Warning! This article is meant to be an overview and not a detailed guide on identifying and consuming edible plants. Seek guidance from a trained botanist before attempting to eat any plants. Any attempt to consume plants shall solely be at the reader’s risk.
Hunting is an important survival skill, whether that is for live animals or wild edible plants. You could kill deer or wild boar with a rifle or bow, snag small game in snares, take down birds with a slingshot, or spear fish in streams. However, it's equally important to incorporate edible plants, fruits, and vegetables into your survival diet—especially because you may not always be able to hunt successfully when your life depends on it.
Foraging for Wild Edible Plants
Few things are as rewarding as being able to identify a wild edible plant and harvesting it for consumption, but this skill is not without a level of risk. There are plants out there which look very similar to the edible versions, but can be fatally toxic. So, how can you start foraging for wild edible plants? Obviously, you don't want to ingest anything poisonous, so you'll need to know what to look for first. The infographic below from Ava's Flowers provides some great information and illustrations to get you started.
If you're interested in reading more on the subject, check out the other infographic we featured from Ava's Flowers, called “The Devil's Greenhouse“. It goes into more detail on toxic plants that you should avoid at all costs.
This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.
It is conceivable that after the onset of a large-scale disaster, our current-day communications equipment of choice, smart phones, which depend on a complex infrastructure to operate, would quickly become little more than paperweights in our pockets. With traditional means of communications out of action, what would be other go-to options we could lean on?
When the subject of communications in disaster scenarios comes up, immediate thoughts go to high-powered radio systems, including CB and Ham radio. While those systems are excellent tools that can put you in touch with those who are many miles away, they do require training, specialized equipment, and power sources that might be hard to come by in order to operate. For their ease of use, relatively low power usage, and low cost, FRS and GMRS two-way radios, or walkie-talkies, should not be overlooked.
Radio communications are important in disaster situations and can be used to help coordinate information between individuals or groups such as family members. Not all radios need to be of the long-range variety. Short-range radios, such as those that operate on FRS and GMRS bands, work well in areas covering a couple of miles. Your health status, position, and security situation can easily be relayed between basecamp and someone who is out foraging for supplies. Likewise, coordinating the search for fellow survivors in the collapsed rubble of a metropolitan wasteland is difficult at best without wireless communications. A rescuer could likely become a victim without the ability to coordinate assistance when trying to pull out another victim. Coordinating your neighborhood after a disaster and checking up on neighbors is a process that can be sped up with the use of short-range radios. Radios are a critical communication tool that can greatly improve the efficiency of almost any operation.
FRS and GMRS
Handheld two-way radios are the most cost-effective method of talking at ranges where yelling becomes impractical. Walkie-talkies operate on FRS and GMRS bands. FRS stands for Family Radio Service and encompasses low-power transmissions at as much as 0.5 watt. FRS bands are free of charge to operate on and require no license. GMRS is short for General Mobile Radio Service and does require licensing with the FCC. The license requires an $85 fee for a five-year term, even though a license is not required to buy a GMRS radio. GMRS radios require more power over FRS units, and in the radio world, more power means longer range. GMRS radios commonly have 1- to 2-watt transmissions, but can get as much as 50 watts, which gives it some pretty decent reach. Most radios on the market today are hybrid GMRS/FRS radios, possessing the capability of using both bands.
Features
Radios available on the consumer market greatly range in both price and quality. As with most things in this world, the cost reflects increases in durability, reliability, clarity, and range. Most units feature distance ratings that are very optimistic. We find that in real-world scenarios that structures, obstructions, elevations, weather patterns, and electrical signals, among other things, cut those distances down significantly. As a rule of thumb, cut those ratings in half, if not more. Test your chosen radio for use in your intended area of use to make sure that unit works for you.
Many walkie-talkies include rechargeable batteries that can be replaced with disposable batteries. Radios that have mini-USB-charging capability can be charged with a solar charger, as well, so keep that in mind, too. Water- and dust-resistance is rated by Ingress Protection (IP) rating. IP ratings have two digits; the first digit measures Intrusion Protection and the second is for Moisture Protection. See the chart for detailed rating information.
Channels
FRS radios have seven channels that are shared with GMRS radios and an additional seven channels that are for FRS use only, giving it 14 total channels. Higher-powered GMRS radios have 22 channels, including the shared FRS channels, which give GMRS users more flexibility to find a clear line to talk on.
Privacy Codes
Aside from the main channels, radios also have privacy codes. Privacy codes subdivide channels into more channels so that the user can find a clear channel to use when others are taken. In a busy radio environment, you and your party might get traffic on Channel 1/Code 0, but when you switch to Channel 1/Code 5, you find it clear to use. Most radios have 22 privacy codes and some have more, helping make plenty of channel/code combinations to choose from. Be aware, however, that privacy codes don't work the way you probably think they do. They don't encode your transmission; instead, they encode your receiver to only pick up transmissions on the same privacy code. For example, if you are on Channel 3/Code 4, you could only hear transmissions on the same code, but if someone else were on Channel 3/Code 0 (0 being no privacy code), they would be able to hear all transmissions on Channel 3, regardless of code, including yours.
Transmission Range
Now that we've broken all that down, what does all that mumbo jumbo mean in the real world? Well, for starters, even in ideal conditions, if you're operating a radio in FRS mode, meaning 0.5-watt transmission power, your range will be limited to (generously speaking) 6 miles. In any sort of urban area with obstructed lines of sight or in a dense forest, that range is going to drop to 2 miles or less even on GMRS. Your range will be affected by myriad factors, including terrain (hills and trees), weather, electromagnetic noise (solar flares, power lines, and so on), and steel and concrete structures.
Up to 6 Miles (Urban) Up to 8 Miles (Lake) Up to 18 Miles (Mountain to Valley)
Remember, line of sight is the name of the game. If you want to transmit long distances, you will need to be able to see your other party. If you can't see them, chances are, your range is going to drop significantly. Our tested effective range on the Motorola MT350R in a suburban residential area on GMRS from inside a moving vehicle was at about 2 miles. Your mileage may vary, so this is not gospel, but be aware that range is limited. Most of the time, none of this will matter because you will be speaking to someone only a few buildings over, at most, a few blocks away, and range limitations should not be a major issue. Frequent radio check-ins will prevent this range limitation from sneaking up on you and will mitigate communications losses and blackouts from terrain and structures.
No matter which unit you choose, keep in mind its limitations, and be sure to test out how it'll work out in your environment before committing it to your disaster preparedness plan. Remember that short-range communications you get from handheld FRS and GRMS radios can be as important as the long-range comms you get from Ham or CB radio. Stay safe out there, and stay prepared. You never know when the next disaster will strike.
Ingress Protection Rating
First Digit (Intrusion Protection)
0 >> No special protection
1 >> Protected against solid objects from 50 mm or more 2 >> Protected against solid objects from 12.5 mm or more 3 >> Protected against solid objects from 2.5 mm or more 4 >> Protected against solid objects from 1 mm or more 5 >> Protected against dust that may harm equipment 6 >> Totally dust tight
Second Digit (Moisture Protection)
0 >> No protection 1 >> Protection against condensation 2 >> Protection against water droplets deflected as much as 15 degrees from vertical 3 >> Protected against spray as much as 60 degrees from vertical 4 >> Protected against splashes of water from all directions 5 >> Protection against low-pressure water jets from all directions 6 >> Protection against powerful water jets from all directions 7 >> Protected against temporary immersion 8 >> Protected against prolonged immersion
Make & Model - Cobra CXT235 Band Type - GMRS/FRS Channels - 22 Privacy Codes - 121 Claimed Range - 20 mi Weight - 3.7 oz (with battery) Battery Type - rechargeable (included), 4 AAA (not included) MSRP - $59.99 URL - http://www.cobra.com Notes - Featuring a compact size and uncluttered buttons, the CXT235 is a full-featured walkie-talkie with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes in a robust package. It doesn't have the bells and whistles as higher-priced models, but it gets the job done just as well. In urban settings, the best we could squeeze out of it was a bit less than 2 miles of range. Comes with 2 radios per package. Features - VOX capability for hands-free usage NOAA weather emergency radio and alert Scan to see what channels are in use Low-battery alert Keypad lock Belt clips (2) Wall charger with Y plug
Featuring a compact size and uncluttered buttons, the CXT235 is a full-featured walkie-talkie with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes in a robust package.
Make & Model - Midland GXT1000VP4 Band Type - GMRS/FRS Channels - 50 Privacy Codes - 285 Claimed Range - 36 mi Weight - 7.4 oz (with battery) Battery Type - rechargeable (included), 4 AA (not included) MSRP - $89.99 URL - http://www.midlandusa.com Notes - While it has good overall quality, its controls are complex and are not laid out ergonomically. The use of additional channels seemed to cause difficulties, as it was unable to cross-talk to Motorola units operating on the same channel. We experienced a useful range of about 2 miles in urban environments, though transmission quality could be spotty at times. Comes with 2 radios per package. Features - 285 privacy codes, 6,270 channel options Audible SOS siren Silent vibrate alert mode NOAA weather alert radio Belt clips (2) Desktop charger AC and DC adapters Boom mic headsets (2)
The Midland GX1000VP4 has good overall quality but can be hard to use with the number of complex controls. Still it has a useful range of 2 miles in urban environments.
Make & Model - Motorola Talkabout MD200R Band Type - GMRS/FRS Channels - 22 Privacy Codes - 0 Claimed Range - 20 mi Weight - 5.2 oz (with battery) Battery Type - rechargeable (included), 3 AA (not included) MSRP - $49.99 URL - http://www.motorolasolutions.com Notes - The construction of the capable MD200R feels solid for an inexpensive unit. The recessed power button is good for preventing accidental activation, and the lanyard loop is convenient. Its range for us was just more than a mile in urban environments. Comes with 2 radios per package. Features - Hands-free speaker iVOX mode Built-in flashlight NOAA weather alert radio Belt clips (2) Y cable wall adapter with two mini-USB connectors
The construction of the capable MD200R feels solid for an inexpensive unit, and the recessed power button is good for preventing accidental activation!
Make & Model - Motorola Talkabout MG160A Band Type - GMRS/FRS Channels - 22 Privacy Codes - 0 Claimed Range - 16 mi Weight - 3.7 oz (with battery) Battery Type - 3 AAA (not included) MSRP - $29.99 URL - http://www.motorolasolutions.com Notes - Positives of the MG160A are the ease of use and low price. You can buy a number of these to leave in bug-out bags and designated places. It is easy enough for everyone in your household to use, including children. That being said, it has very limited capabilities, as we tested its range to go out only about half a mile in dense urban terrain. Comes with 2 radios per package. Features - Scan to see what channels are in use Low-battery alert Keypad lock Belt clips (2)
Great because of it's ease of use and low price, the MG160A is cheap enough to buy a number of and leave in bug-out bags, and is easy enough for everyone in your household to use, including children.
Make & Model - Motorola Talkabout MT350R Band Type - GMRS/FRS Channels - 22 Privacy Codes - 121 Claimed Range - 35 mi Weight - 7.4 oz (with battery) Battery Type - rechargeable (included), 3 AA (not included) MSRP - $89.99 URL - http://www.motorolasolutions.com Notes - We found the MT350R easy to read and use, and we noticed an excellent overall build quality. The built-in LED flashlight proved unexpectedly useful. Its tested range was 2 miles in boosted-power mode in the city. Transmission from the top of a local dam proved strong enough to communicate to an unobstructed area more than 3 miles away. Comes with 2 radios per package. Features - 285 privacy codes, 6,270 channel options Hands-free speaker iVOX mode Silent vibrating ringer Built-in flashlight IP-54 rated NOAA weather alert radio Belt clips (2) Y cable wall adapter with two mini-USB connectors
The MT350R is easy to read and use, and we noticed an excellent overall build quality. Not to mention, the built-in LED flashlight proved unexpectedly useful.
This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.
G-10 isn't the latest business jet that all the iced-out rappers are flying in these days. It's a durable material that's popular as handle scales for knives. Its use on folders and fixed blades has become more prevalent in recent years — particularly among cops, troops, bushcrafters, and outdoor adventurers who are looking for something that can take a serious beating in the most serious conditions.
Some people assume that the blade is the most (and only) important part of a knife, but the handle is just as important. Without a sturdy grip, you wouldn't be able to keep the tool in your hand, let alone use it for any vital tasks. So the handle is the yin to the blade's yang. Both are equally important; that's why more and more manufacturers are putting G-10 scales on their knives.
However, not every end user of a G-10 handle really knows what he wields in his hand. Is it plastic? Is it fiberglass? Why is it so expensive? Does it really perform when SHTF? In this case, the marketing is true: G-10 is among the best knife handle materials to be in your palm in an emergency situation.
Benefits
G-10 is actually a laminate. It's made of layers of fiberglass cloth that are soaked in an epoxy resin binder and then compressed under high pressure before being baked. What does that all mean? It means G-10 has all the strengths of other popular synthetic materials, but fewer weaknesses.
Strength:
It's incredibly strong, so unlike more traditional knife handle materials such as wood, G-10 won't crack, break, chip, or scratch easily. It also stabilizes the knife by providing outstanding lateral support, preventing flexing during hardcore use, such as, maybe, cutting through a fuselage.
Lightweight:
As the saying goes, ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain. G-10 provides tremendous benefits in an extremely light package, helping to keep the weight of a knife down. It reportedly has the same tensile strength as aluminum, but is 30 percent lighter. So a G-10 knife is ideal if you have to GTFO, but can carry only a limited load.
Grip:
Slippage is rarely an issue with a G-10 handle, because it can be textured to a variety of patterns and finishes that provide both a badass aesthetic and a sturdy grip. (It also comes in different colors, another reason for its popularity.)
Low Maintenance:
When you're off-grid, finding knife oils is probably pretty low on your priority list. Thankfully, G-10 is a low-maintenance kind of gal. She doesn't need any polishing products like a stag handle does, and when she does get dirty she cleans up quickly with dish soap, a toothbrush, and warm water.
Electrical Insulation:
G-10 was developed in the mid-20th century as a base for circuit boards because it doesn't conduct electricity. Today, it's used in a variety of applications, from electrical equipment and medical diagnostics to rocket cases and antennae insulators. Unless you plan on stabbing a Decepticon anytime soon, electrical insulation for a knife is probably an unnecessary attribute — but it is kinda cool to have. Everything-Proof… Almost:
G-10 is resistant to chemicals and doesn't absorb water or even moisture, which means it won't rust, shrink, or expand. It also doesn't conduct heat or cold. So if you accidentally drop your knife in snow or lay it too close to a heat source, you can still handle it immediately without numbing or burning your hand.
Conclusion
There's no such thing as a perfect handle, and the same holds true for G-10. But, most of the complaints about G-10 stem more from the way a particular handle feels in hand or in your pocket (e.g. it's too thick, too thin, too smooth, too rough, etc.) as opposed to the properties of the material itself. Some non-believers say that G-10 will crack under a hard impact, but so will pretty much any other knife handle material that's not rubber or metallic. Besides, if you've just been hit with enough force to crack G-10, you have much bigger things to worry about than the condition of your handle.
It's a tough-as-nails material that gives the end user an assured grip during all manner of duties, from light-duty chores like cutting paracord to hardcore tasks like batoning wood logs. It requires almost zero care, can be used in any environment, and will last like nobody's business.
With this in mind, we present you with a guide to some of the more recent knives that feature G-10 handles. Though varying in size, shape, and texture, they all have one thing in common: superior quality and functionality. We're certain you'll find one that fits your needs.
G-10 Handles Do More Than Just Provide Some Traction
Make & Model - Benchmade Knife Co. 916 Triage Length Open - 8 and 3⁄16 inches Length Closed - 4 and 13⁄16 inches Blade Length - 3 and 3⁄16 inches Weight - 5.2 ounces Blade Material - N680 (main blade), 440C (safety cutter) Blade Edge - Combo (pictured), plain edge Colorway - BK1 coated blade/orange handle (pictured), metal blade/black handle, BK1 coated blade/black handle, metal blade/orange handle MSRP - $185 URL - http://www.benchmade.com Features - AXIS locking mechanism Hook-shaped safety cutter Carbide glass breaker
The Benchmade Knife Co. 916 Triage is a long 8 3/16 inches when extended and has a locking mechanism with a hooked-shaped safety clutter to keep you safe when it's closed.
Make & Model - Gerber Mini Swagger AO Length Open - 6 and 5⁄16 inches Length Closed - 3 and 9⁄16 inches Blade Length - 2 and 3⁄4 inches Weight - 1.8 ounces Blade Material - 7Cr17MoV Blade Edge - Straight Colorway - Silver blade/black handle (pictured), black blade/black handle MSRP - $38 URL - http://www.gerbergear.com Features - Smooth opening Partially serrated drop-point style Lighter than a handful of change
The Gerber Mini Swagger AO is a smooth opening partially serrated knife with a drop-point style and is lighter than a handful of change.
Make & Model - Kershaw Knives RJ I Length Open - 81⁄8 inches Length Closed - 4 and 5⁄8 inches Blade Length - 3 and 1⁄2 inches Weight - 4.4 ounces Blade Material - 8CR13MOV, titanium carbo-nitride coating Blade Edge - Two-step serration Colorway - Metal blade/black handle MSRP - $49.95 URL - http://www.kershaw.kaiusaltd.com Features - RJ Martin's blade design and grind gives piercing power of a tanto with just enough curve to the belly for slicing aptitude, as well Titanium carbo-nitride coating SpeedSafe-assisted opening system
Check out the Kershaw Knives RJ I with a SpeedSafe-assisted opening system for the titanium carbo-nitrate coated blade.
The power of nature can be a great and terrible force, whether it's manifested through hurricanes, tornados, lightning strikes, earthquakes, or any other natural disaster. Volcanic eruptions are just one more to add to the list… but not for the reasons you might think.
Sure, volcanoes can spew choking ash, poisonous gas, and red-hot lava—most of us know about these dangers already. However, most of the general public isn't as familiar with the dangers posed by submarine or underwater volcanoes. Even if they're not erupting, they can produce pockets of bubbles under the surface that reduce the water's density and can even sink ships.
A graphic from The Daily Mail illustrating the threat of underwater volcanoes.
The illustration above from The Daily Mail shows how the process happens. Looking out across the surface of the water, nothing may appear wrong, but tiny bubbles can cause ships to lose buoyancy with little warning. Imagine sailing along, and then watching as the deck of your ship falls through the surface of the water—it's a pretty horrifying thought.
Now, you may be thinking this is science fiction or some sort of Bermuda Triangle myth, but it's actually a real phenomenon. In 1952, Japanese research vessel Kaiyo Maru No. 5 sank while investigating an undersea volcano, killing all 31 crew members.
An underwater volcano eruption releasing gas and lava. Source: NOAA/Wikipedia
There's also strong suspicion the underwater volcano Kick 'em Jenny (yes, we know, it's a strange name for a volcano) sank the Island Queen in 1944, killing all 67 people on board. No debris was ever found on the surface, indicating that the ship sank without a trace. Even today, there's a maritime exclusion zone that diverts ships around the Kick 'em Jenny volcano due to the danger.
In 2006, sailors aboard the yacht Maiken came across a huge patch of sandy material in the South Pacific near the Vava'u Islands. At first, they thought it was a sandbar, but as they got closer, it turned out to be floating pumice stone, spanning as far as the eye could see. They sailed through this patch of stone, wondering what caused it.
Photos taken by the crew of the Maiken as it sailed over an erupting volcano.
Shortly after reaching the other side of the pumice “sandbar”, a massive volcanic eruption broke the surface behind them. The Maiken had sailed over an active volcano, miraculously not hitting a gas pocket or sustaining any damage. You can view the rest of the Maiken's photos here.
Although submarine volcanoes can be unpredictable, the safest option is to avoid marked maritime exclusion zones—and don't let your curiosity about strange phenomenon at sea lead you into danger.
Today we had the opportunity to interview a very special guest: Doug Marcaida. Doug is a man of many talents—he's the founder and expert martial arts instructor at Marcaida Kali, an experienced knife designer (known for the DART karambit), and also one of the judges on the History channel hit TV series Forged in Fire.
Even though he has been on the road in Europe, Doug graciously answered our questions and gave us some insight into his martial arts and knife-designing philosophies. In fact, he gave us so much good info, we decided to split it into two parts for both RECOILweb and OFFGRIDweb readers. Check out the Q&A below, then hit the link at the bottom of this page for even more of Doug's answers at RECOILweb.
General Questions
OFFGRIDweb: First of all, thanks very much for taking the time to chat with us today. For our readers who aren't familiar, please tell us a little about Marcaida Kali, and the martial arts training philosophy you pass along to your students.
Doug Marcaida: Marcaida Kali is my personal interpretation of the different Filipino Martial Arts systems I trained in. It is a weapons-based art that develops the use of tools as weapons, because in the end, the methodology and training process is to be able to realize and use what is to me the only weapon: your mind.
The philosophy of this art is that “it's not about how many you hurt, but how many you can protect”. Honor and integrity through the practice of the arts. Many times, we get caught up with how bad ass one's martial arts is. Well, these are weapons. We know that there is a body count. Let's not glorify the obvious, but find the responsibility one gets from training, and also seek to develop the good attributes aside from the physical skills and bring back what good qualities martial training develops in a person.
OG: We're excited to check out the new season of Forged in Fire on the History channel. Can you tell us a little about your involvement in the show, and how that started?
DM: I am one of the judges in the show, and I represent the end user of the weapons. In the end, these works of art have to prove to be fully-functional weapons that will have to stand up to a strength and durability, sharpness and kill test. I simply get to test the weapons with the specially-designed tests. Because this is a competition, I have to let the weapons do the work so we can differentiate and pick the best weapon presented.
OG: What was one of the biggest challenges about being part of a major TV show?
DM: The biggest challenge for me is not being able to go up against a target that fights back to give me a true test of the weapons capabilities, because my expertise is about the use of the weapons in combat. Also, that these are fully functional and sharpened weapons that I do not touch till the actual testing. I don't have time to dial in my strikes or get familiar with the weapon. There is no “do over” aside from testing with a sharp weapon, safety is also important.
This is a competition about weapons forging, and not about me or what I do. But I am blessed to be part of an exciting show that on a personal level has taught me so many things about the weapons I wield. It's almost as if I've come full circle, because now I also understand the creation process and don't limit myself to the design and use of edged weapons.
OG: We're sure there were also many upsides to being on Forged in Fire. How has being on TV positively impacted you and your business?
DM: The biggest upside for me is that I have learned so much about the weapons I train with. From discovering iconic weapons from history to understanding the process of blade making. It has allowed to give a true personal understanding, and in a romantic sense, to be able to see the process where the soul of the blade smith is transferred to the weapon.
In terms of business, I can't deny the exposure has allowed people to see my craft and what I do when they search deeper into who the judges are. Kali or Filipino Martial Arts are not as exposed as other arts. It's used in many movies like the Bourne series, to Blade and even 300. But in due time with the advent of media and shows like this, it really helps give exposure to my craft.
OG: How did you begin your career as a knife designer?
DM: One of our methodologies of training is to have trainers that match the real knives or weapons you would carry on a regular basis. And in the weapons world, like underwear… you can't only have one. (laughs)
In my training group, we would often discuss the attributes of our tactics and then imagine what kind of knife or weapon would best allow us to execute the desired result or action. This then allowed me to design the blades we use in our group. That's how I got started.
OG: If you could go back in time with the knowledge you have now, would you have approached your knife-designing career differently?
DM: Design wise, no. I'm quite blessed that my journey has been a positive one, even with some ups and downs. But what I would have liked to add is the forging process.
OG: How important are knives in Marcaida Kali? What if your student is without a knife?
DM: Knives are tools. It's the attribute of a tool that has an edge. If you train in our system and understand the process, then you would realize that you are never without a weapon, because you are the weapon. And your environment always provides you with tools.
The use of tools is important because they are force multipliers in combat. And the true nature of combat is weapons or tools use. Not hand-to-hand combat, as history has shown. There never was a battle or war fought with hand-to-hand combat. Somebody always ruins the party and shows up with a knife. (laughs) But we also know that a knife can be an equalizer—a 7-year-old or 90-year-old can punch and hit, and their age makes a difference in damage. But a knife wielded by someone the same age? Get my point?
What we also teach is that everything has to be wielded by the body. So, we choose something inanimate that doesn't affect the body. It's a risk to make skin-to-skin contact. Our hands are for loving, and an inanimate object never complains when it hits or gets hit. Our training uses the same moves with or without a tool. We call these physical weapons. But once again we go for the choice that gives us maximum effect for the least effort or risk. In survival, it's about making the best choices that give you the highest percentage of success.
OFFGRIDweb Exclusive Questions
OG: Do you carry a knife every day? If so, please tell us about the knife you have with you today, and the features that made you choose it as part of your EDC.
DM: My EDC varies, depending on what I feel like carrying or what matches my shoes. Today it might be the DART knife, but for more rugged use I have designed the DART XT, which is coming out in March. It's based on the Direct Action Response theory for use. It has to have the ability to open as it deploys. It has to have the ability for retention, which is a ring. It can be used for impact if not deployed, and straight bladed for EDC use.
On another design venture, I have a collaboration with another designer Bastien Bastinelli with new knives that tell stories. The Le Piquer or scalpel shiv, the fast-opening folder we call the Mako, and a blade called the Contrador. Watch for it.
Just as times change, so do the designs of knives and tactics. I always like to engage my thoughts, and designing knives and their uses is my creative process that keeps my passion for what I do active and ever-evolving. And yes, there is another project that will reflect this. Just like my videos show the constant movement and flow, so goes the constant movement and ideas in my head. I know, it's too much coffee and energy drinks.
OG: What other essential tools does your EDC usually incorporate?
DM: The ability to cut, deploy quickly, ease of carry and concealment if need be, retention, and to have an option to use as an impact weapon.
OG: In previous OFFGRID Web posts, we have mentioned the potential dangers of attempting to fend off a knife attack while unarmed. What would you advise a reader to do if an attacker draws a knife, and the reader is unarmed?
DM: If you have time to think and react, then you have time to run. But if you have time to pick anything up, or use your environment, do so. Never stay in one place. Always move. For knives to hit their mark you need close distance. A moving target is hard to hit. A target that moves and hits back is the kind of target you want to be. So, learn how to attack. Learn to make offense your defense. If you are faced with no other choice, then you fight a knife. You don't defend against it. That requires training. Be vigilant about your own safety. Study something.
Doug has trained civilians, military members, and law enforcement officers around the world.
OG: On the other hand, what would you say about a reader drawing a knife to defend themselves against an unarmed attacker, or a group of attackers?
DM: In the eyes of the law, you can only do what is required to keep you safe or defuse the situation of danger. The one-upmanship may only apply to military or law enforcement, not civilians. Like I said, if you have the time to draw a knife from a concealed carry, did you have the time to run? Is your choice of drawing a knife against an unarmed attacker going to be justified in a court of law? The one thing based on your question says “unarmed ATTACKER”. There are laws that protect you and allow you protect yourself with lethal force if your life is in danger. Survive, but be smart. Make the right choices. 9 times out of 10, you probably could have gone less-than-lethal and de-escalated the situation.
You've probably realized it by now: we're pretty passionate about knives. It's bordering on all-out obsession. In our defense, a good knife is extremely important to any survivalist, no matter the environment. Your knife is your shelter construction tool, your kindling-gathering implement, your cooking utensil, and even your self-defense weapon.
Choosing a good knife matters, and that's why we talk about it as often as we do.
The TOPS Anaconda 7B is constructed of ultra-tough 1095 carbon steel.
So, how do you choose the right knife? Well, there are a lot of factors to consider, like size, shape, weight, folding or fixed blade, additional features, and cost. However, there's one factor that might just top all the others: the steel. After all, a knife is essentially just a sharpened hunk of steel with a handle, so its molecular composition changes everything.
Vanadium (seen here in pure form) is added to many premium steels to improve wear resistance. Photo: Wikipedia
Trust us, analyzing knife steel is a deep rabbit hole. If you read enough about the metallurgy process, you'll feel like you need a degree in Materials Engineering to understand it all. Fortunately for us, there are some tools online that make knife steel comparison much easier.
A chart from Knife Informer (formerly Best Pocket Knife Today) comparing common blade steel types.
The Zero Tolerance 0630 uses high-end S35VN steel, but it comes at a premium price.
The guide also covers the differences between tool steel, carbon steel, and stainless. Then, it gives brief introductions to some of the most common knife steels, and their strengths and weaknesses.
Keep in mind that the guide's “Ultra Premium”, “Mid-Range”, and “Low-End” labels are a subjective touch. It refers to 1095 carbon steel as “Lower Mid-Range”, but also mentions that its extreme toughness and ease of sharpening makes it one of the best choices for a fixed-blade survival knife. So, don't rule out a knife based on that metric.
The Benchmade Triage uses Bohler N680, which features extreme corrosion resistance.
For a more in-depth look at knife steel composition, check out Knife Informer's excellent Knife Steel Composition Chart. It breaks down the elemental composition used in each type of steel, for those who want to dive deeper into the technical side.
No matter what steel you choose, do your research beforehand. Otherwise, you might end up with an expensive, dull paperweight.
Special thanks to reader Sean H. for the tip about the Steel Composition Chart.
New-York-based premium blade manufacturer Steel Will Knives has released a new folding knife design, and it certainly caught our eye. It's called the Apostate, and the company claims it offers excellent performance and materials not typically found in its sub-$200 price range.
The Apostate 1108 features a drop point blade, which is best for slicing cuts.
Specifically, the Apostate is offered for $175. So, what do you get for that chunk of change? Quite a bit, actually. It features a 4.1-inch S35VN powered steel blade, coated in a wear-resistant dark grey finish. We've taken a liking to S35VN lately, as we've found it can maintain a razor-sharp edge, and it resists the microscopic chips other steels (like S30V) can be prone to.
The 5.5-inch handle is composed of two materials: titanium with an integrated frame lock on one side, and textured G10 scale on the other side. This construction allows it to maintain a relatively light 6.3oz weight.
The Apostate 1113 features a tanto blade, superior for piercing.
The Apostate also implements a ceramic ball bearing pivot, and is said to open smoothly with one finger. Prospective buyers can choose from either a drop point (Model 1108) or tanto (Model 1113) blade shape.
For more information on the new Steel Will Knives Apostate folder, check out SteelWillKnives.com.
For anyone who needs to survive in the great outdoors, a good ax is one of the most important tools to own. It lets you fell trees with minimal effort, and quickly gather the necessary components for campfires and improvised shelters. However, an ax (sometimes spelled “axe”) isn't just a crude wood handle with a sharp metal wedge at the end—there's a lot more to this seemingly simple tool than you might think.
If you'd like to learn more about the long history and design elements of this important chopping tool, the U.S. Forest Service has an excellent resource called An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual. This 68-page document was developed in 1999 by the United States Department of Agriculture for the Forest Service, and covers some of the following topics:
A brief history of the ax, and its evolution in America
Types and patterns of axes (and adzes)
How to sharpen an ax, and how to hang the head (mount it on the handle)
Various examples of using axes
Where to buy a good ax
How to chop an undercut and felling notch, and safely knock down a large tree.
Trust us, there's a ton of useful info and illustrations in the manual. Even if you only use an ax occasionally, you can learn something from it. We just found out that the phrase “can't get the hang of it” originated from lumberjacks struggling to mount their ax heads correctly—interesting, huh? Well, with this guide, you can get the hang of your ax head.
A few of the multitude of different ax head designs, and their associated weights.
Possibly the most useful part of the entire guide is its commentary on ax safety, and how to chop limbs off trees without accidentally removing a chunk of your own limb. It's essential for beginners and experts alike.
We're always on the lookout for new and innovative survival products, and sometimes we're truly amazed and baffled by what we see. Today is one of those days, because we just found out about “Somnambula”.
Somnambula—appropriately named after somnambulism, the medical term for sleepwalking—is a type of “multifunctional extreme clothing” that can be re-configured into anything from a vest to a sleeping bag. The product was developed by survival instructor Gleb Skorobogatov, who became popular for his Ukrainian-language survival video series Adapter Project (some of which are available with English subtitles).
A photo of Skorobogatov wearing the Somnambula.
The video below was released just a few days ago, as the very first demonstration of the things Somnambula can do:
According to the video description, Somnambula is essentially a tube of stretchy cotton fabric, with a number of strategically-placed zippers. These zippers allow Somnambula to be worn in “about twenty ways” including a vest, coveralls, hoodie, sweater, balaclava, head-to-toe sleeping bag, or even configurations that resemble a kilt.
Skorobogatov demonstrating fire-starting techniques in one of his Adapter videos.
From a survival standpoint, it's certainly wise to use gear that can be re-configured for a number of different uses, so we can see the value of this design from that standpoint. Skorobogatov also claims the Somnambula is lightweight, compact, and warm—all good things. However, we'd say his statement that it looks “extraordinary and trendy” might be up for debate.
These images and the video above give us a sneak peek at this creative apparel design, and Skorobogatov plans to unveil more details about it with the launch of a Kickstarter project in the near future. According to one interview, the Somnambula has already been in testing for several years, and has been worn extensively by Skorobogatov's friends in the field.
So, from what you've seen so far, would you be interested in adding a Somnambula to your survival kit? Or is the design a little too “extraordinary” for your tastes?
A key tenet of survival is working with limited resources, and making do with what you have or what you can find quickly. In urban scenarios, this may mean scavenging or even dumpster-diving for supplies.
Obviously, unless you're desperate, you probably won't want to eat food directly from a dumpster—but there's another important resource you can find in trash heaps: empty tin cans. One or two of these items can be used to create what's known as a “hobo stove” for heating food or boiling water efficiently.
One man's trash is another man's treasure. Don't be afraid to scavenge to survive.
The hobo tin can stove is about as simple as it gets. Find a large tin can, such as a coffee can or can of beans. If it's not already open, you can remove the top easily in most urban environments with the concrete can opener method. Then…
Cut a hole in one side of the can near the bottom. You can use a knife—or better yet, tin snips—to do the cutting. This hole will provide access to add fuel, and also allow oxygen into the stove.
Next, poke or drill smaller holes around the top of the can. These will serve as exhaust vents, and you'll want plenty of them so your fire isn't smothered.
Optional: poke more air holes around the base of the can. These will provide additional oxygen to keep the fire burning.
Insert some tinder (such as char cloth) and kindling, then light it up. Have more sticks on hand to keep the fire going.
Set some tent pins or wire mesh on top of the can, to prevent your pot or pan from tipping over or falling in. Start cooking!
To some, a rusty old can is useless garbage, but that's not true for a survivalist.
Here's a video that demonstrates the basic hobo tin can stove. The host uses power tools to cut the fuel hole quickly, but you can easily do it with a knife or tin snips and a little patience.
The one downside to this simple tin can stove is that it creates a lot of smoke, and may give away your position to others nearby. If you want to avoid the smoke, you can modify the design to create what's called a “gasifier stove”. Gasification causes the fuel to burn at a higher temperature, leading to cleaner combustion and less smoke.
To create a gasifier stove, you'll be nesting a small tin can inside a large tin can, and drilling the holes more strategically. Here's a demonstration of how to make a wood gas stove:
Regardless of how far you take this simple design, the fact remains that it uses only a discarded tin can (or two). That means it's easy to create in the field, and even if you can't build a full campfire, you'll be eating hot meals again in no time.
