Topic: wood
5 Ancient weapons that will still work today
December 18, 2008 by evl
The Hungu Munga, also used on in the series buffy the vampire slayer. They dont make blades like this anymore. This particular weapon was used in upper Africa, still is used today in some places. Its thrown into the enemy and basically slices into him and causes real bad damage.
The ballista is a amazing piece of technology for the time it was made. Comparing it to some of today's arrow shooting weapons this thing can shoot through a car. The arrow heads are massive. Might be a mission to carry around though.
The all famous Catapult. How many weapons do you know of today that can shoot a metal ball as far as this thing. Well not many you can build yourself. This is one of the best ancient weapons. Also might be a bit heavy to carry around.
This thing is crazy. Looks like a lazy piece of wood but can make a dent in a modern day armored vehicle. Was on boats as well. Just think of the hole this can make in a boat.
This is called a caltrope and is still used today. It varies in sizes and was also used as anti tank devices in World War 2. Today small versions are still used to stop and puncture the wheels of cars. Might also be known as a Spike trip
Survival Tips: The Champ Swiss army knife - The blade
October 20, 2008 by evl
What could possibly be written about a blade you think? Well this is after all what makes the swiss army knife a knife. Without this blade it would just be a swiss army tool. The blade is according to me the most important part of the knife. Why I am actually writing about the blade is not to show all the functions because its possibly endless. A lot of times we use blades to unscrew screws and to cut through wire etc but to protect your swiss army knife you have to use every tool for what its made. If you use the blade for cutting wood etc, something you can actually use the saw for you are probably wasting your swiss army knife and not taking full advantage of the knife itself. Remember you are not carrying a single blade with you. You are carrying a toolbox and the swiss army knife has a tool for every need in a knife.
5 reasons you should put a axe in your survival gear or bug out bag.
October 1, 2008 by evl
Axes are used to chop wood, generally. But in a survival situation you need a axe.
For protection
A axe can be used for protection when you are attacked by wild animals other creatures.
Stuck
A axe can be used if you are stuck. A axe can get you out of many situations where you might get stuck and its much stronger than a knife so it can bash through rocks if you really need to.
Chopping fire wood.
Obviously you need a fire and what's better than a really big fire in a survival situation, except when there is war or you are being chased my people.
Climbing.
A axe can also be used to help you climb, you might find it hard than with a normal climbing axe but if you need to make foot holes its easier to do it with axe than with something else.
Bushcraft
Anyone living in the bush must have a axe. Its just one of those things that you cant go without.
Kleinmond Bridge at the lagoon
September 30, 2008 by evl
As a child I can remember running over this very bridge every day. Kleinmond was one of the best holiday accommodations in South Africa. This particular bridge is made out of recycled plastic made to looks like wood.
How to make smoke to signal someone in a airplane or helicopter.
September 9, 2008 by evl
If you are stuck in the wild you need to plan for ways to get out. One of the most frustrating things is when someone is stuck in the jungle is when they see a airplane or a helicopter but they cant signal for help.
You should have a fire reader or at least a way to make a fire incase you hear oncoming airplanes or helicopters.
The best place is on a hill or a place with no trees. If its in the middle of nowhere and there are usually no people they will notice smoke, but you have to get their attention.
Here's how.
Wet wood. That's it. Throw wet wood on a fire and it will smoke. Leaves also works. If you cant find any leaves or wet wood, use live plants and if you cant find a plant throw in your some of your clothes.
But the answer is wet wood works the best to make smoke.
What is the best survival knife to get yourself.
September 9, 2008 by evl
Survival knives is a topic survivalists often disagree on, but a survival knife is really a knife that you use when you need to survive in the wild.
A survival knife can be any knife that you prefer, but because you prefer it does not mean its the best survival knife out there. So what makes a knife a great survival knife in my opinion?
Here it is:
A survival knife must be a fixed blade. When you are doing carpentry or need to cut down a tree or need a knife that can hold strength, you need a fixed blade survival knife.
A survival knife should have a nice grip. This is only for comfort but you really do need one that you are comfortable holding and using.
The other thing is this part in the picture below
The part will keep your fingers safe if you need to stab your knife in a tree or whatever. It blocks your hand from sliding onto the blade and cutting your fingers.
Another detail of the knife is that the top part of the blade as in the picture below:
The top part of the blade should NOT be sharp. As you can see on this knife which is my own survival knife the top part looks like its sharp, but its not. Only from the side it looks lie that. A lot of times you need to push hard on your knife when working with wood or something and having a sharp top causes more of a danger than the great idea behind it.
The part will keep your fingers safe if you need to stab your knife in a tree or whatever. It blocks your hand from sliding onto the blade and cutting your fingers.
Another detail of the knife is that the top part of the blade as in the picture below:
The top part of the blade should NOT be sharp. As you can see on this knife which is my own survival knife the top part looks like its sharp, but its not. Only from the side it looks lie that. A lot of times you need to push hard on your knife when working with wood or something and having a sharp top causes more of a danger than the great idea behind it.