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TRAINING PHILOSOPHIES : JOSEPH TETI


Just for the record, I do not consider myself an “expert" on any subject. I dislike the word, always have, and always will. Where I come from, a person can never know enough about a given subject. You are constantly raising the bar and striving for new levels of performance and knowledge.
As Sun Tzu states in his masterpiece The Art of War…"be a student of war", and that is what I consider myself, a perpetual student. With that said, I offer some food for thought on the following subjects based on my personal experience and training.

Fitness Training

Let me first say I am not a fitness trainer, nor do I hold any certifications in nutrition, nor do I have a degree in Kinesiology. This is my opinion on fitness, nothing more. What I can tell you is that I have (since I was 18 years old) been actively working out in one discipline or another, consistently. Throughout my career in special operations, I have had the opportunity and honor to workout with some of the most physically fit human beings to walk this planet. These were truly gifted men who took physical fitness and mental toughness to unparalleled levels. I understand that there’s a lot of conflicting information floating around out on the internet in regards to fitness and working out.
From independent studies, to corporate “certified" fitness trainers to professional body builders, not to mention your favorite fitness magazines and blogs. Everyone seems to be telling you that not only is their way the best, but the only way, “eat this, don’t eat that". Oh, and don’t forget about all the “high speed low drag" fitness gadgets and equipment that is out there. To me, it seems that someone is always trying to invent a new mouse trap, but their trap is the same as the one that came out 10 years ago. Go figure. I’m here to tell you that nobody holds the secret to fitness.

I consider myself and those who know me to be in excellent physical condition. Lord knows I’m not 25 anymore, but that has not stopped me or slowed me down in keeping myself in shape. I have merely modified my workouts in order that I don’t injure myself or tear muscles at this point in my life. I have been asked on numerous occasions, either by friends or people I meet at the gym what my workout consists of, and what they should do as a work out routine. Most of the times I find myself saying “do what works for you". I know that’s a B.S. answer, but the sad truth is it does not matter what I do, it’s what your body needs, not mine. Those differences in many cases are vast.

Let me tell you what I know to be true and that has never changed over the years as it applies to maintaining my health and fitness. I know this will sound simple and no big surprise, however, few people seem to be able to get them all to work at the same time. That is tremendously important.

  1. It takes sacrifice. Sacrifice as in, “I love my McDonalds, but junk food is not in my vocabulary now."
  2. It takes discipline. Discipline as in, “It’s Monday and I had a hard day at work. I don’t feel like going to the gym. I will make it up tomorrow". That is definitely not a habit you want to form.
  3. It takes effort. Effort as in when you are working out, you are pushing your body, not just going through the motions. If you’re not leaving the gym somewhat tired and beat up…you’re wrong.
  4. It takes focus. Focus as in when you are working out, you are using good form no matter what exercise or machine you may be using at the time. Your head is at the gym concentrating on the task at hand. Leave your cell phone in the car!

If you can apply these 4 aspects of working out, this is what will get you the results you will be looking for. It has for me, and has never failed. Never.

I believe that the key to an individual’s fitness lies in the delicate balance between sacrifice and your desire to enjoy your life. While sacrifice (I believe) is the most important aspect to a solid fitness program, you shouldn’t have to give up what you enjoy the most. That I don’t think promotes mental fitness and happiness. I believe that hardcore fitness is about a lifestyle change. I don’t believe in “diets". I do believe in the saying, “You are what you eat." I don’t believe that every exercise you do should be to increase your core fitness, but at the same time I don’t believe that everyone needs to do dead lifts or clean and jerks. What I’m trying to say is that in a culture flooded with conflicting information on the subject of fitness, the only thing that’s absolutely certain is that if you eat better and work out harder, you’ll look better, feel better and most likely live longer. That is no B.S.

Shooting / Tactical Training

I could write pages and pages on my thoughts about shooting and tactical training, so I will keep this short. No matter who you talk to, when it comes to shooting or tactical training, you will get a mixed bag of opinions, depending on present company. My opinions and beliefs are based on years of training and some real world practical application. I have trained with some of the finest warriors our military and government have produced. Millions of training dollars have been spent on guys like me, and I have been trained by some of the best instructors around.
So here goes……

  1. Understand your true capabilities and your shortfalls as it applies to gun handling. The person who over estimates their ability is far more of a liability than the person who under estimates their ability.
  2. Your gun handling must be reflexive. Chances are when the bad guy decides to rob you at gun point, or kicks in your front door; you didn’t just walk off the range after a 2 hour warm up session. This means practice, practice, and more practice. Keep in mind that the saying, “practice makes perfect" is partially correct. Perfect practice makes perfect. Anything else is just creating bad and potentially fatal habits. You will have to perform cold and on demand.
  3. Be intimately familiar with your surrounding at all times!!! Those of you that are familiar with Jeff Coopers Color Code of Awareness…believe it! You may be the person that can put every round in the X ring every time on the range week after week. You may even have a sub 1 second draw from the holster. But, if you don’t see the threat coming until it’s too late, the rest does not matter. You won’t even get a chance to go for your weapon.
  4. Understand what the OODA Loop is and how to use it against your opponent. The OODA Loop cycle has been studied and examined for years. It is a physiological reality that can not be modified or changed, except for the time that it takes you to complete it. The faster you can cycle through it, the chances of surviving a high intensity armed confrontation are increased exponentially.
  5. Never sacrifice accuracy for speed. Remember, you can’t miss fast enough to catch up.
  6. If you own or carry a weapon for defense, train at realistic distances and on realistic targets. When was the last time you saw someone wearing a shirt that had a target painted on it? Then why train on a target that has bull’s-eyes on it? The only thing a bull’s-eye target is good for is qualification shooting, period. In a real situation, you will not have a target to shoot at, only an outline of a human silhouette. This produces a severe “training scar" as I like to call it. Statistically, gunfights happen in very close quarters, 7 yards and under. Keep that in mind when you’re training.
  7. If you are using competition shooting or range work to practice for the “street", keep this in mind. Regard a “miss" as the end of the fight, and chances are you have an extra hole in your body where there isn’t supposed to be one, and not just a 10 point penalty. If I have said it once I have said it a thousand times, only luck will give you a second chance in a gunfight if you miss the first time. On the range, there are third, fourth, fifth and sixth place trophies.
    In a gunfight, there’s first place and second place only. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out which one you don’t want to be.
  8. Like in the gym, don’t over train. I would rather go to the range and shoot 100 rounds concentrating on the 7 Fundamentals than slinging 400 rounds down range with no rhyme or reason. I see this all the time.
  9. Keep it real. If you have a CCW and carry a pistol for self-defense train with the gear and firearm you carry. Wear the clothing you normally wear while your carrying. Train like your going to fight and only that way.
  10. Lastly, I wish I could take the credit for this quote as it is so true. There is no such thing as “advanced tactical skills", only perfect execution of the fundamentals under stress. For those of you that think there are tricks to shooting better, there are, and they are called the
    7 Fundamentals of Shooting. The trick is being able to apply all 7 while under stress. It may sound easy to some of you, but I can tell you that it is what separates the “rock stars from the groupies".

Survival Training

Let’s face it. Nobody knows exactly how they are going to react in the event they are placed in a real “life or death" survival situation. You can train all you want, go to all the survival schools there are, but the reality is that much more than your “survival skills" is going to be needed for you to come out the other side alive. Much more.

Again, I could write pages about this subject and give my opinion about survival, but I can narrow it down to a few concise ideologies that I have formed from my own experiences and training.
For those of you with “thin skin", this might be a bit uncomfortable to read…but profoundly less uncomfortable if you are stuck in a real world survival situation. Keep an open mind and give what I am writing some thought.

  1. BE PREPARED TO SELF RESCUE. Unless you are a high profile, wealthy type person like Warren Buffet or Bill Gates who will have an army out looking for them, get it in your mind right now that you will have to save your own bacon. Anything more than that in my opinion is asking for serious disappointment in a situation that is already very disappointing. IF by some reason you do get rescued by someone else…great! But don’t expect it. Remember, if you plan for the worse, hope for the best, you will never get caught in a situation that you can’t get out of.
  2. NEVER QUIT. This is by far the single most important aspect in a survival situation. For those of you that have a lot of “quit" in them…I hate to tell you that your chances of making it out alive are slim to none. You will be in for the fight of your life…literally. If you are unable to persevere through the pain you might be experiencing, the hunger, the thirst, the misery of possibly being cold, wet and tired…you will die. It’s that simple. This comes to the
    “warriors mind set" that you might have heard of. Folks…I’m here to tell you that no matter how many books you may have read on survival, courses you have been to, etc…if you don’t have a “never quit" attitude your as good as dead. That’s the reality of it. You’re best not to venture into the wilderness unless you have someone holding your hand.
    There is a saying…. "The will to survive outweighs the skill to survive."
  3. MAKE A PLAN… AND PLAN ON CHANGES. Have a plan, no matter what the situation. It will help you keep a clear head and focus on the task at hand. To be honest, plan on having to make several changes to your plan! It will be impossible to take into account all scenarios or COA’s (Courses of Action) at the time of your dilemma. But you need to come up with a simple, easily put into action plan. Remember the acronym K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid. I have seen it time after time, highly complex and intricate plans always seem to unravel at the worst times.
  4. KEEP TO THE CONSTANTS. In survival there are 4 constants in my book. Food, water, shelter, fire, and not necessarily in that order of importance. These are the 4 things that will keep you alive until you get out. How, where, when, and why is going to be on you.
  5. EDUCATE / TRAIN YOURSELF. A never quit attitude is the most important aspect of survival in my book, however, knowledge is a close second. There are numerous schools and courses you can attend, some even at your local community college believe it or not that will greatly increase your chances of survival. Same goes with reading books. There are many books that have been written on survival. Read as many as you can is my advice. If you can get one or two ideas or techniques out of each, you’re on the right track. Once you do read one, get out there and get dirty and try out you newly acquired skills. Don’t wait until the crap hits the fan to find out you are not able to start a fire or make a snare. Could cost you your life. One other skill that is (in my opinion) vitally important to survival is your ability to land navigate. This is a skill that is a must in special operations, and used to assess and select individuals for training. Again, ease fix, tons if information on line about the subject.
  6. KEEP IN SHAPE. Here we go again with the fitness thing. The fact of the matter is this: If you are out of shape, and can’t walk to your mail box without getting winded, my suggestion is not to wander to far from you home without an escort. I told you this might hurt a bit, but this is serious stuff and I don’t have time to be politically correct if it will save someone’s life. You may have to walk 50 miles to reach civilization, who knows. Your physical ability is directly linked to the probability of your survival. I highly suggest that if you have not seen the movie Alive that you watch it. It’s a true story about a rugby team that crashed in the Andes Mountains in 1972. It is a must watch for the survival minded person, and a true testament to man’s spirit to live.
  7. DON’T BE A FOOL. It goes without saying that if you plan on taking an excursion into the wilderness, regardless of the location, be prepared and don’t head out without some basic survival gear. It amazes me when I hear how people die in the desert because they didn’t have any water with them when they were found, not even an empty bottle of water! There is a saying, “Better to have than need, than need and not have." Use some common sense when you venture out. Keep in mind the 4 constants: food, water, shelter and fire. Depending on how long you plan on being out, that could be as simple as a quart of water, a lighter, some power bars and poncho. Mother Nature has zero sense of humor for the ill prepared and will gladly relieve you of your life if you’re not ready to face her.

I apologize if I may have offended anyone by writing this, it certainly was not my intention, but “survival" is a subject that needs to be talked about plainly and without having to be politically correct. I have never been accused of keeping my mouth shut or not voicing my opinion. What I have written on fitness, shooting / tactical training and survival is exactly that, my opinion.

Respectfully,


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Posted on October 6th, 2013

30 Essential Things You Should Keep in Your Car


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Show Us Your Trunk

Winter is coming, so now might be a good time to think about what you carry around in your car's trunk. Whether it's thoughtfully arranged… Read…

Some of us keep absolutely nothing in our car trunks, while others have enough packed to live in their cars for weeks. Somewhere in between is this list of thirty things we think every car owner should always have on hand.P

You can buy packaged emergency safety kits, like this $35 one from AAA, which includes a booster cable, flashlight, first aid kit, and many other items, but the DIY approach is more satisfying and you probably already have many of these items lying around. It's not just about emergencies or safety, either. Below I've separated the checklists by category.P

Car Repair and MaintenanceP

30 Essential Things You Should Keep in Your Car

There's nothing like breaking down at the side of the road and realizing the spare tire in your trunk has a flat from the last time it happened. (True story.) To keep you up and running, keep these in your trunk:P

  • Spare tire (in good condition), along with a tire jack and tire iron, because without them or someone else to help you, the spare tire is useless. Here's how to change a tire, in case you need a refresher. Also, if your wheels require a special security key, make sure that's always in your car too.P

  • Tire inflater and sealer, like the Fix-a-Flat, which can plug a leak (and help you avoid using the above tools) just enough to get you to the auto shop.P

  • Related
    How Do I Jump-Start a Car?

    It's an essential skill that any driver should have, but if you ask five people how to jump-start a car with a run-down battery, you could get… Read…

    Jumper cables, because dead batteries happen to the best of us. We've got a crash course on how to jump-start a car, but you should familiarize yourself with your engine just in case things are a little different. Alternatively, you can pack an emergency battery booster so you don't have to rely on a Good Samaritan coming along.P

  • Your car's manual, which should be in the glove compartment already.P

  • Related
    And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Parts: Check Tire Pressure

    The reason to check your tire pressure is usually explained with some nearly unbelievable statistical simile bordering on hyperbole. If everyone… Read…

    Tire pressure gauge: As our sister site Jalopnik points out: "checking tire pressure on a regular basis can improve handling, increase fuel economy, promote tire longevity, and even save lives."P

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    Who says the dog is man's best friend? When it comes to getting stuff done on your car, a roll of silver magic is all it takes. These are ten of … Read…

    Duct tape and WD-40. Seriously, check out these 10 heroic duct tape car repairs.P

  • Car repair information. A business card for your auto repair shop, the number for AAA (if you're a member), and car insurance claim forms should also be stored in your glove compartment. P

Safety and SurvivalP

30 Essential Things You Should Keep in Your Car

You might already have an emergency go bag or kit set up. If you spend a lot of time in your car and it's always nearby when you're home, you could just keep that kit in your trunk—or create a second, perhaps lighter version.P

Related
Make Sure You're Prepared for Disaster with a 72-Hour Kit

If you don't have an adequate emergency kit in your home, here's how to put one together so you're prepared in the event of an… Read…

Make an Emergency "Get Home Bag" to Keep at Work

You might already have a 72-hour disaster kit or even a longer-term Doomsday survival kit, but what if you're caught at work when disaster… Read…

In any case, your safety supplies should include:P

A few car-specific items:P

  • Seat belt cutter and window breaker. This one's $7 on Amazon. Keep this in your glove compartment, not in your trunk, obviously.P

  • Flares or reflective triangle, so you don't get hit at the side of the road in the dark.P

  • Maps. Yes, the paper kind.P

Related
Put Together a Winter Car Emergency Kit

Earlier this week we talked about an emergency kit for your home, now it's time to focus on your car and how to be prepared for the… Read…

For winter/snow emergencies:P

  • Ice scraperP

  • Mylar space blanket to keep you warm during a blizzard.P

  • Cardboard or carpet remnant you can place under tires for traction in the snow.P

Convenience and ComfortP

30 Essential Things You Should Keep in Your Car

In addition to the basics above, you might want to keep these things around also:P

  • Paper towels or a hand towelP

  • Tissues or a roll of toilet paperP

  • Pencil and paperP

  • UmbrellaP

  • Spare change/emergency moneyP

  • Recycled shopping bags for those impromptu shopping trips.P

  • Blanket, which comes in handy not just for keeping warm in emergencies, but also at the park, baseball stadium, etc.P

  • Change of clothes: also an emergency item, because if you get drenched in rain or snow, it's no good to sit around like that.P

  • USB mobile device chargerP

Related
Junk in the trunk

It's always good to have some basic tools in your car and maybe some other odds and ends. It has been discussed what is good to keep in your car … Read…

This isn't an exhaustive list, and your needs might vary. While it might sound like a lot, all this stuff doesn't take up too much space. Jalopnik's Opposite Lock Kinja blog shows us your car might have good hiding places to stash all of your just-in-case items.P

Photos by Scott & Elaine van der Chijs, State Farm, and bradleygee.P

Like
509
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1Author is participating@
TheOtherHalfUMelanie Pinola
32
L

FYI, since Fix-a-Flat was mentioned. Some tire centers and such will refuse to repair your tire if you spray that stuff into it.9/06/13 8:14am

Melanie PinolaUTheOtherHalf

Ah, good to know.9/06/13 8:16am

SEinAZUTheOtherHalf
7
L

And you really shouldn't use it if you have tire pressure sensors. Fix-a-Flat can screw those up to the point they have to be replaced.9/06/13 8:19am

1Author is participating@
Melanie PinolaUMelanie Pinola

Laundry basket didn't make the list, but I'm fond of the idea.

What else would you include?9/06/13 8:05am

dreygataUMelanie Pinola
3
L

Rather than a blanket, I keep a heavier hoody in the car. It lets you bundle up while still remaining mobile, i.e. if you need to fix a flat in cold weather. Plus it's useful in non emergency situation where it start raining and I forgot to bring a jacket.9/06/13 8:21am

wakers01UMelanie Pinola
11
L

Rope or 550 cord.9/06/13 8:31am

1Author is participating@
Platypus ManUMelanie Pinola
3
L

Good list, but if I put all this stuff in my car I wouldn't have room for anything else (though storing stuff with the spare tire isn't a bad idea)...9/06/13 8:43am

Melanie PinolaUPlatypus Man
2
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Ha, my dad made a kit for me and stuffed everything in a milk crate—it even included orange safety cones. In my small Civic, there's still room in the trunk (though I took out the safety cones).9/06/13 8:47am

Platypus ManUMelanie Pinola
2
L

Honeslty, part of my reluctance comes from the fact that I don't have a trunk, I have a hatchback (Honda CR-Z). When anything's back there, I'm very aware of it sliding around and if it's too tall, it'll obstruct my view. Still though, getting more than what I have is not a bad idea.9/06/13 8:51am

1Author is participating@
FalarisUMelanie Pinola
2
L

I'm surprised that a cheap $20 tool kit didn't make it on the list.

When I worked out of town in a remote office, one day the front door's hinge messed up and the door wouldn't close. I was the only one there for awhile and I couldn't leave to go get tools because I couldn't lock the door.

Luckily a co-worker came along to grab something from the office and he had a tool kit in his trunk. 5 minutes later it was all fixed and he told me how important it has been to have that with him over years of working in different small towns.

I immediately went to Walmart after that, bought a tool kit, and threw it in my trunk. Has been there for years now and I did the same thing with my girlfriend's car too. It's just a great idea to always have real tools like a hammer and screwdriver on hand, above and beyond my Leatherman multitool.9/06/13 9:23am

I thought maybe the multi-tool would be enough. But maybe not?9/06/13 9:55am

ChrisUMelanie Pinola
5
L

I like my multi-tools. I do. Realistically, though, they're virtually useless when working on a car or motorcycle. Always keep a cheapy tool kit with a fairly comprehensive selection of wrenches and sockets.

Also, no fire-exhinguisher? Happy thoughts won't put out your engine when that fuel line lets go. . . 9/06/13 10:38am

10 participants@
dreygataUMelanie Pinola
1
L
u
  • Related
    How Do I Jump-Start a Car?

    It's an essential skill that any driver should have, but if you ask five people how to jump-start a car with a run-down battery, you could get… Read…

    Jumper cables, because dead batteries happen to the best of us. We've got a crash course on how to jump-start a car, but you should familiarize yourself with your engine just in case things are a little different. Alternatively, you can pack an emergency battery booster so you don't have to rely on a Good Samaritan coming along.

    • This a big thing. I was confused as heck one time while trying to help someone with a dead battery. I could not find the battery in the engine compartment. After looking through their manual, it turns out it was in the trunk.

    So make sure you know WHERE your battery is so you can have another car pull up to the correct side of the vehicle (and all the more reason to keep your trunk clean if your battery in back there)9/06/13 8:18am

    Dave DebusUdreygata
    1
    L

    Many/most cars that have the battery in the back/trunk will have some sort of terminal or access under the hood as well, but again, not always super obvious.9/06/13 8:24am

    dreygataUDave Debus

    Yeah, this car in particular either didn't have them, or they weren't mentioned in it's manual (wouldn't be the first time I've read a car manual that left something like that out).9/06/13 8:25am

    19 participants@
    beefmaloneUMelanie Pinola
    8
    L

    You forgot this...

    9/06/13 8:38am

    wakers01Ubeefmalone
    1
    L

    That tends to stay on my person instead of in my car. Too easy to forget about there.9/06/13 8:54am

    MalforusUwakers01
    2
    L

    Yup, a gun shouldn't be absently stored anywhere, especially loaded.

    Course beefmalone isn't exactly known for his serious contributions.9/06/13 9:01am

    6 participants@
    ThunderUMelanie Pinola
    2
    L

    Screw fix-a-flat.

    Just learn how to use the spare. Properly.

    Case in point: I had an '07 Civic Si. If I had gotten a flat on a front tire, I would have had to remove a REAR tire, put the spare on there, then replaced the flat FRONT tire with the regular wheel from the rear. Failure to do so would chew up the limited slip diff due to differing tire sizes.

    There IS a reason to read the owner's manual (that's also good to have in the car) after all. 9/06/13 9:07am

    Or... just have all 4 corners with the same size tyre...

    ... just a thought...

    (175/65's on my front, 195/65's on my rear... hmm...)9/09/13 4:00am

    ThunderUdoodledeveloper

    Nope - they were all the same size.

    Issue was that the diameter of the spare was different... just enough so... that if put on one end of the LSD, it would result in different rotational speeds. That would chew it up.

    So, if a rear tire went, no problem, just put the spare on there.

    If a front went, though, you had to put the spare on the rear, and put the full-size wheel from the rear onto the front. 9/09/13 5:29am

    8 participants@
    MannyBonesUMelanie Pinola
    3
    L

    Remember when even luxury cars came with their own tool kits?

    BMW

    Porsche9/06/13 12:11pm

    syrgrad91UMannyBones

    My E36 sedan has a similar tool selection, although mine doesn't have a triangle :(9/06/13 1:02pm

    MannyBonesUsyrgrad91

    It's my understanding the American cars didn't get the triangle. My Porsche (928, which is what that tool kit is from), did have one, but it was a grey-market import, so I don't know if US cars got triangles too.

    On my E39 I've just been trying to figure out what useful stuff can fit in the gaping void left by the triangle's absence. Sadly, I guess new BMW's no longer have the tool kits.9/06/13 1:40pm

    1Author is participating@

    Wouldn't the seat belt cutter and window smasher make more sense stuffed in the center console, if they fit? That way if you don't have a passenger you can still reach them.9/06/13 9:27am

    Melanie PinolaUSteven Phillips Photography

    Yeah, that's a good suggestion.9/06/13 9:53am

    robert hornUSteven Phillips Photography
    3
    L

    that's what a knife and handgun are for9/06/13 12:59pm

    8 participants@
    GRUMelanie Pinola
    5
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    Don't skimp on the cables. Buy heavy duty extra long ones.. I spent $12 on a good pair in 1974 and they lasted me for more than 30 years. I cannot begin to count the number of times they came in handy. Also, consider putting your flashlight in a gallon zip loc bag with the batteries next to it. That way they're less likely to be dead when you need it.Yes, I know you have a flashlight app on your phone, but you might need your passenger to use the flashlight to warn oncoming traffic while you use your phone light to change the tire. Consider throwing in a fluorescent vest, the kind cops and highway construction workers use.9/06/13 8:30am

    A while ago I bought one of those "jumper" sets for which you don't have to open the hood, attach it to your battery, etc. Instead, it just plugs into each car's "cigarette lighter" receptacle. It takes about five minutes for a charge to pass, and then...voila! Works like a charm. No jumper cables and exploding batteries for me, thank you sir!9/06/13 11:07am

    Hehe. Most cables you get at local stores are the cheap 10 gauge, or if you pay for the premium, 8 gauge. Real professionals use 6 gauge or 4 gauge jumper cables.

    You can buy cheap LED flashlights WITH BATTERIES for about $2.50 each (or cheaper) that are pretty darn bright. You can get REALLY bright ones for $25, or professional strength ones for $100 (like Streamlight, Surefire etc.) that are light mini searchlights. PLEASE GET SOME. I keep two in my car at all times. 9/06/13 11:53am


    Posted on October 5th, 2013

    Transform Any Wall Outlet Into a Secret Safe


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    Sometimes you just don't need a giant safe to hide your belongings in, which is why Instructables user The King of Random put together a guide to hiding you smaller stuff inside a wall outlet.P

    We've mentioned a hidden wall safe before, but The King of Random goes into a lot more detail with various different builds. The guide walks you through cutting into a brand new outlet, an old one, and even setting it up with cable outlet. If you're looking to hide away your stuff, your wall outlet's a good place to start. Find all the guides over on Instructables. P

    Related
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    Click to viewDIY web site Instructables details how to make a secret—albeit very small—hiding place for your valuables by installing a fake wall… Read…

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    There's more to hiding your valuables than making them hard to find. Whether you're hiding a money stash from burglars or secret documents… Read…

    How to Make a Super Secret Safe for Less than $3 | InstructablesP

    K
    3 participants@
    FaslaneUThorin Klosowski
    3
    L

    ~ This story brought to you by the friends at the DEA and Walter White AKA "Heisenberg"28 minutes ago

    Ah, you beat me to it!18 minutes ago

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    BAM!! LOL ;-)17 minutes ago

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    If I was looking around a place for secret stashes, blank wall plates would be a good place to start. The same stud finder he used to place the box also works great for determining if there is something dense behind a wall plate. If they go so far as to put an actual (non-functioning) outlet in there, one of those non-contact voltage testers will discover it, and is a lot easier than carrying around a lamp.

    What I'd like to see is a wall safe disguised to look like an outlet that will open when key "plugs" are inserted into the sockets. One more thing: The outlets are wired and fully functional. Try to pick that lock and *POW!*2 minutes ago

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    Posted on October 4th, 2013

    Save Time, Effort, And Money With A Monthly Home and Auto Maintenance Checklist - The Simple Dollar


    Save Time, Effort, And Money With A Monthly Home and Auto Maintenance Checklist

    Trent
    By TrentJune 5, 2007
    31

    As a new homeowner, I am very interested in gathering advice from other homeowners on regular maintenance tasks that can keep your home and automobiles running smoothly – a bit of time on a regular basis is well worth avoiding a major disaster later on.

    While I cast out requests from many of my friends and acquaintances, I was most interested in the list that my father used for maintenance around our house. Once a month, my parents would have a “maintenance day" where they enlisted all of the children and we all worked hard on home maintenance tasks. Generally, my father focused on mechanical issues around the house and things that could present a danger, while my mother took the opportunity for a thorough scrubbing of the house.

    I acquired both of their lists of tasks, along with several other similar lists from other homeowners, and prepared a master list of tasks to be done on a monthly basis. Many of these aren’t really relevant to some homeowners, as they deal with both warm climate and cold climate issues as well as the challenges of shifting back and forth each year (Iowa weather ranges from 90-110 in the summer to well below zero in the winter, Fahrenheit).

    Why do this? As a homeowner, your home is a tremendous investment, and regular maintenance helps to ensure that there won’t be significant damage down the road that can potentially cost you a lot of money. Consider that this regular maintenance can stop mold infestations before they cost you thousands. Instead, take the time to regularly inspect and repair little things and your house will keep going in tip-top shape for a long time.

    I don’t know if I can do all this in a day! Spread them out – do a couple hour’s worth each Saturday or something to that effect. Just be sure to keep a schedule of what you’re doing so they get done regularly.

    Home and Auto Maintenance Checklist

    You should do all of these things once a month in your home and your automobile. I have double spaced them so that if you choose to print out this entry, there’s plenty of room to make notes. Some of these might apply to you; I also didn’t include seasonal maintenance tasks like waterproofing your deck and so on. Also, if you know of anything I missed, please say so in the comments.

    Check the tire pressure on all cars and air them up to the recommended maximum

    Check the oil on the lawnmower and sharpen the blades – well-sharpened mower blades drastically reduce mowing time

    Check, clean, and perhaps replace the air filter on all automobiles

    Check the fluid levels in all automobiles and adjust as needed

    Check and fill all gas cans for lawnmowers, etc.

    Check for squeaky doors and oil them as needed

    Check and clean range hood filters

    Check and replace furnace filters

    Check and replace other ventilation system filters

    Check and replace humidifier filters

    Remove grills on forced air system ducts and vacuum inside the ducts

    Examine the foundation for any cracks

    Examine exposed wood (attic, etc.) for insect damage and do any insect preventative maintenance that needs to happen

    Test all ground fault circuit interrupters

    Check all vents (inside and outside) and make sure there are no obstructions

    Remove screens, clean window wells, and dry them

    Examine all outdoor items and see whether any seasonal maintenance needs to be done

    Drain off a pan full of water from the clean-out valve at the bottom of your hot water tank (removes sediment and maintains efficiency)

    Check your sump pump for any issues

    Test all fire/smoke/carbon monoxide detectors in the house

    Check all window and door locks to ensure they’re all in working order

    Check your fire escape plan and make sure that furniture additions haven’t changed this

    Check all faucets for dripping water and change washers if needed

    Run all sinks, toilets, baths, and showers to ensure no problems (mostly just the ones not used frequently)

    Check the gauge on all fire extinguishers and replace if needed

    Use a pipe cleaner and baking soda to clean all drains

    Check all gutters for blockage and clean as needed (bird’s nests, leaves, etc.)

    Check all visible pipes for leaks (don’t forget under sinks, etc.)

    Check and clean refrigerator and freezer coils (we did this about once every six months, if I remember right)

    Check all caulking and repair as needed

    Monthly Cleaning Checklist

    This is the checklist used by my mother during her monthly “cleaning day," which helped keep the house fresh. It might also be useful to you and, as before, the items are double spaced for printing and note-taking.

    Clean all windows – remove the screens, clean the windowsills thoroughly, and also clean the windows thoroughly with Windex

    Vacuum under all furniture – and vacuum all furniture, removing the cushions, etc.

    Shampoo carpets as needed – this was usually done in a batch every few months

    Scrub all non-carpeted floors – soap and brush on your hands and knees

    Scour all sinks and tabletops

    Sweep the garage floor

    Put anything unused into storage (we had an annual “go through the storage" event, too)

    Inventory all food staples (pantry, freezer, etc.), throw out what’s old, make a master list, and go to the store to replace what’s needed

    Completely clean out refrigerator, thoroughly clean inside, then restock

    Take a look at a more complete list of DIY home repairs you can make to lower your home insurance rates.

    June 5, 2007 @ 12:30 pm - Written by TrentCategories: Automobile,Frugality,HousingBookmarks: del.icio.us, reddit

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    Posted on October 4th, 2013

    Axe Skills, and info

    Moderators: Woods Walker, ZS Global Moderators

      
    First unread post • 86 posts • Page 1 of 4 • 1234
     
     
     
     

    Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ineffableone » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:25 am

    On another tread about the new Wetterlings Bushman axe it was suggested we start an axe skills thread (Ok Ninja-elbow said he was going to, but I just couldn't wait for him, the idea was too exciting for me, sorry ninja if I am jumping the gun here) to help get people who might not think of using a pack axe to gain skills to start taking an axe out with them. Some of this post is from my last comment in that previous thread expanded a bit to be more inclusive. Rather than trying to come up with all original content I will be borrowing from a lot of different places, for videos and pictures etc, and linking good reference sites. Partially since I have no video camera to make my own videos, and why reproduce what has already been done by others. This is more a consolidation of information for those who have not explored axe craft yet, or want to get better at it.

    First off, lets deal with the parts of the axe. Knowing what your talking about really helps.

    Image

    Secondly with axes, they come in different sizes and shapes. The above graphic of the parts of an axe is not all inclusive because it deals with only one axe not all of the different types. Not every size or shape is suited for every task, neither is every shape axe suited for all types of wood.

    The classic guide to choosing a pack axe is the Ray Mears video Choosing and using an axe, Bushcraft Survival
     

    This is a good example of how different sized different axes can be.
    From What is the Right Size Axe for You-A Gransfors Bruks Axe Comparison
    http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-right-size-axe-for-you.html
    Image

    American Felling Axe next to the Scandinavian Forest Axe
    Image

    Scandinavian Forest Axe next to the Small Forest Axe
    Image

    Small Forest Axe next to the Wildlife Hatchet
    Image

    As you can see there is a pretty big difference between the different axes, and these are all just from the same company not a bunch of different companies. Different sizes and shapes made for different tasks. Not every axe is one you want to use for a pack axe. Wood Trekker's blog has some great informative info that can help a lot when looking at what axe size is right for you. Remember too what axe you choose also has a lot to do with where you plan to use it. Not every axe has a geometry suited for every forest. American Axe designs are often named after an area they came into use. Like Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, etc. Or for the task they were designed for carpenter's, felling, splitting, etc Different axes work better for different tasks and woods.

    Axe Head Geometry-Phantom Bevels and Tapered Cheeks from Wood Trekker
     

    Some different axe patterns.
    Image

    This is nowhere near all the different types of axes out there. Just a few of them. You can see some are only subtly different while others are dramatical different.

    Here is a similar diagram but it also gives axe head weights along with patterns. Very informative knowing the weight along with the shape.
    Image

    The above image is from a gov site and put out by the US Forest Service An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/publications/fs_publications/99232823/page02.cfm which is a companion to a very good video by the same name An Ax to Grind which can be found on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz3rs-eaN3E along with another video Handtools For Trail Work http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sZBhN4Y2kI Both these youtube sources for these videos combine the two parts of the videos together, each is about 1 hour long.

    I highly recommend visiting the Ax to Grind website and watching the videos for anyone interested in axes!
    An Ax to Grind, both the website info and video are amazingly informative and a great source for axe info. Handtools For Trail Work covers a lot more than axes, but has a bit more coverage of some axe skills than An Ax to Grind. I like to consider these two as part of a whole, and they were both put out by the US Forest Service as such. *edit to add, I just found this link to a PDF download of the An Ax to Grind website info, http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=402

    Like a lot of gear, it helps to become informed about the subject. Making an assumption due to lack of knowledge sets you up to make the wrong conclusions. This reminds me of Nutnfancy's video about axes not being good for packs. He took a Friskars splitting axe out and chopped at a large log with poor axe skills to show how much work it was to use an axe and how inefficient it was. Well of course it was, you used the wrong axe silly. A splitting axe has a much heavier bigger head than a felling or forest axe does. They are meant to be left at a house to split wood for your fire place not to take into the woods. Also he used extremely incorrect axe work along with the wrong axe. He was doomed to fail from the beginning. But that is an example of someone not knowing the right info thinking an axe is a poor choice for the woods due to this poor knowledge.

    The nutnfancy video showing how not to use an axe. LOL
     

    The number one reason I have seen for people who have an axe but think axes are poor tools, is they don't keep their axe sharp. A safe axe is a sharp axe, a dull axe is a dangerous axe. It sounds counter intuitive but it is true, a sharp axe performs well and does what it is supposed to do, a dull one bounces and deflects becoming wild and dangerous. Plus a dull axe is not performing as it should taking a lot more effort than it should, straining the body when it shouldn't. Good axe maintenance means sharpening your axe, and taking care of your handle and sheath.

    Ray Mears - How to sharpen an axe at camp, Bushcraft Survival
     

    Ray Mears - How to look after your axe, Bushcraft Survival
     

    Of course you might not be carrying around Japanese water stones, and all this stuff that Ray Mears is suggesting. A common axe sharpener for in the field is a Lansky puck. These are mentioned in the Ax to Grind video, in case you hadn't watched that.
    Image
    These are nice hand sized duel grit stones and great for field sharpening. Other companies make these pucks, including one made by axe maker Gransfors Bruks.

    How To Sharpen An Axe a video showing the puck style for axe sharpening.
     

    When sharpening you want your axe as sharp as you would a knife. If it can't cut paper then it is too dull. If your cutting hard wood and notice your axe is dulling, take the time to sharpen it and it will cut better and safer. Same if you happen to strike the ground and ding the edge, take the time to fix the edge and you will be much happier.

    (moving some videos to second post to shorten the post to a more readable amount)
    Last edited by ineffableone on Sun Jul 29, 2012 9:24 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ineffableone » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:46 am

    Some videos showing some axe work.

    HOW TO USE AN AXE !
     

    A decent video series showing the basics of axe skills is once again from Wood Trekker.

    Basic Axe Use Part 1: Chopping
     

    Basic Axe Use Part 2: Limbing and Bucking
     

    Basic Axe Use Part 3: Splitting
     

    Basic Axe Use Part 4: Carving
     

    other videos bushcraft axe related

    How to use an Axe for Bushcraft
     

    Axes in Bushcraft
     

    Axe Practice
     

    Making a Bowl Using a Gransfors Bruks Kubben Hatchet
     

    And there are lots lots more out there. The axe is a learned skill, you can't just buy one and be an expert with it right away. You need to practice with it. You also need to try different types of axes. As I mentioned earlier not all axes are good for every wood or task. Some axes will be much better suited for some tasks just because of the wood involved or the geometry and weight of the head. Also of course handle length makes a difference. Sometimes you want short handled other times you want long. Getting experience is really the only way to get a good grasp of what will work best for you.

    While this post is long, it is by no means complete or totally comprehensive. I hope others will add in their knowledge and information. I am not an expert on axes, just someone who loves using them and hopes others out there might want to learn more about these tools, or share the knowledge they have.
    My favorite quotes from Rorschach from the comic Watchmen

    "Once a man has seen society's black underbelly, he can never turn his back on it. Never pretend, like you do, that it doesn't exist."

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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby the_alias » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:50 am

    Nice compilation of information, thanks for taking the time to collect it and post it in such a format! :)

    I'm a big fan of my GFB Small Forest and the Hatchet - I think in winter an axe is indispensable.
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ninja-elbow » Thu Jul 26, 2012 10:09 am

    Excellent, good work! :clap:
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ineffableone » Thu Jul 26, 2012 10:58 am

    the_alias wrote:Nice compilation of information, thanks for taking the time to collect it and post it in such a format! :)

    I'm a big fan of my GFB Small Forest and the Hatchet - I think in winter an axe is indispensable.


    GFB Small Forest axe is definitely one of the most highly recommended bushcraft axes. Though the Wetterlings Bushman coming out in Nov might give it a run with the different head shape. I am pretty sure it will be on a lot of X-Mass lists for axe lovers. Sort of a cross between a small forest axe and a carpenters axe. I ordered the Fine Forest axe, which has a similar head design but the longer 24" handle. Check out the thread on the Bushman here http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=96422

    ninja-elbow wrote:Excellent, good work! :clap:

    Glad you like it Ninja, but of course the props go to you for thinking up the idea to do an axe skills post, so thanks for doing the heavy work and thinking up the idea.

    One of the most important things in the post I think is this bellow.

    ineffableone wrote:An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/publications/fs_publications/99232823/page02.cfm which is a companion to a very good video by the same name An Ax to Grind which can be found on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz3rs-eaN3E along with another video Handtools For Trail Work http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sZBhN4Y2kI Both these youtube sources for these videos combine the two parts of the videos together, each is about 1 hour long.

    I highly recommend visiting the Ax to Grind website and watching the videos for anyone interested in axes!
    An Ax to Grind, both the website info and video are amazingly informative and a great source for axe info. Handtools For Trail Work covers a lot more than axes, but has a bit more coverage of some axe skills than An Ax to Grind. I like to consider these two as part of a whole, and they were both put out by the US Forest Service as such.


    Those two videos are a wealth of info great for beginners and experienced axe enthusiasts. The web site An Ax to Grind: A Practical Ax Manual is loaded with so much info it is ridiculous. There is a huge amount of great info on the development and history of axes, the different styles, and so much more. I can visit that site again and again just soaking up the info there and never get full or tired of the great resource that it is.
    My favorite quotes from Rorschach from the comic Watchmen

    "Once a man has seen society's black underbelly, he can never turn his back on it. Never pretend, like you do, that it doesn't exist."

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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby Turtlewolf » Thu Jul 26, 2012 11:17 am

    .
    Last edited by Turtlewolf on Fri Oct 26, 2012 5:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby KentsOkay » Thu Jul 26, 2012 11:43 am

    Holy information load Batman!

    I thought I was good with an ax. I now realize I am an absolute novice with an ax. The first video alone showed me stuff I've never thought of before or done opposite of. I will return to watch it all.

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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ineffableone » Thu Jul 26, 2012 11:47 am

    Turtlewolf wrote:My hat is off to you!
    It is about time someone did this.
    I've used axes/hatchets/tomahawks most of my life and IMHO they make the best heavier tool in my AO for the bush, I also like flat edges on my bushcraft axes like those on the so called carpenters axes or even the inexpensive (but amazingly high value) Fiskars. The carpenters axes do sacrifice some splitting ability unless you are willing to batton a bit with them, then the increased utility of the flat edge wins out every day. The Fiskars loose nothing for splitting but the more wedge like head makes fine detail work a little harder (but not enough to worry) than the carpenters axes.
    Also the first time I watched that Nutnfancy video I almost wet myself laughing, this jackass claims to have been a Marine and almost every video I've seen makes me think he should play fewer video games and pull his head from his ass.
    Anyone who would lug a heavy splitting axe half way up a mountain to try and prove than an axe is inferior is stupider than a sack of hammers.
    I realy do like other tools such as the machete and khukri but in my AO the axe/hatchet/tomahawk wins every day.


    Machete and khukri have their place, but that is usually more in jungle or swamp land and sometimes desert. In most of N America or N Europe the axe is the tool you want. That is why historically that was the tool folks took with them into the bush. I am in no way saying axes are better or discounting the large blades, just pointing out different areas have different vegetation that suits different tools. N Europe and N America is much more axe territory due to the requirements of the vegetation. I have debated getting different machete, parang, khukri, etc often but when out in the woods never find enough reason to want one. If I do encounter a thick spot, I tend to just walk around it, or use a stick to push the veg out of the way or cut with a knife or even use my folding saw to slash with if I really feel the need to go into it. But that happens too rarely for me to buy a machete so far.

    You might want to check out the Wetterlings Fine Forest axe AKA the Universal Woodsman's axe or the up coming Bushman's axe which is a Wetterlings collaboration with Les Stroud. They are smaller lighter "carpenter's" style heads on longer handles. They might be right up your alley, like they were mine. :D

    Yep that Nutnfancy video was such a classic example of someone who does not know what they are talking about with axes trying to tell others about axes. Sad part though is a lot of people will actually listen to him and think he knows what he is talking about.

    I have two of the Gerber/Fiskars axes, they were given to me. I find the metal in them a bit soft, and they need touching up more often than my Wetterlings does. Though they are easy to touch up. I also noticed the wrap that goes around them tends to snag a bit and chip when splitting. Possibly a place for future failure. Of course I think it will take a long time to cause enough damage to that area to cause a problem. I do have to say they do actually throw pretty well, and the synthetic handle is no worries when throwing. :clap:
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ineffableone » Thu Jul 26, 2012 11:51 am

    KentsOkay wrote:Holy information load Batman!

    I thought I was good with an ax. I now realize I am an absolute novice with an ax. The first video alone showed me stuff I've never thought of before or done opposite of. I will return to watch it all.


    LOL, don't worry I am always learning too, and there is tons of info I posted up that I still haven't fully digested myself and made part of my own personal axe craft. There is a lot of info out there, and it is great to keep learning and finding out what others are doing. Then getting out and practising yourself.

    Watch Ray Mears make a paddle with his axe, and you quickly realise how much more you need to just go out and give projects a try.
    My favorite quotes from Rorschach from the comic Watchmen

    "Once a man has seen society's black underbelly, he can never turn his back on it. Never pretend, like you do, that it doesn't exist."

    "None of you seem to understand. I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with *ME*!"
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby Turtlewolf » Thu Jul 26, 2012 11:53 am

    .
    Last edited by Turtlewolf on Fri Oct 26, 2012 5:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ineffableone » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:13 pm

    Turtlewolf wrote:To the OP, you probably have much harder woods than I in my AO.
    The hardest trees I have are pine knots, birch and willow.
    I've had my old style Fiskars hatchet for ages and it hasn't ever failed me, they are a bit soft but for me that is an advantage as it is easier to care for. I actualy find myself prefering the old style over the new X7. Also the softest blade I have of the large choppers is my Tramontina 14" Bolo, I actualy dented the blade a few years ago on a pine knot then took a ball peen hammer and smashed it flat again with no firther issues.
    Another blade I've abused is my Kabar Khukri which has proven a pretty good tool, but is probably the most awkward for detail work of the lot.
    I'm realy liking my modified Cold Steel Trailhawk, but it cost twice what a Fiskars X7 does and it took over six hours to get it to where I like it as a tool.
    For the record, make sure your tomahawk head is firmly attached kids! The myth that it should come off easily just means you have a broken tool.


    I am in the Pac NW, so mostly soft trees here, and I wasn't complaining really just noticed the Fiskars edge took more damage due to a softer metal than a Wetterlings did. I don't have a GFB but image they would hold up more too. There is of course trade offs for hardness. Harder edges will stay sharp longer, however are more difficult to sharpen, they are also more prone to chips rather than softer edges which will roll or dent before they chip which is much easier to fix without loosing a lot of edge metal. So there are pluses and minuses for each really. *edit to add, one reason I tend to prefer the harder metal of Wetterlings is it holds the edge longer, a sharp axe is a safe axe.

    As for the Bushman, yes the celebrity name of Les Stroud will probably raise the price, but I imagine it wont be overly expensive, and Les is Canadian, you might get a better deal on those than us in the US. The Fine Forest axe is $102 after shipping from http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Wetter ... AW176.html, I just ordered one and it should be getting here tomorrow, I am so excited to have a new axe to play with. I will let you know how well it performs.
    My favorite quotes from Rorschach from the comic Watchmen

    "Once a man has seen society's black underbelly, he can never turn his back on it. Never pretend, like you do, that it doesn't exist."

    "None of you seem to understand. I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with *ME*!"
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ineffableone » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:20 pm

    ineffableone wrote:
    KentsOkay wrote:Holy information load Batman!

    I thought I was good with an ax. I now realize I am an absolute novice with an ax. The first video alone showed me stuff I've never thought of before or done opposite of. I will return to watch it all.


    LOL, don't worry I am always learning too, and there is tons of info I posted up that I still haven't fully digested myself and made part of my own personal axe craft. There is a lot of info out there, and it is great to keep learning and finding out what others are doing. Then getting out and practising yourself.

    Watch Ray Mears make a paddle with his axe, and you quickly realise how much more you need to just go out and give projects a try.


    As mentioned Ray Mears making a paddle in the bush!

     

    This always just makes me want to go out and start building and making stuff with axes. :clap:
    My favorite quotes from Rorschach from the comic Watchmen

    "Once a man has seen society's black underbelly, he can never turn his back on it. Never pretend, like you do, that it doesn't exist."

    "None of you seem to understand. I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with *ME*!"
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby Turtlewolf » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:31 pm

    .
    Last edited by Turtlewolf on Fri Oct 26, 2012 5:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby KentsOkay » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:39 pm

    Turtlewold I'm going to take a wild guess and assume your Tramontina was a poorly tempered mistake. I've always found Tramontina to be superior to everything else, machete wise.

    Here on the edge of Texas Hill Country meets Blackland Prairie , I'm trying to figure out what the best ax/use of ax is. We've got juniper/post cedar trees out the ass, some oak, and further east (into the prairie) mesquite. Looks like this:

    Image

    I've got a cheap Lowe's chopping ax which I use for some brush management and light firewood splitting, but the Stihl is the work horse. I wouldn't mind putting more work in with the ax to develop my skills. It's got a dent in the blade which I've almost worked out through sharpening (I used a bench grinder then finished by hand with a well worn grinding wheel). Am I polishing a turd here? After only a little work with oak it needs sharpening again. How do these woods compare to say, the north west? I ask as this is one of the places I plan to spend time swinging an ax while camping/etc.

    Also have an older Estwing Camp Axe, it operates between machete and Lowe's Ax. Realllly wanna pick up the Carpenter's Axe and jazz it up.

    0122358 wrote:so we moved a thread to maintain OPSEC on a fictional vid game so our team doesnt get kill as easily by possible spies...fuckin sweet

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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ineffableone » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:44 pm

    Turtlewolf wrote:I wish we got deals because a celebrity was Canadian! I realy like his original knife but the cost is crazy, but then my favorite bush knife is the Mora 612 or 611 and until recently I bought them for $10 a peice. My oldest Mora is over 25 years old and although ugly and patinaed it still holds its edge and is a trusted (although now retired) companion, it is a plastic handled 511.
    I have yet to pay more than $40 for an axe/tomahawk/hatchet but I did recently pay $80 for a Kabar Potbelly and have to admit a bit of fondness for the blade and it almost is good enough to replace my hatchet or tomahawk on hikes. I think it isn't the blade but my history with the axe that prevents it from being used more honestly.
    As you can see I'm pretty cheap but the cost of my gear is far less than the utility of it!


    I totally hear you, I am on quite a small budget, spending the $102 for the Fine Forest axe was a big investment for me, and actually only happened due to me having saved up some cash, I have a birthday next month and felt like giving myself a gift.

    Even though I am on a budget, I tend to find things I really like and save up to get them, with in reason. I still have yet to save up for the $400+ Mystery Ranch pack I want, my ILBE seems just fine at an $89 investment and I did save up for that one too.

    Sometimes though it is worth it to pay a bit more and get something higher quality you know will last you your life and likely into your grandchildren's life.
    My favorite quotes from Rorschach from the comic Watchmen

    "Once a man has seen society's black underbelly, he can never turn his back on it. Never pretend, like you do, that it doesn't exist."

    "None of you seem to understand. I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with *ME*!"
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby Turtlewolf » Thu Jul 26, 2012 12:53 pm

    .
    Last edited by Turtlewolf on Fri Oct 26, 2012 5:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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    You can drop your knife, loose your rifle but keep an eye on your axe.
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ineffableone » Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:01 pm

    KentsOkay wrote:Turtlewold I'm going to take a wild guess and assume your Tramontina was a poorly tempered mistake. I've always found Tramontina to be superior to everything else, machete wise.

    Here on the edge of Texas Hill Country meets Blackland Prairie , I'm trying to figure out what the best ax/use of ax is. We've got juniper/post cedar trees out the ass, some oak, and further east (into the prairie) mesquite. Looks like this:

    Image

    I've got a cheap Lowe's chopping ax which I use for some brush management and light firewood splitting, but the Stihl is the work horse. I wouldn't mind putting more work in with the ax to develop my skills. It's got a dent in the blade which I've almost worked out through sharpening (I used a bench grinder then finished by hand with a well worn grinding wheel). Am I polishing a turd here? After only a little work with oak it needs sharpening again. How do these woods compare to say, the north west? I ask as this is one of the places I plan to spend time swinging an ax while camping/etc.

    Also have an older Estwing Camp Axe, it operates between machete and Lowe's Ax. Realllly wanna pick up the Carpenter's Axe and jazz it up.


    I lived in AZ for 4 yrs doing landscaping for an Architecture community. Had to cut lots of Juniper and Mesquite but usually with saws. The Pac NW is much softer woods than the SW! Your going to want to have a good high rockwell edge on your axe blade just be careful with rocks and hitting the ground as the edge will be more brittle. That Lowes axe will not cut it as they tend to be made for just general axe use.

    However I noticed you said bench grinder? Eeep! Don't sharpen axes with a bench grinder. You can ruin the blade's temper that way. You want to use a hand file, and sharpening stones. If you have to opt for power tools, you want a belt sander with high grit belts and you want to be very careful of the heat build up. Definitely watch that video An Ax to Grind.

    I have not been in need of a good hard wood axe, so am not sure of the best brands, but there is an article that might help with identifying a good hard wood axe on Wood Trekker's Blog actually from another guy, (love the axe knowledge sharing) The article is about how to reprofile an axe http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2011/04/guest-post-how-to-reprofile-axes-and.html

    There is a difference between axes meant for hardwood as opposed to softwood. Softwood is more "spongy" in a sense, so when you make your second cut, you need a wider blade to clear the cut and eject the chip of wood out. This does not mean thicker, but, from the edge to where the cheeks start will be a greater distance than on a hardwood axe. I typically make this distance anywhere up to 1 1/2" on axes used for birch or pine. If the blade is narrow, then the wood will simply compress and not split along the grain. This results in having to twist the axe in the wood to try clear the cut. Hardwoods are more brittle so you don't need such a broad "wedge" to cause the wood to crack and be ejected. On hardwoods I tend to leave about a 1/2" blade.
    My favorite quotes from Rorschach from the comic Watchmen

    "Once a man has seen society's black underbelly, he can never turn his back on it. Never pretend, like you do, that it doesn't exist."

    "None of you seem to understand. I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with *ME*!"
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby KentsOkay » Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:03 pm

    Turtlewolf wrote:Kent, if you used a grinder on an axe you probably killed what temper it had-don't ever use a grinder on any blade to sharpen it!
    Get a good single cut axe file and a stone.


    I very well may have killed the temper, although I did go to some lengths to insure I didn't, I'd dip it in water every couple of passes I made. If I did fuck it up more though (I was trying to work out a big fucking dent made dad put in it when trying to do some log splitting), that would totally justify getting a new ax!

    So someone tell me what midsize axe I should buy for chopping dense, springy shitty wood, chopping hardwood, and killing zombies :lol:

    EDIT: good info ineff, I'll take a look at that link.

    0122358 wrote:so we moved a thread to maintain OPSEC on a fictional vid game so our team doesnt get kill as easily by possible spies...fuckin sweet

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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby Turtlewolf » Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:06 pm

    .
    Last edited by Turtlewolf on Fri Oct 26, 2012 5:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby KentsOkay » Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:12 pm

    Turtlewolf wrote:Kent, for killing Zombies get a good broad axe custom made from Stormcrow.
    Actualy you know what? He built a ton of axes and used them on Texas hardwoods and they weren't that expensive, why not give him a call or message?


    Man, I totally forgot he was doing axe heads, I'll have to drop him a line. Not only is he the resident blade expert, he knows what the hell I'm hacking.

    Honestly, the to-be-owned Estwing and my Windlass sword are my primary melee weapons, a full axe is too damn heavy for the way I fight.

    Not sure if that should be blue text or not.

    0122358 wrote:so we moved a thread to maintain OPSEC on a fictional vid game so our team doesnt get kill as easily by possible spies...fuckin sweet

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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby Turtlewolf » Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:18 pm

    .
    Last edited by Turtlewolf on Fri Oct 26, 2012 5:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby KentsOkay » Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:28 pm

    Turtlewolf wrote:I've had my Estwing for longer than I care to recall and it has been with me on many an adventure but detail work is difficult because of the handle design and it is a poor splitter as well as being heavier than it needs to be. That said they chop very well, hold an edge and are unkillable!
    What Windlass sword, if I may ask?


    I picked up the Raptor when it was Deal of the Day with Museum Replicas, I've wanted one for years and when it was half price I just had to have it.
    Image
    http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/Windlass-Raptor-Review.html

    I have yet to sharpen it or chop at anything more then boxes, but suffice to say I love it, and has started an obsession of mine to put a katana blade in a western hilt.

    Back on topic, I'm hoping the hammer head on the Carpenter's Axe will allow a close grip on the head for fine work, I'll experiment and might make a head wrap, or upper handle wrap from leather/paracord.

    0122358 wrote:so we moved a thread to maintain OPSEC on a fictional vid game so our team doesnt get kill as easily by possible spies...fuckin sweet

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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby ineffableone » Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:39 pm

    KentsOkay wrote:
    Turtlewolf wrote:I've had my Estwing for longer than I care to recall and it has been with me on many an adventure but detail work is difficult because of the handle design and it is a poor splitter as well as being heavier than it needs to be. That said they chop very well, hold an edge and are unkillable!
    What Windlass sword, if I may ask?


    I picked up the Raptor when it was Deal of the Day with Museum Replicas, I've wanted one for years and when it was half price I just had to have it.
    Image
    http://www.sword-buyers-guide.com/Windlass-Raptor-Review.html

    I have yet to sharpen it or chop at anything more then boxes, but suffice to say I love it, and has started an obsession of mine to put a katana blade in a western hilt.

    Back on topic, I'm hoping the hammer head on the Carpenter's Axe will allow a close grip on the head for fine work, I'll experiment and might make a head wrap, or upper handle wrap from leather/paracord.


    Yay for SBG I am a regular on the SBG forum :clap:Great sword BTW

    Your going for the carpenter's axe? Or do you mean the carpenter's style axe like on the Bushman or Fine forest axe?

    I will be able to tell you tomorrow how the hammer poll feels for the Fine Forest axe. The Wetterlings Carpenter's axe head is bigger, and heavier. It worked well when I used my friends, though if it were mine I would have filed down the hammer poll's edges a bit rounding them slightly. It is a mod I plan on doing to the Fine Forest axe if it doesn't already have rounded edges.
    My favorite quotes from Rorschach from the comic Watchmen

    "Once a man has seen society's black underbelly, he can never turn his back on it. Never pretend, like you do, that it doesn't exist."

    "None of you seem to understand. I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with *ME*!"
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    Re: Axe Skills, and info

    Unread postby KentsOkay » Thu Jul 26, 2012 1:48 pm


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    Posted on September 22nd, 2013

    41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline Genius


      
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    41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline Genius

    These tips and tricks will guarantee you’ll be a totally happy camper this summer.

    posted on June 5, 2013 at 1:20pm EDT
     
    Peggy Wang BuzzFeed Staff
     
     
     
     
     

    1. Use foam floor tiles for a softer, more comfortable tent floor.

    2. Point a head lamp into a jug of water for an instant lantern.

    Source: flickr.com

    3. Also: Mountain Dew + baking soda + peroxide = lantern.

    Source: pinterest.com

    4. Make tin-can sandwich bread as a portable food option.

    Get the recipe here.

    5. Familiarize yourself with what the poisonous plants look like.

    Source: sheknows.com

    6. Bring a tick deterrent.

    7. Glue sandpaper to the top of your match holder.

    Be sure to buy strike-anywhere matches.

    8. Repurpose a coffee can to hold and protect TP.

    9. Make crescent rolls over the campfire.

    For maximum yumminess, fill ‘em with stuff like marshmallows and Nutella. Or wrap hot dogs with them.

    Get the directions here.

    10. Use Tic-Tac boxes to store spices.

    11. Invest in a two-person sleeping bag.

    This one is $84.99 from Cabelas.

    Source: cabelas.com

    12. Get these seat hammocks for car camping.

    Buy ‘em here.

    Source: hammocks.com

    13. Cut up a straw and fill the pieces up with antibiotic ointment or toothpaste for single-use packets.

    Use a lighter to seal up the ends.

    14. Make travel coffee bags out of coffee filters and dental floss.

    Place a scoop of coffee grounds into a coffee filter and tie it up with dental floss. When you’re ready to brew, just make it like you would make tea in a teabag!

    Source: scjohnson.com

    15. Need your coffee? Bring a few of these.

    They’ll keep you from going into caffeine withdrawal.

    Source: pinterest.com

    16. Make candle stakes for romantic nighttime lighting.

    Get the directions here.

    17. Make single-use soap leaves from a bar of soap and a vegetable peeler.

    You can also rub soap on mosquito bites to relieve the itchiness.

    18. Use an empty laundry detergent dispenser as a hand-washing station.

     

    Just fill it up with water.

     

    19. Use a belt and hooks to hang up pots and pans.

    Source: pinterest.com

    20. Make campfire cones!

    21. Pack a mini first-aid kit into an old prescription bottle or Altoids tin.

    22. Make pancakes with pre-made pancake mix using shortening and dry milk, which don’t need to be refrigerated.

    Get the full recipe here. You can also find powdered eggs at most grocery stores (if you don’t shudder at the thought).

    23. Put a battery-powered votive candle into an empty peanut butter container to make portable lanterns.

    24. Make a portable washing machine with a plunger and a bucket.

     

    Get the directions here.

     

    25. Make an easy-to-carry fire starter with a cardboard-only egg carton and match light charcoal.

    You just have to light the carton and the fire will catch on to the charcoal.

    27. Make pocket-sized oil lamps out of travel-size or hotel toiletry shampoo bottles.

    Get the directions here.

    28. Forgo the meat marinade and put the rosemary right on the coals.

    Once the coals are uniformly gray and ashy, cover them with fresh rosemary branches. Your meat and vegetables will be flavored with the taste of savory herbs.

    29. Bring cheeses in waxed packaging as well as hard cheeses.

    Aged cheddar, Parmigiano, and/or Gruyère will keep for at least a week unrefrigerated.

    30. Add bundles of sage to a campfire to keep mosquitoes away.

    Source: google.com

    31. Try roasting Starburst.

     

    Sounds crazy, but it’s actually delicious. Crunchy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside. Roast it until it’s bubbling.

     

    32. Forgo pasta for a quick-cooking alternatives like polenta, quinoa, or couscous.

    Polenta is especially versatile because it can be shaped into patties and pan-fried for a sweet or savory meal. Get a recipe for grilled polenta cakes.

    33. Cook cinnabuns (the canned kind) in a hollowed-out orange over a campfire.

    Get the full details here.

    34. If you’re going to be hiking, use this biodegradable trail-marking tape.

    Buy it here.

    35. Keep the kids busy with a scavenger hunt.

     

    Write the items down on a paper bag so they have a receptacle for the items.

     

    36. Use a bucket and a milk crate as an emergency toilet.

    Get the directions here.

    37. Cotton pads dipped in wax are a crazy easy way to make portable fire starters.

    Source: pinterest.com

    38. Bring microfiber towels — they’re super absorbent and lightweight.

    Source: amazon.com

    39. Freeze gallon jugs of water and place them in your cooler.

    They’ll keep your food cold, and you’ll have plenty of water to drink for later.

    Other things you can freeze to use for later: pasta sauces, chili, and pesto.

    40. Make emergency light sources out of an Altoids tin, cardboard, and wax.

    Get the instructions here.

    41. Make sandwiches with this campfire panini press.

    No matter how far you have to carry this thing, YOU NEED IT. Get it here for $25.95.

    Source: campsaver.com
     
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    • MMR
      about a week ago
       

      #22 Get the “just add water" instant pancake mix—even generic will do. I get mine at Aldi. The mix you use for pancakes isn’t as important as cooking at the right temperature. Use real butter and you can’t go wrong.

       
      •  
    • Khristafer
      about a week ago
       

      I wasn’t going to say anything until I saw you were an editor. This article is shit. Do some research.

       
      •  
    • Jejajajo   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a week ago
    • michelleedelll 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s LOL  
      about a week ago
    • aliciareneeg 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • mb   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • kimk11 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • ellertu 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • CandyRain
      about 2 weeks ago
       

      It makes me laugh that people are complaining about this stuff. It’s all just really cute ideas!

       
      •  
    • Aimz 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • Mal3diction 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win & OMG  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • angel53   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • jamettep   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • dannyg11   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • jeniferh4   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • missyw5
      about 2 weeks ago
       

      I know forafact the mountain dew, baking soda and peroxide dosent work,Itried it

       
      •  
    • missyw5   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 2 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • sehrgut
      about 2 weeks ago
       

      #3 is bunk (snopes your stuff before posting it!)
      #6 doesn’t work (and doesn’t even haveareason to: tea tree oil isn’t magic, it’samild antiseptic) 

       
      • MDT187
        about 2 weeks ago
         

        Plus tea tree oil costsafortune. One part tea tree oil to two parts water — enough to fillaspray bottle? Might as well donagolden suit to keep the bugs away.

         
      •  
    • rayap 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • cynthias17
      about 2 weeks ago
       

      They forgot one good tip. fill empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls with dryer lint for fire starters! Ihaveastack of them at my trailer and they work very well. Keep your old dryer sheets too and put them into the cup holders on your folding chairs, the moisture from your drinks will reactivate the scent and you’ll have less mosquitos flyin around!

       
      •  
    • asad   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • Randi21550 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Ew  
      about 2 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • NancySylvah 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 2 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • soozeyg 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s OMG  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • markr35 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s OMG  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • Eduardohc   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • cmoney07 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 2 weeks ago
    • onthebuzz
      about 2 weeks ago
       

      I want to see the finished product of #20.

       
      •  
    • whitty17 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 2 weeks ago
    •   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win & OMG  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • gracec14 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s WTF , Cute & Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • andresp   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Albina 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • evieo   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • msmld2u   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • ornettec 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • janec28 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Amazing  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • worthycompass 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Diilpvz   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • teriw2   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • debbyw2 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • tommyp3 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • heatherhaueterd 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s WTF  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • SijaFIRE   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • jtsao1021 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Old  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • briank1971 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • jasonw49 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • windskyd
      about 3 weeks ago
       

      im a little concerned that on the scavenger hunt list is…"a chewed up leaf". are they seriously suggesting that kids walk around the woods putting random leaves in their mouths and chewing on them? um, seems like a bad idea folks.

       
    • ailinl   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Drogue 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Fail  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Gnat62189 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • justkowalski   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • andreawalrus 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • lauraahmarie6   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Angi D.   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • JBird   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Judd Hayes   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s OMG & Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • tobias 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • pattieq   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • schisleye   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • kdvrs   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • gregb0t   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • nguyenvivian93   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • KatieB226   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • katiep24   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • zionspitz   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • sexcellent813   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • lisaf20   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • CarolineAIng
      about 3 weeks ago
       

      Part of the joy of camping is that it’s a bit shit.

       
      •  
    • phancykat 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • brigidmanningl   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Laurdav   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • NyaBerri   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Jd2283 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Old  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Linny7   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Hbmbmn 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Old  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Natalie S.   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win & OMG  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • rushc1   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • monetbreeding12   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • judyb7   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    •     41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • briannatofel   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • laurab27   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Jerry H 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • sarahv26
      about 3 weeks ago
       

      #26 “Dammit Pa, where’d ya put the kindling!" “Kindling! Out here in the wilderness we use DORITOS!"

       
      •  
    • Anne Hiro   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Old , Win & OMG  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Johnnya10
      about 3 weeks ago
       


      http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/bakerandbell/... [link]

      I’m a big fan of this wooden torch. I figure, when the battery dies, it’s an instant source of fuel for a camp fire. Sorted.

       
      • liquorun
        about 3 weeks ago
         

        That and probably 1000s of other trees to get “fuel" from. Also, that type of wood looks really hard to burn.

         
      •  
    • Johnnya10   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • olinak   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • skinnywithfiber   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win , OMG & LOL  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • YuweiWei   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • ronaldpbarba   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • tracyeh   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • ibeawicked1 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • sgrant1099   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • christinamw 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • murielstevensons 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • ericbecktels 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Old  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • emeraldaarons
      about 3 weeks ago
       

      I like the ideas and really now. Take the canned candles. It is only sensible to pack as light as possible so you use what you take with you as much as possible then take the debris with you. As for the scavenger hunt, who said take what you find home with you. When my boys were children they would have looked at you like you wereanut and from the age of6they went camping on their own, made do with what they figured and were nice enough to bring the garbage home at the end of the weekend and HELLO! they were just young boys without adult supervision or say so. They just followed what they were taught so if your parents didn’t teach you don’t take it out on the one with the great ideas. One should live this in real life to understand it. We were in an area that lost it’s road to the outside world, telephones, hydro for quitealong time and getting things intoacommunity for about 1000 people was quiteajob. One really had to use their wits to havealittle comfort as heat and lights.

       
      •  
    • kristab3   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • rikkelmundtc 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • leef6   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • jodeen   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • alexd48 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • shannonnicole 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Old  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • susiec3 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • sachad3   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • kajust79   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • ilonab   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • WilyFilipino   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • cocof 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • jenniferjuliab   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 3 weeks ago
    • Mernielyn   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 4 weeks ago
    • miker32
      about 4 weeks ago
       

      Can’t believe you guys fell for # 3, just look it up on Snopes..

       
      •  
    • Grey Street Girl   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 4 weeks ago
    • donnaw11   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 4 weeks ago
    • faeriebell   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 4 weeks ago
    • giltcomplex   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 4 weeks ago
    • jessicat37 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 4 weeks ago
    • Shane L. 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about 4 weeks ago
    • vanessac27   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about 4 weeks ago
    • danmarshall17   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • Julesb210   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • barbararv 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s LOL  
      about a month ago
    • rhondaf2   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • marys63   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • bambir   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • donnah14   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • Charlieturkey   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • patl7   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • xxJupiter   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • aprilp9   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • JaneyL   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • slingboy03   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • brianl27 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Fail  
      about a month ago
    • toniep 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • hooplachristina   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • The13thdoctor   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • annew18   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • chantalm4 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s LOL  
      about a month ago
    • denisem7   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • amandan21 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • Fairley P. 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Trashy  
      about a month ago
    • Socal Trish   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • dawnlarsonp   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • lisac65 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • dianaa12   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • karmap   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • sarahkathrynm   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • Shannoxx   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • martyc8 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • christis2
      about a month ago
       

      The Mountain Dew thing doesn’t work - it has been disproved by Snopes.com and, alas, my own tinkering….

       
      •  
    • justinbeavers   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • anam11   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • nuttermeggs   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • michigandank   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • elliedee 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • candyah   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • arest   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • deborahg7 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • ameliat6   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • daves63   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • tara   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • cathys16   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • taricac 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s OMG  
      about a month ago
    • kathyz08 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • mspude   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • ayla1958   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • jand8   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • Gweinstein   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • missmoonriver   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • arielw4 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • jfaw.. like guffaw, but initial-ier 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • annie M   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • vernylove   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • kacym   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • pamv3 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • missyd6 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • julieo5   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • Sochi   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • elaines9   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • paiea17   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • suen5   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • susanfindleyk   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • marshamcallisters 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • MolotovMilkshake   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • judyhookv 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • kkam   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • MoreLuv2013
      about a month ago
       

      I like # 18. This is a good idea for long days picnicking or birthday parties in the park where there are inadequate facilities for handwashing.

       
      •  
    • kerrynyc 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • callier 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • kbrucebruce   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • simlover00
      about a month ago
       

      You are SUCH a hypocrite! You just told us that #3 DOESN’T work but here you are saying it DOES!!?? choose one side!!!

       
      •  
    • simlover00
      about a month ago
       

      You are SUCH a hypocrite! You just told us that #3 DOESN’T work but here you are saying it DOES!!?? choose one side!!!

       
      •  
    • jamiemuttw   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
    • thomasm29 41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ... and thinks it’s Win  
      about a month ago
    • rachelbsrd   41 Camping Hacks That Are Borderline ...  
      about a month ago
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    13 GIFs Of Babies Who Are Playtime Champs

    You wish you played this hard. These one-of-a-kind babies play harder than you ever did. Share your baby's unique Love, Sleep, & Play moment with Pampers.

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    Posted on July 29th, 2013

    Hang Pots and Pans in Corner Cabinets to Make Better Use of Them


    Hang Pots and Pans in Corner Cabinets to Make Better Use of Them

    The corner cabinets are awkward, tricky places to store your kitchen stuff efficiently. It turns out, though, that this is a great spot for tucking away your pots and pans.

    The Childfree Chic blog posted this clever corner-cabinet-turned-pot-rack idea. With a few hooks, you can make better use of a corner cabinet and store all of your pots and pans (which tend to be space hogs) neatly within it.

    Full Reveal of Kitchen | Childfree Chic via BuzzFeed


    Posted on July 21st, 2013

    Fold Shirts Military Style for Efficient Packing


    Fold Shirts Military Style for Efficient Packing

    Related
    Rolling Clothes Prevents Wrinkles and Saves Packing Space

    The New York Times asked flight attendants how they manage to pack over 40 garments in one suitcase, and it all boils down to one trick: roll your… Read…

    Most people know that rolling t-shirts is the most efficient way to pack them into a suitcase, but not all shirt rolls are created equal. For a truly tight suitcase, you should master the military-style roll.

    Jolie Lopez shares this trick on Snapguide. It'll be easier to follow along with her slideshow, but basically you need to start by folding the bottom of the shirt up to get two flaps on the outside of the finished roll. You can pull one of these flaps back over the rest of the shirt to make an incredibly tight t-shirt burrito. This tip is pretty specific to t-shirts, but it's definitely worth learning next time you go on vacation.

    How to Fold a Shirt Military Style. Save Space and Room. | Snapguide


    Posted on July 21st, 2013

    The Plus Three, Minus Eight Rule Could Help You Survive a Plane Crash

     

      The Plus Three, Minus Eight Rule Could Help You Survive a Plane Crash

     

    Do you tune out as soon as you get on the plane or it's about to land? That's probably not a good idea, according to research on when most accidents happen. The "plus three, minus eight" rule can help you stay alert when you fly.

     

    In an article on ABC News, Ben Sherwood, author of "The Survivors Club — The Secrets and Science That Could Save Your Life" (and president of ABC News) says that 80 percent of all plane crashes happen within the first three minutes of takeoff or in the eight minutes before landing. These are the times you'll want to stay alert just in case. Leave your shoes on, the reading for later, etc.

     

    To be clear, we don't want anyone to become paranoid about air travel. Statistically speaking, flying is still one of the safest ways to travel (and even if there is a crash, like the one that happened this weekend at San Francisco International Airport, the vast majority of travelers survive).

     

    The more you know, though, and the better prepared you are (for any crisis), the better your chances of staying calm and safe.

     

     At the very least, the "plus three, minus eight" rule could reassure anyone who is afraid to fly: Once you're past those few minutes, the chances of the plane crashing are dramatically lower.

     
     Related
     
     
     
     
     What's the Safest Seat in an Airplane?

     

    The truth is that, statistically, planes are one of the safest ways to travel. But with that being said, even walking out your front door is going to …  Read…

     

     

     Hit up the link below for more tips of plane crash survival, including tips on where to sit if you're really concerned (hint:  it's not first class).

     

     Surviving a Plane Crash: Where You Sit Could Be The Difference Between Life and Death | ABC News

     

      Photo by  David Watts1978.

    Posted on July 15th, 2013

    Upgrade Your Grill with Wooden TV Trays


     

      Upgrade Your Grill with Wooden TV Trays

     

    The plastic countertops that flank most cheap grills are fairly breakable, and can get gross pretty easily as dust settles into their crevices. If they aren't cutting it anymore, you can class your grill up with some cheap TV trays.

     
     Related
     
     
     
     
     Top 10 Skills to Master Your Grill

     

    There's something about grilling food outdoors that's both exhilarating and terrifying. It's great to commune with your food in such a …  Read…

     

     

    Once you find some suitable TV trays, you'll want to remove their legs, and apply a solid coat of water seal to the trays themselves. Once they're dry, take the side tables off of your grill, along with any excess plastic bits that held them in place, making sure to salvage the screws and bolts. Then, mark where the new tray will attach, and bore out some holes with a spade bit and a drill. Attach the bolts with some wood glue, and you've got yourself faux butcher side tables that will make your grill worthy of a  master chef.

     

    Even with water seal, this trick is probably safer if you keep your grill covered most of the time, but the trays should hold up well with minimal care. Be sure to check out the Instructable for a complete guide.

     

     DIY Grill Side Tables | Instructables

    Posted on July 15th, 2013