Agreed Art. In most contexts that any of us would likely encounter, stocking up and keeping a few stashes here and there (cars, planes, boats, &tc.) is the best route. I do stock up on soap and meds like ibuprofen and the like.

Again, even the likelyhood of needing those is probably faint for most of us at least for very long. I think there's certainly satisfaction to be had by doing some of this yourself, and I was mainly trying to stick to easy/simple items that have a low cost/benefit ratio.

But I'll stand by my comment about supplies being vulnerable to loss, theft, or damage. The only way I lose the knowledge to replace them (should the incredibly slim chance arise) is if I lose my marbles. :-)

Even if it's a bit of a one in a million type affair, it's good information to have - maybe even beneficial in today's world where dog food is laced with poison and even every day items get recalled. Maybe in the not too distant future it will be safer making your own soap...

But I'll agree with you - for the most part other than trying out a few things, I'll be loading up on the basics. I don't think that means it's pointless to learn this stuff.