Articles by
Patrick McCarthy
Patrick McCarthy is the Editor of RECOIL OFFGRID. He currently resides in Arizona, and enjoys hiking, camping, shooting, and snapping photos along the way. You can follow his latest projects on Instagram at @pmccarthy10.
Survival
Video: Fire-Starting with Gunpowder and a Bow Drill
NW Primate shows how gunpowder from .22LR cartridges can be paired with a bow drill friction fire-starter to create an immediate burst of flame.
Survival
7 Common Self-Defense Mistakes
Some fight mistakes aren’t learning experiences — dying doesn’t afford a chance to try again. These self-defense mistakes have killed some but taught many.
Preparation
Reader’s Tip: Carving a Survival Staff
We received an email from a reader named Ron, who has developed a hobby of carving his own multi-purpose, modular survival staffs.
Gear
Review: Southern Specialties Folding Lock Pick Set
Back in World War II, OSS secret agents were issued a Lockpicking Jack Knife. Southern Specialties developed a modern incarnation of this covert entry tool.
Survival
National Advisory: Surviving a Catastrophic Power Outage
Earlier this month, the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) published a report on the risk of a catastrophic power outage in the United States.
Gear
Superesse Straps Fatwood Lanyard
Superesse Straps has developed a wearable fire-starting lanyard that's based around a chunk of pine fatwood. It also includes a ferro rod and striker.
Preparation
Understanding Energy Drinks & Their Ingredients
Is the hype about energy drinks backed by science or is it just a compelling gimmick? We took a look at the components of energy drinks and their effects.
Transportation
RECOILtv: Controlling Skids at Bondurant Racing
RECOIL's Iain Harrison took some pointers about oversteer and controlling skids from Mike McGovern, the Chief Driving Instructor at Bondurant Racing.