a emergencies and
suitable knife for your needs without going disasters. Always
invest in the
broke in the process. And, in most cases, best-quality gear
you can afford.
you’ll be able to find these models for less
than their MSRPs.
Remember that reputable brands are
concerned with providing good quality
and a favorable customer experience,
regardless of the price point of their
products. Their lower-priced products
won’t have all the features or the same
quality materials as their high-end stuff,
but you’ll still get a serviceable tool.
Zero in on the design that fits your needs
and preferences. Then, hit the knifemakers’
websites to see what they offer. Most sites
allow you to see customer comments, so be
sure to read through them to get an idea of
other users’ experiences with the product.
Don’t rely on how many stars a product
has, because ratings are often affected by
comments written by folks who have no
experience with the knife. After scanning
the good and the bad comments, you ought
to have a decent idea of the product’s
ASG-1707-Doom & Bloom 4/5/17 1:31 PM Page 1
compatibility with your needs.


THE NEW RUGER AMERICAN
OFFERS RUGGED PERFORMANCE
WITHOUT BUSTING THE BANK
“A rifle is possibly the best survival weapon to defend yourself when
presented by an indefinite stay in the wilderness. With a telescopic sight
mounted on the weapon, you will be spared what may have been hefty
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY GARRETT LUCAS
lengths of hunting time. The additional vision directly equates to reduced
expenditures of precious energy.”
— Bradford Angier, How to Stay Alive in the Woods
ASG-1707-RUGER.indd 58 4/13/17 2:31 AM

THE RUGER AMERICAN
RIMFIRE TARGET RIFLE GETS
A BIG THUMBS-UP.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KEVIN ESTELA
ASG-1707-RUGER.indd 59 4/13/17 2:31 AM

I
t is hard to argue with the words survival weapon sentiment.
of Bradford Angier. The man knew When firearm enthusiasts hear the words, “Ruger” and “.22,” the ever-popular Ruger
a thing or two about living off the 10/22 immediately comes to mind. That rifle is perhaps the most popular .22 in America.
land and utilizing its resources. And although the bolt-action Ruger 77/22 has been out for years, the Ruger 10/22 casts
Angier was a prolific writer with a quite a shadow over any other rifle developed by that company.
career starting in the early 1950s, but his My first rifle was a standard 10/22 carbine. Thousands of rounds later, it still sits in my
words ring true to this day. gun safe, even if I don’t shoot it that often. While there is no doubt the semiauto .22
In an era when semiautomatic firearms has an incredible popularity in the plinking community, there will always be a segment
occupy more magazine covers than of the population that prefers the timeless design of a bolt-action rifle.
repeaters, the bolt-action .22 rifle has a Enter the Ruger American Rimfire Target rifle.
place in the hands of those who prefer This rifle is the latest in the American series of rifles produced by Ruger Firearms. Fans
simplicity, reliability, accuracy and dura- of the Ruger 10/22 will rejoice when they discover it shares the same 10-shot rotary box
bility. With few moving parts, chamber- magazine with its brethren.
ing in the most popular rifle caliber of all However, the similarities between the standard Ruger American Rimfire Target and
time and a reasonable MSRP, the new › This rifle comes the standard Ruger 10/22 end with the magazine. The Ruger American Rimfire Target
standard with an
Ruger American Target is a rifle Bradford aluminum one- comes standard with a laminate wooden stock and an aluminum one-piece Picatinny
piece Picatinny
Angier would approve of and one ideal rail installed at the factory. The barrel of the Ruger American is 18 inches overall—2
rail installed at the
for the outdoorsman who shares his factory. inches longer than the standard Ruger 10/22. It also comes equipped with the Ruger
… BECAUSE EVERY ROUND

COUNTS—ESPECIALLY IN A
SURVIVAL OR EXTENDED LIVING
EXPERIENCE IN THE OUTDOORS—
THE BOLT-ACTION RIFLE FORCES THE
SHOOTER TO SLOW DOWN AND AIM.
‹ Far left: The Ruger American

Rimfire Target receiver and
integral scope base
‹ Left: The Burris 2-7

Droptine was selected
for use in the evaluation
of the Ruger American
Rimfire Target rifle.
Burris signature rings
held the optic firmly
in place on the integral
Picatinny rail.
‹Far left: The YHM Stinger is a

lightweight .22 suppressor that
effectively reduces the sound
signature of the rifle and increases
accuracy.
ASG-1707-RUGER.indd 60 4/13/17 2:31 AM

› Far right: The trigger features
a small protrusion that serves
as a safety. As the rifle was fired
more and more, the trigger break
cleaned up a bit.
› Right: The Ruger

American rifle
comes equipped
with a threaded
barrel and a knurled
thread protector.
Ruger American
Rimfire Target Rifle
Specifications
• Caliber: .22 Long Rifle, .22 Long, .22 Short
• Barrel length: 18 inches
• Twist: 1:16 inches RH (six grooves)
• Overall length: 37 inches
• Stock: Black laminate
• Length of pull: 13.75 inches
• Capacity: 10
• Weight: 6.7 pounds
MSRP
$499
Marksman Adjustable Trigger that the 10/22 does not offer. The Ruger American Rimfire
Target is a very different offering than its semiautomatic brother, making it a true
apples-to-oranges comparison.
KEY FEATURES
The Ruger American Rimfire Target is equipped with a .860-inch-diameter, cold-
forged barrel with a ½x28 threaded end. It is free floated to prevent any disruption in the elements and works well with a Harris
the barrel’s harmonics and, at 18 inches long, it is long enough to allow the gunpowder bipod for bench shooting, because the
to fully burn before the projectile leaves the barrel; this will maximize the velocity of forend is contoured for accepting one. On
the ammunition used. the opposite end, the stock has a gener-
Its trigger breaks between 3 and 5 pounds and becomes noticeably cleaner and ous rubber recoil pad capable of absorbing
smoother as it is worked in with use. This trigger is far from those found on similarly the force of larger calibers. Nevertheless, it
priced rifles and more like those on pricier target firearms. The safety protrusion on the is used more for locking the rifle into place
front of the trigger is reminiscent of Glock triggers, but it has far less travel before it in the shooter’s shoulder pocket.
breaks. If the user wants to increase or decrease the trigger pull, all that is necessary is to
adjust a small screw at the front of the trigger face. BOLT-ACTION TRAINING
The Ruger American Rimfire Target stock features the same laminated wood found on Every round counts, and every round
its bigger brothers, such as the Gunsite Scout and Guide Gun. This stock is unaffected by has your life attached to it. It’s easy to
ASG-1707-RUGER.indd 61 4/13/17 2:31 AM

› The Ruger American Rimfire Target rifle comes
standard with a nicely finished laminate wood
stock.
turn gunpowder into noise with a semiauto, and I won’t deny that rapid fire from that
action or full-auto isn’t fun. However, because every round counts—especially in a survival
or extended living experience in the outdoors—a bolt-action rifle forces the shooter to
slow down and aim. Any trigger-happy person can sit behind a rifle and spray, but not
everyone can learn the patience and skill to stack rounds on top of rounds on a single
target or learn how rounds are affected by distance, wind and other environmental condi-
tions. It is sad that the marksmen of yesteryear—those from Bradford Angier’s time—are
few and far between, unlike the Internet spray-and-pray range monkeys of today.
The Ruger American Rimfire Target is an excellent gun for working on deliberate accu-
racy. It teaches the user to prepare each shot with correct body position, breathing, sight
picture, trigger control and discipline. This rifle reminds us what it takes to be accurate,
and we can apply the lessons learned on it to our other firearms platforms. We can also
use it for what it is: an accurate range or varmint .22 rifle. With larger-caliber ammuni-
tion prices showing very little downward movement, the .22 rifle is the one we will need
‹ Far left: The Ruger American

Rimfire Target rifle is equipped
with a generous buttpad that
helps the shooter lock it into
the shoulder pocket.
‹ Left: The rifle was

used with a Harris bi-
pod during evaluation
for this article.
‹ Far left: A closeup of the Ruger

American Rimfire Target bolt
removed from the receiver. The
design allows it to be removed
without squeezing the trigger.
62 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [MARCH

[JULY 2017]
2016]
ASG-1707-RUGER.CX.indd 62 4/17/17 1:13 AM

WITH FEW MOVING PARTS, CHAMBERING IN THE MOST POPULAR
RIFLE CALIBER OF ALL TIME AND A REASONABLE MSRP, THE NEW
RUGER AMERICAN TARGET IS … IDEAL FOR THE OUTDOORSMAN …
to fall back on if we feel we are priced out squeeze the trigger. That feature will likely prevent negligent discharges associated with
of good training. other bolt-removal designs.
The shooter aligned the image of the target through the bore with the image of the
OPTIC PAIRING: BURRIS 2-7X target through the optic. Changes in the windage and elevation were made, and the first
DROPTINE shot registered about 3 inches, right at the 3 o’clock position. This method of boresighting
The Ruger American Rimfire Target is has been lost on generations who never handled a bolt gun and who favored modern
affordable, reliable and accurate. To eval- sporting rifles instead.
uate it, a scope with matching attributes
was necessary. The Burris 2-7x Droptine PERFORMANCE
is the perfect match for a rifle-and-optic I had the opportunity to try out the Ruger American with a variety of ammunition in
combination that won’t break the bank a few different range settings. From CCI Standard ammunition to Remington Golden
and still provide the shooter with the fea- Bullets to the new CCI Copper and even some nasty Russian ammo I found in the deep-
tures of optics normally found mounted est and darkest corner of my random ammo box, the reliable bolt-action fed, fired and
on larger-caliber centerfire rifles. ejected everything. This rifle will operate ammunition that repeatedly fails to extract
The Droptine 2-7x is constructed with and feed in others.
precision glass that is finished to reduce The short, 60-degree bolt throw was at first unfamiliar to me, as well as to other
glare, and the waterproof scope body is
nitrogen filled. The rear focal plane in the
Droptine 2-7x features the Burris Ballistic
Plex reticle with ½-inch MOA steel-on-
steel adjustments, providing the user with
distinct tactile feedback instead of cheap
plastic alternatives. The focus of the optic
is set at 50 yards, and it is meant for the
22 Long Rifle cartridge. The 11.4-inch,
overall-matte-finished, 1-inch tube has a
35mm objective lens and a 39mm ocular
lens—at a total weight of only 12 ounces.
During the initial outing with this rifle,
it was boresighted the old-fashioned
way. Unlike modern semiautomatics, the
design of the Ruger American allowed one
shooter to remove the bolt and steady the › The author takes
aim behind the
rifle aimed downrange at a target. One Ruger American
Rimfire Target rifle
excellent feature of this rifle is the ability at the Yankee Hill
to remove the bolt without having to Machine range.
ASG-1707-RUGER.CX.indd 63 4/17/17 1:13 AM

CCI COPPER
AMM0
The .22 Long Rifle cartridges have changed very little over
the years. Some of the popular .22 loads from 20 years ago
are still found on the shelves today.
The .22 round has been some similar combination of cas-
ing, primer, powder and lead projectile. There really wasn’t
much room for change in how much powder could be used or
how heavy the lead projectile could be loaded.
That is, until CCI introduced its new Copper ammunition.
CCI adopted polymer and copper dust technology in its
new projectile, which weighs in at about half the weight
of standard lead counterparts. What this translates to is
a velocity of more than 1,850 feet per second. However,
the trade-off is long-range performance. The round will be
optimal at ranges out to about 50 yards, but because the
bullet lacks the extra mass of lead, it starts to peter out.
Velocities will be noticeably higher in rifle-length barrels
than in pistol-length barrels.
One noteworthy consideration is reliability. Many modern
semiauto rifles have recoil springs meant to handle standard,
‹ Accuracy was fantastic, and groups such as this one from 25 yards were not uncom-
high- and hyper-velocity lead rounds. The lighter CCI Copper mon. Each grid on the target is ½ inch.
ammunition might not function perfectly in these rifle and
pistol recoil cycles. However, when the CCI Copper was paired the bolt in a fluid motion.
with the Ruger American Target’s bolt action, it did not Shooting from a standard Harris bipod without a rear stock bag, dime-sized groupings
induce a single problem during our review. were common with all shooters from 25 yards. Shooting from from a backpack, groups were
Last, but not least, is a health consideration. I learned slightly larger—attributable to the less-stable base. The trigger initially felt grainy, but with
marksmanship at a young age with an airgun that used lead use, it cleaned up some and was respectably crisp for a rifle with a moderate price tag.
pellets, and my first rifle, a Ruger 10/22, was fed a steady diet The Ruger American magazines release in the same manner as a Ruger 10/22 and are
of lead rounds. easily manipulated with some practice. Larger, 25-round magazines fit and won’t bottom
When I was a child, my father told me to always wash my out when used with the legs extended on a standard Harris bipod.
hands after handling lead. Even now, I scrub down after each While evaluating the Ruger American, I traveled to the Yankee Hill Machine factory and
range session. Because the .22 is likely the first real firearm had the opportunity to use its Stinger .22LR suppressor. Because the .22 round has very
used to teach youth (who are more susceptible to lead little escaping gas, .22 suppressors can offer excellent noise reduction.
poisoning), this new CCI Copper is an excellent choice for
younger shooters to handle. Even the primer is lead free.
CCI Copper Ammunition is sold in boxes of 50 rounds
(MSRP: $10.95).
CCI AMMUNITION
(800) 379-1732
WWW.CCI-AMMUNITION.COM
shooters accustomed to centerfire short

and long actions. There were multiple
occasions when we visually checked the
chamber to see if the bolt cleared the
magazine and that we had achieved a
› Twenty-five-
complete cycle of the action. round magazines
can be used with
Once we trusted the feel of a short
the Ruger Amer-
.22LR action, we immediately focused ican Target and
won’t bottom out
on the accuracy the little rifle could when used with
produce and that we were able to cycle a Harris bipod.
ASG-1707-RUGER.indd 64 4/13/17 2:31 AM

‹ The Harris bipod used has adjustable legs, which allowed the
author and the other shooters to test the 25-round magazine
without bottoming out.
THIS RIFLE ISN’T THE RIFLE

YOU WILL SHOOT OFF HAND
FOR EXTENDED SESSIONS; IT IS
THE RIFLE THAT WILL DELIVER
REPEATABLE ACCURACY, SHOT
AFTER SHOT, WHEN EVERY SHOT
MATTERS.
SOURCE
J RUGER FIREARMS
(336) 949-5200
ASG-1706-Tormach 3/3/17 8:46 AM Page 1
WWW.RUGER-FIREARMS.COM
To test the limits of the rifle equipped with that suppressor, various
ammunition with velocities of 1,200 to 1850 fps were used. The ammuni-
tion with the highest velocity created a distinct crack! similar to a cap gun
or primer exploding; but it didn’t bother our ears. Lower velocities were
noticeably quieter and similar to a hand clap. We didn’t have any subsonic
ammunition that day (which would have been ideal), but I was assured by
the YHM crew that using it in conjunction with the Stinger is even quieter. x CNC for any
It is notable that the rifle performed slightly better with the suppressor Size Shop,
than without it. Located
All in all, the shooters who had a chance to use this rifle found it incredibly Anywhere
fun—and challenging—to shoot. Instead of focusing on speed shooting or
sloppy plinking, sitting or sprawling out behind the little, scoped .22 forced x Machine
shooters to take more-careful aim. Each shooter who tried it remarked how
Parts from
enjoyable it was to use.
Aluminum,
In an age when “bigger” is often associated with “better,” a little .22 rifle
can still hold its own. There is no doubt that this rifle can provide hours of
and Steel
fun at the range, put meat on the table or clear out a field of varmints.
The Ruger American is an excellent rifle that packs a lot of performance x Precision
into a budget package. It is well made, respectfully accurate and easy to Manufacturing
CNC Mill
use for shooters of all sizes. Perhaps the only downside is its weight—which, in Your Garage Starting at:
if accepted as a trade-off for accuracy and stability in a target rifle, isn’t
an issue at all. It is slightly heavier than its brother, the 10/22, but not an
impossible burden to carry around the woods.
x 120 VAC- $4950
Plug It In
This rifle isn’t the rifle you will shoot off hand for extended sessions; it is Anywhere
the rifle that will deliver repeatable accuracy, shot after shot, when every
shot matters.
Whether that is on the firing line or out in a survival situation that
Bradford Angier envisioned, this rifle is an excellent choice for the
TORMACH.COM
modern American.
ASG-1707-RUGER.indd 65 4/13/17 2:32 AM

RECOMMENDED READING FROM A
SURVIVAL INSTRUCTOR’S LIBRARY
BY KEVIN ESTELA
ASG-1707-LIBRARY.indd 66 4/16/17 10:48 PM

A
t the end of just about every broad sense of the word, but that isn’t what
course I’ve taught as a pro- my students want to hear, nor do they have
fessional survival instructor time to read everything.
since 2007, students have I wish I could claim I’ve read all there is,
asked if there are any books I but I haven’t, so my suggestions are based
recommend for further study. on my own interests, my training and my
The short answer is, “Yes.” The long answer survival philosophy. Because my students
takes some explanation. You see, there are want a continuation of learning with books
volumes and volumes of books on primitive written in a voice and with language that will
skills, bushcraft, military survival skills and sound familiar, I am careful about the books
evasion, edible plants, marksmanship, I suggest. My students want the short list of
canoeing, leathercraft and many other titles the books I recommend and would pull from
all related to outdoor pursuits. my personal library.
The list of potential "good reads” goes on I was asked again recently, “What are the
and on. It could take a lifetime to read all the top 12 books you would recommend?” These
books out there dedicated to "survival" in the are my current suggestions.:

... MY SUGGES-
TIONS ARE BASED
ON MY OWN IN-
TERESTS, MY
TRAINING AND
MY SURVIVAL
PHILOSOPHY.
1. BUSHCRAFT
Mors Kochanski
The name, “Mors,” is synonymous with
bushcraft, and he is considered one of the
driving forces behind the “do more with
less” movement. Mors is a boreal forest
expert, and his book primarily focuses on
the flora and fauna found in that region.
Mors, a college professor, delivers infor-
mation about proper blade use, working ‹ Ray Mears is not voice, but there is an undoubtedly authoritative tone to it. It is a book written after years of
only a highly skilled
with natural materials and travel through bushcrafter, he is
outdoor education experience and is meant to help the reader become more comfortable
the forest. For example, he describes using also an accom- living with the wilderness instead of fighting to survive in it. It is an excellent, no-pressure,
plished photogra-
willows to create baskets, horse hoof pher. Many of his informative book about traditional skills.
fungus for coal extenders and birch for photos appear in his 304 pages
latest book, Out on
everything from containers to fire starting. the Land. Publisher: Lone Pine; new edition (February 25, 2016)
Bushcraft is written in a polite Canadian ISBN: 978-1772130072
MSRP: $18.95
2. DEEP SURVIVAL:
WHO LIVES, WHO DIES AND WHY?
Laurence Gonzales
This book covers in depth what many survival manuals skirt: survival psychology. Instead
of being written like a manual, it provides lessons from actual survival situations that were
paid for in blood. The author uses these, sometimes tragic, tales to explain the nuances of
survival willpower, positive mental attitude, and fight, flight and freeze responses.
You’ll realize how easily the stories and anecdotes are remembered as Gonzales blends
‹ Far left: Bushcraft,

by Mors Kochanski, is
considered required
reading by many bush-
craft enthusiasts.
‹ Left: The section of

most survival books
overlooked is the focus
of Deep Survival: Who
Lives, Who Dies and
Why? by Laurence
Gonzales. Learn what
primal instincts and
behaviors determine
survivability.
‹ Far left: British bushcrafter

Ray Mears and Swedish survival
instructor Lars Falt present a
visually striking book loaded with
skills learned from indigenous
tribes in Out on the Land.
68 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY

[MARCH2017]
2016]

› Far right: The library of the well-
read prepper and outdoor enthusiast
should include books on a wide
variety of topics.
› Right: FM 21-76, Survival,

is a military field manual
that is heavy on skills and
free of fluff. This is the
author’s personal copy
that was used for decades
in the field.
› Far right: Whenever the author

heads out on a foraging trip, he
carries a few edible and medic-
inal plant books with him. The
Petersons Field Guide to Edible
Wild Pants is always with him,
because it is one of the best, in
his opinion.
scientific research with commentary about SCUBA divers, mountain climbers, fighter pilots
and children lost in the woods. Deep Survival will teach you the critical characteristics of the
survivor and how they are sometimes found deep in our mind and obvious in our actions.
336 pages
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; first edition (January 10, 2017)
ISBN: 978-0393353716
MSRP: $16.95
3. OUT ON THE LAND

Ray Mears and Lars Falt is a classic among foragers and is an excel-
Visually, this is one of the finest books you can own on the subject of bushcraft. Written by lent resource to start learning about correct
British bushcraft expert Ray Mears with Swedish Air Force Survival School founder Lars Falt, plant terminology, growth cycles and meth-
this book focuses on the boreal forest and how to utilize its resources during each season. ods of harvesting. However, although this is
Both Mears and Falt have impressive résumés, but throughout the book, they let the skills an excellent publication, one should always
they show and the people who taught them be the stars and center of attention. Each time consult multiple books to verify that a plant
you pick up this book, you’ll find something new to read or notice in a photo. is identified correctly before eating it.
While many of the skills presented in this book relate to different geographic locations 352 pages
around the Northern Hemisphere, the universal survival concepts are well presented and Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt;
portrayed in full-color photography. (September 1, 1999)
336 pages ISBN: 978-0395926222
Publisher: Adlard Coles (October 11, 2016) MSRP: $19
ISBN: 978-1472924988
MSRP: $40
5. FIELD MANUAL
21-76
4. PETERSON FIELD GUIDE TO EDIBLE WILD United States Department of
PLANTS Defense publication
Lee Allen Peterson and Roger Tory Peterson FM 21-76 is not the sexiest book you’ll find
Whenever possible, I try to identify edible, medicinal and useful plants for my students. on the topic of survival. It does not have
They always want to know which resources will help them with their own study of these fancy photos or a larger-than-life celebrity
plants. This book is usually the first that comes to mind. author. It is a down-and-dirty guide to
Broken down in an easy color template, the reader can match what he or she finds in the surviving in a wide range of climates.
field with the different sections of the book. The book is also broken down by area, such as It features line drawings of dangerous
woodland, swamp, disturbed areas and others. It can also be used to learn about plants plants and animals, essential knots, various
found in a particular area during a given time of year. The reader can then go out and find traps to catch fish and game, and shelters
them in the field. to keep a soldier alive. Whether you are
Not only is plant identification presented but plant use, as well. This Peterson Field Guide active military or a civilian, you will find

many great takeaways in this book. Survival Instructor Marty Simon, we cited this book as an instructional supplement during
The military doesn’t tolerate the native the Basic Survival Course.
awareness or spirituality found in some 436 pages
survival books. This book focuses on raw Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 13, 2012)
skills and knowledge and leaves out the ISBN: 978-1481232357
spirituality for the reader to find on their MSRP: $13.95
own. There are references to some dated
technology, and reading various editions
of the manual point to different eras in 6. THE MODERN HUNTER-GATHERER
America’s history. While one can purchase Tony Nester
this manual at most large bookstores, it is Tony Nester is a desert survival instructor. No one portrays the reality of living off the land
free to download on some websites. better than he does. There is a common fantasy that living off the land means living well,
When I worked at the Wilderness Learning with big-game harvests to fill your belly. Nestor describes the reality of both hunting and
Center as lead instructor under U.S. Army gathering with reliance on the eating of smaller mammals such as rodents and the unlikely
chances of downing big game.
He discusses how to create effective primitive traps, the gear one should carry to hunt
effectively, how to improve the flavor of food with a simple spice kit and how to live off the
CREATE land. Nestor regularly runs “knife-only” courses in the Arizona desert, and even though he
presents some information about this particular climate in this book, there are far more
YOUR OWN
universal concepts applicable to any area of operation.
The Modern Hunter-Gatherer is written in an easy-to-read format, with excellent historical
background facts presented, along with skills, in a seamless style.
NOTEBOOK 80 pages
Publisher: Diamond Creek Press; first edition (September 16, 2009)
ISBN: 978-0971381131
MSRP: $19.95
There is an old saying, “The faintest ink is better than the
strongest memory.”
Our brain can play tricks on us, and unless you are one of the 7. 98.6 DEGREES:
extreme minority of people who have a photographic memory, THE ART OF KEEPING YOUR ASS ALIVE
you won’t recall everything you learn as a student of the outdoors. Cody Lundin
Think about it: How many knots are there? Edible plants? The title of this book is also the central focus of it. Cody Lundin, one half of the
What are the best woods for friction fires? What gear is carried in original Dual Survivor casting, is a primitive skills instructor known for his barefoot
tropical weather? Winter? tendencies. If you can see past his shoeless preference, you will find 98.6 Degrees to be
It is important, then, to create a journal of your studies and a book grounded in solid skills and practical kit.
experiences, and you should have a field notebook to document Lundin has an interesting and entertaining presentation in his book that is far from
what you learn so you can revisit it later. the forced drama of Dual Survival. Lundin is comical in his delivery, but he doesn’t make
When you look at all the survival manuals available, the idea light of serious consequences.
of creating your own journal may seem daunting. You have to This book is a great suggested read for someone who should learn about survival skills
remember that the skills and knowledge of an outdoor authority but is reluctant to. 98.6 Degrees engages the reader in a fun way, and the combination
did not come to them in a single day. Writing down your experi- of color photos and comic drawings helps illustrate the points he writes about. Readers
ences in the outdoors is a good habit. When you learn a new camp familiar with Dual Survivor will be impressed with the depth of knowledge Lundin
recipe from someone in your party, put it into your book. When presents using more gear than he has used on television.
a friend recommends a website, go there, and copy down some Lundin was featured prominently in the 1990s in American Survival Guide and has
information (with credit to the source). When you encounter been an outdoors educator for decades.
failure or hardship, write about it and how you overcame it, or plan 216 pages
to, for the next time it comes up. Anytime you have a “lightbulb Publisher: Gibbs Smith; reprint edition (June 23, 2003)
moment,” make sure you record it somewhere. ISBN: 978-1586852344
Keep a small notepad with you (I prefer Rite-In-the-Rain but MSRP: $16.99
have a stack of all sorts on my desk from over the years), and
transfer your notes to your computer. Use technology to your
benefit: Take advantage of that camera on your phone. We think 8. MOUNTAINEERING:
in pictures, and a good photo (free of hard shadows, distractions THE FREEDOM OF THE HILLS
and color-correct) will help you recall what you write about. In Graydon and Hanson, editors
time, you will have a lengthy journal to fall back on when your You don’t have to be a climber to appreciate this book, but if you are, this is the bible
mind starts to play tricks on you. for high-country travel.
All the survival books and articles you read will describe multiple Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills is loaded with information about travel
ways of accomplishing tasks. There is no one way to do it. Creating through mountainous terrain and climbing techniques. Ascending and descending tech-
a journal is an equally important skill, and the most important niques, self-rescue rope techniques, specialized climbing knots, understanding weather
way to construct one is the way that works best for you. patterns and backcountry medicine are some of the topics highlighted in this book.
Because this book is based on rock climbing, mountaineering and expedition travel
ASG-1707-LIBRARY.CX.indd 70 4/17/17 11:18 PM

› Far right: Bushcrafters and those
who always need a project should
read through Wildwood Wisdom,
which features many Native Amer-
ican and frontiersmen crafts. This
book is truly filled with wisdom.
› Right: Author Tony

Nester is a desert sur-
vival expert and the
author of The Modern
Hunter-Gatherer. He
presents the realities
of living off the land
that so many people
misunderstand.
› Far right: A few degrees north

or south of 98.6 degrees can
lead to death. Cody Lundin’s
book, 98.6 Degrees: The Art of
Keeping Your Ass Alive, lays out
the strategies (many times with
plenty of humor) to stay alive
in harsh environments.
THE LIST OF POTENTIAL “GOOD READS”

GOES ON AND ON. IT COULD TAKE A
LIFETIME TO READ ALL THE BOOKS OUT
THERE DEDICATED TO "SURVIVAL" IN
THE BROAD SENSE OF THE WORD …
over frozen geographic features, it has a heavy climbing tone. However, there are many pearls
of wisdom that are written in broken bones and blood. The skills meant for higher altitudes
will come in handy anywhere ropes and lines are found—boating, overlanding/4-wheeling
and pioneer lashing. The section on backcountry medicine is excellent, providing improvised
methods for dealing with situations when there is no doctor.
856 pages
Publisher: The Mountaineer Books
ISBN: 9781594851384
MSRP: $29.95
9. WILDWOOD WISDOM
Ellsworth Jaeger
There aren’t many books that rival this one. Ellsworth Jaeger was an author who respected
both buckskin frontiersmen and Native Americans.
Wildwood Wisdom, published in 1945, presents all the frontier skills either group would
need to survive extended stays in the outdoors. These include how to make camp furniture,
create moccasins, build shelters from available resources, camp kitchen tools and so much
more. This is the book for the person who sits around the fire and needs a carving project or
for anyone who wants to learn about classic wilderness living in America from the 1800s.
Jaeger, a faculty member of the Buffalo Museum of Science, didn’t seek to build an army
of followers based on “native awareness” or become a spiritual leader of primitive skills
practitioners (unlike some instructors of recent years who have been “elevated” to this
› Even if you aren’t a climber, there is a
level). He wrote a book with solid historical skills that will remind you of crafts you probably wealth of information in Mountaineering:
made at summer camp. If you’re looking for primitive skills without hype, this is your book. The Freedom of the Hills about backcountry
travel and how to manipulate ropes and
520 pages rigging. If you plan on spending any time in
Publisher: Shelter Publications the mountains, you need to read this.
ISBN: 978-0-936070-12-4
MSRP: $17.95

... MY STUDENTS you home at the end of the day—at any cost.
Written by the cadre of the United States Rescue and Special Operations Group, this manual is
WANT A CONTINU- an extension of military manual FM 21-76 that pushes the envelope. “Final option” kits that can
ATION OF LEARN- be discretely hidden, .22-caliber “race dragons” and how to fight off the Grim Reaper are some
of the topics included in the manual.
ING WITH BOOKS Six Ways In & Twelve Ways Out teaches gritty skills and knowledge learned in the field in
WRITTEN IN A austere conditions. The skills aren’t for everyone—but then, again, there is a reason it can’t be
found in the average bookstore.
VOICE AND WITH 185 pages
LANGUAGE THAT Publisher: US RSOG
WILL SOUND ISBN: Not available. To purchase, mail a $15 check to: US RSOG, 4600 North Hardesty,
Kansas City, MO 64117
FAMILIAR ...
11. THE HERB BOOK
10. SIX WAYS IN & John Lust
TWELVE WAYS OUT When I attended an advanced edible and medicinal plant course taught by my mentor,
George W. Jasper Marty Simon, this was one of the books he carried with him in his shoulder bag. This book
This book can’t be found in stores; the provides instructions about how to make tinctures, salves, teas and other concoctions with
only way you’ll acquire it is by sending a what nature provides.
check through snail mail. It’s one skill to identify plants; it is another to know what to do with them. This book is a
When you receive this manual, you’ll veritable wild plant encyclopedia. It goes beyond identification and into how to grow your
likely be taken aback at first by the lack of own herbs at home. It also includes a great section about plant terminology and how to
fine finish and how the pages are bound classify different types.
together with metal fasteners. However, The Herb Book in my library is an older copy. It has been reprinted since I bought it. Never-
when you read through it, you’ll realize theless, regardless of the edition you end up with, rest assured that the knowledge contained
that the skills are unapologetic and inside is sound. (Because the book has been around for quite some time, you might be able to
unconventional. They are designed to get find an inexpensive used copy.)
660 pages
Publisher: Dover Cookbooks
ISBN: 978-0553172737
MSRP: $19.95
12. BUSHCRAFT
Roger Graves
Written by Roger Graves, the leader of the Australian Jungle Research Detachment to the Far
East American Air Force, Bushcraft is an excellent guide to using natural resources for all aspects
of survival and camping.
‹ Far left: You won’t find Six

Ways In & Twelve Ways Out in a
bookstore, because it isn’t meant
for all eyes to see. This is the
grittiest book you’ll find about
fighting the Grim Reaper and
embracing the suck.
‹ Left: If you’re
looking for a veritable
encyclopedia of how
to use edible and
medicinal plants, The
Herb Book is what
you’ve been looking
for. Pictured is Kevin
Estela's copy, which
was found years ago
for a few dollars.
‹ Far left: The Australian

bush was the inspiration
for Bushcraft, but the skills
apply to all areas. Author
Richard Graves presents
bushcraft skills in a very
easy-to-follow format.

ASG_1707_73 4/10/17 3:31 AM Page 73
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Fish baskets, crossbow traps, insulated Survival Guide, by John “Lofty” Wiseman; and Shelters, Shacks and Shanties, by D.C. Beard.
wall construction, thatching, vehicle There are also many fiction books that will complement your survival library: Last
recovery with natural anchors—all of the Breed, by Louis L’Amour; Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen; and One Second After,
of this is included in a book that by William Forstchen.
views bushcraft through a noticeable As you have probably already surmised, there are simply too many books to include
military lens, rather than from the per- in such an abbreviated list. But over time, as you read and collect more, you’ll create
spective of civilian authors. Many of your own survival library for reference purposes.
its illustrations are drawings, but the
reader should have no trouble tracking
the concepts they represent.
This book will surprise you with the
level of depth it takes in its study of the
natural world and how the outdoorsman
can survive in it. Graves explains how to
navigate with the stars, process plants
into cordage, read tracks and much more.
If you are an aspiring bushcrafter, make
sure to add this one to your collection,
and you’ll be able to do more with less.
352 pages
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing; first
edition (March 1, 2013)
ISBN: 978-1620873618
MSRP: $16.95
Compiling this list wasn’t easy. There

are so many incredible books available
and, with each book included, I had to cut
out a different excellent book. Some not
included but that easily could replace any ‹ A photo taken
of these are How to Survive on Land and from 98.6 Degrees,
The Art of Keeping
Sea, by Frank and John Craighead; The Your Ass Alive shows
Gift of Fear, by Gavin De Becker; The SAS author Lundin’s kit.

ASG_1707_75 4/13/17 4:10 AM Page 75
GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY: THOMAS BARWICK
ASG-1707-GEAR.CX.indd 76 4/17/17 1:20 AM

ESSENTIALS
FOR
GET IN THE SPIRIT BY SUPPLEMENTING
YOUR SELF-RELIANCE SUPPLIES.
INDEPENDENCE
BY JIM COBB
A
s schools close for summer longer days trigger, it’s a good time to make
break and the masses head sure you have the right gear to get through a
in all directions to their vaca- variety of emergencies.
tion spots, others have their This month’s gear guide covers a wide
focus on the less-enjoyable swath of necessities and solutions that will
possibilities summer brings. help you round out your kit and your skills.
Hurricane season is in full stride, and other And, with most of them costing less than
weather extremes are a distinct and dis- $50, you’ll still have plenty of cash left over
ruptive possibility. And, with the anti-social for that weekend getaway … to see your
irritability that higher temperatures and in-laws.
ASG-1707-GEAR.CX.indd 77 4/17/17 1:20 AM

-
Ozark Trails Three-Piece Cookset

Overview Specifications
A decent three-piece stainless steel cook set • Large pot is 2 quarts; medium pot is
for less than $10? Surely, people said, it must 1.44 quarts
be a pile of junk at that price. As many learned, • Weight: 22 ounces
though, its quality far exceeds the price. The three • Lid and pots have folding handles
pieces consist of one large pot, one medium pot for compact carry
and a lid. The pots nest together to save space
MSRP
in the pack. Stainless steel can easily handle the
$9.88
high heat of campfire cooking and is relatively
easy to clean. This is a great set for someone just URL
wanting the basics for short trips. www.Walmart.com
Superesse Faraday Hank

The Superesse Faraday Hank is far more than • 12x12 inches
just a way to cover your nose when you sneeze. • Protects against RFID, EMP and other
Because hackers can use portable RFID scanners forms of radiation
to surreptitiously steal information from your • Comes in a variety of styles and colors
credit cards without the cards ever leaving your
MSRP
wallet, you can wrap your wallet with the Faraday
$58
Hank; it will thwart the hacker’s scans. It could
even shield your phone from a dreaded electro- URL
magnetic pulse (EMP). The Hank consists of a www.SuperesseStraps.com
soft fabric layer coupled with a nickel-and-
copper ripstop fabric lining.
Bugaboo Base Camper (Medium)

For many people, a power outage can mean a • Includes 2- and 3-liter pots, 8-inch
cold dinner. This eight-piece nesting set is great— frying pan, two strainer lids, cutting
whether you’re cooking over a camp fire or on board, pot gripper and stuff sack
the backyard barbeque—and offers many of the • Teflon coated for nonstick perfor-
conveniences of indoor cook sets. mance
• Compact carry and storage size of
9.1x9.1x5.4 inches
• Weight: 2 pounds, 10 ounces
MSRP
$84.95
URL
www.GSIOutdoors.com
ASG-1707-GEAR.indd 78 4/13/17 2:45 AM

Sawyer MINI Water Filter
Having the means to reliably filter water is • Includes a drinking pouch, straw, filter
critical. The Sawyer MINI is one of the most and cleaning plunger
popular water filters on the market—and for • Weight: 2 ounces
good reason: It works. It is also one of the • Colors: green, black, blue, orange, pink
most versatile filters. It can be used with a
MSRP
hydration pack, attached to a soda bottle,
$24.95
attached to the included water pouch or used
with the included straw to drink directly from URL
the source. The MINI removes over 99 percent https://Sawyer.com
of all bacteria and protozoa, keeping you safe
from illness, whether you’re in the jungle or at
a sketchy roadside motel.
AquaBrick Water Storage

Container
Water storage can be problematic. It can’t be • BPA-free, high-density polyethylene
made smaller or lighter. Simply put: Water is (HDPE) plastic
what it is. Cases of bottled water are great, • Dimensions: 18x9x6 inches
but some kind of bulk water storage is often • Also holds up to 20 pounds of food
desirable, too. AquaBricks hold up to 3 gallons (great for storing kibble for pets)
of water each, and stacking them is like playing
MSRP
with giant Lego bricks. The AquaBrick weighs
$21.99
about 2 pounds empty, so a full one will weigh
around 27 pounds—heavy, but not impossible to URL
move around. A large mouth makes it easy to fill www.KellyKettleUSA.com
and empty the AquaBrick.
Goal Zero Yeti 150

Portable Power Station
Power outages can occur anytime, but summer • Dimensions: 7.75x5.75x6.75 inches
storms seem to be the most common culprit. • Weight: 12 pounds
The Yeti 150 is a great backup power source • Charge times: AC outlet/6 hours; car
for lights, phones and many other devices you 12V outlet/8 hours; solar panel/varies
need to work, especially when the lights go out. depending on the size of the panel
The Yeti can be charged with your wall outlet, a
MSRP
solar panel or even your car’s 12V outlet. It can
$229.99
then power your devices via its AC, USB or 12V
outlets. Goal Zero recommends keeping the Yeti URL
connected to a power source when not in use www.GoalZero.com
to keep the battery topped off and ready to go
when an emergency strikes.
ASG-1707-GEAR.indd 79 4/13/17 2:45 AM

Fiddleback Forge Fat Rope Stick
Being able to make fire with natural forms of • Length: 6 inches
tinder you scrounge in the field is a necessary • Diameter: 1 inch
skill. But even the experts hedge their bets and • Weight: 2.54 ounces
carry some form of ready-to-light tinder—just
MSRP
in case. The Fat Rope Stick is incredibly easy to
$22 (3-pack)
use. Simply cut off a small chunk from the end,
fray the fibers, and light them with your favorite URL
ferrocerium rod or flint and steel. As a bonus, www.FiddlebackOutpost.com
the plastic outer covering prevents the tinder
from fouling your other gear. Take that, cotton
balls and petroleum jelly!
Survival Resources Aqua-Pouch

The 1-liter Aqua-Pouch from Survival Resources is • 6.5x10 inches
the perfect solution for those who want to have a • Can be rolled or folded when not in use
water container for emergency use but don’t want • Constructed of 5.2ml FDA-approved
to be encumbered by a canteen or large bottle. food-grade plastic
The Aqua-Pouch features a gusseted bottom
MSRP
that allows it to stand upright when filled—which
$6.95
is rather convenient. Two grommets at the top
make it easy to attach cordage and carry it like a URL
shoulder bag. It will stand up to both boiling water www.SurvivalResources.com
and freezing it.
Po-Boy Neck Knife Rig

In a survival situation, two of the best tools to • Built to last, with rivets and hand
have with you are a knife and a way to make stitching
fire. This leather neck rig from Jeff “Po-Boy” • Includes lanyard, giving you cordage
Luke is a great way to have those items with to use in an emergency
you at all times. Each rig is made to order to the • Custom designed for the folding knife
customer’s specifications. These are handmade and ferro rod you want to carry
products, and thus, there might be a short wait.
MSRP
But that also means the neck rig you receive is
$45
absolutely unique and designed specifically for
your needs. URL
www.PoBoyGear.com
ASG-1707-GEAR.indd 80 4/13/17 2:45 AM

SOL Traverse Survival Kit
Many preppers have set up small, • Water: purification tablet and 1-liter water
pocket-sized survival kits, often using a bag
popular mint tin as a container. SOL has • Fire: Fire Lite striker and Tinder Quik tabs
taken this basic concept and brought it • Shelter: SOL emergency blanket
into the modern age. The Traverse Survival • Signaling: Mini Slim Howler rescue whistle
Kit starts with a metal tin with snap closures • Size: 6.25x4x1.5 inches
to keep the contents protected. Inside are • Weight: 6.1 ounces
supplies for meeting basic needs: water,
MSRP
shelter, fire and signaling. The Traverse
$20
is a great option for someone needing a
basic kit to toss into their jacket pocket URL
when going on a short hike or to keep in www.SurviveOutdoorsLonger.com
the car … just in case..
Survival Resources 72-Hour

Personal Hygiene Kit
Being able to brush your teeth and run a • Bar soap and conditioning shampoo
comb through your hair, especially after • Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
having to bug out, can have a tremendous • The Lightload towel unpacks to 12x17 inches
psychological impact and also increase • Comb, cotton swabs and antibacterial wipes
morale. The 72-Hour Bug-Out Personal included
Hygiene Kit is small enough to stash in
MSRP
any pack or bugout bag and will also fit in
$3.75
your glove box. This kit arrives packed in a
resealable, 4x5-inch plastic bag. URL
www.SurvivalResources.com
Wazoo Survival Gear Cache Cap

What looks like an average ball cap • One size fits most via an adjustable hook-and-loop
has six different storage compart- strap
ments hidden inside. The brim has • 100% cotton
one large pocket with a hook-and- • Charcoal gray
loop closure and two small slots
MSRP
that are perfect for pens, pencils or a
$20
small ferrocerium rod. Inside the hat,
itself, are the other three pouches— URL
one large and two that are each about www.WazooSurvivalGear.com
the size of a credit card. Cash, ID, a few
adhesive bandages, spare car key
and more all fit into the hat without
any problems.
ASG-1707-GEAR.indd 81 4/13/17 2:45 AM

Flexipack MOLLE Tactical
Shoulder Bag
When venturing out for a simple day hike, we • Exterior dimensions: 12x4x6 inches
often want to bring a water bottle, as well as a • Constructed of 600D polyester
snack and perhaps a few survival essentials … • Available in black, coyote brown or
just in case. This shoulder bag fits the bill quite olive drab
nicely. It has both PALS webbing and MOLLE
MSRP
straps. The padded, adjustable shoulder strap
$42.99
is removable. The interior compartment is lined
with PVC to keep things easy to clean and URL
includes two pockets, as well as a drawstring www.Rothco.com
closure. Toss in a water bottle, a couple of gra-
nola bars, your favorite pocket survival kit and a
paperback book, and you’re ready to hit the trail.
Photo courtesy of Rothco
Practical Self-Reliance Book

You could lounge with the latest whodunit, • 250-plus photos and diagrams
but your time might be better spent learning • 326 pages
more about how to become more independent. • 16 chapters
Practical Self-Reliance by John D. McCann
MSRP
is an excellent primer on the subject. In this
$19
300-plus-page book, he covers everything from
food production and preservation to alternative URL
power and even getting out of debt. If you long www.SurvivalResources.com
to become more self-reliant, this is an excellent
source to start with.
Everyday Work Shoulder Bag

If you—or, perhaps more accurately, your • Exterior dimensions: 8.75x5x11 inches
co-workers—chafe at seeing anything that looks • Available in brown and olive drab
tactical, this Everyday Work Shoulder Bag might • Constructed of 100% cotton canvas
be just the ticket for your EDC loadout. This with leather accents
heavyweight cotton canvas bag is filled with
MSRP
many different pockets and storage compart-
$21.99
ments that are perfect for keeping your gear and
supplies organized. At the same time, the hand- URL
some and low-key look of the bag won’t attract www.Rothco.com
undue attention. The bag includes a shoulder
strap, as well as an attached top-carry handle.
ASG-1707-GEAR.indd 82 4/13/17 2:45 AM

Doom and Bloom SURVIVAL!
Playing a board game is a great way to spend • Includes everything needed to play the
a rainy afternoon with the family. Now, you can game
add learning about survival strategy during • 2–4 players
game time. Doom and Bloom’s SURVIVAL! is • Comes with eight miniatures to use as
a family-friendly game that involves putting play tokens
together a group of survivors while scavenging
MSRP
for supplies and avoiding raiders. The central
$49
disaster is a pandemic that wiped out most
of the population. The goal is to accumulate URL
food, water, medical kits and other essential http://store.DoomandBloom.net
survival supplies and then move them and
your family to a new location to start life over
again. While it is slightly more complicated
than Chutes and Ladders, older children will
have no trouble catching on.
4 Directions Bushcraft Ferro

Rod With Striker
While ferrocerium rods are merely a basic • Set comes with ferro rod, striker, carabiner
tool for fire making, there is no reason they and 550 paracord lanyard
can’t also be nice to look at. This ferro rod and • Striker is approximately 5.5 inches with
striker set from 4 Directions Bushcraft is both. handle
The handle on the striker is handcrafted from
MSRP
osage orange wood. Unlike many run-of-the-
$34.99
mill strikers on the market today, this one has
four very sharp 90-degree edges—perfect for URL
thousands of scrapes against the ferro rod. www.4DirectionsBushcraft.com
The ferro rod is ½ inch thick and 5 inches long.
Both striker and rod are equipped with lanyard
holes for easy carrying.
Rothco Advanced Tactical Bag

This shoulder bag could be the perfect • Main pouch: 8x4x8.5 inches
solution for those looking for something • Constructed of 600D polyester
larger than a belt pouch but smaller than an • Available in olive drab, coyote brown,
actual backpack. The 2-inch-wide, padded black, ACU digital camo, multicam and
shoulder strap is adjustable and comfortable woodland camo
over the long haul. It has a dedicated water
MSRP
bottle pocket, as well as five different storage
$49.99
compartments that are accessible without
opening the front flap. Inside, the main com- URL
partment has two interior pockets, as well as www.Rothco.com
a drawstring enclosure to keep contents dry.
The rear zipper pocket is perfect for concealed
carry, too.
ASG-1707-GEAR.indd 83 4/13/17 2:45 AM

GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY: MICHAEL SUGRUE
ASG-1707-BODY.indd 84 4/13/17 3:02 AM

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM
BALLISTIC AND BLADE THREATS
BY PETER SUCIU
ASG-1707-BODY.indd 85 4/13/17 3:02 AM

› Right: A full cavalry
helmet and a cuirass
are still parts of the
ceremonial uniform
of the British
Household Cavalry,
but the breast plate
would do little to
stop a modern bullet!
(Photo: Peter Suciu)
“AS FAR AS
WE HAVE
› Below: A vest HISTORICAL
produced at the
factory of Colom-
bian businessman
RECORDS, THERE
Miguel Caballero.
The company is now
IS EVIDENCE OF
also working on a
line of bullet- and PEOPLE TRYING
TO USE ARMOR.”
stab-proof wear
for children that is
intended for sale in
the United States.
“AS FAR AS
WE HAVE
HISTORICAL
RECORDS, THERE
IS EVIDENCE OF
PEOPLE TRYING
O
TO USE ARMOR.”
ne of the more ridiculous
aspects of post-apocalyptic
movies and TV shows is
how individuals are often
suited up in bulky athletic
armor and equipment, including hockey/
football shoulder pads and motocross chest
protectors. Not only would this type of
“armor” do little to protect the wearer
in a combat situation, it would likely be
cumbersome and uncomfortable, too.
What is meant to look “cool” on the
screen would actually serve little purpose
in any real-world scenario.
The first thing to understand is that
armor has been used for millennia in
GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY: GUILLERMO LEGARIA
various forms, and today, military plan-

ners still struggle with providing armor
that offers adequate protection while
being comfortable.
“As far as we have historical records,
there is evidence of people trying to use
armor,” said Dr. Gregory S. Aldrete, pro-
fessor of history and humanistic studies
at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
ASG-1707-BODY.indd 86 4/13/17 3:02 AM

› Employees give the finishing touches to
vests and other armoured clothing at the
factory of Colombian businessman Miguel
Caballero on the outskirts of Bogotá.
GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY: GUILLERMO LEGARIA

“It has been a natural concept to have
protection from sharp objects.”
Through the centuries, armor has
evolved, and man has used various
metals, including copper, bronze, iron,
steel and even titanium, while materials
ranging from bone to hide have long been
used, as well. There has constantly been
a tradeoff in terms of weight and protec-
LEGALITIES OF
tion. Armor should be strong enough to
defeat the weapons of the day while being
light enough to provide maneuverability
BODY ARMOR
on the battlefield.
Plate armor remained in use until World
War I, but it was mainly relegated as an
anachronistic element of the cavalry.
Despite rumors that it is not illegal to own ballistic body armor or items such as
In fact, the cuirass, a piece of armor
“bulletproof vests,” the truth is a bit murky. At the present time, it is legal for most
consisting of breastplate and backplate
people to buy body armor in a face-to-face transaction. No ID or background check is
fastened together, is still used as part of
required, and no special record-keeping is needed. Body armor can also be sold in a
the ceremonial uniform of Great Britain’s
store, at a gun show or online and shipped in 49 states. At present, only residents of
Household Cavalry, as well as by other
Connecticut are required to make a purchase in a face-to-face transaction.
ceremonial units. However, with the
However, body armor cannot be shipped, taken or otherwise brought outside the
introduction of firearms, breast plates
United States without federal permission.
gradually were seen to have lost their
More importantly, convicted felons surrender their right to own body armor or
effectiveness in battle.
even possess it (18 U.S.C. 931)—unless their employer requires it and they get
written permission to do so. Retailers are not currently liable for what happens to
body armor after it is sold.
‹ Above: A U.S. Marine Corps corporal shows the E-SAPI plate that successfully stopped a bullet in
combat when he was hit. (Photo: Lance Corporal Erik Villagran, U.S. Marine Corps)
‹ Left: This soldier wears the Improved Outer Tactical

Vest with a groin protector in Iraq in February 2008.
(Photo: Tech. Sgt. William Greer, U.S. Air Force)
ASG-1707-BODY.indd 87 4/13/17 3:02 AM

BODY
ARMOR
PROTECTION
LEVELS
‹ The titanium plates of the Sphere1 helmet. Instead of being a solid helmet, the plates can
A common misconception about body armor is that move independently, and the cloth outer shell can absorb some of the impact from incoming
rounds. (Photo: Peter Suciu)
it is “bulletproof.” This is something of movie fiction;
in fact, there are many different standards for ballistic ‹ Australian bank robber Ned Kelly was noted for creating a unique set of steel armor during
protection levels. One of the most common is via the his exploits against British authorities. It is located at the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne,
Australia, and it clearly has stopped some bullets. (Photo: Public Domain)
U.S. National Institute of Justice (NIJ), which sets armor
protection levels.
First, “bulletproof” vests are designed to “trap” (that is,
to slow down a bullet so that it cannot pass through to
the wearer). Vests generally come in two types: hard and
soft. The former are designed to stop high-caliber and
armor-piercing rounds, whereas the latter are designed
to protect from small arms, including handguns. Hard
construction is also effective against sharps—knives,
needles and similar stabbing and slashing weapons—while
soft vests typically provide considerably less defense from
these same weapons.
Protection is measured from NIJ Level IIA, which is tested
to stop 9mm and .40 S&W rounds fired from short-barreled
handguns, to NIJ Level IV, which is tested to stop .30-caliber,
steel-core, armor-piercing rifle rounds. Rounds such as .44
Magnum, 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO fall within these
levels, as well.
NIJ is considered the world standard for ballistic testing
of stab-proof vests, but the United Kingdom’s Centre
for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) actually
oversees the ratings of vests that are meant to stop knife
and spike attacks.
This is important, because another misconception is
that a vest that can stop a bullet can surely stop a knife.
However, stab-proof vests are created differently. These
vests are rated as Knife Resistant Level 1 (KR1) or Knife
Resistant Level 2 (KR2). These ratings factor energy level,
velocity, total missile mass and maximum penetration. A
KR1 vest can stop up to 36 joules of energy with a velocity
of 6.2 meters per second that has a maximum penetration
of 20mm; whereas a KR2 vest can stop up to 50 joules
with a velocity of 7.3 meters per second and maximum
penetration of 20mm.
Finally, there is also Spike Level 1 (SP1) and Spike
Level 2 (SP2) protection, which is another rating for
vests that are designed to provide additional protection
from spiked weapons.
Vests, therefore, need to be graded according to the
protection against both bullets and edged/spiked weapons.
ASG-1707-BODY.indd 88 4/13/17 3:02 AM

› Military body armor isn’t exactly fashion-
able—as noted by these government officials
who were wearing body armor at Hakim
Compound in Red Zone, Baghdad, in March
2008. (Photo: The U.S. National Archives)
It was only during the fighting in the

trenches of World War I on the Western
Front and in the Alpine fighting between
Italy and Austria that body armor was
considered again. This is because the
accuracy of rapid-fire weapons—notably,
the machine gun—gave fresh inspiration
to the concept of armor.
Ironically, because of the weight, most
armor was actually used to protect the
machine gunners, rather than protect the
infantrymen from machine gunfire. The rea-
soning was simple: Machine gunners were
stationary but could come under small-
› Below: This ar-
mor was made by IN THE END, IT MIGHT BE BEST TO HAVE
A MIX OF ARMORS BECAUSE, JUST AS
arms fire; and the armor was so heavy and Basement Dweller
Creations owner
encumbering that it was only really useful Chris Hertell from
to an exposed stationary soldier. basic items that
can be easily
YOU DON’T WANT TO BRING A KNIFE
Further developments of armor continued
in the interwar era, but it was during World
obtained at any
hardware store. TO A GUNFIGHT, DIFFERENT TYPES OF
War II that advances in armor picked
(Photo: Chris
Hertell) ARMOR SERVE DIFFERENT PURPOSES.
up—and, again, it wasn’t mainly for the
infantrymen. Instead, it was for bomber
crews, who were, once again, limited in
mobility by their position on the aircraft.
Flak jackets and specialized helmets were
developed to protect crews from high-
velocity bullets from enemy aircraft, as
well as shrapnel from anti-aircraft guns.
American soldiers used body armor
in subsequent conflicts in Vietnam
and the Middle East, but Space Age
materials rapidly replaced metal plates.
Kevlar and ceramic materials weighed
less while offering greater protection.
In many ways, this was a throwback to
what worked in antiquity.
Today, we think of Greek soldiers in › Right: This French armor dates from the Renaissance and was
designed to be both ornate and provide protection to the wearer. As
bronze armor, but they wore something with most steel plate armor, it is heavy and seriously limits the wearer’s
much different just as often. movement. This armor is in the collection of the Musée de l’Armée in
Paris, France. (Photo: Peter Suciu)
“There was laminated linen that was
used as armor during the era of Alexander
the Great,” Aldrete explained. “It was
essentially fabric and glues, and the same
principles are used in today’s composite
armor. We’ve recreated some of this armor,
and my students could literally shoot the
armor with bows, and the arrows would
not penetrate [it].”
The advantage is that it has two-thirds
less weight than bronze armor but provides
that same protection.
“The other thing that has been largely ‹ Above: These five youths improvised their own body armor for a gang
forgotten is that bronze armor and later, iron fight (but they were arrested before anything happened).
armor, could only be made by a specialist like ‹ Left: This homemade metal breast plate is modeled after a medieval cui-
rass and, while heavy, has been “proofed” (that is, it can stop a small-caliber
a blacksmith,” said Aldrete. “In the ancient
round). Such impacts could still cause physical harm, including bruised
world, most women could weave cloth.” and broken bones, to the wearer. (Photo: Peter Suciu)
ASG-1707-BODY.CX.indd 89 4/17/17 2:22 AM

DIY ARMOR
While the weaving of cloth is now as much
a lost art as blacksmithing, homemade
armor can also have its advantages. There
are also options for crafting armor by using
similar techniques to those that have worked
throughout the ages.
Today, there are many choices for “costume”
BRAIN
BUCKET:
‹ Above: The Russian “Sphere1” helmet was an attempt to make a truly
“bulletproof” helmet. It consists of plates of titanium that are supported
within a cloth outer shell, which also serves as a liner. It is effective
PROTECT YOUR
against most small arms, but due to the weight, it can only be worn for
short periods of time. (Photo: Peter Suciu)
HEAD
One facet of body armor that is often overlooked, especially in movies and video
games, is any form of appropriate head protection. Soldiers wear helmets in
combat, because a head injury of any kind can be an instant “game-over” situation.
Helmets have been worn on the battlefield since antiquity. There have been argu-
ments that combat helmets only really returned to the front lines during World War I.
An often-repeated story tells of a French general who watched as a soldier’s
life was saved because the soldier tucked a soup bowl under his kepi. That story
is almost certainly pure fiction—not just because even the French wouldn’t have
soup bowls or soup at the front lines, but rather because head injuries were such a
concern that a skull cap was introduced to provide some protection.
‹ Above: A Russian K6 assault bulletproof helmet with face shield
for counterterror troops. This helmet can reportedly stop small-arms As expected, the skull cap was uncomfortable and actually did little to protect
fire from handguns and even submachine guns—but it weighs about
15 pounds and is thus uncomfortable. It can’t be worn for extended wearers, even from low-velocity (i.e., artillery) impacts. Soon, more-robust helmets
periods. (Photo: Peter Suciu) were introduced, including the British MKI “Tommy” helmet and the now some-
what infamous German Model 1916. Steel helmets evolved after the war, but by
the 1980s, steel gave way to modern ballistic materials such as Kevlar.
Surplus helmets from the U.S. military, as well as helmets from practically every
other nation (even Russia and China), can be bought online. A helmet is something
that is probably far easier to buy as a surplus item than to try to make.
As has been noted in the recent studies of concussions and other head trauma,
a helmet has to do more than stop a blow to the head—it needs to disperse any
kinetic energy to reduce the chances of serious brain injury. It is called a “brain
bucket” for good reason!
As with athletic helmets, those designed for combat should be considered
“single-damage” items, meaning that if the helmet does take a serious blow, its
structural integrity could be compromised.
‹ Above: This French “skull cap” was introduced in 1915 as a stopgap The other thing to keep in mind is that in many cases, military helmets have
means to reduce head injuries during World War I until a new combat been designed to be worn for extended periods of time with minimal discomfort. A
helmet could be developed. It was worn under the infantryman’s kepi
and proved to be ineffective. It was too thin to provide much protection helmet that isn’t comfortable is taken off … and then, it does no good!
and was extremely uncomfortable. This is one of only a handful of
known examples. It resides in the collection of the Imperial War Museum
in London. (Photo: Peter Suciu)
ASG-1707-BODY.indd 90 4/13/17 3:03 AM

ASG_1707_91 4/10/17 3:36 AM Page 91
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TAKE ON ANYTHING AT BUSHNELL.COM/EYETOEYE

‹ Body armor con-
tinues to evolve as
threats and mission
parameters change.
This body armor carrier
does double duty by
also enabling the
wearer to attach a wide
variety of accessory
pouches and other gear
directly to it, instead of
having to wear bulky,
load-bearing gear over
the body armor.
GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY: DIMID_86
armor, but few of these would be ideal ARMOR MUST BE STRONG ENOUGH
for daily wear—and this would include
chainmail. TO DEFEAT THE WEAPONS OF THE
“This would depend on the type of DAY WHILE BEING LIGHT ENOUGH
situations that would be encountered,”
explained a spokesperson from Medieval
TO PROVIDE MANEUVERABILITY ON
Armour, a maker of authentic chainmail THE BATTLEFIELD. S O U R C E S
and plate armor using techniques similar
to those used centuries ago. “Chainmail Creations, crafts serious-looking armor that isn’t meant to be a costume. Gregory S. Aldrete,
Frankenthal Professor
would prevent slashes and ease blunt force “I don’t work with foam or other lightweight, ‘cosplay-safe’ materials,” he explained. of History and
trauma a bit, but it would not protect the “There are steel plates bolted on, and while the surrounding vest is just padded cushion, the Humanistic Studies
wearer from being stabbed with a thin plates will stop bullets. It weighs about 7 pounds.” University of
Wisconsin-Green Bay
blade or stop an arrow. Protection with this Hertell said he opts for steel, because “lead loses to steel.” www.UWGB.edu/AldreteG
would be enhanced by wearing a gambeson “Kevlar gets expensive, and I like to use cheaper materials,” he added. “I like to use what is
Basement Dweller
[a padded defensive jacket] underneath.” at hand and what would be left at the end of the world.”
Creations
More importantly, chainmail tends to Of course, ballistic armor is fairly affordable already and is something that can be readily B_D_Creations@yahoo.com
be quite heavy—normally weighing more found at surplus stores and for sale online. In the end, it might be best to have a mix of
Medieval Armour
than 30 pounds per piece—although, armors, because, just as you don’t want to bring a knife to a gunfight, different types of (812) 506-1989
compared to plate armor, it is on the armor serve different purposes. www.MedievalArmour.com
lighter side of homemade armor. One advantage that commercially available armor can have over anything of the DIY
Chris Hertell, owner of Basement Dweller variety is that it is generally rated to let you know the level of protection it can provide.
ASG-1707-BODY.CX.indd 92 4/17/17 2:22 AM

ASG_1707_93 4/10/17 3:39 AM Page 93
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THE TOP 10 HAND TOOLS TO
HAVE ON HAND WHEN THE
POWER GOES OUT
BY DANA BENNER
ASG-1707-TOOLS.indd 94 4/13/17 3:24 AM

ASG-1707-TOOLS.indd 95 4/13/17 3:24 AM

‹ Scissors jacks can be used to lift or sepa-
rate many items too heavy for the average
person to manage.
‹ Crowbars come in handy for a lot of

heavy moving and lifting projects.
‹ Both Phillips and slot-

ted screwdrivers will get
plenty of use.
W
e live in a world ‹ The camp axe powers our homes and all the devices we use every day. It makes our industry roll.
(top) and the
governed by author’s old, full- Just think about how much we rely upon electricity. Now, think about what would
power. Our daily sized axe can do happen if that energy source were gone. What would we do? How would we live our
a lot of the same
lives are controlled tasks. However, lives? Could we live our lives?
by energy sources, each has its own People go crazy any time their supply of electricity is disrupted. Even in a short-term
benefits.
particularly electricity. We can’t go a day power outage, store shelves are stripped bare, including things that aren’t needed. Without
without being impacted by electricity. It electricity, there would be no industry, no manufacturing, transportation, communication,
food or medical supplies as we know them today.
Here, in the Northeast, we often get severe ice storms that bring down trees and wires,
knocking out power for days or even weeks at a time. Power will eventually come back
on, we believe, but when that will happen is anyone’s guess.
What would happen if we suffered from a large EMP (electro-magnetic pulse)? It
could happen. The sun is just a big ball of nuclear energy, and it sends out EMPs all
the time. Power could be lost indefinitely—and then, forget about the Internet, cell
phones and GPS.
I know some of you are thinking, “I have a generator, so I don’t need to worry about this.”
That is fine. I have a couple generators myself, but what happens when you run out of
‹ Three key saws to have on hand.

Top to bottom: rip saw, crosscut saw
and hacksaw
‹ Far left: The Gerber folding saw

(bottom) can easily be carried in a
pack, but the larger saw makes quicker
work of limbs and small trees. Both are
valuable around the house.
96 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [MARCH

[JULY 2017]
2016]
ASG-1707-TOOLS.CX.indd 96 4/17/17 2:54 AM

› Far right: Whom are you going to call
when trees "attack" your home? This is
where a bow saw comes in handy.
› Near right: Every tool

kit should have a good
hammer.
› Far right: You need

to take care of some
things yourself—such as
trimming tree limbs after
a storm.
fuel? It will happen. What will you do then? Gas station pumps run on electricity. No elec-
tricity, no fuel; and it won’t take long for the tanks to be siphoned dry by manual means.
People who live off the grid and rely upon solar and wind to power their limited electrical
devices will have it a little better. But let’s face it: The majority of the world is not prepared
to live an extended period without electricity. Even those who are off the grid need to
purchase things from the outside world from time to time, and if there is no power, there are
no goods to purchase. How would we get the things we need—or think we need?
The answer to that question is simply that we would need to fix things ourselves and
make the items we need. Humans thrived long before there was electricity and the many
things it powers. We can—and will—do it again.
What follows is a list of what I consider to be the top 10 hand tools we all should have on
hand. When I say, “hand tools,” I’m talking about tools that are not powered by electricity.
‹ Hacksaws are used to cut assorted

ALL IS NOT LOST metal items and pipes, as well as
plastic pipe.
Despite the doom and gloom, all is not lost. With a few simple hand tools, you can
handle most maintenance and building projects. You can fix or make just about anything
WITH A FEW SIMPLE HAND TOOLS,

YOU CAN HANDLE MOST MAINTENANCE
AND BUILDING PROJECTS.
‹ This crosscut hand-

saw was a good find at
a yard sale.
ASG-1707-TOOLS.CX.indd 97 4/17/17 2:54 AM

RECHARGING
BATTERIES
If you have tools and other items that use rechargeable
batteries, but the power is out, there are many portable
solar panels on the market today that will do the trick. I
have two that I have used many times during power outages
or while in the field.
One unit is the Powersync Solarwrap Mini-Max, sold by
Bushnell; the other is made by SunJack. Both hook directly
to your device via USB ports. They both have internal
batteries that charge themselves while you are working (as
long as you have enough sunlight). At the end of the day,
all you need to do is plug your device in and charge it from
the energy stored in the battery.
… THE MAJORITY
OF THE WORLD IS
NOT PREPARED TO
LIVE AN EXTENDED
PERIOD WITHOUT
ELECTRICITY.
‹ Far left: Power is out,

land lines are down.
Cell phones are your
only means of com-
municating with the
outside. A SunJack unit
will keep your phones
charged.
‹ Left: A SunJack
solar charger is
shown topping off a
Rubicon headlamp
and a flashlight.
‹ Far left: The SunJack

is diligently charging
the author’s Bushnell
Rubicon headlamp.
ASG-1707-TOOLS.CX2.indd 98 4/17/17 11:36 PM

› Far right: Adjust-
able wrenches of
different sizes allow
you to handle a
wide range of nuts
and bolts with just a
couple of tools.
› Right: A ratcheting
socket wrench and a
full selection of sockets
should always be on
hand.
› Far right: Shovels of all types are good to have on hand, but the key version is the
spade. Its pointed blade is ideal for digging in most types of soil, and it can cut through
roots or construction debris.
you need with the implements discussed here.

Ratchet and Socket Sets. This is probably not what you were expecting, but these
tools are worth their weight in gold. I carry a set (both standard and metric) in my truck,
and I also have a set at home. There are so many uses for these tools that it is impossible
to list them all.
Even with no traditional power available, things will need to be kept in working order.
People living off grid or those who just have solar panels on their homes will need to make
repairs. If you are lucky enough to have alternative sources of power, more than likely, you
will reserve that power for things such as the well pump and refrigerator. Those items need
to be kept working, and a ratchet and socket will make fixing them all that much easier.
Hand Saws. You’re going to have to heat your home or camp, so you’ll need to cut wood.
How about cutting lumber to make repairs on your home, an outbuilding or shelter? Many
other repairs and scavenging tasks will require saws that cut materials other than wood.
What about cutting metal or PVC pipe to fix your plumbing?
There are many types of saws available and, while some are suitable for cutting a small
variety of materials, you’ll need several different types. I keep many different hand saws on
hand. There are hacksaws for cutting metal and plastic pipe, bow saws in several sizes for
cutting firewood, and rip and crosscut saws for making lumber or cutting boards. Jab saws
WHERE TO
FIND THE
are handy for cutting holes on the inside of sheet materials or boards, and coping saws let
you make fine, precise straight or curved cuts.
Hammers. I can’t tell you how many people ask to borrow my hammers. Everyone should
have a hammer on hand. Without a hammer, how are you going to repair things around the
home? Remember: When things come to a screeching halt, you can’t call someone to come
over and fix a leaking roof. You’ll have to do it yourself.
BEST VALUES
Just as with saws, there are many different types of hammers. In my shed, you will find
If you buy tools new, it can get very expensive. So,
sledge hammers of various sizes, framing hammers and finish hammers. Each one has
where do you get them? Places such as yard sales,
its job. You wouldn’t fix a roof shingle with a sledge hammer, just as you wouldn’t drive a
estate sales and flea markets are great options, as
wedge into a log with a framing hammer. Consider tools with fiberglass or steel handles for
are salvage yards. You’d be surprised what you can
the greatest durability.
pick up for very little money.
When you find tools this way, make sure they are in
HUMANS THRIVED LONG BEFORE good shape. Dirty and rusty is fine, because these can
THERE WAS ELECTRICITY AND THE be removed with very little effort. What you should
look for (and stay away from) are tools with broken
MANY THINGS IT POWERS. WE CAN— handles or damage to parts not worth repairing.
AND WILL—DO IT AGAIN.
ASG-1707-TOOLS.CX2.indd 99 4/17/17 11:37 PM

ASG-1707-TOOLS.indd 100 4/13/17 3:25 AM

Axes. An axe is an indispensable tool. remove a stump or pry something open for you. You need to be prepared to do it yourself. ‹ Opposite: This
is what you might
Used to split wood, cut down a tree, de-bark Whether it is removing embedded rocks while digging your latrine, scavenging a building for
need to do if there
a log for lumber or double as a hammer in a scrap or gaining leverage on something heavy, a crow bar is the tool for the job. is no fuel for your
chainsaw.
pinch, no home should be without at least These tools can be pretty hard to find, because a lot of people don’t use them. Check yard
one. I actually have two—a full-sized and sales or estate sales—both are great for picking up all sorts of items.
a smaller one, sometimes referred to as a These are the 10 tools to always have on hand. However, add others as you see fit
"camp" or "hand" axe. If I have to bug out for your circumstances. Remember that when something drastic happens, you will be
quickly, the camp axe goes with me. on your own. With these 10 tools, you should be able to handle almost anything. It
Adjustable Wrenches. You can have a would be wise to collect them now so you’ll be prepared when something happens.
toolbox full of wrenches (I do), but nothing And if you find some great deals, it is the perfect way to replace broken tools or to
replaces a good adjustable wrench. They ASG-1706-Camillus
use for bartering purposes. 3/6/17 8:36 AM Page 1
come in several sizes and are perfect for
getting into places a ratchet and socket
can’t manage. With the turn of a thumb
screw, you have a single wrench that will fit
many nuts and bolts in U.S. and metric sizes.
I carry a few in my truck and have some
around the house.
If I could have only one type of wrench, this
would be the one—but make sure you have a
couple of each size.
Screwdrivers. Today, we rely heavily on
screw guns to make our jobs easier, but these
tools run on electricity. Even with no power,
you will still need to deal with screws. It At the edge of the jungle,
might take longer and require more effort the world feels different.
to accomplish a task, but you should have a The air is dense, and anything is possible.
good set of screwdrivers, both slotted and I pause to appreciate the challenge.
Phillips, on hand.
Hand Drills. I know it is hard to believe, One decision can be the difference
but there was a time before the invention between survival and failure.
of power drills when people made holes in
My senses are heightened.
things. A hand drill was how it was done.
Slowly, but efficiently, a hand drill will get the
My mind is prepared.
job done—as long as you have a decent set It’s time to go big.
of drill bits.
There are two types of hand drills: the
“egg-beater” style, with a side crank, and the
hand brace, which looks like a squared letter
“C,” with the head or knob extending above
and the chuck end extending below.
Shovels. Shovels come in all sizes and
shapes, each one having a specific purpose.
A long-handled spade can be used for every-
thing from digging a latrine, making a root
cellar or turning soil for your garden (which,
by the way, you’ll probably need, because
food won’t be able to be shipped in). If you
live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you’ll
need a flat snow shovel to keep the snow
from building up on your roof.
Jacks. A couple of car jacks are always
handy to own. Besides lifting your vehicle,
jacks can be used to lift buildings, move
heavy logs (fallen trees, etc.) and other
heavy items. My favorites are the old scissor CONQUER YOUR WORLD.
jacks that came with older Fords, although I Tested and approved by Les Stroud, the knives in this heritage series are expertly
also have a floor jack. Check your local auto designed to survive the toughest tasks. Titanium bonded. Built to perform.
salvage yard for some of these old jacks, and No matter the challenge, consider it conquered. camillusknives.com/ASG
be sure to keep the workings lubed.
Crowbars. Nobody is going to show up to
ASG-1707-TOOLS.indd 101 4/13/17 3:25 AM

PREVENT
THE FATAL
IMPACT
UNDERSTANDING, PREVENTING
AND SURVIVING A TRAUMATIC
BRAIN INJURY
STORY BY JOSEPH J. KOLB, M.A.
ASG-1707-HEAD.indd 102 4/16/17 10:54 PM

ASG-1707-HEAD.indd 103 4/16/17 10:54 PM

I
often watch blooper shows such
as MTV’s Ridiculousness and
wonder in bewilderment what
the entertainment value is in
watching a skateboarder cracking
his head against a sidewalk or two drunks
knocking each other out with devastating
punches. Or, for that matter, the recent
and completely absurd urban “knockout”
trend of punks arbitrarily walking up to
an unsuspecting pedestrian and punching
them in the face with the sole goal of
rendering them unconscious.
The fact of the matter is that there is
nothing amusing or entertaining about a
head injury, especially one that results in
what is defined as “traumatic brain injury”
(TBI). This phenomenon has been borne
out in this recent generation of combat vets
returning from improvised explosive device
(IED) attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan. A
› Above: To pro-
vide its intended WHAT IS SCARY ABOUT TBI IS THAT
protection, a hel-
study conducted by researchers with
the Veterans Administration Puget
met should be
properly fitted
DEATH MIGHT OCCUR WITHOUT AN
Sound Health Care System and the
and secured to
the head.
INDICATION THAT A SERIOUS BRAIN
University of Washington estimates
that between 10 and 20 percent of the
INJURY HAS BEEN SUSTAINED.
› Below: The
2.6 million who served in the recent head and face TBI diagnosed, and 50,000 of those result in death. The causes can range from
are highly
combat zones returned with post- accidents at home or in motor vehicles to participation in many sports to acts of
vascularized,
concussive symptoms. meaning that violence and severe weather events.
when there is a
However, you don’t need to be in com- cut, they usually What makes these injuries especially confounding, both for the victim and healthcare
bat or on a playing field to be exposed to bleed quite a bit. workers, is that the seriousness of these injuries doesn’t always appear immediately or
Do not rule out
this significant threat. Each year, there the possibility of even seem to be severe. If you’re in a survival situation, you’ll probably be more likely to
are approximately 1.7 million new cases of a concussion. encounter this type of injury than you are today.
For instance, consider the high school football coach who works with an athlete who
took a hard shot to the head but doesn’t get knocked out. He shrugs it off as a short-term
inconvenience of his player “getting his bell rung.” He lets the player shake it off and then
allows him to return to the game. Or, when a bicyclist falls in the street, hits their head on
the pavement and suffers blurred or double vision. Despite the presence of an increasing
headache, they self-treat with ibuprofen and fail to seek medical attention.
After a 22-year career as an athletic trainer who worked with athletes from pee-wees
to Olympians, all I can say about the above protocols is, “Wrong!” In fact, 25 years ago, I
was considered a heretic when I wrote an article for a coaching magazine raising concern
about the repeated effects on the brain from heading the ball in soccer.
With a sense of redemption, I noted that many youth soccer leagues in the United
States have now banned this move after research has recently shown there are long-
term effects of cognitive brain function affecting memory and simple problem-solving
among veteran soccer players.
TRAUMATIC VS. CHRONIC INJURIES

For the sake of this article, it is important to distinguish between traumatic
and chronic injuries.
“Traumatic” refers to the initial event that results in some kind of neurological disrup-
tion. It could be from a direct blow to the head or a whiplash motion, causing what is
referred to as a “contrecoup injury.” We typically call this a concussion.
Not all concussions result in unconsciousness.
I have lost count of arguments I had with coaches who said their player was OK, simply
because he wasn’t knocked out. Regardless, these would be considered TBIs.
The chronic cerebral phenomenon is referred to as “chronic traumatic encephalopathy.”
This is from repeated blows to the head and resulting in a degenerative disorder of neural
function. This was succinctly portrayed in Will Smith’s movie, Concussion, which high-
lighted the effect of this condition on NFL players. The Department of Veterans Affairs at
ASG-1707-HEAD.CX.indd 104 4/17/17 11:32 PM

SIGNS
AND
SYMPTOMS
OF TBI
This is a list of some of the fundamental
warning signs that a TBI has occurred:
• No loss, or temporary or prolonged loss, of
consciousness. Anytime there is a loss of
‹ Tests to deter-
mine whether a consciousness, there is no need to guess
TBI has occurred.
Below, left: The whether a TBI has occurred … it has.
first test involves • Orientation to person, place or time. Does
having the person
stand with their the victim know who they are, where they
feet together and are, what day it is?
arms first at their
side and then at • Headache
shoulder height,
• Amnesia
first with the eyes
open and then • Confusion
closed. Watch for
any swaying or • Nausea
inability to stand. • Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
‹ Below, middle: • Inability to concentrate
With the person’s
arms still elevated, • Eyes sensitive to light
conduct the
• Irritability
second test: Have
them close their • Loss of appetite
eyes and then
attempt to • Lethargy
alternate touching • Unsteadiness. One battery of tests
their nose with
Boston University identified 87 deceased former players with this malady. their index fingers. athletic trainers give on the sidelines
The brain is comfortably encased in the human helmet called the cranium—your skull. resemble those used by police to
But, while the skull provides some protection, the brain is essentially suspended in ‹ Below, right: The determine whether a driver is intoxicated.
final test is to have
cerebrospinal fluid and connecting veins and arteries. I typically compare this to a bowl Refer to the accompanying images to
the injured person
of Jello: You might be able to hit the side, and it will provide some degree of protection; walk heel-to-toe learn how to perform these simple tests.
for about 10 feet,
but hit it hard enough or shake the bowl, and you can see how the Jello is affected. checking for un-
The brain acts in a similar fashion, and injuries could result in temporary or permanent steadiness or the These symptoms typically last a short time,
inability to walk in
disability or even death. a straight line. but if there is ever any doubt, seek medical
attention.
The TBI becomes critical and potentially
life threatening when the following occur:
• Worsening headache
• Persistent/projectile vomiting
• Unequal pupils. This is where one is
extremely dilated, and the other either
remains the same or is more constricted.
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• Labored breathing
ASG-1707-HEAD.indd 105 4/16/17 10:54 PM

YOU DON’T NEED TO BE IN COMBAT
OR ON A PLAYING FIELD TO BE
TBI CARE EXPOSED TO THIS SIGNIFICANT

THREAT. EACH YEAR, THERE ARE
APPROXIMATELY 1.7 MILLION NEW
Because TBI is often difficult to assess in victims—let alone
when it occurs to yourself—seeking medical attention is CASES OF TBI DIAGNOSED, AND
always recommended. 50,000 OF THOSE RESULT IN DEATH.
• DO NOT take ibuprofen, which could actually increase any
bleeding that occurs. Some doctors recommend Tylenol,
but take note that it could mask the severity of the injury.
• If you are going to lay down, be sure the head is above

the level of the body—not with the feet elevated, which
could increase intracranial pressure.
• An ice pack to the back of the neck might relieve some

neck tension that could increase the headache.
The key to TBI first aid is to avoid further contact to the

head. This is the reason that great caution is now being exer-
cised in the NFL via the concussion protocol it now follows.
DELAYED EFFECT OF
SERIOUS BRAIN TRAUMA
What is scary about TBI is that death
might occur without an indication
that a serious brain injury has been
sustained. There have been numerous
incidents when an athlete sustained
a seemingly minor head injury early in
the week but died on the field later in
the week after sustaining a subsequent,
› Extreme sports
even relatively minor, blow. such as skate-
boarding, for
In 2013, 16-year-old football player Dodi which athletes
Soza of Downey, California, suffered a con- push the bound-
aries of gravity,
cussion in practice two days before a game have their share
during which he was struck in the head, of head injuries.
collapsed and died. Five years earlier, Ryne

Dougherty, 16, of Montclair, New Jersey,
died two days after sustaining a hit to the
head in a junior varsity football game.
The list is long and horrifying, but
steps can be taken to help mitigate the
incidence and severity of head trauma
through understanding the mechanism of
injuries, knowing the warning signs and
what to do when they occur. › Soccer players
are especially
prone to head
CAUSES OF TBI—THE injuries, given
MECHANISM OF INJURY that their heads
are used tactically
Direct hit to the head. This can result to move the ball.
This skill is being
from a punch in a bar brawl, falling down
scrutinized by
a flight of stairs or the side of a hill, many in sports
medicine as a
being hit by debris in a storm, suffering cause of long-term
an impact in a motor vehicle accident or brain injury.
ASG-1707-HEAD.indd 106 4/16/17 10:54 PM

‹ Even something
hitting the head while playing a sport or as seemingly
innocuous as a
any other everyday activity.
baseball can cause
Indirect force to the brain. It is often serious head
injuries.
tricky for a victim to connect the dots,
because they will manifest the signs and
symptoms of a TBI, even though they
didn’t hit their head.
Using the Jello analogy, the brain isn’t
as well protected as most people believe.
So anytime a force is transmitted through
the body to the brain, a TBI can occur.
For example, a whiplash action, during
which the head is violently whipped
forward/backward, side to side or rota-
tionally can result in a TBI. Falling hard
on the butt can generate enough force
through the spine to affect the brain. A
punch in the jaw, while not thought of as
connected to the brain, can also cause
… THE SERIOUSNESS OF THESE
the brain to slosh inside the skull. And INJURIES DOESN’T ALWAYS APPEAR
some veterans who were exposed to IEDs
were victims of a blast trauma, which can
IMMEDIATELY OR EVEN SEEM TO BE
cause traumatic brain injuries without a SEVERE.
direct impact to the head.
What actually happens to the brain in runs into trouble when bleeding occurs, either between the brain and the skull (“epi-
these scenarios is still a source of con- dural”) or when the blood pools between brain layers (“subdural”). The more bleeding
tention among scientists. A concussion there is, the more pressure is put on the brain and the greater risk of death.
is essentially defined as a “temporary
disruption in brain function.” Uncon- PREVENTION IS KEY
The first step in preventing TBIs is effective head protection. It is amazing that there ‹ Unsteadiness
sciousness does not always ensue, but in
is a sign of a
moresevere cases, it can. The individual are only 19 states that require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, while the rest concussion.

either don’t have laws or only require helmet ‹ Right: Head
injuries are
use by riders under 17 or 20 years old. nothing to fool
with. Immediate
There is a growing trend in many sports
and follow-up
toward the use of head protection; this evaluations can
save lives.
includes goalkeepers in soccer and pitchers
and base coaches in baseball/softball.
The appreciation for bicycle helmets has
increased exponentially in recent years.
But with all this appreciation, a helmet
does little good if it doesn’t fit properly.
No longer is the sight of a pee-wee foot- ‹ Below: Proper
maintenance
ball player running down field with his of helmets will
helmet wobbling over his eyes considered enhance their
ability to protect
cute. Helmets should fit snuggly but not the wearer.
so tightly as to cause a headache. The
front rim of the helmet should be two
finger widths above the eyebrows. The
RETURNING
TO ACTIVITY
Returning to contact too soon, while still experiencing
headaches and other symptoms, can be deadly. This is no
time for self-negotiating to gamble with your life. The risk of
“second impact syndrome” is serious. This might occur when
the brain sustains another injury before it has fully recovered
from the initial blow. This can even happen weeks after the first chin strap should always be fastened. When everything is in place, carefully shake
concussion was suffered. the helmet forward and backward and then try to rotate it. There should be minimal
At no time should there be a return to activity if any symptoms to no movement.
are still present. Once they disappear, the following protocol— TBIs occur more frequently than most people realize. Their severity can range from
similar to the one employed by the NFL—should be followed: minor and temporary to life threatening. Appreciating the need for protection, along
with early identification, treatment and knowing when to safely return to activity, can all
• Rest and recovery: This will allow for the resolution of make a huge difference in your well-being.
symptoms. Avoid watching TV, video games, social media or
doing computer work.
• Light aerobic exercise: Try 10 to 20 minutes of light

stationary cycling or walking, monitoring any resurgence in
symptoms. Stop if they re-appear. More rest will be required.
• Continued aerobic exercise and introduction of strength

training: Increase the level of aerobic activity and
incorporate light weight-lifting.
• Sport-specific activities: The cognitive load of playing the

sport will be added, and the individual will participate
in noncontact activities for the typical duration of a full
practice.
• Full activity/clearance: A player returns to full participation

in practice, including contact without restriction.

ASG_1707_109 4/10/17 3:40 AM Page 109
PICKING A
PERFORATING
PEN
WHICH IS THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOU?
STORY BY LARRY SCHWARTZ
ASG-1707-PENS.CX1.indd 110 4/19/17 10:53 AM


S
WITH THE tudents of the martial arts have known for decades, if not centuries, how
to improvise a weapon from everyday objects to augment their open-
CURRENT hand skills should they find themselves in a bad situation.
LIMITATIONS With the current limitations regarding the EDC tools we can and cannot
carry, a multi-tasker, such as a tactical pen, is a great option. The knife
REGARDING industry noticed this some years ago, so there are now dozens of companies offering
THE EDC TOOLS tactical pens of some sort to the buying and preparedness-minded public. Most of
these are a marriage of a writing pen with the defensive striking tool developed by Tac
WE CAN AND Kubota in the 1970s—the kubotan.
CANNOT CARRY,
WHAT IS A TACTICAL PEN?
A MULTI-TASKER, Tactical pens are, first and foremost, writing implements you can use in your daily
SUCH AS A activities. It is also a special-purpose preparedness or survival tool. The tactical aspect
TACTICAL PEN, IS comes from its construction: an all-metal body with flat or pointed ends designed for
striking or pressure point manipulation so you can use it as a defensive tool. At a mini-
A GREAT OPTION. mum, it should have an all-metal body with a flat end to rest your thumb on to prevent
› Because it
helps focus the
force of your
strike, any of
the strike points
you might have
TEMPLE learned in mar-
EYES tial arts training
will be effective
EARS
NOSE when using a
tactical pen.
BACK OF NECK
THROAT
STERNUM
ARMPIT
RIBS
ELBOW
SOLAR PLEXIS
BACK OF HAND
KNUCKLES
THIGH
KNEE
SHINS
TOP OF FOOT

DESIRABLE
‹ The Cross
Townsend Roller
Ball pen features
TACTICAL PEN
stout construction,
has a removable
cap and is 5.9
inches long.
FEATURES
What to look for:
› Strong body; aluminum, titanium or steel
› A flat end to safely rest the thumb on
› A narrower end for striking and applying pressure
› Longer than the width of your hand
› A textured or grooved surface
What to avoid:
› Overly tactical-looking
› Industrial look with machined-in details
› Extremely pointed ends that make it look like a weapon
› Having to manipulate it to reveal the striking point
› So heavy that you wind up not carrying it
ASG-1705-Grace Holt-Atabase 1/26/17 7:29 AM Page 1
TACTICAL PENS
ARE, FIRST AND
FOREMOST,
WRITING
IMPLEMENTS
YOU CAN USE
IN YOUR DAILY
ACTIVITIES.
the pen from slipping in your hand, along
with a pointed/rounded end for use as a
striking tool. It should be long enough so
that both ends extend half an inch to an
inch past the edge of your hand when it is
closed around the pen.
THREE CATEGORIES
As each tactical pen from the various
manufacturers arrived on my doorstep,
I was impressed with the quality and
design effort it embodied. None of them
were cheap or shoddy, and they all did
what they said they would do.
The actual daily use I put each of them
through was where my favorites started
to rise above the rest of the pack. I used
them as writing implements and defen-
sive tools, and I even used them for tasks

they were not designed to perform.
I say, “favorites,” because over the course of my research and this evaluation, the variety of
designs and features available made it apparent that there wasn’t just one category: “tac-
tical” pens. I realized I needed to consider these via three very different categories: covert/
office-friendly use, field use and multi-purpose applications.
COVERT USE
DEFENSIVE
The covert/office-friendly category is for tactical pens that don’t look very tactical.
Instead, they look like something you could find at any office supply store. You can use
them in any professional office, and they won’t catch anyone’s eye as being “out of
TECHNIQUES
place.” This feature—inconspicuousness—is something any survivalist or prepper should
keep in mind whenever picking a tool or technique for daily use around others.
These pens are not designed as tactical pens but do have the required features of a
The tactical pen is used in two ways: tactical pen, as already discussed.
first, to apply pressure to pressure points
and hard surfaces to cause pain or reduce FIELD USE
the abilities of your attacker. Second, to The field use category is for pens that look most like what you would expect from
execute deep tissue strikes that cause pain a tool called a “tactical pen.” This takes up the biggest portion of the market. They
and injury to muscle and internal organs. generally only come in flat black or dark gray, have all-metal bodies, and the accompa-
› Keep your tactical pen where you can › The Tuff

Writer Precision
quickly and easily get to it. If I am in the Press Series Pen
and Pencil fea-
office, I carry mine in my shirt pocket or
ture rubber rings
tucked between the buttons of my polo for enhanced
grip and are both
shirt. If in the field, I might move it to a 6 inches long.
pants pocket or clip it to my pack, vest
or waist belt.
› Strike fast and hard once the pen is in
your hand.
› Strike multiple times—don’t just hit once
and then back away. Think about the
Mozambique drill in defensive handgun
shooting.
› Focus on the vulnerable points and the
› The Gerber
structures of the body to which the pen Impromptu
will inflict the most pain. Tactical Pen
is 5.59 inches
› When the pen is used to strike or apply long and has a
pressure, look for hard parts of the machined body
that makes it
body, such as the head or where bones easier to hold
are closer to the surface (hips, shins, when using the
glass-breaker.
forearms, ribs or joints).
› Most tactical pens are not designed to
penetrate clothing, skin and muscle, so
don’t expect to be able to stab and draw
blood or cause a wound. But they will
apply enough pressure to cause a deep
tissue wound and injure organs. There-
fore, when using the pen as a stabbing
tool, focus on organs such as the liver
and kidney and soft places, such as the
throat, thorax or abdomen.
› Schrade’s
Tactical Sur-
vival Pen has a
glass-breaker,
ferro rod and
striker, and a
whistle built
into its 5.9-
inch length.

THIS FEATURE— ‹ At 6.5 inches, the
UnderControlTac-
tical.com Tactical
INCONSPICU- Pen is the longest
pen in this group.
OUSNESS—IS It has an LED light,
glass-breaker and a
SOMETHING ANY scraper, too.
SURVIVALIST
OR PREPPER
SHOULD KEEP IN
MIND WHENEVER
PICKING A TOOL
OR TECHNIQUE
FOR DAILY USE
AROUND OTHERS.
nying mass and heft you would want in a

defensive tool.
The body, or barrel, of the pen typically
has grooves machined into it to accom-
modate your fingers and to provide good
purchase so it won’t slide in your hand ‹ The UZI-
TACPEN9-GM
during a fight. This pen has a pointed Defender Tactical
end—sometimes on both ends—designed Pen is 5.9 inches
long and features a
for striking but not penetration. handy LEDASG-1707-KRW
light. Packiing Machinery 2/28/17 8:02 AM Page 1
Most of these pens have a cap that covers
the pen point that you either pull or screw
off to reveal the pen point; the point can
also be used to strike with. They are gener-
The only double-walled collapsible
ally longer than typical pens, so they tend
to stick up out of your pocket.
I group them in the field use category
SMART BOTTLE ® container designed not to leak!
because they can be used as more than

s Tough nylon exterior layer with
just a simple writing or striking instrument: second inner layer prevents leaks
an improvised tent stake for your shelter, s For liquids and pourable solids
a jam to wedge a door open or for digging s Collapsible, compact, lightweight
a hole. All in all, a tactical pen can do s Top and bottom handles for easy
anything that a pointed metal rod can be
carry and pouring
used for.
s Four grommets for hanging
MULTIPURPOSE USE s Sizes 1/2, 1, 2 1/2 and 5 gallon
The “multipurpose use” category is for s Fast Pour or Tube Spout for
tactical pens specifically designed to do filtering applications
more than just write or fight; they have
additional features built in for a variety
of uses.
Uzi.Com has the greatest variety of
these, with over a dozen different pens
that offer a mix of secondary tools, such
as handcuff keys, scrapers/DNA collectors
and glass-breakers. Other companies offer
models with LED lights, and one even has ™
B O T T L E
survival gear built into it. The multipurpose
pen is more like a pen/multi-tool/defensive
weapon hybrid, so it is a great general-use,
multi-tasking tool—the kind of item we all
like to have in our gear collection.
Order at: WWW.SMARTBOTTLEINC.COM
Phone: 828-658-0912 KRW1161

WHERE TO FIND THEM
MANUFACTURER & MODEL WEBSITE CATEGORY MSRP
Schrade Tactical Pen WWW.TAYLORBRANDSLLC.COM field use $40
Schrade Tactical Survival Pen WWW.TAYLORBRANDSLLC.COM multi-purpose use $42.66
Smith & Wesson M&P Tactical Pen WWW.TAYLORBRANDSLLC.COM field use $40
CRKT Tao Pen WWW.CRKT.COM field use $69.99
Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen WWW.GERBERGEAR.COM field use $72
Tuff Writer Precision Press Series Pen WWW.TUFFWRITER.COM covert use $95.95
Tuff Writer Precision Press Series Pencil WWW.TUFFWRITER.COM covert use $95.95
UnderControlTactical.com Tactical Pen WWW.UNDERCONTROLTACTICAL.COM multi-purpose use $35.99
UZI Defender Tactical Pen WWW.UZI.COM multi-purpose use $32
Cross Century II Black Lacquer Rollerball Pen WWW.CROSS.COM covert use $110
Cross Townsend Rollerball Pen WWW.CROSS.COM covert use $185
AND THE WINNERS ARE …

After looking at, and using, over a dozen
different tactical pens, my choices for the
three categories are as follows:
For covert/office use, there were two
pens that rose to the top in this category.
The first is the Cross Townsend Roller
Ball. Like the slightly thinner Cross Century
II Roller Ball, the striking end is actually
flat so you can’t penetrate skin; but you
can do a deep-tissue strike with it. It also
works extremely well for strikes against
bone and joints. The larger flat end is
wide enough to provide good purchase
with your thumb while allowing you to › The CRKT
push down when you hit someone. It is Tao Pen has
a machined
also a very nice-looking pen and is an body and is 5.75
excellent writing tool. inches long.
The second winner in this category is

the Tuff Writer Precision Press Series
Pen, which also has a pencil counterpart,
allowing you to have a matching tactical
pen and pencil set. The set I reviewed
came in black, but you can also get them
in red, silver or blue if you want something
a little more distinctive. It is a simple-look-
ing pen with no machined groove for
gripping. Instead, it has a set of rubber
O-rings embedded in the all-metal body
that give you a firm grip for both writing
and when striking.
Both models live up to their covert
description, because they do not look
tactical at all; rather, they look like some-
thing you could get at your local office
› The Smith &
supply store—but with a bite that belies Wesson Tactical
Pen has a glass-
its lack of bark.
breaker and is
For field use, I chose the Gerber 5.4 inches long.

‹ The effectiveness
and popularity of
the tactical pen is
due, in large part,
to its similarities
to the kubotan.
The kubotan
was refined and
made popular by
Takayuki “Tak”
Kubota, a Japanese
karate master.
Using earlier stick-
based martial arts
weapons as its
design inspiration,
the kubotan proved
an effective way to
control or incapac-
itate an opponent
without doing
permanent harm.
Photo: Takayuki Kubota

ASG-1610-Elite Suvival Systems 7/18/16 11:16 AM Page 1
Impromptu Tactical Pen. It is one of my

favorites because it is the right length
and weight, with a good set of features.
It feels good, both in the hand and in
a defensive situation.
It has a push button to operate the pen
so you don’t need to take off the cap each
time you use it. A Rite-in-the Rain pen
cartridge is included. You can use it in any
situation and at any angle. It features a
glass-breaker tip at the end where the pen
tip comes out and a stainless steel body.
Although it is black, it still does not look
like a tactical item, even with the discrete
grooves cut into the body.
For multi-purpose use, I also had
two winners. The first place goes to
the Schrade Tactical Survival Pen. Like
everything I have used from Schrade, it is
well made. It is a combination of a pen,
striking tool and a miniature survival kit.
The pen’s features include the writing
pen, a metal body, glass-breaker, a whis-
tle that works and is loud enough to be
useful, a ferrocerium rod and a striker. This
combination has earned it a special place
in the personal survival kit I carry with
me whenever I am in the field. I am also
thinking about including one in my family
members’ bug-out bags, as well as the
get-home bag in each of our vehicles.
A very close runner-up was the Tactical

‹ Left: As tactical
pens became more
popular, they also
became more ver-
satile (to help with
their marketability).
This Schrade Tac-
tical Survival Pen
has found a home
in the author’s back-
country emergency
kit. In addition to
its obvious use as a
writing instrument,
it also contains a
whistle in the pen
cap. And when you
take the pen apart,
you expose the fire
steel and striker.
› Right: A few
companies,
such as Tuff
Writer, make
both pen and
pencil versions
of tactical pens.
This makes them
easy to use every
day, especially THE TACTICAL ASPECT COMES
in an office
environment. FROM ITS CONSTRUCTION: AN
ALL-METAL BODY WITH FLAT OR
POINTED ENDS DESIGNED FOR
STRIKING OR PRESSURE POINT
MANIPULATION SO YOU CAN USE IT
AS A DEFENSIVE TOOL.
‹ Left: Other
models,
although not as
sophisticated as
Schrade’s sur-
vival pen, come
with a variety of
extra features.
This model from
UnderControl
Tactical.com has
a bright LED light
that can tem-
porarily blind
an opponent at
night.
Pen from UnderControlTactical.com that

also has a metal body and features that
include a pen, LED light, DNA catcher/
scraper and a glass-breaker. The LED
light is a very nice feature; it is bright
› Right: When
enough at night so you can shine it in an selecting a
attacker’s eyes and they won’t be able to tactical pen,
make sure it fits
see you moving away. your hand well.
Until the Schrade pen arrived, this pen It should extend
past both sides
was the winner of the multi-purpose use of your hand so
you can strike or
category and well worth your consideration
punch in either
as an all-around great tactical pen. ASG direction.

ASG_1707_119 4/10/17 3:43 AM Page 119
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ASG-1707-FIRSTLINE.indd 120 4/13/17 3:53 AM


I
f you had to abandon a vehicle or blades of grass sliced up my forearm and hand, drawing blood. That was the last time I
airplane crash site and head a few kept my sleeves rolled up in any jungle. Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants
miles through the wilderness with are the best defenses in the tropics.
only your clothing to protect you Many trips to the jungles of South America and Southeast Asia have taught me that
from the elements, could you? bug/mosquito spray simply doesn’t work. It does, however, ruin clothing and gear,
Many people consider tents, tarps especially if the bug spray contains DEET.
and bivvy bags as shelters, which they I grew up hiking in the high-elevation mountains of California that feature all
are. However, even before conventional sorts of nasty terrain, as well as exposure. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts have
shelters are set up during a camping or
bug-out situation, your clothing is your
first line of defense against the elements. ‹ Left: Besides ap-
propriate coverage,
Layering clothing and using accessories weather protection
and mobility for a
such as scarves, bandanas and gloves can given environment,
help make all the difference in protecting the right clothing
will help you get
you from sand, cold, wind and the sun. rescued or stay con-
cealed, depending
on your needs.
KEEP THEM LONG
When it comes to pants and shirts, I
prefer keeping them long. Loose-fitting is
best; it keeps the air circulating and aids
in cooling. It also traps warm air in the
spaces if the weather is cold.
The extra protection from both long
sleeves and long pants also carries over to
‹ Below: Winds, flash
some defense against bugs. Nothing beats floods and sand-
storms are frequent
covering up with clothing. My only time
occurrences in the
wearing my sleeves rolled up in the jungle Southwest. Covering
up against the ele-
was short lived: I dropped something in ments, including the
the tall grass and, upon retrieving it, the sun, is paramount.

always been the right choices in case of
slips and falls and will offer protection
from minor abrasions.
Many people feel that in warm weather,
shorts and short sleeves are better than
long sleeves and pants, but that leaves
the skin open to sun exposure—which
leads to heat-related illnesses and
dehydration. (Besides, when a person
overheats to the point of collapse, it is
from their head and their core being too
hot, not their legs or arms.) Do yourself a
favor: Keep them long! › Above, left:
Author Bolieu NO OTHER TYPE OF CLOTHING
wears a North x
BANDANAS AND SCARVES
No other type of clothing offers more
North merino wool
neck gaiter for cold
OFFERS MORE USES THAN SCARVES
uses than scarves and bandanas. Think
or buggy condi-
tions in the Eastern
AND BANDANAS. THINK OF THEM AS
of them as multi-functional tools. Using woodlands.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TOOLS.
these items in a survival or outdoors › Above, right: In
South America,
situation has been recognized in books Bolieu covers up
about wilderness living going back to the with a hat and
bandana ... which
late 1800s. Some even go as far as to say was also used as a
that every woodsman should always wear hanky, wash coth,
toilet paper and bug
or carry a hanky or bandana. swatter.
Bandanas should be made of cotton so
they can absorb water when being used
as “utility rags” for cleaning yourself or for
drying off. There is an art to using a ban-
dana as a hanky for blowing one’s nose
› Above: On an expedition to Mount Roraima in Venezuela, Bolieu was covered up for protection
from the bugs and the sun for most of the hike.
› Left: On a kayaking camp trip, the author wore his bandana “bonnet” style to block against
the harsh Arizona sun.

MANY PEOPLE
FEEL THAT IN
WARM WEATHER,
SHORTS AND
SHORT SLEEVES
ARE BETTER THAN
LONG SLEEVES
AND PANTS, BUT
THAT LEAVES THE
SKIN OPEN TO
SUN EXPOSURE—
In Arizona, the author keeps his head and arms covered up for protection from the harsh sun, and his contrasting WHICH LEADS TO
clothing keeps him highly visible.
HEAT-RELATED
ILLNESSES AND
DEHYDRATION.
… and as a water filter. It can get messy—
literally. Keeping track of the clean and
contaminated areas is not that easy. The
late, great Ron Hood, of the Woodsmaster
series DVDs, had an interesting way of
keeping track of the correct area of his
bandana: He would use a black perma-
nent marker and write FACE on one half
and BUTT on the other half. Hopefully,
this approach worked for him.
In 2014, I did a long expedition up to
Mount Roraima in Venezuela. I encoun-
tered all types of weather—mostly
extreme sun and wind exposure. I had a
small, light backpack for the trip, as well
as my regular survival items. I can honestly
say that no one piece of gear was used
The author got into some swamp water and filtered it through his cotton bandana. Afterward, a quick rinse in the
creek, and it dried fast. as much as my cotton bandana. It saved
my neck and face from literally burning
up on the mountain.
On the hike in and out of the jungle and
on the rolling savannas, the bandana
acted as my mosquito swatter and sweat
rag, as well as my wash cloth in the small
pools we’d bathe in. It also served as
my only source of toilet paper, because
littering the mountain with conventional
toilet paper wasn’t acceptable.
That thin, cotton bandana was very easy
to clean in puddles with sand and small
pebbles, which served nicely as an abrasive
cleaner. Because it was very thin cotton, the
bandana would dry in minutes under the
harsh sun on the mountain’s exposed ter-
rain. Hiking around the top, it played a vital
role in conjunction with my brimmed hat by
supplying shade, covering my neck and face
Broome, Australia, is where the author learned a valuable lesson about covering up against the sun. from the sun and hot winds.
ASG-1707-FIRSTLINE.CX.indd 124 4/17/17 3:12 AM

COTTON VS.
SYNTHETIC
Each fiber has its own advantages, but you should also take
the type of weave and the fabric weight into account when
making your choices. Synthetics are a favorite for places
where drying quickly is important. However, some synthetics,
such as polyester and polypropylene, are downright uncom-
fortable and make you sweat more. They also retain odors
much more than cotton. Cotton does breathe and is more
comfortable, but if you get it wet, you are probably not going
to be able to dry it in a hurry.
Cotton is great for very hot places, such as deserts, where
breathability is a necessity—especially under the sun and
during strenuous activity. It can also be cut into small pieces
to char in a fire for making char cloth. A sharp knife blade can
be used to scrape tinder fluff off cotton to help start a fire.
Cotton is also more absorbent than synthetics when used as
A scarf or kerchief is best made from synthetic materials or wool. Larger than a
a towel or a compress to stop bleeding.
bandana, it provides more shade, and its extra length can be used to lash a tripod or
serve as a makeshift arm sling. In cold weather, a warm scarf/kerchief is ideal to wrap
around one’s neck and over the face to trap body heat. Over the past few months, I have
been using a merino wool kerchief and neck gaiter from North x North. I used it all over
Scandinavia and the Eastern woodlands, as a light blanket on air flights and also stored
it in my bivvy bag to use as a scarf, towel and all-purpose cloth.
On a recent trip to the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, I used the wool kerchief every day
for hiking up large Mayan pyramids, as well as for a sweat rag and bug protection in the
‹ Above: A simple
cotton bandana is
the “multi-tool” of a
camper’s wardrobe.
The author often
uses his bandana
to grab hot handles
while cooking in
camp.
‹ Left: For organiz-

ing a campfire or
processing wood,
leather gloves
should be in every
survivor’s bag of
tricks.
‹ Right: This hiker is

wearing heavy wool
for the subfreezing
conditions of the
Northeast.

› An alpaca wool
KEEP
tube hat is a beanie
and scarf in one.
The face can be cov-
ered or uncovered
easily to regulate
YOUR
heat.
HEAD
COVERED
For decades, we have been told that
… YOUR CLOTHING IS YOUR FIRST
most body heat is lost through the LINE OF DEFENSE AGAINST THE
head and neck. More-recent studies
have shown this not to be true—
ELEMENTS. LAYERING CLOTHING
assuming you wear a similar level of AND USING ACCESSORIES SUCH AS
weather protection on your head as SCARVES, BANDANAS AND GLOVES
you do on the rest of your body. Cov-
ering your head, neck and hands will CAN HELP MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
keep your core closer to a cozy 98.6 IN PROTECTING YOU FROM SAND,
degrees (F) than if you don’t.
When you’re exposed to the sun, a COLD, WIND AND THE SUN.
wide-brimmed hat is best for shading
your eyes, head and neck. A hat has
many advantages in the outdoors,
and the variety of materials and styles
available today makes finding the
right one easier than ever. A beanie
in the winter, a scarf or kerchief, and
a brimmed hat or baseball cap will
do the body wonders and keep you
protected from the sun.
jungle surrounding the ruins. It dried

extra fast, and the dark color gave me
just the amount of protection I needed
from the UV rays.
DARK OR LIGHT?
There is an ongoing debate as to which
color is best for the outdoors. Forget for
a minute that bright, colorful clothing is
better for a lost hiker situation and helps
in signaling. If I had to choose between
light colors—tan, white or the like—or dark
colors, I’d gladly choose dark. The sun
is powerful, and a person can easily get
sunburned through a white or tan shirt,
especially if it’s made of thin materials.
However, darker colors won’t allow as
much of the dangerous UV rays through. › In the jungle,
a hat that cools
We have been taught that dark objects and shades is a
absorb more heat than light ones. That necessity. This hat
was made out of
might be, but darker colors don’t change leaves by one of the
Aetas people in the
the ambient temperature: Hot will still be
Philippines during a
hot. The long-sleeved, dark-colored shirt survival class.

ASG_1707_127 4/10/17 3:47 AM Page 127
CAN YOU SURVIVE:

NO FOOD? NO WATER? NO ELECTRICITY?
Do You
You
o Have
Have the K
Knowledge
nowledge tto
oSSurvive?
urvive?
!
!

!
LEARN ONLINE
CAPTIONS (clockwise from top left)
•
•
•
•
› Right: Making a
fire in the snow is
difficult enough,
but with the wind
and cold nipping
away, proper dress
makes all the
difference.
‹ Left: Caught in a
vicious blizzard in the
Northeast, Bolieu uses
a neck gaiter to cover
his face and a shell
jacket to help fend off
the weather.
‹ Below: Having the

proper hat, scarf
and gloves for your
environment could
be vital in saving
your life.
› Above: An aban- won’t increase your temperature much,

doned car after
a blizzard in the but it will do a heck of a lot for you as
author’s home city,
when an entire sea-
protection from the sun.
son’s worth of snow A prime example of dark colors being
fell in 10 hours.
more protective than white and tan is
the attire worn by the nomadic Bedouins.
They roam Northern Africa and much of
the Middle East, literally wearing their
main shelter, which is a long, dark robe
and head covering. Usually, they will be
found wearing brown, grey and burgundy,
as well as black. Who better to teach us
this lesson than these people who have
adapted to their harsh, arid, desert lives
under the sun?

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

IF I HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN
LIGHT COLORS—TAN, WHITE OR T P S A R M S
TA C T I C A L PA R T S
THE LIKE—OR DARK COLORS, S U P P LY & A R M S
I’D GLADLY CHOOSE DARK.

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Possibly the most underrated piece of clothing for the outdoors is a stur-
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opt for a pair of leather gloves over a chopping tool in the woods. Grab- Bravo Company 2-3
bing logs and handfuls of dry twigs is harsh on the skin. Breaking wood for Camillus & Western Cutlery 101
a fire and dragging logs into camp are not easy on the paws. Injure your Condor Outdoor 132
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Processing wood with an axe or knife is best done with leather gloves Elite Survival Systems 117
… period. Around the campfire and woods kitchen, leather gloves are the Kershaw Knives 37
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leather gloves do block wind and snow to a certain extent. In the winter,
OFD Foods, Inc 73
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On the Edge Brands 45
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Smart Bottle Inc. 115
Walking through briars in Georgia and Alabama has taught me to wear
leather gloves, along with long pants; the same goes for desert terrain, TOPS Knives 131
where cactus and sharp rocks make up most of the landscape. The more Tormach LLC 65
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There is no such thing as “bad” weather, just bad clothing and gear. Vista Outdoor 91
Not every outdoor trip is a survival situation, but it could become one. World Gone Silent 75
Taking a backpack full of clothing for a day hike probably won’t happen,
but some accessories, such as a hat, bandana and gloves, can really help
The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Survival Guide readers.
when a casual outdoor encounter becomes a fight for survival. American Survival Guide is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers..

IT’S
INDEPENDENCE DAY!
I
ndependence Day is one of my favorite holidays. The weather is change was made, life would settle down into a calm and simple routine,
usually good, and many people and businesses fly their American and little or no more change would be required. However, the fact is that the
flags and decorate with bunting or other red, white and blue rega- change has never stopped.
lia. The aromas of backyard cookouts waft through the air. There Even while most people think of change as a way to get to a specific new
is a general camaraderie among the patriotic populace based on “place,” that never happens. Change is constant, so you need to be ready to
pride in our country and the appreciation of our good fortune to be living influence it or respond to it as it runs its course. Failure to keep up with the
here. To me, it’s the central vestige of true Americana. transformation can have ill effects and possibly motivate you to decide to
What bothers me about this holiday, however, is the use of the phrase, step out of the loop (another change) and go your own way. Of course, that
“Fourth of July,” instead of Independence Day. Every place on Earth has a will set off its own series of changes.
“fourth of July,” but in the United States, it is Independence Day. On this day, Since we’re always in the midst of change—whether it results from exter-
we celebrate our liberation from our colonial master and the establishment nal or internal influences—this time of year is a good opportunity to take
of the wonderful nation the United States has become. a look at our goals and determine if the changes we’re making are aligned
We owe the founding fathers and the hundreds of thousands of regular with them. Do we need to make a minor course correction or scrap the plan
folks who supported their efforts and carried out the fight for freedom the and start over? If you are part of a group, does everyone agree with the
respect and honor of calling the day what it is. We don’t get the day off current plan, or are there changes that need to be made, either in the plan
from work because it is a specific day in July; we get this time to remember, or in the group?
reflect and respect what it took to begin the creation of our nation. In a post-disaster environment, will you be able to carry on independently,
So, as a special favor to those who carved the United States of America or will you still be reliant on others for your continued security, health and
out of the British Empire, please wish your family, friends and neighbors safety? For most of us, complete self-reliance will be the biggest change
a happy Independence Day and appreciate how much more satisfying it we’ll ever have to make, so there is no time like the present to rededicate
feels to use those words rather than “Fourth of July.” ourselves to do whatever it takes to thrive in the challenges of the future.
Independence Day signaled a huge change in the political and social To you, and to the nation, Happy Independence Day!
landscapes of this continent and, ultimately, the world. Little did the
founding fathers know how much change they were about to unleash on
the planet. The repercussions are still being felt—and might never end.
While not a unanimous choice among the colonies’ residents, this
change occurred because a sufficient number of people wanted it enough
to do whatever it took to make it happen. Changing the status quo was
the most important item on their agendas, and they achieved their goal.
My guess is that many of those involved thought that once the big
GETTYIMAGES.COM/BY:DONOVAN REESE
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14 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2017]

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20 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [JULY 2017]