23 Aug 2008
I've been having a lot of fun experimenting with various materials to illustrate my new video, "Emergency Magnifier". As usual, we often have a diversity of resources surrounding us that we can use in an emergency. As discussed in the details section of this latest video, I made a pocket magnifier that I have used on several occassions when I was out and about. Seldom do we need magnification in the wilderness, but very often in the urban setting. After viewing the video and reading the text, try making one for yourself and let me know how it works for you.
10 Aug 2008
I was delighted to recieve an email from Sweden... I share this excerpt:
"...Another thing I like about your movies/techniques is that they seem to be a part of life itself. Does this sound strange? Let me try to explain; I can get by in English but explaining something important in another language isn�t that easy.. it is like painting with only a few colours....
Everything is everything whether we realize this or not. All questions we may ask ourselves - all the answers must and can be found here, they are within Life itself. It is therefore impossible to separate one thing from another since they are somehow connected with each other.
Survival is a part of Life, a part of the wilderness but also a part of civilization. There is something I prefer to call "city survival," and I have practiced this many, many times in my life. There has been many times I�ve come to a "new" city, it was late - too late to find a room or maybe I was out of money. So - where could food and shelter be found, right in the middle of a city? It was then I made use of my knowledge - city survival.
This knowledge has comforted me more than once and the ability to make the place I sit down my home has helped me many times - when I had to wait for a train or bus at a station, for instance. Then my mind became my best survival-tool - again, city survival.
So there really is no difference between living in the city or in the wilderness. The knife I use for carving outdoors I use for slicing bread in my kitchen - do you understand what I mean? There is no "wall" between daily and outdoor life. They are both sides of the same coin. This is the feeling/message I get when I see your videos, Ken. I guess that this is what you really want to tell us, even though very few understand the message. Survive, simplify life when you have to, adapt to the present situation you are in and make the best of it."
Thank you Anders... for saying it so well!
22 Jul 2008
Well... I've been very pleased and honored to receive some very positive comments from Survivaltek Visitors. I've added a page to the site that highlights these comments. I always appreciate the folks who take time to contact me. I'm also interested in ideas and topics regarding survival that have not be covered. Feel free to
Contact
me and share your thoughts.
23 Jun 2008
Yesterday I spoke with a friend who was stung by a yellow jacket at about noon... she is highly allergic to stings and has had major swelling and potentially life threatening reactions in the past. Immediately after being stung, she picked some broadleaf plantain leaves from her yard and began chewing them without swallowing any. She made a poultice or mash in her mouth and deposited in her fingers, then placed it on the sting site for 10 minutes. When I looked at the sting site in the evening, there was no sign of it at all. - Thanks Kelly for submitting this tip - Check out my
Edible
page for more info on plantain.
12 Jun 2008
Now that Summer has arrived, the sun is at it's best for optical fire methods. You can use concave reflectors that you point at the sun and find the focus point where you hold the tinder. Some items that I've used include flashlights, soda cans, broken headlights, jewelry, doorknobs, compact mirrors, etc. Also, you can use convex lenses. Some items that I've used include marbles, paper weights, magnifying lens, fresnel lens, clear light bulbs, vases, plastic bags, etc. Visit my
Contact
page and drop me a line with other items that you have used!
10 Jun 2008
Well, the tick season is on, and an embedded tick freaks a lot of people out! I've tried the usual methods like lighting a match, blow it out, and hold it close to the tick - or - smothering on vaseline cream - or - rubbing the tick in a circular motion for 30 seconds... but the best success is a DIY tool that I conceived that I would like to share with you!
1) Take a soda straw and cut it diagonally at a 45 degree angle. 2) Cut a small "V" on the end. 3) Approach from head end of the tick, slip the "V" notch under the tick's head and slide briskly towards the rear in a scooping action. This works wonderfully. The materials are easily obtained, and can be accomplished when you're out and about. Let me know how it works for you.
20 May 2008
I was having coffee outside on a deck today and decided that I wanted to know what direction I was facing. I looked at my wrist watch to notice the time relative to Noon and it gave me a ballpark bearing on South, because the sun is always due South at Noon (actually, Noon - "Standard Time"). You can use a wristwatch in another way by pointing the hour hand at the sun, then determine the mid-point between the hour hand and 12, and THAT is South. It works wheather AM or PM during daylight hours. My thoughts in the past have always been oriented to North, as maps are indexed that way, however, thinking "South" allows me to keep the sun in sight during daylight hours, and allows me to determine direction faster. So, consider thinking "South" next time you're on an outing and the sun is shining.
05 May 2008
Over the Christmas holiday I flew to my folks, and in route, was given a water bottle by a flight attendant. I looked at the neck and saw the optical qualities that I thought could be used to make a fire. Sure enough, when I returned home I gave it a try and it worked. Sometimes "bigger is better" so I tried a 2 liter soda bottle in the same manner with great results. So, I decided that it could be illustrated by video, and you can now view it at Metacafe. Check out my
video
description for more details.
26 Apr 2008
You'll probably notice a lot of dandelions that have sprung up around your yard or neighborhood recently. Outside of being edible, they can be great for tinder too. Check out my
video
for more details.
13 Apr 2008
As I was crossing a lawn just yesterday, I saw a dandelion glowing in it's yellow brilliance, and I remembered the last flower that I batter-fried and ate. I think it's more romantic than tasty, but the dandelion offers a lot to a natural diet. The early season leaves are the best, and late season roots grow larger, but they generally could use a change of water for a second boil to take out the bitterness. It ends up like a pale carrot. Give it a try, and be sure to collect plants in a non-chemically treated area.
30 Mar 2008
With the introduction of Spring i.e. Equinox, the suns rays are better for solar/optical related fire making methods, and I am looking forward to producing related training videos. At the same time, there are new plants emerging, and I plan to add more photos to the edible page. Lastly, my
"Emergency Fire Using Hacksaw Blade!?!"
video has surged to a new level of viewership which pleases me as it reflects a more ancient fire making method using modern, easily attainable materials.
17 Mar 2008
Well... I've been focusing on
video
production a lot in the last several weeks, and through them have been able to illustrate creative ways to deal with limited resources in regards to basic needs and survival skills ... so far, the videos have mainly featured firecraft.
Today (Mar 17),
my latest video
has had over 4,500 views and I've received many comments and made new acquaintences online.
Meanwhile, I have the desire to expand the existing content on this site, and with Spring arriving, it should be a little easier. I appreciate all the new guests that have visited. If you have interests or ideas that you think would be an asset to Survivaltek, please
contact
me... I'd love to hear from you.
09 Mar 2008
I have appreciated the guests who have participated in rating and commenting on the "how-to" videos found on the
Survivaltek Channel
at Metacafe. I have reformatted the video page and added further detail to the Videos . There are more coming that should be fun. As I state on the Survivaltek Channel page: "Survivaltek is all about TEACHING THE WAYS AND MEANS TO SURVIVE and hopes to illustrate creative ways to overcome the loss of conventional methods of living in which we have become accustom and dependent." I almost forgot to mention my 5th video
CD Signal Mirror In Emergency... check it out!
01 Mar 2008
Last night was an adventure... my goal was to release another instructional short
video
on "leap day" the 29th of February, but when submitted, the file format was not recognized... twice! By the third submission, it was accepted, and I completed the task 5 minutes into March 1st! Oh well, the video still has it merits, and I'm happy to add it to the collection of videos. There are more videos ahead, but weather and schedule are determining factors. I hope the videos will help viewers become aware that a creative mind can employ their surrounding resources to assist them in a time of emergency, no matter how big or small the emergency is!
20 Feb 2008
I've added a new links page which contains Information & Resources that Survivaltek guests may find interesting and useful. Check back from time to time as I will be adding more. Another new page introduces fire pistons - an amazing fire starting device whose technology has been recorded back to the early 1800's. Survivaltek now offers CocoBolo models for sale.
09 Feb 2008
Today I posted my 3rd video on the web. You can visit the
video
page or go to
Metacafe
to view it. I show how to use a microwave oven to create a flame. Sometimes you just can't find matches when you need them. As you see in the video, it took only 4 seconds to produce a flame. And as usual, thats all you need to get the job done. If you like it, please rate it at 5 stars to help position it more favorably.
30 Jan 2008
Today I posted my 2nd video on the web. You can visit the
video
page or go to
Metacafe
to view it. I show how to use a hacksaw blade with a sharp-edged glassy stone like quartz along with #0000 fine steel wool and some tinder to start a fire. If you like it, please rate it at 5 stars to help position it more favorably. It was video taped at night with the temperature in the low 30s. I caught the spark on the first strike, but almost lost it when I transfered it to the tinder. With persistent blowing, it kept going and gave a successful fire.
17 Jan 2008
Well, I finally produced my first video illustrating how to make fire with an empty flintwheel lighter. I have added a video page to the site to host future video productions. I have chosen Metacafe to post my videos, and they say "The higher your video's VideoRank, the more exposure it will get on Metacafe. So forward the link to friends, make sure they watch the video to completion, tell them to forward it to friends, have them rate it 5 stars... spread the word!"... so, please watch it through at
Metacafe
and rate it FIVE STARS to increase it's viewership. - Thanks!
09 Jan 2008
I was thinking about how many ways that I have made fire... but really, there are five ways (see Ken's five fire catagories) but each way has many means to accomplish it. Take for instance, the OPTICAL way uses light, but the means to accomplish making a fire include a flashlight reflector, car headlight reflector, silver mixing bowl, modified CD, soda can, makeup mirror, glass paper weight, lense shaped ice, pocket Freznel lense magnifier, glass magnifying lense, etc.. Also, water filled items include soda bottles, plastic bags, condoms, flower vase bowls, clear light bulbs, and more. The point is to concentrate heat in a spot long enough to cause combustion. It's really a lot of fun to figure out different methods, and of course, in a survival situation, it could save your life!
01 Jan 2008
I'm not a proponant of New Year's resolutions, because typically they lack the structure for success... incremental measurable goals and accountability, however, the end of the year is a good time for us to reflect on our current state of affairs and define goals that we want to achieve. Wandering aimlessly is seldom profitable and potentially dangerous. It's prudent to stop and assess our situation, perhaps what led us here, and plot a course of action to improve our situation. This approach can be applied to physical, mental, and spiritual arenas. Stop what hurts and begin what helps. Be prepared.
19 Dec 2007
Because I like to be prepared, I have constructed a detachable key-ring full of small tools that I wear on my belt at all times. My belt loops through it and it passes over the top of my trousers and hangs on the inside. This placement prevents a bulge in my pocket and can easily be accessed. On the key-ring is a ferrocerium striker that can be obtained through a Boy Scout Supplier. In addition, I have a small Swiss Army knife that includes a knife blade, finger nail file, flat blade screw driver, scissors, toothpick, and tweezers. I also have a P38 military can opener, a whistle for signaling, and a micro LED light.These tools have served me well in both wilderness and urban settings, but you may choose a different set based on your needs. What would work best for you?
11 Dec 2007
I've been pondering the concept of survival, which presupposes that first someone is in a predicament. It reminds me of my brief training in martial arts, that is, your best defense... is not putting yourself in the path of danger.
As this fall season is about to turn into winter, where I live, most leaves have fallen, and temperatures have occasionally dropped below freezing. With Holiday travel eminent, it may be prudent to think in terms of preparation for travel, especially when traveling by car. Everything is fine until we are unexpectedly delayed, and if we're stopped in freezing temperature, it could get serious. Having some items in the trunk of your car could make a significant difference.
As much as we might enjoy spontaneity and freedom, it's smart to let our loved ones know our planned route... much like pilots file a flight plan. Always keep the bottom half of your gas tank filled... letting it be your empty mark and just adding gas to the upper half. Cell phones can be invaluable for needed communication. In the trunk, consider keeping a sleeping bag or two... preferably a type that unzips into a blanket for sharing. Some packet hand warmers can bring comfort. A can of gelled fuel such as Sterno when used carefully and with proper ventilation can be used for heat when running the engine and car heater is not possible. Make sure you have a flashlight with fresh batteries. A pair of jumper cables and a tow rope can also come in handy for yourself, or to help others.
Being prepared can help you have peace of mind, as well as help you or someone else survive when stranded.
04 Dec 2007
I was just reflecting on the beginnings of my fascination with fire. The very mention of fire seems to throw up "red flags" for those I speak to, and all too often I hear the word "Pyro" in response. Like so many other topics, a reaction by those who are uninformed skews the whole context.
Fire has ALWAYS captivated the interest of those who stand around a campfire, with it's undulating waves of light, warmth, and perhaps the crackle of the firewood. Fire has been with us since the beginning of time and is integral to civilization.
I once saw an episode of "McGyver" where he was trapped in a warehouse and created fire to summon rescue by setting off the fire alarm. I thought, "Hmmm... that's handy to know..." which spawned my need to know how to make fire in a time of need. As I tell my skeptics, "I don't want to see a wall of fire, just a small flame that can light a camp fire, provide a signal, or cook a meal".
26 Nov 2007
Survival means different things to different people. Some folks these days envision hardship ahead, perhaps economic ruin. When they think of survival, it is more akin to homesteading, or off-the-grid living. My focus is "how to stay alive when stranded" along with "how to use the resources on hand".
There is an often taught guideline that goes like this: we are limited to 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, and 30 days without food. In cases of extreme cold we might speak in terms of hours. These guidelines help us prioritize our actions.
Escape would be the number one priority in a life threatening situation such as being involved in a plane crash or burning vehicle. Protect yourself from further danger and move to a safe area. Treat any severe injuries that were sustained. After that, finding shelter is extremely important, especially if you are in a remote area or if inclement conditions exist. You will want to think about signaling methods to solicit help or rescue. Making a fire can provide a source for signaling, warmth, and cooking. Not as immediately necessary is finding water for hydration. Once you have stabilized your conditions you can take time to assess your situation and take stock of your resources. In the short term, food can be more of a luxury than a necessity.
Every situation is unique, but knowing the priorities puts us in the best possible position.
16 Nov 2007
Everyone expects to go about their daily tasks living the status quo, but are we ready to deal with emergency situations? What do you do when your conveniences are inturrupted and utilities are down? What if your circumstances are life threatening? We will discuss the ways and means to survive in the midst of these situations. We will deal with survival philosophy and techniques that can be applied in wilderness and urban settings. We will provide Do-It-Yourself (DIY) projects that develop your skills and open your eyes to the use of common resources. We will also review survival products and offer links to products on the market today.
04 Sep 2008