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.