It's Your Way Of Life

Type 1 - Manual Folding Knives

With this type of knife, it requires you to physically open the blade, using a thumb stud, a cutout, or some other manual system and the blade closes into the handle with no assisted mechanism.

There are three main types of folding knives: single blade, multi-blade, and multi-tools (aka Swiss Army type knives).

1) Single-Blade Manual Folding  Knives
☝️ Most widely used because of simplicity

📏 Come in a variety of shapes and sizes/lengths

🔒 Often have a locking mechanism

💪 Studier than multi-blades

These are your basic everyday pocket knives. Great for #EDC, but not #Bushcraft.

2) Multi-Blade Manual Folding Knives

🪚 Multiple blades = Multiple functions

🦣 Bulkier than single blades

🗡️Not as strong as a single-blade knife

These types of knives tend to be very traditional and feature a combination of spey (curved knife blade good for livestock and grafting, often seen in trapper knives), sheepsfoot (blade that drops down into a point which is strong and useful), pen (blade was designed for sharpening a quill originally, come in a variety of looks) or drop point blades (style of knife blade that slopes on the spine of the blade from the handle of the knife to the tip of the blade).

3) Swiss Army Style/Multi-Tool Knives

These types of knives contain so much more than just a basic blade, including:

🪚 Saws

🪥 Toothpicks

✂️ Scissors

🔍 Magnifying glasses

And even 🍾 corkscrews

These are the most versatile pocket knives on the market and can range from 3 tools to a whopping 87 tools in one. If you need a knife to be a jack-of-all-trades like you grab a multi-tool.

Type 2 - Spring Assisted Knives

This type of folding knife is an assisted opening knife, the internal spring helps to open ONLY after the blade is slightly pushed open with force.

🏪 Convenient

🪠 Useful

🐇 Quick

They come in every size, shape, length and brand imaginable.

Type 3 - Automatic/Switch Blade Knives
We are entering the territory of knife restrictions with Automatics.
These blades automatically open with the push of a button or pull of a lever.
The two styles are Out The Front (OTF) and side opening.

🏎️ Fast opening

🏕️ Great for survival

🎉 Fun

🔦 Functional

Type 4 - Fixed Blade Knife

These type of knives the blade is attached to handle and cannot pivot or close.
Generally, the better fixed-blade knives will be full tang.

🧔‍♂️Rugged

🪨 Solid

🥾 Adaptable

Type 5 - Butterfly/Balisong Knives

These type of knives have two handles that pivot around the blade. Think 🥷
There are restrictions in many jurisdictions for these types of knives.

🎈 Fun

📺 For recreation

⚖️ Legal complications

Conclusion

Whatever type of basic knife you choose to carry,
1) Always check the legality of your knife choice
2) Pick a knife that suits your needs
3) Keep it sharp!

Bug Out Bag, also called a “go bag” or 72-hour emergency kit. These bags should be easy-to-carry for emergency situations. No two bags are equal. The same goes for the contents. But all bags need to contain key items to aid in your survival.

Join me as we cover those here.

You are unique. So are your bug-out bag needs. All bug-out bags need to contain an item or two from universal categories though. What you need to remember is, YOU are going to have to CARRY your bag and your gear. Be careful in choosing your gear. Try to have as many multi-use lightweight items as possible in your bug-out bag.

Each bag will need to contain items from categories such as:

• Hydration

• Food

• Shelter

• Navigation

• Tools

• Fire Starting

• First Aid

• Weapons

• Clothing

• Miscellaneous

Category No. 1 – Hydration

How you capture, clean, and carry water.

• CLEAN = You will need a way to clean water. Filtering is a better choice than disinfection. Something renewable is best. But you can always use supplies you carry and find in nature.

• CAPTURE = Carry a separate container for dirty water. A collapsible container is best to save space when not in use.

• CARRY – A container for your clean drinking water. 32 oz is optimal, 16 oz will save weight but increase your workload.

Category No. 2 – Shelter

What you sleep on, in, and under.

• ON = A pad to create a barrier from the ground and trap heat to keep you warm.

• IN = Think multi-use. Extra clothing, a survival sleeping bag, or even a lightweight hiker sleeping bag.

• UNDER = Again, multi-use. A survival tent, tarp, or poncho will work. Also, learn how to make a shelter out of what is around you.

Category No. 3 – Food

Maintain energy levels. Source and Prepare.

• ENERGY = Have something on-hand that is ready to eat, rationed, and high caloric. You will need to maintain energy at first to leave the situation and area.

• SOURCE = Hunting. Fishing. And Foraging. You don’t have to have heavy MRE’s or meals that need extra energy and water to prepare. First, take supplies that will help you trap, hunt, and/or fish. Second, learn how to identify edible wild plants. Carry a guide if necessary.

• PREPARE = Fire source. Cooking essentials. Always carry at least two ways of starting a fire. You will need a way to cook food, especially meat. Multi-use items are always best for all survival items and situations. You can also always use a rock or spit for cooking in a pinch. Get the knowledge.

Category No. 4 – Fire Starting

With what and how to start a fire.

• WHAT = Tinder. You will need some tinder to help you start a fire. Tinder choices: coffee filters, pre-packaged tinder, or cotton balls covered in Vaseline. The knowledge on how to gather and dry tinder will be indispensable.

• HOW = You will need at LEAST two options for fire starting. Options include waterproof matches, Ferro rods, magnifying glasses, or a lighter. 9-volt batteries with steel wool also work. You can use a can or tin to carry your fire-starting supplies and it will double as a way to capture sparks.

Category No. 5 – Navigation

Where to go and How to get there.

• HOW = GPS. Compass. Maps. Navigating by the sun. If you decide upon a GPS you will also have to have a way to power the device. A portable solar panel will work. If you choose to carry maps, know this will cut into your total weight. You will have to carry many maps for the best results.

• WHERE = First, getting away from the cities is the best starting point. Second, have some basic navigation skills. Moreover, knowing how to read a map and knowing how to use a compass is crucial.

Category No. 6 – First Aid

Essentials that are a must and Extras for the “what if’s”

• ESSENTIALS = Think A, B, C’s. A = Airways. B = Breathing. C= Circulation. A tourniquet, pressure dressing, bandaids in various sizes, allergy meds, and anti-diarrheal pills. Also, trauma shears, pain meds, chest seals, and butterflies are good choices. You should also carry safety pins, tweezers, and nail clippers. Do not forget your everyday prescriptions.

• EXTRAS = Petroleum jelly, isopropyl alcohol, a needle with thread, and an irrigation syringe. Moleskin, a keffiyeh to use as a sling, hydrocortisone, masks, gloves, goggles, and wound glue.

Category No. 7 – Tools

Multi-use Tools and Kits

• TOOLS = A knife and multitool are your two biggest allies. Remember multipurpose is king in survival situations. A good multitool should have a least one blade, a screwdriver, scissors, a can opener, and a saw. That one tool alone is a life-saver. Also carry a dedicated knife, a field knife to be more specific. Something that is ergonomic, durable, and strong is a must. Moreover, do not neglect a way to sharpen such a tool either. Paracord is another tool that is a must in all survival kits, 50 feet is optimal for all situations.

• KITS = Survival kits include a few basic items. Which include a basic fishing set, compass, signal mirror, and a few first aid essentials. Remember, multipurpose is king. Don’t overlook your bug-out bag weight.

Category No. 8 – Weapons

Hand. Long-Range. And Renewable

• HAND-TO-HAND = You will already be carrying a blade that can aid in a hand-to-hand situation. Keeping a distance between you and those wishing to do you harm is the safest bet.

• LONG-RANGE = A renewable long-range weapon such as a bow is ideal. Keep your pack weight in mind when selecting any long-range weapon. With a rifle or shotgun, you are looking at a higher weight and will also have to carry and source ammo.

Category No. 9 – Clothing

Multi-purpose. Moisture-wicking. Adaptable.

• OUTERWEAR = For warmer climates and seasons you will need a light outer layer to block UV rays and wind. In the rainy seasons and climates, you will need something that is able to repel water. During winter or in colder climates, you will need items to create layers.

• MULTI-PURPOSE = Carry items with you that you can use in many different ways. Such as a Keffiyeh/Shemagh to keep the sun and dust off your face. It can also turn into a sling, a ground pad to conserve heat and be a cushion, or even as a rope.

• Above all, if you are going to spend money in any category, make sure it is clothing. Buy clothing that is convertible. Covers as many seasons as possible. Is moisture-wicking to keep you dry. Avoid fabrics such as denim, khaki, and cotton. Take great care of your number one asset – yourself!

Category No. 10 – Other Important Items

For the “what if’s”

• Lighting – rechargeable is best.

• Solar Panel – foldable, and mount it to your bug out bag.

• Duct Tape – Invest in a flat roll.

• Fasteners – carabiners, MOLLE straps, or heavy-duty ties can attach items to your pack.

• Bags – trash, Ziploc, dry, or stuff sacks. Bags work for human waste, organization, first aid, and even water collection. Plus they are light.

• Currency – think bartering. Carry something light that you can barter with.

• Weather-proof/Waterproof Document Sleeve – you will need to carry important documents. Documents such as your Social Security Card, Birth Cert ID, Titles/Deeds, and more. You will need something to keep these items secure and safe.

• Waterproof Notepad & Pen – you will want to carry important information with you in your bug-out bag. That includes contact information, medical information, or even survival notes.

• Entertainment – Do NOT neglect this! Your mental health and wellbeing are as important as your physical health. Take something to fill the time, such as cards or small lightweight games or puzzles. Carry items that mean something special to you. A few pictures, small trinkets, or something that brings you joy. Don’t neglect your spiritual needs either! Bring a small Bible or another religious book to help guide you.

• Hygiene – is very important, often overlooked and simple to remedy. Carry dry soap, shampoo, travel toothbrush & toothpaste, wet wipes, moisturizer, floss with you.

• Signaling/Communication – can be a signal mirror, cell phone, a solar-powered NOAA radio, or even a HAM radio.

Whatever type of bug-out bag you choose, pick items that serve multiple purposes and keep your total weight in mind. We will cover more this topic more specifically later.

The post Be Prepared: Build a Better Bug Out Bag appeared first on Way Of Life Outfitters.

Automatic Knife AKA Switchblades

Knives that open automatically with the press of a button or the pull of a lever. The speed of an automatic knife makes it ideal in emergency situations and for emergency personnel. Automatic knives are restricted in many areas, check your local laws before purchasing and possessing. 

How does an Automatic Knife work?

Automatic knives have two types of mechanisms, a Single-Action or a Double-Action mechanism. 

And the way they function depend upon the type of action. 

Single-Action

They deploy quickly and easily with one quick action. Closing is a different matter.

Since the release button/lever only performs one action, you cannot close it as simply as you opened it.

To close, you will have to pull back a lever to return the blade inside the handle. 

Double-Action

Double-action automatic knives allow you to quickly deploy and then close the blade simply and efficiently. This type of knife would be crucial if you need to handle the knife single-handedly. 

This knife below, our Mini OTF, is a perfect example of a double-action automatic knife. The button on the front can deploy and retract the blade rapidly. Making this the knife to turn to if you need it in a pinch.

When choosing the best knife for your situation you should pay particular attention to the type of steel as well as the edge and even blade shape. Your steel is a critical element of how that blade is going to keep an edge and perform in the situations you need it for. Steel is an alloy (combination of at least one metal and a nonmetal combined) of carbon and iron that is enriched with other elements to improve certain characteristics dependent upon the application desired. 

Carbon Steel vs Stainless Steel 

Carbon Steel
Very little Chromium
More likely to rust
Harder, retains sharpness better
Best for outdoor applications

Stainless Steel
At least 10.5% Chromium
Rust resistant
Softer, harder keeping an edge
Best for kitchen application 

Let's Talk Hardness Here... 

Hardness or (HRC) refers the steels resistance to heat, stress and other forces regularly being applied to knives. The ability for the steel to retain its original shape is measured by the Rockwell C scale. A blade must have the hardness of at least 52 to be able to be considered usable. General knife steel falls in between 58 & 62 HRC range.

Keep in mind... the harder the knife steel, the more challenging it will be to sharpen.

• 52-54: Soft, but decent quality.

• 54-56: General hardness for kitchen knives. Easy to sharpen, but requires regular sharpening.

• 56-58: Typical for premium kitchen knives. Stays sharp longer and easy to sharpen.

• 58-60: Usual hardness for pocket knives such as Spyderco and Cold Steel, or premium Japanese kitchen knives. Retain sharpness for much longer, can be difficult to sharpen.

• 60-62: Blades with this hardness remain sharp for extended periods of time, but can be a challenge to sharpen. They often become brittle.

Typical Steel Types 

065 Steel
(Not a stainless steel)
- tough steel, medium edge durability, resistant to wear and easy to sharpen.
Popular for swords and large knives.
54 - 60 HRC

440 Steel
(Stainless Steel)
- resistant to corrosion, high strength, great edge retention.
58 HRC

D2
(Not a stainless steel)
- very durable, long lasting edge retention, great hardness.
55 -62 HRC

Steel Elements and Key Features 

Carbon - Hardness, Edge Retention

Chromium - Corrosion Resistance, Hardness

Molybdenum - Toughness

Nickel - Toughness

Vanadium - Hardenability, Wear Resistance

Cobalt - Hardness

Manganese - Hardenability, Strength, Wear Resistance

Silicon - Hardenability, Strength

Niobium - Toughness, Wear Resistance, Corrosion Resistance

Tungsten - Toughness, Wear Resistance

Sulfur - Machinability

Phosphorus - Hardness, Corrosion Resistance

Nitrogen - Hardness, Corrosion Resistance

A premium steel doesn't necessarily denote a better blade. Just like a lower grade steel does not always mean a low quality blade.

Test your knife for your purpose. Don't worry about all the science!

If the constant destruction of food manufacturing facilities, packing facilities, chicken houses and other livestock establishments wasn't enough to convince you to start preparing for the SHTF, then how about the 32.2% increase on eggs alone in the last few month?

What Can I Do To Become More Self-Sufficient?

Glad you asked.

1. Grow a garden.

2. Can and dehydrate produce from your garden.

3. Sell extra produce at your local Farmers Market.

4. Raise chickens for eggs and meat birds.

5. Get goats for milk and to control vegetation.

6. Get some rabbits - they are the cheapest livestock animal to feed, they breed quickly and their manure is cold so it can go directly onto your garden.

7. Make your own compost.

8. Get a composting toilet - or make your own.

9. Install a solar kit.

10. Grow dwarf fruit trees - they can go on a patio, porch or in a greenhouse and they produce fruit quicker.

11. Get a water purifier - either an Alexapure Pro or a Big Berkey.

12. Save seeds. Buy Heirloom seeds.

13. Eat with what food is in season.

14. Always have rice and beans stocked for lean times - you can grow bush beans quite easily.

15. Cold-pack cucs and jalapenos together - the cucs stay crunchy and the jalapenos lose some of their heat.

16. Barter. Dicker. Trade.

17. Become a keeper of bees. If they die out, YOU die too! That simple.

18. Learn to hunt or embrace it more than you already do

19. Fish. It is a quick and easy way of increasing meat for your stores. You can dehydrate, can, smoke and salt fish.

20. Forage. Do you know how much God put out there for us to eat and all we have to do is learn to identify it. But remember, almost all edible wild plants have counterparts that look like it and they can be harmful if consumed.

21. Collect rain water - you can filter it for drinking, use it for your garden, taking baths, washing dishes, etc.

22. Make your own laundry detergent - it is super easy. I always do a 5 galloon bucket at a time and it takes forever for our family of 3 to empty it.

23. Use wool dryer balls - no more poison dryer sheets.

24. Make your own fabric softener - if you don't know most softeners are made out of animal fat (YUM) but you make fabric softener out of vinegar and your clothes are just as soft and do not smell like pickles.

25. Ask yourself if you need all the bullshit you have lying around your house? Sell it. Trade it. You do not know how freeing it is to not have stuff everywhere.

26. Make yourself less dependent upon the "grid". At anytime everything we take for granted can all be gone. Remember that!

27. If you can make it yourself, do that.

28. If you have cool neighbors or even family that live close to you and can go in with you for a yearly pig and cow. Do that. You will have even more meat and the cost of feeding and loving it will be divided.

29. If you haven't already, learn to butcher things. This is going to be needed.

30. Learn to sew, crochet, knit - you can mend your own clothes and make small needed items like hats for winter.