Back to the First Survival Knife

I've had a two year obsession with survival knives and recently ended up falling in love with the Opinel No8.  Ironically this was the first ever survival knife I was introduced to.  Sixteen years ago my dad and his friend payed to have a survival expert take them and their sons on a survival over-nighter.  This was his knife of choice and after all these years I finally know why.  Here are some of it's features:

• Carbon Steel Blade (can strike a spark from flint)
• Special edge (the whole blade is an edge)
• Squared blade top (perfect for scraping a fire steel)
• Locking Blade
• No sharpening stone needed (a sharpening steel is all that's required)
• The handle can be used for a bearing block (for bow drill fire)

Yes it's not a full tang fixed blade, but for a survival situation where a folding knife is required, this is the one!

The Many Survival Faces of Iodine

Iodine can be used for:

Drinking Water Disinfectant

Hearing Loss Preventative

Treatment of Styes

Starch Test (Iodine turns dark blue when contacting starch)
Boosts Thyroid Health
Helps Radiation Exposure
It is a Sterilizing Agent
Prevents Goiters
BoostsMetabolism
Helps Kill Bacterial Infections

Promotes Breast Health

Promotes Ovarian Health

Promotes Neurological Health

Helps Treat Vaginitis

Promotes Eye Health

Naturally Blocks UVB Radiation (Helps Prevent Sunburn)

Honey: Why it's One of Four Best Survival Foods

Honey is the only food in the world that never, ever goes bad.  On top of that, honey can heal some wounds faster than other ointments with fewer scars, can be used to treat topical burns, wash skin and hair; treat stomach ulcers, flu, colds, liver problems, eye injuries, irritable bowel syndrome, coughs, and diarrhea.

Why wouldn't it be one of the best survival ingredients ever?

Saving Money Around The House, For Young Families

Saving Money Around The House, For Young Families.


Cleaning Supplies

I basically only use three things: White Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Honey. The vinegar can be used for cleaning of toilets sinks and floors and can be mixed with baking soda to make a paste (this also eliminates the odor). The paste can be used for shampoo and body wash. Vinegar can be used in place of fabric softener and will eliminate the need for dryer sheets with most materials. Baking Soda easily replaces tooth paste and deodorant and is much cheaper and healthier, use it as you would cleanser for cleaning. Honey is a good replacement for hand soap and facial soap and costs a little more but lasts much much longer and is also an antiseptic.

Diapers

Make your own baby wipes, several formulas can be found online, or coupon for these and diapers. Buy bigger boxes of diapers when u find a deal or if u can handle it and have a washer and dryer, use cloth diapers.

Cooking

Becoming a better cook with save you money and health because you will be able to implement leftovers and random food items into nutritious meals. Invest in some cooking training even if you can only learn from TV. Freeze, Freeze, Freeze food and invest in a food saver or similar Walmart brand food sealer so you can freeze leftovers and meat before they go bad. Invest in a food dryer so you can dry fruit, meat and vegetables before they go bad. You'll eliminate waste and allow yourself to buy fresher and cheaper fruits and veggies knowing they won't go bad.

Money

1. Get and keep large amounts of life insurance, it does something to the brain and you will feel better about yourself and life. It is not expensive when young and will free you to live more fully.

2. Always keep 1000 in a savings account for emergencies only and only use it for emergencies. This could be called first line of defense insurance.

3. Buy good food first. No matter if you can pay your bills. You are "dissing" yourself if you put food off until the last. You can replace ruined credit, a repossessed home or car, but you can't always replace lost health. It's a mental thing. Take care of the absolute basics first thing.

Clothing

Buying one quality piece of clothing can be more wise than 3 cheap pieces. Buy clothing that will last and then make it last. Become familiar with a needle and thread. If you buy cheap shoes see if it is cost efficient to replace the insoles rather than buying a new pair when they're worn down.

Raccoons on the loose

Just wanted to show a great example of urban survival. These raccoons are on top of an animal cage at the zoo. There was a mom and three babies all getting more attention than the caged animals. Well why not, right? If you're a hungry animal in the city go to the zoo!

Mustard Miracle

So here's one I've been hesitant to share but it works too good not to. So I've worked the last ten years in occupations that involve walking, from missionary to military, and I suffer from athletes foot. I've tried all the over-the-counter stuff with no permanent fixes and all the while searched for a natural solution to no avail. That is until I tried mustard. Regular table mustard applied to the irritated area seems to give just as much or more relief as over the counter medicines and it costs practically nothing. To anyone who's battled with athletes foot I hope it works as well for you because to me it is heaven sent. Good old American mustard!!!

A Primitive Water Filter

This is a photo of a water filter/drinking straw I made from a hollow section of a dead plant, and a piece of charcoal from my campfire. I sucked water from the river and into my mouth all day with it. Charcoal is the great natural filter. In fact even most filters you attach to your kitchen sink contain charcoal.