So, I gather you differ? <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Different approaches for different folks...

>>From the generator which needs to be turned over and run a few hours every month and have the gas changed or burned through each year<<

Yup, part of the reason I decided not to own one.

>>Don't even think about trying to store water indefinately.<<

I've had some stored for over five years. I wouldn't drink it untreated (I keep three sizes of Katadyn ceramic-element filters on hand), but the things that grow in once-potable water in storage tend to not to be very deadly and easily dealt with- not guiardia, or coliform bacteria.

As for the daily-use thing... that's not really a option for me, and I expect not for a lot of other folks, either. There was a time when I could have carried anything I liked daily, but for many years now I've been working in offices, and there are just limits. I have no problem with taking the time to get familiar with the tools, but that just doesn't mean I'm going to have them with me constantly.

>>If I expected my survival knowledge to stay sharp without going outside and practicing it I would probably discover that it corrodes faster than my leatherman.<<

On this point, we may have to just agree to disagree. I've found that most of the lessons I've learned in the wild have stuck with me for life. More time outdoors adds to what I know, but isn't really needed to refresh lessons already learned outside.

>>At least monthly take your survival tools outside (including your head) and use them.<<

Aside from the fact that this is phrased as a direct order, I'll pass, thanks. My lifestyle just doesn't allow for "at least monthly"... even "quarterly" is pushing it. And I do expect good tools, stored properly, to remain ready for use with a LOT less fuss than that. If mine aren't, they don't get babied, they get replaced with something that will be.

And I do change my own oil. You don't get Castrol Syntec 5w-50 at Jiffy Lube.

Most sincere apologies for the net-gaff of the direct order. Meant only as a suggestion. I have learned much from your posts over the past year and respect your opinion and knowledge base greatly.

Sorry to hear about the limitations of your lifestyle. It is fun to get outside atleast once a month.

I think that we do disagree by degrees not fundamentals. You acknowledge the need for care and feeding of some tools but you choose not to own such. During the blackout you will be using candles and lanterns and such whilst I will be listening to the hum of the genset and have power for my ham rig that will outlast most reasonable battery supplies. To each their own.

When I was onboard ship I was in deck department.A trick we would do is line the inside of our folding knives with a piece of oiled cordage.This helped stave off rust and I felt it also lubricated the edge in cutting.I guess it could even be used as fire tinder.This does help a lot so please give it a try.

miniMe,

No problem, such "disconnects" are inevitable in forums, in general. In return, it wasn't my intention to manufacture a cause for offense where none was intended... and I didn't think it was.

I, too, wish I could get out more often, and generally do... but just for day-long hikes and such, not often for anything that would be much of a test of survival gear... and even that has to compete with sailing, beach, car camping, vacations and travel.... there was a period of years in the past when with some friends I made a point of camping out four times a year, in all seasons... it was a great learning experience, and I miss it, but I don't think I ever did overnights (or longer) on anything like a monthly basis. I've done as much as two weeks on the trail, but not more than once a year or so.

>>using candles and lanterns and such<<

Indeed- more than a gross of candles (mostly to help out neighbors), candle lanterns, a dozen or so kerosene lanterns, three Aladdin lamps, one kerosene backpacking stove, one combination stove/small heater, two full-sized kerosene heaters (with battery powered smoke/CO2 detectors) about 60 gallons of kerosene, plus firewood, a wood stove and two fireplaces, hand-crank radios, Peltier-junction fans, not counting all the batteries and battery-powered radios and lights.... :-)

If I were into ham radio my decisions might have been different- but aside from maintenance and storage concerns, my decision was partly influenced by accounts of the big Canadian blackout, where generators were quickly stolen.

Happy to hear more of your thoughts about your approach any time, though. We're all just facing future with our best guesses, and our best guesses can, and should, change over time- or we're not learning anymore. :-)

Thanks for the tip- I'll definitely keep it in mind, though it might not work with all folding knives. I'd have to experiment to see if there's room for the blade to close completely (so the point is covered, at least). Oil does help in cutting... but maybe not with peanut butter.
<img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

For the moment, for running and sailing, I got a relatively inexpensive OceanMaster titanium folding knife:

http://www.oceanmaster.com/KnivesFeatures.htm ("Server")

that seems impervious to anything, and is amazingly lightweight... but I'm not sure the edge would hold up for constant use.. it's meant for emergencies. For sailing I also own a Myerchin LightKnife:

http://www.myerchin.com/L300.html

.. but, while it's impressivley sturdy and functional, I've found it pretty heavy, bulky and magnetic (a concern if you're at the helm).

I think Chris said he's partial to MyerChin knives.

I have a Benchmade/Crawford Lepord.
It holds a very good blade but it collects dirt inside because of the holes in the side. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />