Innholdsfortegnelse for Winter 2019 i Survivor's Edge

IT is bizarre to think that we all spend approximately one-third of our lives completely unconscious. If you live to be 90 years old, you will have spent nearly 30 of those years asleep in bed. And for the most part, scientists don’t know why we sleep, but they do know that a good night’s sleep is fundamental to our survival. When we are deprived of sleep, our bodies and minds go through a strange transformation, and it affects us all in different ways. In 1964, San Diego high school student Randy Gardner broke the world record for the longest time spent awake. Toward the end of his 264.4 hours without sleep, the doctor monitoring his health claimed Gardner began to experience hallucinations, short-term memory loss and paranoia. Gardner’s ability…

Freak Accident Tween survives deadly collision with 7,700-pound forklift The county roads of central England are an idyllic setting, just the kind of place to let children roam and explore. But before Leicestershire resident Donna Darlaston let her 10-year-old daughter, Amy, take her new bike out for a spin, she made sure she was wearing her helmet. That $30 investment turned out to be a lifesaver. On her very first ride on her new bike, Amy was hit by a forklift, knocked to the ground and run over. As soon as she heard the news, Donna rushed to the scene of the accident. “I needed to see my baby. I did not know if she was going to be alive or dead,” she said of those frightening early moments. When…

1 Sterilize jars 2 For meat, put about 2 inches of raw meat in the bottom of each quart jar. The meat should have the silver skin removed and then be cut into 2-inch cubes. Fill within 1 inch of the top. 3 For vegetables, put harder vegetables like beets or turnips next to the meat, then use your imagination and what is available. Onions, celery, cabbage, carrots, peas, beans and squash all work well. Tap the vegetables down so they are tightly packed. 4 Add broth or other liquid, and push a fork or canning tool down to the bottom of the jar to remove air bubbles and to get the liquid all the way to the bottom. 5 Wipe the rim of the jar with a damp cloth.…

From the simple to the extravagant, there are countless items to help protect you from the harsh intensity of the outdoors. From violent thunderstorms to torrential downpours to intense heat and sunshine that can wreak havoc on your skin, precautions must be taken before venturing into nature’s backyard. Here are five essentials that shouldn’t be missing from anyone’s supply bag. 1. PLASTIC PONCHO: Inexpensive, durable and small enough to fit into your pants pocket, a plastic poncho is a must-have no matter where you venture. Getting soaked by an unexpected storm can put you on the fast track to hypothermia, even if you’re in tropical or subtropical environments. At the first sign of a sprinkle, just unfold it, don it, and you’re all set. It’s always better to be safe…

Botany is a science that takes a lot of time and mental concentration. Ethnobotany is more specific, since it involves how plants are used, such as for food. So if you’re intending to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and “live off the land,” you need to be sure that you’re eating the right plant. Some toxic and poisonous plants look remarkably similar to the ones you want to eat. That’s why you need to study and do some field work. Never eat any plant until you have positively identified it. If in doubt, do without. One of the most frequent questions I am asked when teaching field trips on ethnobotany is whether or not there is a close poisonous lookalike to the edible plant I am showing. The…

Even if you travel in a fairly equipped vehicle, traversing the country can lead to many unpredictable situations. From underestimating your water supply in hot climates to food shortages to getting lost on winding backroads, your situation could mirror a true survival scenario. As such, the following basic survival tips and tricks should become part of your overall plan. PURIFYING WATER Going without water is a life-threatening circumstance because, after three days, you’re as good as dead. Learn to purify water found throughout your environment. Carry chemical treatments in tablet or liquid form, filtering straws, a gallon of bleach and a vessel to boil water over a stove or fire. FORAGING FOOD Having some skills in identifying local flora can land you a healthy and nutritious salad while on the…

Putting together the right team is often the key to producing special results. This is evident with the new Case Winkler Skinner. This versatile, American-made, hunting, survival and tactical fixed-blade knife is the product of collaboration between W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery and Winkler Knives. And it’s a worthy choice for any serious purpose. Daniel Winkler of Winkler Knives is a master bladesmith who has been making knives for more than 40 years in his semi-custom shop. On this design, he teamed up with retired U.S. Army special operator and U.S. Navy SEAL Kevin Holland, who was given the nickname “Skinner” by a commanding officer during the Navy SEAL selection process when it was learned that Holland had significant experience field-dressing small game as a young hunter and trapper. (He…

JUST recently, I read that one of the 10 most important items a survivor could carry is a good pair of binoculars. On that list, optical gear actually came in at number eight, sharing VIP status with medical supplies, water, tools and, of course, food. And it’s not hard to see why binoculars made the list. Unlike a pronghorn antelope whose eyes have a built-in telephoto effect for spotting danger, humans have a hard time discerning the finer details at longer ranges. In survival situations, we must keep abreast of those misguided individuals who might try to approach our compound without being seen, and this is where a good pair of extra eyes comes into play. While some may consider a high-powered spotting scope, these can be unwieldy and make…

EARTHQUAKES HAPPEN all the time throughout the world. According to the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS), there is an average of several hundred magnitude 2.0 or smaller earthquakes per day. Of the 12,000 to 14,000 earthquakes that happen every year, those greater than a magnitude of 7.0 occur monthly, whereas the “Great Earthquakes” (magnitude 8.0 or stronger) occur once per year. In 2010, the magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Haiti took an estimated 230,000 lives and injured another 300,000. The earthquake affected the poor area so much that it displaced over 1.5 million Haitians and created almost $8.5 billion in damage to the region. Depending on the strength of the quake and where we hang our hat, an earthquake can be a minor nuisance or an apocalyptic event. The scariest notion…

When you think of a wolf attacking a human, you might imagine Liam Neeson taping a knife between his fingers and holding some broken bottles preparing to throw down with a wild, terrifying wolf, as he did in the 2011 thriller The Grey. If anyone could survive this, it would be the man with a “very particular set of skills.” But most people wouldn’t have great odds of walking away from a fight with one of these strong, carnivorous mammals. It’s nothing against humans; wolves are capable of taking down almost any animal they encounter, no matter how big or small. So it’s a good thing that wolves rarely attack people. BARK & BITE Of all large carnivores, wolves are the least dangerous to humans, according to Western Wildlife Outreach,…

DONALD J. MIHALEK has over 30 years of military and LE service. He has had leadership positions in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves, U.S. Park Police, SWAT and U.S. Secret Service. Donald also serves as the vice president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Assocation Foundation. MICHAEL D’ANGONA is a martial arts and self-defense instructor in Florida. He holds black belts in aikido and ju-jitsu and is the creator of the Aiki-Survival system. Michael currently teaches seminars and classes throughout the country. MARK LINDERMAN is the Preparedness Coordinator for the Wayne County Health Department. He instructs disaster preparedness and bioterrorism courses for Indiana and Purdue universities, and teaches crisis and emergency risk communication courses for the CDCP. NIKKI GREY is a journalist published everywhere from lifestyle blogs to survivalist magazines.…

Quite often the key to surviving a critical situation is to make it through the first 24 to 48 hours. This is especially true if you are caught away from your home and where all of your survival preparedness essentials are stored. For this reason, a good precaution in these troubled times is to keep a “gobag” handy, especially in a place like your vehicle or place of work. Whether you are in a wilderness or urban environment, having basic emergency gear in a lightweight package could make all the difference. Which brings us to the U.S. Survival Pack from Henry Repeating Arms. This is a complete “grab and go” kit that’s designed to cover the basic essentials and improve your odds of getting out of dire circumstances on your…

Used properly, a pressure canner is no more dangerous than any other pot. Modern pressure canners do build up steam, but they are designed with a safety, or pop-off valve, that will blow out and allow the compressed steam to escape. This does not cause damage. • If you blow a safety valve, it needs to be replaced. Spare parts are available from the manufacturer. • Follow the directions that come with your pressure canner and it will give you years of excellent meals. • Make sure your jars have no cracks or nicks. • If you haven’t used your canner lately, check the gasket under the lid to be sure it doesn’t have cracks or other problems. Spread oil on the gasket before sealing the canner. • After the…

It was 1989 in San Francisco, and game three of the World Series was just about to get underway when a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit the surrounding area. Monterey Bay was engulfed in a tsunami, sections of the Bay Bridge fell, and homes in the Marina district were on fire. In the end, 63 people died in the horrible natural disaster. One aspect of this terrible tragedy that stood out, after the dust settled and many people tried to put their lives back together, was the strange behavior that dogs all across the area exhibited before the quake. As their owners reported, the dogs began barking steadily, scratching and prodding floors and doorways, and some even fought to escape their fenced areas. Another uncanny occurrence happened in Japan in 2011. The…

Tobias Carleton does what many only dream of—touring the country and experiencing life through eyes not molded by social norms. No 9-to-5 job, no pressure to have a house, kids or career by 30, and no plan set out further than about a week ahead, and that’s exactly how he likes it. With a background in welding, carpentry and professional photography, Tobias has repurposed an old ambulance with the basic necessities of everyday life, and with that he travels throughout the United States, essentially living a “van life” while absorbing all of the diverse cultures and scenic environments he encounters along the way. Now, with two years traversing the highways and byways of the country under his belt, he slows down just enough to share with us what motivates him, what…

The essential question of gun enthusiasts as long as there have been guns is this: If you had to settle on one gun, what would it be? For the individual who wants to be prepared for the widest range of survival scenarios, the subject has implications beyond the lively academic debate at the firearms range or in deer camp. To someone ready to bug out at a moment’s notice or hunker down and endure during emergencies, choosing a weapon to both procure game for food and possibly defend life and property is very important. Not everyone has a National Guard armory full of guns at home to dole out to friends and family at the first sign of a crisis. The new Savage 110 Scout rifle should be a leading…

LIGHT in a survival or emergency situation is about as important as shelter. Without light, you’re just stumbling around in the dark and quite possibly making a dangerous situation worse. Up until now, you could go with a handheld flashlight or a head-mounted lamp; however, Kogalla is offering a “radical new approach to portable lighting”—the RA Adventure Light and associated gear. The Kogalla RA package includes the RA portable light, a battery pack, a mini USB charging cable, a magnetic panel, two strap attachment choices and red/green light filters. HOW IT WORKS The Kogalla RA light is equipped with five LEDs that, together, cast up to 800 lumens, which is bright enough to illuminate any situation. The beam distance is shorter than a headlamp’s with similar brightness, but the Kogalla…

What do you do when you’re a knife company that wants to develop a new “get you there and get you back” offering in a very crowded and competitive field? Simple: You go to a guy who’s gotten there and gotten back to design it for you, and you give him a green light for the configuration and materials without a bean-counter breathing over his shoulder during the process. In this case, we’re talking about White River Knife & Tool, and the go-to guy is Justin Gingrich. If you don’t know the name, Justin has a solid background with 10 years of Ranger and Special Forces experience. He is also a police academy graduate and a former security contractor in Iraq, and he served a short stint in post-Katrina New…

If a major earthquake were to occur within the ocean, chances are good that it could cause a tsunami, a tidal or seismic sea wave that is caused by a serious displacement of a large volume of water. Tsunamis can kill and injure large populations and destroy coastal cityscapes, towns and villages. The most damaging one on record remains the 2004 Indiana Ocean tsunami, which contained waves that peaked at 167 feet high and claimed almost 228,000 lives. In general, a tsunami can travel 20 to 30 miles per hour, with waves between 10 to 100 feet high. They cause massive flooding that disrupts transportation, power, communications and water supplies, and they can happen anywhere along any coast. In the United States, coasts that border the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean…

Sales of home generators have spiked in recent years following extreme weather events such as hurricanes, snowstorms, tornados and power outages from an aging grid system in the United States. Most severe weather-related power outages in the U.S. occur during June, July and August, according to insideenergy.org. Propane standbies or portable generators can prevent costly interruptions to daily operations in your home and on your farm, and ensure that critical equipment, such as wells or ventilation fans, are kept functioning. “A power failure can devastate farm operations, which is why an emergency power source is so essential,” said Cinch Munson, director of agriculture business development for the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). “Spring can bring weather-related outages and extreme weather to many parts of the country. A propane generator…

Oliver Starr, a wildlife advocate and professional animal handler, considers his 7-year-old female wolf, Aqutaq, family. “The thing about having a wolf—I would never call her a pet,” Starr says. “She’s the most challenging companion animal you could have.” Among the things Starr says people need to consider when thinking about getting a wolf are where you live. Wolves should not live in apartments or residential neighborhoods. They also need to be walked extensively, Starr says, at least 5 miles every day. According to Starr, food for a wolf costs him $9 a day, with a “biologically appropriate ‘prey-model’ diet supplemented by road-killed deer or elk” given to him by friends. And don’t forget about having a fence that will keep the wolf from getting loose. “Sometimes people believe wolves…

Each year, thousands of knife enthusiasts descend upon the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, Georgia, to walk the aisles of the world’s largest knife expo, aptly called the BLADE Show. With hundreds of tables, Blade University classes, seminars and competitions, it is hard to grasp all the awesomeness in one weekend. We took to the floors this year to find some knives our readers would appreciate. While these knives represent some of the finest, understand that there are many more out there, and you should certainly attend a BLADE Show if you can.. GEISSELE AM-1 FIELD KNIFE ABE AND MOSES If you are a fan of the AR-15, you most likely have heard of the name Geissele. They’re known for their precision triggers that are in use with the military, 3-Gun…

THAT’S IT. You’ve had enough of the widespread looting, the dangerous changes in the neighborhood, the lack of utilities and societal norms. All of it disappeared as soon as the Army pulled out the week before—like the bottom just fell out of law and order. The streets are ablaze with barricades, mobs of marauders and militant protesters taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of your neighbors. With a map spread out under the soft glow of a few remaining candles in the house, you and your family plan your escape out of town. You’re ready, but is your bug-out vehicle (BOV) well-stocked for the trip and prepared to make the journey? Choosing your BOV may come down to whatever car is in the driveway at the time. Either you don’t want…

Since there is an overabundance of tools and gear you could bring, consider this checklist of possibilities. You don’t need to bring it all depending on your specifics and needs, but most of it will apply to your situation. TOOLS: • Hammer (hand and sledge) • Circuit tester • Tire chains • Electrical and duct tape • Breaker or pry bar • Jumper cables • Spare tire (full size) • Spark plugs • Wiper blades • Spare bulbs • Fuses • Air compressor • Ice scraper • Snow brush • Tow straps with hooks • Folding shovel • Transmission fluid • Washer fluid • Axe • Work gloves • Engine oil • Tire repair kit • Fire extinguisher • Extra fuel • Coolant • Bolt cutters MISCELLANEOUS: • Multi-tool •…

1 5.11 TACTICAL Women’s Apollo Tech Fleece ▸ The colder seasons call for extra layers. That should never interfere with your need to carry concealed. The Apollo Tech fleece features multiple pockets and convenient interior access to your weapon so you never have to choose between staying warm and staying safe. ▸ LEFT AND RIGHT CHEST READY POCKETS ▸ ONE-WAY CENTER FRONT ZIPPER ▸ TWO-SIDED BRUSHED MICRO FLEECE MATERIAL ▸ HAND WELT POCKETS WITH HIDDEN SNAP CLOSURE ▸ INTERNAL POCKET ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY 511TACTICAL.COM $100 2 5.11 TACTICAL Peninsula Insulator Jacket ▸ Your outerwear should be two things, warm and lightweight. 5.11 Tactical’s Peninusla Jacket is both of those things and is made from extra tough mini rip-stop fabric. The easy-access, pass-through pockets make carrying concealed a no-brainer. Trust…

In this digital age, planning for the weather has never been easier. The nightly news, the app on your phone or the constant feed on your computer’s homepage can literally give you up-to-the-minute weather reports. However, when you are out in the wilderness, perhaps lost or in the middle of a true survival situation without gear or any electronic communication devices, you are at the mercy of nature’s sometimes violent displays of weather. So how do you prepare for the unexpected when hypothermia, windburn and sunburn are very real possible outcomes? The answer lies in interpreting the clues that Mother Nature displays all around you. From the scarcity of normally omnipresent animals to an increase in wind speeds to the varying textures of the overhead clouds, the signals are there—if you…

For generations, sailors, outdoorsman and villagers have accepted sayings told to them by their parents, and by their parent’s parents, and so on. These catchy phrases, some in rhyme form and others constructed of just a basic sentence or two, back then were used to help determine if the weather would be nice or if a downpour was in the future, as they are today. As strange or even as corny as some of these phrases may sound, there is often some truth buried in the whimsical verse, so much so that they have been handed down for countless generations. You be the judge. But if one or two of these old favorites happens to keep you out of a torrential rainfall, then all the better. • Red sky at…

Traveling across the country requires a vehicle, and for Tobias, that vehicle is a repurposed ambulance built off of a 1998 Ford E-350. The original mileage was nearly 69,000, and he added over 50,000 miles in two years alone, reaching a distance now upwards of 125,000 miles. That’s a lot of traveling, and with that comes a lot of breakdowns and numerous repairs. In two years of traveling, he’s needed to repair ball joints and the suspension, starter, alternator and, worst yet, the transmission. But all is not doom and gloom. Tobias’ ambulance is a fully functional home away from home, and it has served him well day in and day out. He “MacGyvered” the interior to fill all his daily and nighttime needs, from a folding bed and table…

Colonel Jeff Cooper first used the “scout” term back in 1968 when he conceived the idea of a short, lightweight rifle for all-around use. Cooper is one of the most esteemed gun gurus of all time. He conceived of a rifle for someone operating alone and on the move—mostly under cover, observing and reporting, avoiding enemy contact, but able to engage if necessary. It would be equally ideal for a hunter, a capable but easy-to-pack-along rifle for hard use. He settled on a bolt-action rifle measuring 3 feet long and weighing about 7 pounds with a scope. Initially, he thought the gun would be sufficient if fitted with just iron sights, but he eventually settled on a low-power optic backed by iron sights. The extended-eye-relief scope was mounted forward and…

There are times when being able to take the chill off your fingers and hands can be as important as a steak dinner to a hungry man. I’ve certainly been there on many occasions, when my aching cold fingers have led to fear of impending frostbite. To help in eliminating this problem, there are a variety of different commercially available hand-warmers on the market, but in my experience, none of those provide the instant relief that an open flame produces. Unfortunately, a traditional open fire isn’t always a practical solution. In some cases, it might be difficult to find enough dry tinder or firewood. Other times you may not have the time to devote to building a fire, or you may feel that the smoke generated could be detrimental. But…

Another option from Kogalla is the Solar Storage Bank (SSB) 2210. Since battery-powered devices will quickly fail if there’s no way to recharge them, having a source of renewable energy at your fingertips is a must. The SSB 2210 was built so that the 22-watt solar panel array works together with the 10,000 mAh storage bank. Because the panels and battery bank are matched, the charging cycle won’t shut down if there isn’t enough sun. It will rapidly top off your phone three to four times from a single charge. The Kogalla SSB 2210 comes with two USB cords: One fits an Android device and one fits an iPhone. It also comes with a USB light. Dual high-current USB power ports let you power lights, accessories or fast-charge devices. The…

ON ANY Survivorman shoot, I usually have a camera crew that, while they must stay away from wherever I might be surviving, will be out getting what is called “B-roll” in the film industry—generic shots of the surroundings to cut into the final story back in the editing suite. Before I start my seven days alone, I initially check out the area with these guys. As I push forward, looking for a good spot to send me off into my own little word of survival, these dudes often trail behind me, talking non-stop about camera gear. Now, I am very much self-proclaimed as someone who is “not into gear.” Which is to say I’m not a gear geek. But there is, I suppose, one area where I betray my own…

Every family or individual should have some disaster supplies safely stored away in case they need to be self-sufficient in the aftermath of a disaster, especially an earthquake. By keeping emergency supplies in a kit, families and individuals have instant access to items they may need in a disaster, and they would also be able to take the kit with them if they needed to evacuate. At a minimum, a family disaster kit should contain: • One gallon of water per person per day (three days for an evacuation and two weeks for staying at home) • Non-perishable food (a three-day supply for an evacuation, and a two-week supply for home) • Flashlight • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio • Extra batteries • First-aid kit • Medications and medical items •…

PRESERVE YOUR FOOD: Keep one or more coolers ready to transport food if necessary. Surrounding your food with ice in a cooler or in the refrigerator will keep food colder for a longer period of time during a prolonged power outage. Also use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperatures of food. ASSEMBLE A CRISIS KIT: • WATER: 1 gallon per person per day. Save three days’ worth for evacuatios, and stockpile two weeks’ worth for sheltering in place. • FOOD: Non-perishable, easy-to prepare items. • FLASHLIGHT: Along with a handheld light source, keep batteries and a way to recharge the batteries. • BATTERY-POWERED OR HAND-CRANK RADIO: Get an NOAA weather radio. • FIRST-AID KIT: Pack it with at least seven days’ worth of medications and other items. •…

Similar to wolves, coyote attacks on humans are rare. According to the Humane Society, there have been two recorded incidents of coyotes killing a person in the U.S. or Canada: “One involved a child in Southern California in the 1980s, and the other a 19-year-old woman in Nova Scotia in 2009.” Coyotes tend to stay away from people unless they are sick or habituated. But when people feed coyotes, they can become less scared of people and more aggressive. So, never feed a coyote. And never run from a coyote. If you see a coyote someplace it shouldn’t be, you may want to “haze” it. Hazing is a method of keeping coyotes away from areas they shouldn’t be in or discouraging them from a behavior, such as coming too close…

STUN MASTER MULTIGUARD 3 The MultiGuard 3 delivers a whopping 3 million volts (4.8 milliamps) to your attacker. A true multi-function device, it also has a 120-decibel alarm as well as an LED flashlight. The rubberized grip ensures it won’t slip out of your fingers. Available in red, green, blue, or black, the MultiGuard 3 is also rechargeable. HEIGHT: 5.25 inches LED: 120 lumens MSRP: $25 WIDTH: 1.75 inches ALARM: 120 decibels SOURCE: TBOTech.com TASER PULSE The Taser Pulse comes equipped with a laser sight, a distinct advantage in a high-stress encounter. It has a 15-foot range, allowing you to reach out and touch someone before they get within arm’s reach of you. The charge lasts a full 30 seconds, giving you plenty of time to make your next move.…

The BLADE Show is the world’s largest knife show, and it’s easy to get caught up in all the knives on display. If you are looking for a knife, you’ll find it among the production, semicustom and full-handmade knives sold by individuals and much larger dedicated knife distributors. But BLADE is more than a place to purchase knives; it is an opportunity to learn about knife designs, materials and skills. The show allows attendees to interact with the big names in the industry and meet with makers face to face. Aside from the sellers, there are other ways to enjoy the show and become more educated and experienced. Blade University Blade University, sometimes referred to simply as “Blade U”, features instructional seminars from top knifemakers on how to make knives…

Biblical depictions of Hell show people burning for all of eternity for a good reason. It is very unpleasant, and although human flesh doesn’t exactly burn easily (soft tissue damage begins to occur at temperatures exceeding 115 degrees Fahrenheit), according to the CDC, around 1.1 million people are injured by fire in the U.S. each year. Of those, approximately 4,500 of them succumb to their injuries, with an additional 10,000 deaths due to infections. THE HOT STOVE Fire is a chemical reaction requiring a source of heat, oxygen and fuel, and when that fuel is you, a series of appalling and horrific events occurs. Imagine touching the side of a hot pan on the stove. Even if you move your hand away quickly as possible, you’ll still feel an intense…