I am not a doctor or certified nutritionist, so you should conduct additional research before deciding to follow my fitness program. I’m sure this program violates all kinds of fitness rules, but it has markedly improved my quality of life, so I’m not really inclined to give it up. Yes, that photo is typical of …
Severe storms are racing across the heartland at this writing, so a quick prep note is in order. First, Know the Signs of a Tornado If you’re under a tornado watch, be especially alert for the presence of a tornado. You can’t always see a tornado because it’s night or because it is concealed by …
After Survival Tips S1 E9 (The Trucker’s Hitch) a few readers asked me to explain further how and why the mechanical advantage varies depending on the system’s configuration. The following series of diagrams will help you visualize what’s going on. All forces are theoretical, taking no account of losses due to friction or vector components. …
Update: After several readers requested further explanation of the mechanical advantage, I posted Physics of the Trucker’s Hitch. The Trucker’s Hitch is not a single knot, but a knot system that acts like a block and tackle for tightening, hoisting, or hauling loads with mechanical advantage. You’re probably familiar with it, but it’s time to …
Have you ever tried sawing a log with a screwdriver? You need the right tool for the job, and this goes for knots as well. The Pipe Hitch and the Pile Hitch are multipurpose knots you’ll use in nearly every outdoor sporting activity. Great Knot Books Here are three of my favorite books about knots: …
Essential Knots for Survival and Regular Outdoor Activities Read More »
In my mind, the primary function of a knife is not to chop, hack, screw, pry, or split, but to cut. Don’t get me wrong; my survival knife performs all those functions as necessary, but only as necessary. The main thing I want my knife to do is cut, so I work hard to keep …
My good friend Jack Phoenix is a black belt and certified instructor in several martial arts including Jeet Kune Do and various Filipino styles, and is an edged weapon specialist. And he teaches tap dance which, he says, helps in self-defense situations. You can tell I helped him choose his wardrobe. He has a new …
The pipe hitch is a variation of the Rolling Hitch. It is used when you need to tie on to a smooth pipe or pole, in a situation where the tension on the rope will be in line with the pipe. Most knots would slip along the pipe as soon as you put tension on …
The bowline (rhymes with “colon”) is reputedly the most important knot in the world. It is listed in the Ashley Book of Knots. The bowline is sometimes called the King of Knots because it has the best qualities of knots — ease of tying and untying. If ever you’re in a crevasse or deep water …
The Zeppelin Bend (Rosendahl Bend) might be the only knot you ever need again for joining two ropes. It is easy to tie, jam resistant, jerk resistant, and easy to untie even after being under heavy load. And don’t be fooled by the seemingly complex method for tying this knot — it’s actually very, very …
Superknot – The Easy Way to Tie the Zeppelin (Rosendahl) Bend Read More »