Video: Fire-Starting with a Firearm?

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Learning survival skills requires patience, basic tools, and a good teacher or source of guidance. But most of all, it requires practice. Without this fundamental element, you might try a “survival pro tip” you read somewhere, only to find that it's not working well in your situation. Worse yet, you might find that it's completely useless. Either way, you'll waste valuable time and resources, and you might even end up endangering yourself in a real life-and-death scenario.

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Fire isn't easy to generate from scratch. You'll want to prepare multiple methods of producing it reliably.

Even some of the best sources of survival information can make mistakes or omit valuable information, and if you failed to practice the techniques on your own, you won't know until it's too late. Take, for example, the SAS Survival Guide by John “Lofty” Wiseman. It's an excellent source of information, and packed with helpful tips and suggestions for urban and wilderness survival. It was also our Top Pick out of the 8 pocket survival books we reviewed in Issue 15 of our print magazine. However, one fire-starting technique found within the book can be misleading.

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Here's a quote about fire-starting directly from the SAS Survival Guide, on page 179: “Powder from ammunition: break open a round and pour gunpowder on tinder and use flint. Or leave half the powder in the cartridge case and stuff piece of cloth in. Chamber the round and fire into the ground. The smouldering cloth will be ejected. Place on tinder to ignite.”

The first part about starting fire with a bullet is reasonable enough, and it can work under the right conditions. Then again, if you already have flint and steel or a ferro rod, do you really need to disassemble a valuable round that could be used for hunting or self-defense? At that point, harvesting the gunpowder would probably take longer than finding some dry tinder, assuming your location isn't devoid of resources. The second part of this excerpt discusses fire-starting directly with a firearm, and may be much more difficult than it sounds.

YouTuber Survival Russia attempts to replicate the SAS Survival Manual fire-starting method.

Is it really as easy as disassembling a cartridge, shoving in some cloth, and blasting it into the ground to produce an ember? The diagram in the SAS Survival Manual appears to show a cross-section of a shotgun shell stuffed with cloth and gunpowder, so the host of YouTube channel Survival Russia decided to experiment with this method. Check out his results:

As you can see, it's not so easy, and it's almost guaranteed to consume more than one round of ammunition. Remove the bullet with pliers, pour out half the gunpowder, scavenge a wad of dry cloth, shove into the bullet, chamber the round, fire, and pray it works. If it doesn't, rinse and repeat until you've got fire or you're out of ammo. Sounds like a recipe for frustration.

Les Stroud of Survivorman also attempted this technique with a hunting rifle during one episode:

Even for such an experienced survivalist, it took five failed attempts to make this technique work. That's an 80% failure rate in the hands of a pro. So, while the fire-starting with a firearm technique appears to be possible, it's undoubtedly VERY difficult.

Regardless, the moral of the story is that you wouldn't want to attempt this for the first time in an emergency. Practice a variety of survival skills. Learn which ones work for you, and which ones aren't even worth a shot.

New: First Tactical Krait Folding Knife

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Mike Vellekamp has worked in the knife industry for more than 22 years, acting as a designer for Blade-Tech, 5.11 Tactical, and Fox Knives USA. His latest partnership is with First Tactical, and the result is a slick-looking folder called the Krait.

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The First Tactical Krait features a 3.51-inch spear-point blade formed from D2 steel. D2 is a high-carbon tool steel with excellent edge retention and added chromium for corrosion-resistance. First Tactical says it's the strongest steel available on any of their current knives. Like all First Tactical folders, it also includes the distinct Thumb Bridge, which provides leverage for pushing open the blade and making precise cuts.

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The D2 blade is sculpted into a complex curve, convex at the front and concave along the belly. It's paired with a liner lock mechanism and G10 handle scales, which are available in either black, coyote tan, or OD green.

There's also a turned pocket clip for deep carry, and it can be reversed for left-handed use. The knife weighs 4.57 ounces, has an open length of 8.25 inches, and a closed length of 4.74 inches.

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The new First Tactical Krait knife is available now at an MSRP of $60. For more information, go to FirstTactical.com or follow First Tactical on Facebook.

Infographic: Great Depression Era Tactics for Saving Money

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As survival-minded individuals, we have much to learn from the Great Depression. The individuals who managed to persevere through this period of extreme economic hardship did so by adapting and overcoming adversity. As the unemployment rate skyrocketed and household income fell, many families faced homelessness, struggling to put food on the table or shoes on their children's feet. This led to numerous fundamental changes in behavior. Getting by with what you had was of the utmost importance, hence the often-repeated phrase: use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.

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Poverty in the depression often meant living in dirt-floored shacks. Photo: Dorothea Lange / U.S. Library of Congress

My own grandfather lived through the Depression as a young boy, and it had a dramatic impact on him. Throughout my childhood, he would save anything which could be reused or repurposed. Some might consider this “pack rat” behavior, but to him, it was just the right thing to do. He kept a stack of rubber bands around the shifter of his car, categorized and stored every rusty nut and bolt in the garage, and even wrapped up and saved chewing gum to chew again later. When we went to restaurants, he'd clean the scraps off every plate at the table, including the edible garnish — incorporating raw kale into his diet before it was trendy.

These lessons are still relevant today, and will only become more important in a large-scale disaster scenario. The following infographic shows nine Great-Depression-era behaviors, and suggests some takeaway lessons associated with each. If you put these skills into practice during times of prosperity, they'll be second nature by the time a crisis arrives. (Click here for a full-size version of this infographic.)

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Sara Liberte: Building the Battle Van

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According to Chris Farley's character in a series of old Saturday Night Live sketches, nobody wants to end up living in a van down by the river. In reality, van-dwelling doesn't have to be a miserable experience — with the right mindset, a spacious vehicle, and a bit of preparation, this nomadic lifestyle can actually be a lot of fun. Case in point: traveling photographer and videographer Sara Liberte (pronounced Liberty — yes, that's her real last name).

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A photo of Sara at the range, taken by Marjorie M. White.

Sara has spent the last few years on the road, traveling throughout the United States in her previous vehicle, which she dubbed the Dodge Mahal. That old Dodge van served her well, but the time has come to put it out to pasture and upgrade to something newer. So, Sara bought a 2017 GMC Savana cargo van, and she plans to gradually upgrade it into a proper all-terrain home on wheels. For now, the project is being referred to as the Battle Van.

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The Battle Van build will be documented by Sara through periodic updates on her YouTube channel. We'll be following the build here on OFFGRIDweb, so stay tuned for more as the build progresses. Our friends over at RECOIL and Breach-Bang-Clear will also be helping out. Currently, Sara has the following companies on board to provide parts:

Sara's plans also include off-road capable wheels and tires, LED lighting, and possibly even a 4×4 conversion for easier access to remote photoshoot locations. Should the van get stuck, there will be survival gear such as a backup generator, water purifier, and long-range communications equipment. We're excited to see how it plays out, and watch the transformation of this plain GMC into a unique bug-out van and home on wheels.

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For more information on Sara Liberte, visit SaraLiberte.com, follow her on Facebook, or check out this article on Breach-Bang-Clear.

Review: 5.11 Tactical Defender Flex Jeans & Pants

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You've likely heard the old saying that clothes make the man. While that's clearly an oversimplification, it's certainly true that your clothing speaks volumes, and it's often one of the first things strangers will notice about you. Imagine waltzing into a biker-filled dive bar wearing a tuxedo and a gold Rolex, or trying to get a table at the Ritz Carlton in Paris while wearing an oil-stained Budweiser T-shirt, cut-off shorts, and flip-flops. In either case, you're virtually guaranteed to become the center of attention, whether you want to or not.

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The point we're making is not about the importance of looking hip so others notice how fashion-conscious you are. It's about the importance of remaining aware of how others perceive you based on your clothing. This is one of the core principles of the “gray man” philosophy. If your clothing appears similar to that worn by those around you, and your actions aren't conspicuous, passersby won't give you a second glance. In everyday life, this can be convenient, but in an emergency scenario, it can dramatically increase your chances of remaining unnoticed and safe.

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However, there's a need for compromise here. Military and tactical apparel often offers many advantages over run-of-the-mill garments — extra storage pockets for your EDC gear, concealed-carry enhancements, breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics, extreme durability, high-tech lightweight insulation, and so on. The question becomes, how can I retain the capabilities I need without broadcasting my preparedness to the world? When too much emphasis is put on blending in, you may limit yourself to inferior gear; when too little emphasis is placed on this discretion, you may end up painting a target on your own back.

Blue Jeans & Blending In

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Blue jeans are about as universal as clothing gets. With a nice pair of shoes and a blazer, jeans can appear upscale and sophisticated. With some old sneakers and a hooded sweatshirt, they'll give off a casual blue-collar vibe. They won't look out of place on a remote hiking trail, a construction site, or a bustling city street. You might say they're the ultimate gray man apparel.

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Unfortunately, there are some downsides to traditional jeans. The denim fabric is essentially just densely-woven cotton, and that's not a recipe for a flexible material. It doesn't have much stretch or give, so it can feel restrictive during strenuous physical activity. Also, most jeans have five pockets — two on the front, two in back, and a small change pocket on the right side. The last pocket is usually so shallow that it's not useful for carrying much more than a lighter or tube of lip balm.

5.11 Defender-Flex Jeans & Pants

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5.11 Tactical recently announced the release of a new line of pants known as Defender-Flex. This line includes Dark Wash Indigo (pictured) and regular Indigo denim blue jeans, as well as twill fabric pants in a variety of colors. The Defender-Flex jeans and pants will be available in slim-fit or straight-fit, and there will also be a women's version.

All variants will retail for $70, but at the time of writing this article, these items are not yet listed for sale on 5.11's web site. The company says the Defender-Flex line will be available to the public starting in Spring 2017. We're told the colors seen here will be the first styles available, while other pant colors and women's versions will be coming later.

Up to this point, everything sounds pretty run-of-the-mill, but there's more to these jeans than meets the eye — and that's exactly the goal.

Admittedly, these aren't the first “tactical jeans” to ever hit the market; a few other companies have produced their own variants in the past. However, the 5.11 Defender-Flex line resembles ordinary jeans more than some we've seen, and it's also available at a substantially lower price point than others. As for design, comfort, and real-world functionality, read on for more details and our testing impressions.

Flexible Fabric

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The biggest technical difference between the Defender-Flex series and your dad's old Levi's or Wranglers is the fabric. The Defender-Flex jeans are composed of Lycra T400 Tough Max, a cotton/polyester-blend fabric. The manufacturer claims Tough Max fabric is twice as strong as regular 100% cotton denim. It's also said to have higher tear and tensile strength than cotton, as well as high abrasion resistance. The label lists the composition as 76% cotton and 24% polyester.

Defender-Flex pants use a slightly different fabric than the jeans, resulting in a smoother finish and slightly more stretch. The label on the pants lists composition as 66% cotton, 31% polyester, and 3% elastane (also called Spandex or Lycra). Aside from this fabric and different color options, the jeans and pants are identical.

In addition to this modern fabric, 5.11 Tactical added extra-thick hems and stitching to further reinforce key wear areas, such as the button closure and edges of the front pockets. There are 8 belt loops, three on each side and a pair at the rear. These loops are slightly thinner and more pliable fabric than those found on Levi's, but at 3/4-inch wide they're about 30% wider than the Levi's loops. Tough brass rivets emblazoned with “5.11” text and a brass button with the 5.11 logo serve as subtle finishing touches.

Seven Pockets

The other distinctive characteristic of the 5.11 Defender-Flex is its pockets. Each pair offers a total of 7 pockets. We'll list them below along with the pocket dimensions, and how they compare to the pocket dimensions on a pair of Levi's 505 jeans.

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  • Two front pockets — 5″ wide by 6.5″ deep — 0.5″ shallower than Levi's
  • Right side coin pocket — 3.25″ wide by 4.75″ deep — 1.5″ deeper than Levi's
  • Two back pockets — 4.5″ wide by 6″ deep — 1.5″ narrower than Levi's
  • Two side mag pockets — 4″ wide by 5.25″ deep — N/A (not present on Levi's)

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Above: The extra-deep “coin pocket” can fit a variety of surprisingly large items, such as a hefty Zero Tolerance folding knife (4.9 inches long when closed), a Leatherman Wingman multi-tool, a deck of playing cards, or an Altoids tin. Calling it just a coin pocket would be short-changing it, if you'll forgive the pun.

The rear pocket size is pretty much what you'll find on other pairs of jeans, but its proximity to the side mag pockets is convenient. You could use them for the recommended purpose of holding rifle magazines at the range, or drop in a USB battery pack to charge your smartphone on the move. Unlike other jeans, you won't have to rely heavily on your front pockets for EDC items.

Above: Rather than carrying a separate blow-out kit, the mag pockets could easily fit a tourniquet, hemostatic gauze, and Israeli bandage for emergency medical care.

Now you're up to speed on the technical specs, materials, and dimensions of the Defender-Flex jeans, but the most important part of our review is yet to come. How do they work in the real world?

Our Thoughts: Defender-Flex Review

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We received and tested three items from the new Defender-Flex series: a pair of straight-fit Dark Wash Indigo jeans, and two pairs of straight-fit Defender-Flex pants (Stone khaki and Burnt brown). As mentioned earlier, the jeans have a softer feel and slightly less stretch than the pants, due to higher cotton content. When exposed to moisture, the synthetic-heavy pants seem to dry out faster than the jeans, as you might expect. However, the differences between the pants and jeans are pretty much negligible.

Above: We used a 1.5-inch 5.11 Apex T-Rail belt with these jeans. Most belts up to 2 inches wide should fit.

As we wore these around town, at home, and in the office, we found them exceptionally comfortable. The small amount of give and flex in the fabric means you don't feel the tension 100% cotton exhibits as you bend down or kneel. It's a subtle difference, especially in the jeans, but it's noticeable. They're also nicely breathable and lightweight, which is helpful for those who live in warmer regions.

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Regarding the construction, we didn't find any major flaws, but there are a few things we'd like to see improved:

  • Thick pocket seams are nice for durability, but they're barely too thick to slide smoothly under the pocket clips on some of our EDC gear. (This may improve as the fabric breaks in.)
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  • While wide and securely stitched, the belt loop fabric doesn't feel quite as thick and sturdy as we'd like.
  • The zipper is noticeably smaller than that found on a pair of Levi's. This isn't entirely confidence-inspiring, but it's too early to say how well it'll hold up in the long run.
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The clip on this Streamlight ProTac 2L snagged on the thicker front pocket seams, but slid easily into the coin...

As for the pockets, we found ourselves wondering, why the heck aren't all our jeans like this already? The setup is that good. When the mag pockets are empty, you can forget about them, but when you need extra storage space, they're right there waiting for you. Even if you're not using them for rifle mags, they come in handy constantly. Pickpockets might not think to look there, or want to reach into such a deep pocket, so you could conceal a slim wallet inside for travel purposes. Thicker items will produce a visible bulge, however.

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The coin pocket is also extremely useful. It swallows up flashlights, knives, tactical pens, and the like, leaving access to the pocket below unobstructed. If we could make a request, we'd ask for one more pocket — a tiny concealed pocket inside the waistband for emergency cash, a spare key, or other small essentials. But as it stands now, seven pockets is a whole lot better than four and a half.

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The Defender-Flex line bridges the gap between consumer-grade clothing and tactical apparel. Some may look at these as just pants with some extra pockets and stretch fabric, and think what's the big deal?, but to us these are legitimately a big deal. They're not just jeans, they're jeans that could potentially make the other pairs you own obsolete.

These aren't relegated to tactical training, range days, or outdoor excursions. You could wear them to the office or the mall, and nobody would bat an eye. Meanwhile, you'd be able to organize your EDC gear better, carry more in your pockets, and move with greater flexibility. Best of all, they only cost about $20 more than an ordinary pair of cotton jeans.

For more information on the 5.11 Tactical Defender-Flex jeans and pants when they become available, visit 511Tactical.com or follow 5.11 Tactical on Facebook.

New: Buck 110 Auto Push-Button Folding Knife

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Do you remember the first knife you ever used? Thinking back to my own childhood, my father had what I now recognize as a Buck 110 Folding Hunter in the glovebox of his car. It was scuffed and scratched, and its cutting edge was well-worn, but it was one of the first folding knives I ever laid my hands on. That memory has stuck with me. Even though I now own many modern knives decked out with titanium and carbon fiber, the Buck 110 has a classic look that will never feel old to me.

My dad's old Buck knife looked much like this one.

My dad's old Buck knife looked much like this one, with what some might call “patina”. Photo: CapCase...

More than 50 years after the debut of the Buck 110 in 1963, the company still offers the traditional design, complete with the wood handle, nail nick, and lockback. However, Buck has recently announced a new version of this iconic folding knife. This time, it's available as an automatic.

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Buck's new 110 Auto model has a button-release mechanism, and a traditional lockback.

The Buck 110 Auto closely resembles the original Folding Hunter, and still has the wood scales with brass pins and bolsters. You'll likely notice the push-button on the handle, and also that the 420HC stainless blade is missing its nail nick. Pressing the button releases the blade; to close it again, depress the lockback like you would on a manual-opening Buck 110.

Here's a video clip we recorded at SHOT Show 2017 of the knife opening:

Like the original, the new Buck 110 Auto is made in the USA, and includes a leather sheath. This knife is available at an MSRP of $200. For more information on the 110 Auto, visit BuckKnives.com.

Q&A: Survival Expert Hakim Isler of “Kicking & Screaming”

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Hakim Isler is a man of many talents — hence his nickname, “Black MacGyver“. He's an Iraq war veteran and former member of the Army Special Operations community, where he served as a Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) Sergeant. Hakim also has extensive experience as a practitioner and teacher of martial arts — he's a fourth-degree black belt in To-Shin Do under Black Belt Hall of Fame member Stephen K. Hayes, and is an instructor in the Filipino combat system of FCS Kali.

Hakim passes these martial arts skills on to students through Elevo Dynamics, the 24-hour family gym and combatives training facility he founded in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

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Hakim is also the founder of The SOIL Foundation, a nonprofit that offers off-grid training and excursions to to help veterans, law enforcement, and civilians recover from anxiety, depression, and PTSD. On top of all this, Hakim is the author of Modern Hand to Hand Combat, a contributor to our print magazine (see “Plan of Action” in Issue 16), and a TV personality. In 2014, he tested his wilderness survival skills on Discovery's Naked and Afraid, and later made another appearance on Naked and Afraid XL in 2015.

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Hakim with the rest of the cast of “Naked & Afraid XL” Season 1.

His latest project is with the all-new FOX TV series Kicking & Screaming, which debuts next Thursday, March 9th at 9/8C. The show pairs experienced survivalists like Hakim with high-maintenance city dwellers and survival novices:

In anticipation of this TV appearance, we took some time to talk with Hakim about his time on the show, as well as his every-day survival philosophy.

OG: Hey Hakim, thanks for talking with us today. What initially led you to take an interest in survival and self-reliance?

My first awakening to the power of nature was in the Army SERE-C course. Most who know what that is would think that would be the worst place to learn it — while on the run with your team trying to escape capture — but it was not for me. There was a moment surrendering to nature while I laid drenched in heavy rain trying to avoid capture. I had to accept that I wasn't in control and in that moment I felt a freedom like I had never felt before. Some call it “embracing the suck,” but this was different for me. It was more like embracing the power of nature, and finding solace in letting go and becoming more than I was before.

KICKING & SCREAMING: Hakim Isler, Martial Arts Instructor.

KICKING & SCREAMING: Hakim Isler. CR: Jeff Neira / FOX. © FOX Broadcasting Co.

OG: We imagine there's a story of ingenuity behind your nickname, “Black MacGyver”. How did that name come about?

I came to be called this in the military because I was always thinking and creating. I would often come up with outside-the-box solutions for issues, and they would work. In layman's terms, people would call what I do ingenuity, but I call what I do Ninjanuity. Since I am a fourth-degree Black Belt in Ninja Self Protection (To-Shin Do) a.k.a a Ninja, the idea of adapt and overcome is the way I see things. It is that mindset that drives my art of Ninjanuity.

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OG: Some of our readers will recognize you from your 21-day survival scenario in India on “Naked and Afraid”. What lessons did you learn from that experience?

The greatest lesson I learned from the Himalayan Mountains while on Naked and Afraid was that war changed me. My last deployment ended in 2007 and I thought I came home in decent shape. The truth was there was a lot I had buried under the mission of work and life. During the 21-day challenge I found that beyond my challenges with my partner, the more depleted I became the less I could suppress the side of me that I had not faced. I had an awakening out there that was never caught on camera, and it was that awakening that caused me to start The Soil Foundation in Robbins, North Carolina. It's a wilderness therapy and retreat for military, civil servants and youth struggling with emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

“Beautiful day off the grid yesterday showing my little girl the wonders of outdoors.” Photo: The SOIL...

OG: We're excited to check out your latest TV appearance on Kicking & Screaming next week. Tell us a little about the premise of the show, and how you got involved.

This show is going to be epic! The show is about ten survivalists paired with ten pampered high-society individuals with little to no outdoor experience. We survivalists have to help the pampered novices survive, thrive, and win a series of challenges until one group remains and claims $500,000.

OG: It has to be stressful dealing with a survival situation alongside someone totally inexperienced. What have been the biggest physical and psychological challenges you've faced?

Dealing with a novice when you are trying to win a prize that big was a little stressful, but it wasn't because my partner was a novice. My partner is Angelica Bridges and she was a Baywatch star. She is an amazing person and she was awesome out there for someone with little experience. Since I am a survival instructor that teaches kids, I had no problem working with a novice overall.

OG: How has your past military and martial arts training experience prepared you to guide a novice partner on “Kicking & Screaming”?

This is a great question. My military experience really beat into me the idea that “team work makes the dream work”. It was both my Ninja training and my PSYOP training that helped me mentally and emotionally. To be a true instructor, you have to understand how people operate and then how to use that knowledge to help them reach their potential. In addition to this skill you have to understand how you operate — knowing self is the foundation to knowing and connecting with others. We operate physically in this world based on our mental and emotional platform, understanding this is one of the main skills of the Ninja and of course an Psychological Operations specialist.

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Hakim alongside some of the cast of “Kicking & Screaming”.

OG: When you're not busy filming for TV or writing for our magazine, how do you spend your time?

When I am not busy filming TV shows I am serving my family and community. I own the worlds first DOJYM, a hybrid Ninja martial arts facility and 24-hour gym called Elevo Dynamics. I am also the founder of The Soil Foundation, a nonprofit wilderness therapy and retreat organization we are developing on 60 acres of land in Robbins, NC. We are currently trying to build a community center out of shipping containers. There we can house those we serve for three day or week long events. We currently offer outdoor camping retreats for military, civil servants, and youth that struggle with emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. Our community center will help us serve those in need and their families. We are currently trying to raise funds on our Indegogo and at our website www.thesoilfoundation.org if anyone reading would like to help support.

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OG: Every survivalist we meet has a different take on every-day-carry gear. What sort of EDC items do you normally carry during your daily routine?

Hmm the everyday carry item for a Ninja? Ahh, my mask and my sword! (laughs) Not really. I have two things I carry with me. The first is what I call The C.M.S. — the challenge mindset. This is the mindset that forces me to think outside of the box. I never carry the same items consistently because I don't want to become reliant or complacent. I am always challenging myself with “what ifs” and “how would I…” This way, if I go somewhere where I can't have an item like a knife or a gun, I don't feel lost or naked. Life is constantly changing therefore so am I.

There is one physical thing I carry in my car or my bag, and that is a creation I made called the Life Baton. It's a survival kit that has everything I would need to survive outdoors. So the simple answer is C.M.S and the Life Baton. Most of the time being a instructor in FCS Kali and Black Tiger Kali, I also carry a knife, but not all the time.

OG: Thanks again for taking the time to talk with us. For those of our fans who'd like to stay up-to-date on your latest projects, what's the best way to follow you?

The best ways to follow me are my web sites — Hakim-Isler.com, TheSoilFoundation.org, BlackMacGyver.com — or you can follow me on Facebook.

For more information on Kicking & Screaming, check out FOX.com/kicking-and-screaming or tune in on Thursday at 9/8C.

Unconventional Weapon: Braverman Stinger Pen Gun

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They say the pen is mightier than the sword, but everyone knows that's not a literal statement. In this case, however, it might be. The “pen” seen here is actually a single-shot pistol, which folds open like a Transformers toy to reveal a tiny trigger. It's called the Braverman Stinger, and it was produced by R.J. Braverman from approximately 1993 to 1997.

Despite the obscurity of this miniature firearm, its mechanism is interesting to say the least. It was supposedly designed with this folding mechanism in order to avoid being categorized as an AOW (“any other weapon”) under the National Firearms Act (NFA). By folding open at an angle before it can be fired, the ATF ruled that it resembled an actual firearm enough to be classified as an ordinary pistol. This makes it much easier to obtain than other disguised weapons, like cane guns — or it would, if more of these Braverman Stinger guns ever made it to the market before the parent company went out of business.

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The Braverman Stinger was available in several calibers. .22 LR, .22 Magnum, .25 ACP, .32 ACP, and .380 ACP. There was even a rare factory gold-plated model for the James Bond fans. Ian of the YouTube channel Forgotten Weapons got his hands on a .25 caliber model for the video below, and discusses the gun's interesting history and quirks. True to form, he also disassembles the gun and shows its functionality.

Unfortunately, the pen gun above was up for auction, so it couldn't be fired. Based on other YouTube videos, they do in fact fire, but only about as well as you'd expect from a bent tube without a proper pistol grip, sights, or trigger. So, what do you think of this non-NFA pen gun? Is it a cool real-life spy gadget, or something that doesn't have much use beyond the silver screen?

New: Kershaw Dividend Folding Knife

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For many, buying made-in-the-USA products can be a difficult decision as a result of limited finances. Of course, it's nice to buy locally-made products and support American businesses, but the bottom line is that these items must first be affordable.

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If an item is made in the USA, but it's far outside your budget, you may have to compromise and settle for a more affordable option. Fortunately, Kershaw has recently introduced some new EDC folding knives that make this purchasing decision easier. They're made in the USA, but also affordably-priced, starting at $60.

The Kershaw Link

The American-made Kershaw Link (right) led to the development of the new Dividend.

The first knife in this series was the Link, which we tested and carried as part of our EDC. We liked this blade a lot, and apparently so did others — the success of the Link model has led Kershaw to release a follow-up design. This all-new folding knife is called the Dividend, and like the Link, it's made at Kershaw's Tualatin, Oregon factory.

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The Kershaw Dividend is a slim and sleek design, intended for comfortable pocket carry. Its 3-inch blade has a simple drop-point design with a broad belly, which looks to be ideal for slicing packages and other daily tasks. The blade is constructed from Kershaw's reliable 420HC steel, the same material used on the Link, as well as the tried-and-true Chive and Scallion blades.

Kershaw Dividend folding knife blade USA 5

The Dividend is a flipper design, with Kershaw's SpeedSafe assisted-opening tech and a simple liner lock mechanism. The standard Dividend model is priced at $60, and features a textured glass-filled nylon handle. For $10 extra, buyers can opt for the Dividend Gray, which has matte gray anodized aluminum handle scales for a sleeker appearance and heavier feel.

Kershaw Dividend folding knife blade USA 2

Kershaw snuck some nods to American heritage into this knife series — the Link is Model 1776, while the Dividend is Model 1812. We can only hope the Alamo 1836 or Emancipator 1860 are up next.

Kershaw Dividend folding knife blade USA 3

For more information on the new Kershaw Dividend, visit Kershaw.KaiUSAltd.com.

Survival Capsule Tsunami Escape Pod

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For residents of low-lying coastal cities and islands, a tsunami is a worst-nightmare scenario. In the face of an incoming surge of water, there are only two possible options: evacuate to higher ground within minutes or get caught in the deadly flood. If early warning systems fail or escape routes become overly congested, coastal residents may become trapped within minutes, with nowhere to go.

The raw footage above from the 2011 Japanese tsunami demonstrates how quickly seawater can flood coastal areas. Despite sophisticated early warning systems and evacuation plans, 16,000 people died in this tragic event.

Survival Capsule tsunami flood waterproof boat 4

After learning of the damage caused by this and other recent tsunamis, aeronautical engineer Julian Sharpe had an idea. He decided to create his vision for a spherical tsunami escape pod, which would float atop the waves and protect those who are unable to evacuate in time. The device is called the Survival Capsule, and it's built by Sharpe's company in Mukilteo, Washington.

Survival Capsule tsunami flood waterproof boat 2

The Survival Capsule is formed from welded aircraft-grade aluminum with a watertight marine hatch. The porthole windows are built from bulletproof glass, the interior is lined with ceramic insulation, and there's a built-in GPS locator beacon. Onboard air tanks and sealable vents provide oxygen to passengers, and there is storage space for food, drinking water, and other supplies.

Safety seats with four-point harnesses keeps passengers securely seated. The standard model seats two adults, but other models are planned with a capacity of up to 10 individuals.

Survival Capsule tsunami flood waterproof boat 3

Sharpe is also the owner of IDEA International, a company which stress-tests aerospace products, so the Survival Capsule has been tested accordingly. The Survival Capsule site states, “The sphere will withstand the initial impact of a natural disaster, as well as sharp object penetration, heat exposure, blunt object impact, and rapid deceleration.” Drop and penetration test footage can be seen in the video below:

However, some disaster experts question the safety of a spherical tsunami pod. In a recent article by the Seattle Times, regional emergency management director Chuck Wallace stated, “What if you get stuck under debris, or something tears it and it leaks? You’re just not going to convince me they’re safe.” Also, all this protection comes at a price — $13,500 for a two-person Survival Capsule. The four-person model will reportedly cost $17,500 when it becomes available.

For more information about the Survival Capsule, visit Survival-Capsule.com.