essential skills

 

skills and knowledge you can use anywhere

World’s Easiest Fitness Program

SnoManSep 27, 20157 min read
World’s Easiest Fitness Program

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,…

Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Prep

SnoManApr 28, 20144 min read
Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Prep

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.…

Physics of the Trucker’s Hitch

SnoManJan 29, 20144 min read
Physics of the Trucker’s Hitch

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.…

Two Knots for Mechanical Advantage

SnoManJan 28, 20144 min read
Two Knots for Mechanical Advantage

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,…

Essential Knots for Survival and Regular Outdoor Activities

SnoManJan 21, 20145 min read
Essential Knots for Survival and Regular Outdoor Activities

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…

Essentials of Knife-Sharpening

SnoManJan 7, 20135 min read
Essentials of Knife-Sharpening

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…

Meet Jack Phoenix — Defending Knife Attacks

SnoManMay 19, 20122 min read
Meet Jack Phoenix — Defending Knife Attacks

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…

Another Great Knot: The Pipe Hitch

SnoManMar 3, 20122 min read
Another Great Knot: The Pipe Hitch

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…

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