Ayoob: The Lethality Of Knives

 Ayoob discusses why knives are more dangerous than you probably realize.  

VIDEO: "Why Knives Are More Dangerous Than People Think"
Massad Ayoob - Facts and Firearms (7 min.)

More Bayonet Linkage

 Big Country Expat (BCE) apparently liked my recent post about bayonets for self defense (and a big thanks to him for the link). In his post--"AWOL Again, Shotguns and Bayonets, and a Crisis of the Spirit"--he delves into mounting bayonets on shotguns. As far as I know, Mossberg is the only company offering shotguns with bayonet mounts: the 590 Retrograde and the 590A1 Retrograde. However, BCE shows off a product from NcStar that provides a bayonet mount for other shotguns. Although the product description says it is for the Mossberg 500, BCE notes that it works with other shotguns and includes photographs of it on a tactical semi-auto shotgun with a Marine Corps bayonet. 

I was especially interested in his photographs because I saw a video recently where the host was not able to get some of the bayonets with thicker handles like the M9 and Marine Corps model to fit on the bayonet mount on his Mossberg 590--apparently it was just a bit too tight--and was going to use the M7 because it had a thinner handle. 

    BCE also discusses the shotgun a bit--a semi-auto model that is inexpensive ($500 at Palmetto State Armory currently) that has done well in durability tests. 

    Go to his article and check it out.

VIDEO: Why A Katana Would Lose To A European Longsword

As the video explains, it comes down to the metallurgy--specifically that the Japanese were treated to a very high hardness compared to the European swords which makes the Japanese blades more brittle. (This is why stainless steel makes a poor sword blade). Thus, on a blade on blade strike (or strike against any hard object) the Japanese sword would fracture and perhaps break whereas the European sword would not. The fighter using the longsword also has more leverage than the fighter using the katana if the swords get into a bind. And once in a bind, the longswordsman has more options than the samurai using a katana. And more.  

 VIDEO: "Why KATANAS Would LOSE to Medieval Longswords (The Physics They Don't Tell You)"
The Cutting Edge (9 min.)

World War II Hand-to-Hand And Knife Combat Training

When I was looking for videos on bayonet training I came across the three videos below on hand-to-hand combat and knife & club fighting:

 VIDEO: "U.S. NAVY WWII ERA TRAINING FILM HAND TO HAND COMBAT PART 1 & PART 2" -- PeriscopeFilm (31 min.)

 

 VIDEO: "US Navy Training Film 'Hand to Hand Combat' (Part 3/3) 1942"
Baltimore Academy of Defence (16 min.)

 VIDEO: " “CLUB AND KNIFE FIGHTING” WWII U.S. MARINE CORPS BASIC TRAINING HAND-TO-HAND FIGHTING FILM" -- PeriscopeFilm (22 min.)

Bayonets For Self-Defense?

 In 2020, as we witnessed widespread BLM riots (the only type of gatherings where COVID could not spread according to the boffins and politicians), the author of the New Rifleman blog wrote a piece asserting that "Your Rifle Needs a Bayonet." He argued (bold in original):

Your primary home defense rifle needs to be able to take a bayonet, and you need to have a bayonet ready to mount to it.  You scoff, of course. You think, “I’ll just shoot them.  The military hasn’t used bayonets in years”.  But I ask you to remember what you’ve seen on the nightly news for the last few weeks and think about it.  What are you going to do when you find yourself in the middle of a violent mob that will rush you and kick your head into the pavement if they decide they don’t like you?  The military may have abandoned the bayonet, but I’m not in the military. Most of the time I’m at home with my family.  I have to think about what benefits me and my situation. I have seen enough videos by now to convince me that a sharp, pointy blade on the end of my rifle is very good, for two reasons.     

The first reason he gives is that "it serves as a psychological motivation for people to keep away from you." He raises a point that I've seen from several sources which is that because most people have experience with being cut but not with being shot, most people will have a greater fear of being stabbed or cut than being shot. 

... If a mob rushes upon you to do violence, a gun pointed at them may not deter them much if they don’t think you will use it (shooting it probably will), but if there’s a bayonet on the end of it, they will avoid it. If they rush you, you don’t have to take much action; they will be the ones injuring themselves. No one hates their own body, but cherishes it and cares for it. Nobody will willingly impale or cut themselves.  A bayonet is like barbed or razor wire for your person, clearly stating “STAY BACK”.  A group of friends all together with bayonets pointed outwards would be even better.  Your rifle needs a bayonet.  Your friends need bayonets too.

The second reason he gives is as a backup to bullets--particularly, running out of bullets or if the distances are so short you can't employ your rifle. 

         Leroy Thompson, writing at SWAT Magazine, similarly states in his article, "Bayonets for Bad Times": "If you have a rifle with a bayonet and run out of ammunition, you have a pike, which is still a formidable weapon until you get more ammunition." And, he continues:

A weapon mounting a bayonet is an excellent deterrent as well. Given any breakdown in society, your likelihood of encountering undesirables will increase. You will want to keep those undesirables at a distance. A bayonet does a really nice job of that. Someone who comes onto your porch or approaches you in your yard uninvited during disturbing times will likely hesitate to come too close to a leveled bayonet. In many cases, the fear of getting jabbed will be more of a deterrent than the fear of getting shot.   

He also notes that it may provide some defense against a weapon being snatched (assuming you know how to properly use it).  For instance, he argues, "[i]f you’re searching your house at night after the power has gone out, the bayonet can be the first thing through a door, once again discouraging anyone from attempting to grab your weapon." And maybe more important than other reasons in a SHTF situation: "Another consideration in bad times might be that you don’t want to call attention to yourself. If lethal force is necessary, it might be better to administer it with a quieter weapon such as the bayonet."

    The next issue is whether your rifle can take a bayonet. Going back to the New Rifleman article, the author relates that most rifles with bayonet lugs can mount a bayonet (there are apparently some rifles with lugs that are just for show--too large to fit a bayonet--with Ruger specifically mentioned). But he notes that sometimes the distance between the lug and the end of the rifle may preclude bayonets. For instance, speaking of the AR system, he observes:

If you have a 20-inch rifle or a 16-inch midlength AR-15 with a bayonet lug, it will take an AR-pattern bayonet.  But many older 16-inch AR rifles have the shorter carbine gas system, and although they have a bayonet lug, a bayonet will not fit properly.  The end of the muzzle is too far from the lug.  The bayonet will go on the rifle, but the seating ring will sit on the thinner barrel rather than be held properly by the flash hider. 

He also mentions that bayonets will work with the 14.5-inch carbine and 14.5-inch midlength with an extended flash hider. If you do have a 16-inch carbine length system, don't despair. He mentions a bayonet adapter made by Triple R Products (which appears to be available here) which is an arm or extension with a bayonet lug on it that essentially pushes the lug out to the correct distance from the muzzle, and I discovered that Midway sells a sleeve that fits over the barrel to make it thick enough to accept a bayonet. Or if you are using a free-float handguard, Geissele makes a "Super Stabby" bayonet mount in black or FDE. (At the time of this writing, the black was out of stock but the FDE model was still available). 

    Finally, there is the question of learning to use the bayonet if you have not been through basic training or boot camp. For a book, probably one of the best for giving you a simple but effective system is Cold Steel by John Styers (here is the Amazon link and here is a link to a PDF you can download for free). Much of the book is about using a knife, but there is a detailed section on using the bayonet. While one of the articles stated that videos on how to use a bayonet were easy to find on YouTube, I did not find that to be true. Most were just short clips showing one or two maneuvers, or were news stories discussing whether or not the military should bother with bayonet training. However, I did find a 1938 Army training film (see below) that is about 1 hour and 16 minutes long that looked pretty good based on what I've watched so far. It begins with the proper stance and goes from there. The Brent0331 YouTube channel also has a relatively short (17 min.) video on the bayonet and its use (link here).

     I will point out, though, that self-defense laws still apply to bayonets. I suspect that pointing a bayonet at someone would be considered an assault or brandishing. As always, consult your local laws or legal counsel. And remember: I'm not your attorney and this article is not legal advice.  

VIDEO: "1938 U.S. Army Training Film - Bayonet Training (Full)"
WWIIPublicDomain (1 hr 16 min.)

Gun & Prepping News #67

Just some gun and prepping related links that I thought interesting or useful:

• "HB 2763 and How Public Shooting Ranges Quietly Disappear"--The Truth About Guns.  How bureaucrats close down public shooting ranges without public input and a bill in Arizona intended to curb such behavior. You have to understand that there are conspiracies both large and small all throughout society to advance both small and large purposes contrary to the will of public. 
• "UK Launches Project Grayburn To Replace The SA80"--The Firearm Blog. The UK is looking for a new military rifle; or, rather, a rifle system with multiple variants for different missions and purposes. 

While further details of what the British military is seeking with Project Grayburn are yet to be publicly released, many of the major small arms manufacturers including Heckler & Koch, Beretta Defense Technologies, SIG Sauer, and FN Herstal are already positioning themselves to make strong industrial cases alongside submitting their weapons for testing. Weapons we can expect to see submitted to Grayburn include Beretta’s NARP and SAKO’s ARG, Heckler & Koch’s HK416 and HK433, FN’s next generation SCAR and SIG Sauer's MCX Spear as well as likely entries from manufacturers such as Colt Canada, LMT, Knights Armament, Glock and CZ.  

• "Unarmed But Still Dangerous"--Guns Magazine. The author begins by noting that it is a simple fact of life that there are times and places where we are not allowed to go armed or choose to not be armed. In that case, your number one self-defense tactic is to maintain situational awareness:

    Remaining relaxed yet alert about the people, places, and nuances of the things around you is arguably the number one key to a long and relatively quiet life. You can’t become so enthralled with your phone, the basketball game, or the school play in which your offspring is currently singing loudly off-key that you forget to do a periodic quick scan of your surroundings. Live life, enjoy yourself, but remember there is every chance evil is hiding in the faces around you. By staying a tiny bit wary, you’ll be one of the first to notice if the unthinkable happens.

    If so, you have given yourself more choices aside from “wild panic.”     

Your options after that are to run away or what he calls "Plan B": use an improvised weapon. Some ideas:

    There are many schools of thought on the subject, but to keep things simple, my own belief is that you should concentrate on two main types of weapons: impact and stabbing/cutting.

    There are a myriad of possibilities in your surroundings right now. Have you thought about using a full drink bottle or even a laptop computer to club a miscreant into submission? A stout flashlight doesn’t look like a weapon, but trust me, it is quite effective at putting people in a different frame of mind. There is always the old prison standby of putting batteries, rocks, or a handful of bolts in a sock and using it like a blackjack.

• More: "Less Lethal"--Guns Magazine. A look at batons, Tasers, stun guns, CS/CN gasses and pepper sprays.
• "Shotguns: Cleaning Tips for Your Shotgun"--Shooting Illustrated.  Some advice on cleaning plus this:

Although there are many products that are intended to clean, lubricate and protect (CLP is the trademarked name for this, and it is good if you can only choose one), cleaning—meaning degreasing and removing carbon fouling, protecting and lubricating—is best served by individual products specifically designed to perform these different tasks. For removing carbon, lead and degreasing metal parts, a solvent like Hoppe’s No. 9, Gun Scrubber and many others are recommended, but then a lubricant should be applied. For lubricating moving parts, a basic, high-temperature, machine-grade lubricating oil is best. And then, for the final wipe down (level 1 cleaning), a thin, protective, lubricating-but-not-too-sticky product like Ballistol (this German-engineered product can also be used on metal, rubber and leather), Rem Oil or Barricade is suggested. Finally, if your shotgun is used or stored in particularly dusty or freezing environments, a ceramic-based or dry lube product is recommended for all metal parts. (Ballistol’s ceramic GunCer product is great.) Conversely, if your shotgun is kept in humid or salty areas, use a thicker, heavier lubricant for the final wipe down.  

• An interesting piece of gear: "Devil Dog Concepts: Hard Charger. A Side Charging Conversion For AR’s"--The Truth About Guns. This device attaches to the  Picatinny rail on the top of an AR upper receiver and replaces the regular charging handle, giving you a left-side charging handle. Basically, you end up with a long U-shaped charger--one arm being the external charging handle and the other arm replacing the standard AR charging handle. It looks like you can still charge it from the rear should you desire. MSRP is  $97.30 – $102.20 depending on options, which is about what you would pay for good quality ambidextrous charging handle such as those from RISE Arms or a Raptor charging handle. 
• Speaking of gear: "The Importance of a Good Muzzle Device"--The Shooting Wire.  The article is specifically about muzzle devices for the "rifle caliber pistol" (RCP). 

    That name of game, particularly when it comes to semi-auto firearms is “gas control.” When we were using semi-autos with 20-inch barrels, as were standard on the original AR-15s, a simple flash hider/compensator, such as the ubiquitous “birdcage” design worked just fine. The split brake on the front of the XM16E1, despite being decried by troops in the jungle for catching on vines, actually worked very well. Gene Stoner and his team were smart guys.

    However, as the barrels got shorter and the noisy end got closer to the shooter’s face other options were explored. Keep in mind, for a relatively small caliber, the .223/5.56mm has a sharp report. Though a simple AR-15 birdcage flash hider might have worked, even with the short 16 and 14.5 inch barreled M4s, when the length drops down to sub 1 foot barrels, we need something out front to push the gas away from the shooter’s face and to help reduce the flash.     

The author goes on to discuss the XM177E2 Flash Hider, Spike’s Tactical Barking Spider, and Primary Weapons Systems CQB.  I have a Kaw Valley Precision linear compensator on my .300 BLK pistol which I like, but they also make them for other calibers. 

• "SilencerCo Glock 43x Threaded Barrel"--The Truth About Guns.  Short take:

It’s a simple part, so I won’t belabor the point. It’s a barrel, with threads. SilencerCo doesn’t use the same polygonal rifling Glock does, so shooting cast reloads aren’t going to be a problem.  

• ".380 Auto ballistic test, updated"--Range Hot.  Test guns were a Bersa Thunder .380 with a barrel length of 3.54″ and a Diamondback 380 with a barrel length of 2.8″ in order to have results with a couple barrel lengths that would probably be common in most .380 concealed carry pistols. Test were in bare gel and gel with 3 layers of clothing. The good quality defensive ammo all seemed to have good expansion. Penetration was borderline acceptable, generally coming in at the 10 or 11 inch mark, except for Hydrashok which was in excess of 13 inches. As the author notes, the data he collected indicates that with modern defensive ammunition, it is a viable defensive pistol. 
• Related: ".380 Auto pistol vs carbine"--Range Hot. This was a follow up test to the one above, but shooting the ammo through a Hi-Point carbine with a 16.5″ barrel. Velocity was appreciably higher, resulting in a bit more expansion, which made penetration a wash versus those fired from a pistol. But the expansion was truly impressive for most of the loads; nevertheless, there were a few rounds which performed substantially worse out of the carbine. 
• "Hybrid IWB Holsters – No More?"--Tactical Wire.  An excerpt:

    I reached out to a marketing professional who works for a large holster company. He mentioned “a confluence of events that caused the precipitous drop in sales for hybrid IWBs.”

     Among these was the rise in popularity of “appendix” (front of the hip) carry. That calls for synthetics with outboard stabilization devices (“wings” or “claws”). A number of people hide large “double-stack poly pistols adorned with huge (flashlights) and (optics)” in those holsters.

    No less an authority than Caleb Giddings of Taurus recently made a social media post about that very issue. Carrying his personally-owned, slightly modified Taurus TX9 duty-size pistol in a Galco Summer Comfort IWB on the strong side, he said he’d forgotten how comfortable that carry mode was – when he compared it to front-of-the-hip carry.

    My source noted that a number of “influencers” had expressed extreme dislike of hybrid IWB holsters, some alleging they were “dangerous.” If the “shield” of leather behind the upper part of the gun folded over, there was some fear it’d get into the trigger guard. I didn’t test every type of gun against every permutation of hybrid IWB holster – I didn’t have access – but when I tested against what I carried, it wasn’t an issue. 

• And for open carry: "Safariland Retention Holster Options: When Overkill is Just Right"--Breach Bang Clear.  
• "Holosun LS321G IR/Visible Laser and Illuminator"--The Truth About Guns. Something that might interest those of you using night vision gear. 
• "Browning BAR Mk 4 DBM Hunter: Full Review"--Guns & Ammo.  The BAR has long been a solid choice for a semi-auto hunting rifle with a wide selection of caliber choices including some long-action cartridges like the .30-06 or .300 Win Mag, although the particular model tested in this review was .308 and the Browning website only lists .308 as an option. This newest version apparently offers two major changes over earlier models: a barrel that screws into the receiver (it previously had been clamped according to the article) and a 10-round detachable box magazine. 
• "Smith & Wesson 327 TRR8, A Fast Shooting Wheelgun"--The Loadout Room (2024).  This is still listed on the S&W website so I assume it is still available. This is an 8-round .357 Magnum. What makes it truly special, though, is that it comes with Picatinny rail sections that can be screwed on below the muzzle and along the top of pistol. So, if you want a rail (or both) you can attach them; and if you don't, you can take them off. It seems a neat solution and it would instantly make S&W's revolvers more useful if it expanded this option to other models. Nevertheless, if you wanted a revolver for your "nightstand" gun, this looks like it would be a good choice because you could attach a weapon light and/or an optic to it. 
• "Coyote Hunting 101"--NRA Women.  Advice on appropriate rifle calibers, other useful gear, and, most importantly, when and how to hunt the critters. That said, I don't hunt coyotes. Most of the time, at least where I live, they are very wary of people, so if I see them, it is generally at a distance. However, I surprised one years ago when I walked up to the edge of a deep gully filled with tumble weed. I heard rustling down in the weed but couldn't see anything. I raised my rifle to my shoulder and clicked off the safety when suddenly a coyote jumped up on the other side of the gully and we stared at each other for few moments, I debating whether to shoot it and it probably wondering what I was going to do. Then it turned and raced off into the sage brush. When I reported what happened to my father, he was shocked I hadn't shot it and asked why. "Because I'm not a rancher," I replied. 
• "To Oil or not to Oil"--Everyday Commentary.  A discussion of the benefits of oiling micarta knife handles, what oils to use, and how to do it. The author comments:

Micarta is definitely one of my favorite, if not my single favorite, handle materials on a knife.  The process of oiling it makes it smoother and nicer to look at without compromising its grip.  And, I think that truly appreciating your stuff, you have to make it your own.  Oiling the handles is an easy way to do that.  Plus, if you are dude like me, you probably need a bit of moisturizer.  Especially right now in the winter time.   

• For those of you that travel or work overseas, but also good advice for "bug out" bags: "How to Pack a Go Bag"--Harvard Global Support Services.  The article explains that "[a] 'go bag'” is an easy-to-carry bag that holds everything you need if you have to leave in a hurry or in an emergency. Think of it like a small backpack or duffle bag with your essentials." And, when packing such bag:

Strike a balance between being well prepared and having a go bag that’s easy to maintain and carry. Exactly what you pack depends on you and your location (e.g., weather; cash-based economy; availability of food, water, and medicine).

It then has what appears to be a fairly complete checklist of items. 

• "DO IT YOURSELF !! Building a 3500-Watt Portable Battery Bank Solar Power Unit."--Jack Lawson.  
• "Prepping spring garden beds quickly and easily for planting"--Creative Vegetable Gardener. The author's first recommendation is to set up a permanent garden design if you haven't done so and install a no-till garden:

     I don’t recommend tilling because it can create more weeds by bringing seeds to the surface. The soil structure in your garden is also a complex web of bacteria and fungi that serves your plants better if it stays intact. And, wrestling with a tiller can be a lot of work.

    I’m all for simple and easy in my garden. That’s why I always install permanent beds and paths in my gardens.

[snip]

    Establishing permanent beds often means building wooden raised beds, but there are plenty of other options. What matters most is that you’re garden beds and paths are staying in the same place for many years in a row so you’re not changing the layout over and over every season.

 Also:

One of the best ways to cut down on the time it takes to prepare your spring garden for planting is to keep it weed-free. And the best way to keep those weeds at bay to make sure your garden beds and paths are mulched all year round. 

•  "A Fresh Start: Easy Ways To Prepare Your Garden for Spring"--Lucerne Farms. An excerpt:

The simplest method to prepare gardens for spring is to get rid of old growths and unwanted materials. Start by clearing away the remnants of winter. Remove fallen leaves, debris, and any dead plant material that may have accumulated. This not only improves the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also helps prevent the harboring of pests and diseases.

•  "Growing potatoes organically: when and how to plant, hill and harvest"--A Way To Garden. Probably time to order the seed potatoes. An excerpt:

Q. When is the right time to plant—is there a cue in nature to remind us, or a soil temperature or calendar date we’re looking for?

A. At the earliest, I recommend planting two to three weeks before your average last frost date. Seed potatoes can rot if planted too early in cold water-logged soil.  If your potatoes do get a heavy frost after they emerge, they will put up new shoots, but every time they die back they will produce a smaller and later harvest.

I like to wait for the soil to warm up a little at which point they emerge quickly and grow steadily without stress.  Late March to early May is a good time to plant potatoes in the northern states.  In the warmer areas of the South they can be planted in late fall or early winter.

Where I farm the local point of reference is to plant your potatoes when the snow is almost melted off the mountain.  Whether it’s the first dandelions blooming or a particular bug emerging; if you talk to gardeners where you live they will probably have a local reference, too. 

• "Government's secret plans for apocalyptic events included total takeover or shut down of citizens' communication networks."  Although I haven't read the specifics of the laws or orders that are referenced in this article, I've read plenty of material dealing with government continuity plans. The ostensible purpose of such laws/orders will be to ensure that the government has access to sufficient communication resources following a nuclear attack or nationwide disaster necessary for waging a war or coordinating rescue or assistance. But continuity of government really is more about continuing the government and maintaining its power and authority than it is about saving civilians, and I expect such authority over communications would also be used to prevent the spread of unauthorized or disfavored news or information. 

VIDEO: The Kukri

 An overview of the Kukri knife: what it is, its history, the nomenclature for different parts of the weapon, and more.  

 VIDEO: "Kukri: Blade of the Gurkhas"
Our Own Devices (12 min.)

VIDEO: Improve Your Strikes

 A video on a simple correction you can do to make a strike with a stick, axe, or sword stronger. 

 VIDEO: "This 1 Mistake Makes Your Strikes 95% Weaker (HOW TO FIX IT)"
Kali Center (5 min.)

Weekend Reading

 A few longer reads for the weekend.

• Greg Ellifritz has a new Weekend Knowledge Dump.  Lots of a good stuff there, but here are a few links that caught my attention in particular:
• First up are a few articles on weapon mounted lights (WMLs). "Pistol Light Switchology" discusses some of the different switches offered by the top WML manufacturers. A second article, "Weapon Mounted Lights And Concealed Carry" examines the history of WMLs on handguns and that the shrinking size has made it inevitable that they will be more widely adopted on small concealed carry size handguns. But the author still maintains that "a handheld light is still the most useful light for most people." The third of the WML articles is "Weapon Light Tactics" which goes over using the light with either a handgun or long arm. If you only read one, I would suggest reading this last one. 
• An article from Armory Life on concealed carry at work. The author discusses the topic from the perspective of dressing in business casual (generally slacks and a polo style shirt or similar) and goes over a few methods he has used: pocket carry of a small .380, the PHLSter Enigma, and is now considering off body carry in a waist pack or sling bag. 
• A video going over some concealed carry options for people with large guts, a topic that seems to receive little discussion from gun writers. However, while the video has good tips for AIWB carry, it does not discuss other carry options.
• A lengthy article on the history of the Fairbairn-Sykes and KA-BAR knifes, and the circumstances and philosophy behind both knives. If you like weapon history or combat knives, you will appreciate this article. 
•  A couple articles on the pros and cons of DA/SA pistols:
• "The Cons (and Pros) of Traditional Double Action Pistols"--Notes from KR.  
• "I Don’t Like DA/SA Guns Anymore"--Primer Peak. 

The two primary objections that the authors have for the handguns are: (i) The long reach for the trigger on the first (double-action) shot which can make the firearms difficult to use for people with smaller hands/shorter forefingers; and (ii) that because of the different trigger weights between the DA and SA shots, most people simply "cheat" during practice or competition by not shooting the weapon DA. I like DA/SA pistols for several reasons, so I'm not sharing these articles in order to bash on the designs, but just that they might not be for everyone.

The Realist: Ozark Trails Stocking-Stuffer Knives

This is a guest post by The Realist:

 "Ozark Trails Stocking-Stuffer Knives" by The Realist: 

Ozark Trail knife and multitool display at my local Walmart.

 Disclaimer: All products mentioned in this article were purchased by myself. I did not receive samples, evaluation models, or other compensation from any manufacturer or retailer. I have no formal relationship with any manufacturer or retailer mentioned in this article - I have only been an arms-length customer. All brand names and product names used in this review are the trade names, service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective owners. This article reflects my unique circumstances and subjective opinions with regard to performance and other characteristics of the products being discussed. Your mileage may vary.

    My local Walmart finally got around to putting out their seasonal cardboard display loaded with inexpensive stocking-stuffer knives and multitools. I have been watching for several weeks for this display to be put out, and it finally appeared in their sporting goods department.

    However, these knives and multitools are no longer five dollars, they are now seven dollars ($6.97). And, they are now made in Vietnam, not China.

    The display has several varieties of pocket knives, including folding and fixed blade knives. Surprisingly, all of the knives have a plain edge - no partially serrated blades. There is only the one style of 12-in-1 multitool, looking very similar to prior years' offerings, with various paint treatments to the handles.

 Ozark Trail #6123 (top) and #6128 (bottom) pocket knives.

    I like simple locking blade pocket knives with a plain edge. My attention focused on two models in the display. First, the Ozark Trails #6123 whose packaging stated it had a "ball bearing open" for its pivot and a "rubberized handle." And second, the Ozark Trails #6128 whose blade style I liked better, and whose packaging also stated it had a "ball bearing open" for its pivot.

    Years ago, I purchased a CRKT knife with a ball bearing pivot. It opened smoothly with very little effort - perfect for one hand opening. The ball bearing pivot is the reason I was interested in these two Ozark Trails knives. Their ball bearing pivot is not as good as the one in the CRKT knife, but they open easier than a pocket knife without one.

    The blade is made of stainless steel, but there is no mention of the type or formulation. The blades come with a tolerable edge, but they could use some touching up. Both knives utilize a liner lock to lock the blade open while in use. Both knives come with an attached pocket clip, and it appears the pocket clip can be reversed on the #6128, but not the #6123. Both knives are 7.5 inches long when opened, and both knives have a 3.25 inch blade. The blades can be opened with one hand.

    The "rubberized handle" of the #6123 knife is indeed rubberized, with it being a thin sprayed-on rubbery coating like that found on many products. It should remain rubbery for several years before the coating deteriorates and becomes sticky.

    The fit and finish of both knives are good, but not perfect - much better than what I would normally expect for seven dollars. There are no burrs that could hang on clothing or cause injury while handling the knife. For both knives, when the blade is opened and locked, there is no wiggling - no side-to-side wiggle, and no looseness in the locking mechanism.

    For the past few years, I have been adding some of these inexpensive pocket knives to my backup and barter inventory. These knives are good enough in quality that I would not be worried about using one myself, putting one in a 72-hour kit, or giving one to someone else. These knives do not feel cheap - their look and feel is on par with the appearance and feel of more costly mass-market knives. In contrast, the Ozark Trails multitool also for sale in this seasonal knife display looks and feels cheap.

What Is The Ideal Sword Length?

Skallagram looks at some historical sources for their opinions on what is the ideal sword length, and provides some analysis. Like most things, though, the answer is "it depends." On factors like the type of sword, the size and strength of the person wielding it, what you are using it for (e.g., in war, for dueling, for self-defense), whether it will be used in confined spaces such as cramped streets and alleys or in more open fields and roads, and so on. And, as the second video below illustrates, it might even depend on how you travel or transport the weapon.

VIDEO: "What is the Perfect Sword Length?"
Skallagrim (8 min.)

    In the second video, below, a group of people--who I presume who enjoy fantasy roleplaying games--try carrying various swords through the types of terrain that fictional characters in a TTRPG or fantasy novel might traverse in their adventures and learn some important lessons about sword length. As you might have already guessed, if you are having to push through undergrowth or move along a narrow forest path, longer weapons (great swords, long swords, rapiers, and so on) are problematic, while shorter swords will be easier to carry and move around with. You will note that the guy with the katana (the shortest sword of the bunch) had the easiest time of it. In other words, the longer swords might be fine on maintained roads and streets, or if you are riding a horse, but are probably not the best for someone slogging through a forest or jungle. 

 VIDEO: "What is the BEST SWORD for adventuring?"
Apperceptive_Swordsman (15 min.) 

Gun & Prepping News #56

  Just some gun and prepping related links that I thought interesting or useful:  

• "One Little Verbal Trick to Save Your A** in Self-Defense"--Karate by Jesse. He relates an incident where the victim of a developing "monkey dance" was asked the infamous "What are you looking at?" and responded with something irrelevant, complaining about the different sizes of walls in Spain versus the UK, which completely confused and deflated the drunk who was trying to start a fight. 
• "Cooper's Scout Rifle Concept: It's here to stay"--Steemit.com. A good overview of Jeff Cooper's scout rifle concept, some of the attempts over the years by manufacturers to come out with rifles that meet Cooper's requirements, and the current state of such efforts. The critical point to understand about Cooper's concept, though, is for what purpose or for whom is the rifle intended--basically, what is a "scout". Cooper was thinking of the military scouts that were employed back in the 1800s and early 1900s before the era of aerial surveillance and when detailed maps didn't always exist. The scout's primary purpose was to scout ahead of a regular military force to identify enemy positions and roads, trails, and other points of interest, and discover the best routes of travel. The scout was sometimes employed as a tracker or even a hunter for the primary force. He might be in the bush for long periods of time. Thus, the rifle was a hunting arm first and a defensive weapon second. Nevertheless, the fact that it might be pressed into service for defense against a hostile force required that the weapon be reloaded quickly (whether through stripper clips or detachable box magazines), have a larger ammo capacity than typical for a hunting rifle, and have backup sights should the primary optical sight be damaged. But because it was carried far more than it was to be shot, it also needed to be lightweight. And the weight requirement is where the real difficulty arises trying to create a rifle that meets all of Cooper's requirements. My personal belief is what Cooper was really looking for was an Enfield Jungle Carbine, but in .308, with a forwarded mounted scope to allow the weapon to be quickly reloaded using stripper clips (the whole reason for the forward mounted scopes in the first place). 
• "Smaller Guns are…Convenient"--Pistol-Training.com. That smaller guns are convenient is about the only good thing the author has to say about them. He notes that larger guns are more reliable and more durable than smaller guns, even within the same family of guns: i.e., the G17 is better than the G19 is better than the G26. Also:

    As much as I like to malign the poor souls who carry small guns (it’s not the guns fault its small, its the owners fault for carrying it), the truth is that for civilian self defense in America, the size, capacity and shootability of the gun is actually not that important most of the time. Situational awareness trumps gun size any day. Good tactics trumps the size of your gun. A moderate amount of skill trumps guns size most days. Having the gun on you all the time certainly trumps a bigger gun left in the range bag.

    At the end of the day, that last bit there is why small guns can be great. Having a gun on you is way more important than which gun it is. In fact, assuming a proper caliber choice, the only area where a small gun is truly at a functional disadvantage over a larger gun is in training. Please, bring a full size gun to training, either at a class or on your own. I appreciate training with what you carry and that is very important, but learning to shoot better is hampered by these small guns.

    My idea of proper training with a small carry gun looks like this: I shoot the bigger gun as much as I can and at the end of every training session, I shoot a few rounds through the smaller gun. Depending on which gun it is, that might be 3 magazines worth, 3 cylinders worth or maybe even one magazine or one cylinder. I’m simply trying to take the skills I have developed with the bigger gun and transfer them to the smaller gun, while at the same time, making sure the smaller gun still works and hits where I want. I am also acclimating my hand to the smaller gun, both for the draw and recoil control. This method has worked very well for me for the past 3 decades and I have not seen a reason to change it. 

• Speaking of training with larger handguns: "My disagreement with Grant Cunningham and Rob Pincus…"--Mad Ogre. This 2013 article takes umbrage with Cunningham's and Pincus's dislike of the Beretta 92. Cunningham's complaints about the weapon not being ready to fire when drawn is easily dismissed because he apparently didn't realize DA/SA weapons can actually be carried safely in a holster without the safety being engaged. Pincus's opinion was a bit more nuanced because he disliked the weight, the DA/SA trigger, and the upside down safety lever. The author of this piece writes:

    As far as DA/SA trigger pulls go.  This is a training issue.  I’ve seen many shooters running DA/SA guns, do so with great skill and with great results.  SIG’s, HK’s, CZ’s, S&W’s, and most self loading guns that are not 1911’s or Striker Fired Polyguns are in fact DA/SA guns.  A shooter can and will get used to the trigger mechanism if they will actually get out to the range and fire their weapons once in awhile and practice with them.

    Here’s the thing that the DA/SA guns have over most of these Striker Guns… That SA pull.  I’ve fired some DA/SA guns with triggers so good it makes you want to go slap Gaston.  Even with my tricked out Glock trigger, which is really dang good… It’s not as good as the SA pull on my Beretta 92.  It just isn’t.  Because mechanically all that trigger has to do is release the hammer.  In the Glock and M&P, the trigger still has to pull that striker back just a little more before it can release.  This gives it just a bit more take up… a little longer… just not quite there where a good SIG or Beretta or CZ trigger can be.  I won’t say HK, because they have triggers like toggle switches, but that’s because the Germans believe in Corporal Mortification or something… I don’t know.

    But back to the Off Safe Carry, the process is simple.  After firing, you decock and safe the weapon, holster safely, and then flick the weapon off safe.  Done.  The most dangerous moment in handling the weapon is when holstering.  And holstering a decocked Beretta 92FS is probably the safest gun you could ease into any holster.  It doesn’t get safer.  The trigger is disconnected and the firing pin transfer is rotated 90 degrees away from the firing pin.  There is no way a round could go off in this condition.  No matter how sloppy your reholstering is.  Once safely nestled in it’s holster and everything is good… *Flick*  Your weapon is now read for a rapid draw and fire without worrying about an external safety. 

• A video from Lucky Gunner: "Do .22 Pocket Pistols Actually Work?" This is the culmination of series of videos evaluating .22 pocket pistols: the Ruger LCP II, Taurus 22TUC, and Beretta 20X Bobcat. He also has posted reviews of the Taurus 22TUC and Beretta 20X. The manufacturers must have really upped their game in the past few years, because these pistols all featured real sights and improved ergonomics. Ignoring whether .22 LR makes a good defensive round, the issue with these three handguns is reliability: he was seeing failure to feed or fire rates ranging from 1% to 5% depending on the handgun and type of ammunition (except when using a suppressor on the Beretta model which then ran without issues).
• And the opposite extreme: "Not your cowboy’s sixgun, the new Colt Anaconda in .45 Colt" by Hunter Elliott, Range Hot. Because the Anaconda was designed to shoot .44 Magnum, the version in .45 Colt will handle .45 Colt +P loads. 

Now, with modern +P loads and the right rig, the .45 Colt can rival .44 Magnum energies, doing so with less energy due to its case capacity. Also, a .44 Magnum bullet is .429″ while the .45 Colt will be .451″ or .452″, so you have a larger bullet. Couple that with the history of the .45 Colt and cool points, and it makes sense to have one handy. 

• "Myths About Small Guns Women Should Ignore"--Miss Tactical.  The article goes into each topic in more detail as well as suggestions on what women should look for in a concealed carry pistol, but these bullet points at the top of the article give you an idea of the substance of the article:

🚫 Myth: “Women should carry tiny guns because they’re easier to shoot.”

✅ Truth: Small guns = more recoil and harder control. Choose what fits your hands!

🚫 Myth: “Concealability” With proper technique, mid-size guns can be just as concealable. [ed: not really]

✅ Truth: Small guns = Not enough surface area for firm control, impacting accuracy. 

• A few articles on using flashlights (not weapon lights) with your handgun:
• "4 Flashlight Techniques for Concealed Carry"--Shooting Illustrated.  Descriptions of the Harris Technique, the FBI Technique, the Neck-Index Technique, and the Rogers/SureFire Technique.
• "How to Use a Flashlight for Armed Self-Defense" by Jeff Gonzales, The Truth About Guns. This particular article is more about why you should carry a flashlight and what to use it for.
• "How To Use a Flashlight for Self-Defense" by Richard Nance, Handguns Magazine. This one also covers the Harris Technique, the FBI Technique, and the Neck Index Technique. Nance also points out:

It’s important to understand these flashlight techniques don’t exist in a stand-alone vacuum. In the real world, you’ll need to transition from one technique to the next, as appropriate. This requires not only an understanding of how to perform the techniques, but also, of equal importance, a knowledge of under which circumstances each technique should be employed. 

• A video review of the new Colt Viper: "Rifleman Review: Colt Viper" (4 min.). Unlike the original Viper, which was an aluminum framed pistol that shot .38 Special, this is a steel frame version capable of handling .357 Magnum loads. It is being offered in 3" and 4.25" barrel models, and appears to be intended for concealed carry. 
• "A Practical Guide to Modern Shooting Sports: USPSA, IDPA, IPSC, & Beyond"--Kommando Blog. A very brief guide to some of the modern shooting sports that focus on "practical" shooting. 
• "Why Use a Handgun for Bear Defense — Because They Work" by Dean Weingarten, Ammo Land. Weingarten has collected data about defensive shootings against bears for many years, which he will occasionally update and publish. This isn't one of those long compilations, but an argument that killing bears is preferable to simply driving them off as a matter of public policy, because it removes the most aggressive bears while also teaching bears to avoid humans.
• "This Is a Better Way to Carry Your Pistol in the Backcountry"--Outdoor Life. A review of the Guardian Chest Plate. It appears to be a plate with various slots around the edges and otherwise perforated with holes, allowing you to attach straps, holsters, etc., to it. The author writes:

    One drawback to chest carry is that sometimes holsters don’t work cohesively with a binocular pouch/harness — a tool that’s become standard for most western hunters. At best, you have another extra set of straps to deal with, and at worst, it simply doesn’t work. There are better options out there, and one of them is the Guardian chest plate from Deadfall Designs. This simple plate allows you to attach your holster, and uses webbing straps to the rear of your bino harness, sandwiching the pistol between. The plate’s hole pattern is compatible with a variety of holsters and you can orient the pistol how you like. 

    For harnesses with wings or side pouches, the pistol can be a bit buried, but the Guardian works very well with compact handguns in this configuration. For others using bino pouches with no side wings, it’s easy to fit a holster for a G20 or other full-sized 10mm, and to position the grip for an efficient draw.  

• "Fieldcraft: Becoming Invisible"--The Tactical Hermit.  Subtitled: "Discover the extraordinary tale of Christopher Knight, the ‘Ghost of North Pond,’ who lived undetected in the Maine wilderness for 27 years."
• "Seven tips for surviving the apocalypse"--The Conversation.  They are (i) purify water; (ii) prevent infection by using soap; (iii) generate power; (iv) grow food; (v) "drive tree powered cars" meaning learn to make wood gas and convert your car to run on it; (vi) restart a chemical industry; and (vii) be scientific, i.e., preserve the scientific method. Although wood gas was widely used in WWII by civilians dealing with fuel shortages, I wonder if modern vehicles with all the computer controls, fuel injection, etc., could easily be modified to use wood gas. 
• "Essential Roles in a Thriving Post-Apocalyptic Community"--Canadian Preparedness. Basically a look at some jobs or skills in several general fields. The general fields are (i) farming & gathering; (ii) medical care & first aid; (iii) culture (i.e., the arts and education); (iv) building; (v) diplomacy; (vi) cooking; (vii) defense. Under each field, the author lists more specific jobs/skills. For instance, under "building" is carpentry, engineering, and manufacturing of weapons. Don't underestimate the importance of cooking. In the book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans by Nechama Tec, being a good cook who could also oversee preparing meals for the group was a highly valued skill, and one which assured access to food. Other skills such as being able to make or mend clothing, and make and repair shoes was highly valued, as was the ability to fix weapons.
• "Prepping 101: An Essential Guide for the Unprepared"--Mira Safety. At first I thought this was going to be another standard "beginning prepping" article with some vague information on storing food, water, having a bug out bag, and so on. But it discusses different types of prepping, the role of community, communication and information gathering, in addition to the more standard topics. Yes, the information is bare bone--it is just an article after all--but covering a greater breadth of topics. 
• "The Best Knife Sharpeners for Smoother-Slicing Blades, According to Our Tests"--Food & Wine. Obviously this article is focusing on kitchen knives, but they should work for other knives. The top picks were:

• Best Electric Knife Sharpener: Chef’s Choice 1520 AngleSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener.
• Best Rolling Knife Sharpener: Tumbler-The Original Rolling Knife Sharpener.
• Best Manual Knife Sharpener: Zwilling 4-Stage Pull Through Knife Sharpener.
• Best Value Knife Sharpener: Longzon 4-in-1 Knife Sharpener.
• Best Splurge Knife Sharpener: Chef’s Choice DCB1520 Rechargeable AngleSelect Electric Sharpener.
• Best Compact Knife Sharpener: Material Kitchen "The Sharpener".

• "The New Rules of Bugging Out in 2025: Lessons from the Last 5 Years"--The Prepper Journal. Injecting some realism into bugging out. The seven "new" rules:

1. Bugging out is no longer "cool". Meaning, ditch the tactical look: "You need to look like someone who’s trying to get home, not someone who’s loaded for bear."
2. Digital footprints can get you caught. I don't know who would be surveilling you after a natural disaster, but, as he notes, there are cameras everywhere and AI is watching.
3. Gasoline is a liability.  What he means is that gasoline powered vehicles are a liability: "You’re not Mad Max, and gas isn’t unlimited. In a real crisis, stations are dry, roads are blocked, and armed checkpoints are not fiction."
4. Local is the new distant. Meaning to be realistic--are you really going to make it 100, 200, 300 miles to a bug out location?
5. Group plans beat lone wolf fantasies. Basically, there is strength in numbers.
6. Your bug-out bag needs a reality check. "Let me be clear: If it doesn’t keep you alive or give you an edge in a real-world scenario, it’s dead weight."
7. Don't bug out ... unless you absolutely have to.  

• "Why are more people becoming preppers? Colorado survivalists say natural disasters, COVID and doomsday"--The Colorado Sun. Based on attendance numbers at the recent Colorado Prepper Expo in Pueblo, it appears interest has been declining.  

Several people involved in the survival industry said there seems to be fewer huge shows that were a hallmark a decade or so ago. The uneventful passing of Y2K and the end of the two-year run of National Geographic’s “Doomsday Preppers” series might have something to do with that.   

Or perhaps they became like gun shows: overpriced flea markets offering few real deals.  

• "Most doomsday preppers have it wrong. This is actually how to survive the apocalypse"--BBC Science Focus. I'm not sure where this title came from, unless it has to do with shelter construction. The article indicates that a bomb shelter should have thick concrete walls and roof to protect from blast and a shock wave from a nuclear weapon. But most prepping/survivalist books don't describe making a bomb shelter, but rather a fallout shelter, so it's really an apples to oranges discussion. In any event, there is some discussion of electricity and other conveniences (again, in the context of a large shelter such as some European governments still construct for citizens), water (again in the context of a large shelter), food and bug out bags. The food recommendations were interesting because it indicated that the LDS Church's recommendation was to store 3 months of food, but the recommendation has been, for longer than I've been alive, to store a 1 year supply. I don't know where the 3 months came from, unless the Church has different recommendations for the members in England or Europe for some reason. 
• Your enemies are training: "Armed Queers group trains radical Marxists to shoot just miles from where Charlie Kirk was murdered"--Just The News. The article begins:

    Amid the snow-capped mountains and Mormon churches of Utah, not far from where FBI agents continue to scour for more evidence in Charlie Kirk’s assassination, a self-described armed revolutionary group openly aligned with Cuba has risen up on the streets of one of America’s most conservative states.

    Armed Queers SLC says its mission is to train gay, queer and transgender people to arm themselves and to fight against capitalism. Although their purported Facebook page does not directly appear to encourage the use of firearms in their claimed mission, many of the images used depict firearms. As recently as this spring, its members traveled to Cuba for a meeting to celebrate the May Day holiday and participate in a march and events alongside revolutionaries from around the world. 

Sword Wounds

 In "Very Perilous: A sword wounds compendium by the surgeon Ravaton," the author of the Hema Misfits blog presents some translations and summaries of portions of "Hugues Ravaton’s Chirurgie d’armée, a seminal work in the history of European surgery and one which is also of great interest to the subject of this blog." He explains that "[a]t the time of publishing his book in 1768, Ravaton had worked as a military surgeon for 36 years, and was then Surgeon Major of the Landau hospital."

 What makes his work especially interesting for people studying historical fencing  is that, according to Edmond Delorme, Ravaton presents the first and most extensive work on cold steel wounds, with 217 pages and 35 observations.[1] And contrary to previous authors, Ravaton does not focus his work on curious and rare cases, but rather on relatively common ones so that surgeons may learn from his experience. He gives us a sobering look at what swords can do to the human body, a reality that we often forget in the abstract practice that is HEMA.   

Of note:

 ... Thrusts to the cranium very rarely penetrate, even with a bayonet, but can cause severe brain trauma if done with force. The brain is fairly well protected against thrusts which can only enter by a few passages of the skull. Thrusts to the body are, by far, the deadliest, even more so to the heart. Thrusts to that organ are, according to the author, simply never brought to the attention of the surgeon. Ravaton follows the prevailing opinion of the time that thrusts are deadlier than cuts; at least to those that are brought before him.

Gun & Prepping News #55

 Just some gun and prepping related links that I thought interesting or useful:  

• "Get Organized: Storing Your Gun Gear"--Gun Digest. The author gives some tips on better organizing your shooting and firearms supplies and gear. His recommendations include getting a label maker, ditching the old coffee cans and cardboard boxes and use plastic boxes and bins with locking lids, and plastic drawers that can be put on shelves for those items that you don't want to have to constantly stack and unstack the boxes and bins. You should be able to find these at any craft store or most department stores. Finally, he recommends binders for reloading and shooting data; and copying the reloading data onto 3x5 cards that you can then put in the bin or box where you store the ammo. 

    One of the things that I started doing that really helped me is that I got the stacking boxes--one for each handgun and some of my rifles--into which I would put all the accessories and parts for that particular weapon: extra magazines, holsters, old parts that had been switched out (in case I wanted to put it back into its original configuration), spare parts, and so on. I don't have the label maker, yet. I just use masking tape and write on it with a Sharpie. 

• More: "Reloading Journals Should Neatly Contain Crucial Data!"--Rifleshooter Magazine. 

    Handloading records should be an addition to your typical rifle records. These should include how many rounds have been fired, accuracy results with various types of ammo and so forth.

    Handloading notes should be more extensive. Equipment-specific notes should detail the rifle, cartridge, barrel types and twist rate. Component notes must include type of cartridge cases and number of firings on those cases, and types of primers, powders and projectiles used.

    Operation-oriented notes should address case trim dates, neck sizing versus full-length sizing, powder charge weights, bullet seating depth—plus details on whether a crimp was applied and the results of any ladder tests. And naturally you’ll want to include accuracy and velocity data. 

• "Heavy Handloads Helping Heavy Hearts"--Guns Magazine. Jeff Hoover writes about the stress relief afforded by casting your own bullets and handloading ammunition. He describes casting NEI 330- grain semi-wadcutter (SWC) bullets for .45 Colt, as well as his load data.
• "Move and Shoot or Shoot and then Move?"--Ammo Land.  The author writes:

    The ability to move and shoot simultaneously has several significant advantages. Moving targets are harder to hit. You can create distance, which makes you harder to hit. When moving, you’re forcing your opponent to react to you, which can put them on the back foot.

    If you have to move and shoot, you want to do it quickly. You don’t want to do a slow walk while shooting. Slow targets are easy to hit. You have to find the right combination of speed and accuracy to make moving and shooting worth it.

• "Making a Homemade Shooting Gallery"--Mossy Oak. Some ideas on turning your junk into reactive targets for a shooting range: everything from old fruits and vegetables, to steel cans, to old lawnmower blades and other parts. 
• "What Is Black Tip Ammo?"--Wideners. A deep dive into armor piercing ammo. 
• "Ayoob: Why I Don’t Want a Custom 1911"--The Armory Life.  Ayoob begins by noting the advantages of the 1911 for concealed carry:

 Slim and flat, among the easiest of full-size “fighting handguns” to discreetly, accessibly carry concealed. Unarguably adequate in power for its task, all the more so today with improved ammunition. It’s been long-since proven reliable. It has a low bore axis to minimize muzzle rise and contribute to accurate rapid fire, and a straight-back, short, easy-to-control trigger pull enhances rapid-fire hit potential under the highest stress imaginable. And, thanks to the genius of John Moses Browning, it has redundant safety features.

But for the average person wanting to use a 1911, he believes they are better served with a "plain vanilla" pistol. This doesn't mean an exact copy of the GI issued 1911 or 1911A1. The example he uses is the Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. That weapon has a larger ejection port, a slightly beveled magazine well, and larger sights. And, of course, it has a throated barrel to reliably feed hollow point ammunition. 

• "Guide To Cowboy Action Shooting"--Wideners.  This article is from 2019 but I'm sure that most of the information is still accurate as to the different categories. In any event, it has advice on firearms, recommendations for moving your gear around at shooting meets, advice on holsters and belts, and more. 
• "The Importance of a Good Muzzle Device"--Shooting Wire.  Specifically, their importance for Rifle Caliber Pistols (RCPs) like an AR pistol. The article discusses the topic generally and then looks at a few particular models. My decision for the my AR pistol build was to use a linear compensator. 
• "Schrade Makhaira Priscilla Brush Sword Review"--Tech Writer.  The author notes:

The Makhaira Priscilla Brush Sword is the brainchild of Josh Waggoner, a fellow who’s known as a martial artist as well as a knife designer. That intersection of interests goes a long way toward explaining the duality of this blade: equal parts practical landscaping tool and fierce weapon. 

My own experience with this 16 inch blade is that it works well as a machete particularly for cutting through grass or brush, but the shape and handle is such that it would also work well as a weapon. I do not believe that Schrade makes this particular bush sword/sheath combination anymore (although my son was able to pick one up earlier this summer after he had tried mine, so there must be a few sellers with some still in stock). It appears that the molded plastic sheath has been replaced with a nylon fabric sheath and the product has been renamed the Decimate Brush Sword. The actual sword appears to be the same, however. 

• "How to Set Up a Perimeter Alarm"--Alpha Survivalist. The author relates:

    The idea here is to set up a perimeter and protect it against assailants. In crisis and survival situations, this action can undoubtedly save your life, since a properly chosen and well guarded perimeter will assist in preventing looters from stealing your vital supplies or, gangs from attacking you and your family.

    Once you’ve chosen your perimeter, you have to protect it. However, it’s very difficult to have someone always stationed at every key area and be completely aware at all times – especially if your party is only comprised of two or three people. In such an event, an outdoor perimeter alarm system can really come in handy. 

• "Apartment Prepping & Preparedness Challenges"--Modern Survival Blog. The primary issue facing apartment preppers (or even those in a duplex or small houses) is the limited space. The author discusses the limitations and offers some ideas on making the best of the issue. Also:

My recommendation for anyone living in a limited space is to focus on the priorities of survival first: water and food. Neglecting these essentials could lead to dire consequences in a crisis. There’s more (security, a roof over your head, and all sorts of helpful supplies), but given the limited space for storing extra things, you need to square away the basics first. 

I would add something, though. I was watching a video from Black Pigeon Speaks where he discusses the lessons shared by Selco about surviving in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War  ("Surviving COLLAPSE & CIVIL WAR") and the most important prep that Selco was recommending for urban collapse was weapons and ammo, and having a lot of people in your group.

• "Expanding the Pantry Menu: Adventures with Almond Flour"--Blue Collar Prepping.  
• "Survival Medicine – Antibiotics"--Alpha Survivalist. The author reminds us:

We all take the infection fighting and lifesaving properties of antibiotics for granted these days, popping them into our mouths like candy whenever we have tonsillitis or a bug of some kind, completely ignorant to the fact that many of the bacterial infections they treat could so easily have killed us sixty years or so ago. I’m not suggesting that every infection that is treated with antibiotics is life threatening but even an infection that makes you so weak that you are unable to carry out your daily functions is, in my opinion, a danger to your very survival particularly in an environment where your survival is dependent on you being at your strongest. 

The article discusses different antibiotics and what they are for, recommending that you have the following: Amoxicillin;  Ciprofloxacin; Metronidazole; Ampicillin; and Cephalexin. He also discusses how to get these medicines, and special concerns with using fish antibiotics. 

Gun & Prepping News #52

Just some gun and prepping related links that I thought interesting or useful:  

• Greg Ellifritz has posted a new Weekend Knowledge Dump. I haven't had time to go through the articles, but a few of the titles caught my eye including articles on weapon lights on a home defense pistol, an article apparently arguing that "good enough" for self defense training does not require you to be an expert, and an article critiquing the "run" part of the advice to "run, hide, fight" in response to an active shooter. 
• "Accessorizing the Small Frame Revolver"--Shooting Illustrated. Some advice on belts, holsters, and carrying reloads; as well as a practice drill to test out your carry set up and suggestions as to using dummy rounds. 
• "How to Pattern the Defensive Shotgun"--That Shotgun Blog (h/t Tactical Hermit). Why pattern? The author states: "Patterning a shotgun with your chosen buckshot load is akin to zeroing a rifle. The gun isn’t really ready for service until it has been patterned, and every gun has to be individually patterned, just like every rifle has to have its own zero." And there is this tip:

The shortcut for choosing a load. Pattern check at 15 yards. Usually this will give you enough information to know whether or not it is worth shooting another 20 rounds to see how the rest plays out. If the pattern at 15 yards isn’t worthwhile, then it probably isn’t worth pursuing.

• "Myths in Armed Self Defense"--Tactical Wire.  Rich Grassi offers up his thoughts on some "myths" concerning self-defense, including one that I have visited recently: using handloads for self-defense. His take:

    Defense ammo must have (1) ignition reliability, (2) functional reliability and (3) it must hit to the sights. After that, adequate penetration is good, decelerating in the target medium is likewise nice – but if it doesn't go “bang,” ties up in the gun, or hits “somewhere out there,” all that expensive bullet development and testing is a colossal waste of effort.

    In my considerable experience – I was a handloader many years ago – I prefer premium defense ammo from ammo factories. I’ve seen too many failures with personally loaded, professionally remanufactured and bulk-pack low-cost range ammo from big factories to use anything but the premium stuff.

    But, it’s up to you. What’s your life worth? 

• More: "EDC Tip: No Reloads for Self-Defense"--Shooting News Weekly. What caught my attention in this article had nothing to do with the debate on whether to use reloads but rather the author's comments concerning the sale of his first article to Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement magazine in 1993. He writes:

When it came to those who wrote for his law enforcement and self-defense periodicals, [Editor] Harry [Kane] had a strict rule, he didn’t print articles from anyone who had never carried a gun for living. At that time I was a combat veteran and was working full-time as a professional bodyguard.  

Although that was several years before I got my first CCL, I remember my frustration once I had a CCL in trying to find good advice for the civilian on concealed carry. All the articles on concealed carry seemed to have been written by ex-law enforcement who apparently never had to worry about their gun printing or a co-worker noticing it on the belt. This explains why there wasn't better advice for the civilian. 

• "FMG Books"--Revolver Guy.  FMG, the publisher of American Handgunner and Guns Magazine, has decided to end the print editions of its magazines, which got the author reminiscing about past columns and writers whose work he enjoyed and to the point of the article which was to note that FMG is publishing books--both physical and e-books--collecting some of the best articles of these past writers.
• "S&W 629 Mountain Gun Returns Better Than Ever"--Guns America.  From the lede: "Lipsey’s-exclusive S&W 629 Mountain Gun brings the classic 4 inch .44 Magnum back with smart upgrades like a gold bead Patridge front sight, Bear Hug stocks, and no internal lock." 
• "Unlikely Journey: The StG 44 in French Indochina and the Vietnam War"--The Firearm Blog. Frederick Forsyth's 1974 novel, The Dogs of War, is about a mercenary hired by a large mining concern to overthrow the government of a small, but mineral rich, African country so that the company can obtain a mining concession. Surprisingly, though, the actual battle where the mercenaries seize control of the country is only a small portion of the book. The majority of the book is about the logistics: getting supplies, arms and munitions; obtaining the necessary paperwork to transport the arms; and so on. One of the interesting things to me about the book was the prevalence, even as late as the 1970s when the book was to take place, of weapons left over from World War II. But that is basically what this article is about, although focusing on just one weapon--the StG 44. The world was awash in small arms after World War II, particularly arms captured by the allied nations, and they found their way into other conflicts in corners of the world far from Europe. 
• From my local news: "Woman charged after pointing gun at two people outside of Boise Costco, BPD says"--KIVI TV.  Nothing too exciting here: a 65-year old woman got into a "road rage" incident with another driver and pulled a firearm on him/her. Although the details are lacking, it apparently was a fight over a parking space. I can certainly sympathize since the parking situation is terrible at that particular Costco. Nevertheless, it is a good reminder that defensive firearms are to protect yourself (or loved ones) from an imminent threat of death or grave bodily harm, not as a dominance display in a parking lot. The woman was arrested and faces two felony charges for aggravated assault. 
• "Jacks & Saps and Timing" (Part 1) (Part 2) -- Tactical Professor.  These 2018 articles go over a class the author had taken on using blackjacks and saps, including, in the second article, information on timing--"knowing when and where [i.e., what distance] the tool can best be employed."  An excerpt from Part 2:

    ... The Distance to opponent is an important factor in our Decisions about when and whether to deploy any given weapon, whether it be a firearm, an impact tool, or personal weapon (hands and feet). John Boyd examined this relationship in great detail in the Aerial Attack Study. Updated version of Boyd’s Aerial Attack Study At a given range, the pilot of a fighter aircraft would execute previously determined decisions about where to position himself and which weapon was appropriate to use at that distance.

    Timing Errors are faulty decision choices based on the distance to the aggressor and positioning. One of the major issues mentioned in the class and then seen in the final evolution was going for In Fight Weapon Access (IFWA) too soon. When using an impact tool, the defender needs to be in a Dominant Position before attempting to draw the Jack or Sap. Going for it too soon allows either the aggressor to foul the draw or prevents the defender from effectively employing the tool. 

• "Pepper spray sees sales boom in North America, across globe"--News Nation. From the article:

    According to Polaris Market Research, pepper spray sales — which are already valued at over $42 billion — saw a massive shift resulting from “technological advancements in pepper spray and the presence of global players in the region.”

    “The U.S. market for pepper spray has gained substantial traction, a trend expected to persist throughout the forecast period, the analysis said. “Increasing investments in research and development activities for less-lethal self-defense weapons in the U.S. are anticipated to drive market expansion.”

    Not only in the United States, but also in Canada, Mexico, and Asia, the prevalence of crimes such as eve-teasing, rape, kidnapping, murder, and human trafficking has boosted the demand for pepper spray. 

I had to look up "eve teasing". According to Google's AI, it is "staring, stalking, passing comments, and inappropriate physical touch." 

• "Passing Special Forces Selection Requires Proper Foot Care and Boots"--SOFREP.  If you are like me, you are in no position--or shape--to be trying out for Special Forces. But the advice in this article on how to prepare your feet and boots, what socks to use, and other info to prevent foot injuries and blisters, is invaluable to anyone that might be hiking, hunting, or bugging-out.
• "How to Attach a Knife Sheath to MOLLE: A Comprehensive Guide"--Crate Club.  Discusses MOLLE-clips and using paracord. 
• "Glock FM81 Field Knife"--Survival Blog. This is a review of the FM81, which is the version with the saw blade on the spine of the knife for cutting roots when digging a foxhole or trench. A lot of people praise the Glock knives for their sturdiness and low price versus comparable knives from other companies. But this author wasn't so impressed:

But throughout my testing of the FM81, the longer blade was an inconvenience. It felt awkward and unnatural. I have decided that I would only be interested in carrying a longer-bladed knife under the most exceptional circumstances. If I found myself in exceptional circumstances, I would not mind carrying the FM81. But if I was carrying the FM81 into danger, I would want to carry it in a different sheath. It is my opinion that polymer is more suitable for handgun frames than knife sheaths.   

I have one of these knives, but I would have been happier if it did not have the saw back spine. Unfortunately, the version without the spine (the FM 78) no longer appears to be manufactured. And it can be hard to release the knife from the sheath--it is very secure, though.  

• "Use-by, Best-by, Sell-by dates, and What They Mean"--Modern Survival Blog.  The author notes: "The date stamp typically seen on foods (e.g. canned food) was never about public health. Rather, freshness. Or peak freshness. Consumers mistakenly believe it’s primarily a safety thing. However, it’s actually not…" He goes on to explain the meaning of the terms and using a FIFO (first-in, first-out) food storage and use plan. 
• "Winter Survival Kit Add-ons"--Modern Survival Blog.  The author provides the following suggestions:

•     Blanket (fleece or wool)
•     Emergency Blanket (Mylar foil type)
•     Lip Balm (regular Vaseline works too)
•     Hand and Foot Warmers (for when it’s wicked cold)
•     Gloves (well insulated)
•     Mittens can be warmer (though without dexterity)
•     Beanie Hat (warmer type, enough to pull over your ears)
•     Neck Scarf (multiple uses too)
•     Neck Gaiter (these really help!)
•     Face Mask (Balaclava)
•     Extra Socks (if existing pair gets wet)
•     Winter Goggles (big difference in cold/snow)
•     Road Flare (fast Firestarter)
•     Snow Shovel (vehicle)
•     Ice Scraper & Brush (vehicle)
•     Windshield Washer Fluid (‘cold’ variety)
•     Jumper Cables (vehicle)
•     Tire Chains (if applicable)

He also has some winter tips, so check out the whole thing.

• And since we are on the subject of winter preps: "The importance of tire chains"--KIVI TV. You'll want to watch the embedded video as it has someone with the Idaho Transportation Department demonstrating how to put on the chains. 
• "How to Regrow Vegetables at Home Using Kitchen Scraps"--The Late Prepper.  The author points out that "[m]any common vegetables like green onions, bok choy and celery regrow from scraps using just water and sunlight". The article goes into more detail on the advantages of growing from scraps, different food items that can be grown from scraps, a bit of the science behind it, and tips on how to do it. There is also an embedded video by the Dr. Mercola YouTube channel on the subject. 
• "Hedge Fund Billionaire Warns US Entering ‘Civil War’"--Newsweek. From the lede:

    Hedge fund manager and billionaire Ray Dalio has warned that the U.S. may be entering a new kind of “civil war” amid rising inequality and debt, as well as a breakdown in the global geopolitical order.

    In an interview with Bloomberg TV which aired this week, the founder of Bridgewater Associates said that the forces which “shape the world” were all now being disrupted, and that America served as a prime example of this.

    “We’re in wars. There is a financial, money war. There’s a technology war, there’s geopolitical wars, and there are more military wars,” he said. “And so we have a civil war of some sort which is developing in the U.S. and elsewhere, where there are irreconcilable differences.”