Frozen Stiff: Identifying & Treating Hypothermia

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This article originally appeared in Issue 2 of our magazine.

What is hypothermia and how does it affect the human body? Have you experienced a form of hypothermia and did not know it?

Most people walking this planet have no idea what hypothermia really is or what its signs and symptoms may be. Let’s say you and your buddies decide to go to a football game, and sometime between the tailgating and the sun setting you begin to feel cold. Next thing you know, your teeth are chattering and you start to shiver, but you suck it up because your buddies are powering on. Now your skin hardens, your fingers become hard to move, and your lips feel like they are burning. Whether you realize it or not, these are some of the beginning stages of hypothermia.

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat more rapidly than it can replace it. Commonly caused by exposure to cold weather or even being dunked in cold water, your bodily functions (heartbeat, blood flow, nervous system), and organs will rapidly start to degrade, which will lead to death. The human body operates best at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but when your body is headed south of 95 degrees F, you’re in hypothermia territory.

Hypothermia first aid medical skin winter ice snow survival preparedness 3

The cold can injure or even kill you just as heat does, and in some cases, the cold can do it faster and more painfully. Like other medical conditions, there are different severities of hypothermia, and just as with heat-related emergencies, cold-related emergencies are affected by your body’s thermostat, the hypothalamus.

Symptoms

There are three levels of hypothermia. In mild cases, you’ll see some shivering and hypotension. If it gets worse, moderate cases will demonstrate more intense shivering, along with paleness of the skin, bluing of lips, ears, fingers, and toes. You’ll also notice that the patient will seem alert, but steadily lose their coordination and display confusion and less agility. When things get even more serious, the skin will become blue and puffy. Severe cases also show difficulty in speaking and thinking as well as low blood pressure, slowed breathing, and in many cases, irrational behavior and labored walking. Strangely enough, sometimes victims suffering from severe stages will begin to strip off their clothes, believing that they feel overheated. The stripping of the clothes increases heat loss, which leads to death.

Hypothermia first aid medical skin winter ice snow survival preparedness 8

Treatment

Treatment of all types of hypothermia and other cold-related emergencies is simple. Attempt to get out of the elements as quickly as possible. If you are stranded, you must find shelter or make shelter and get warm by bundling up and, if possible, building a fire. If you’re wet, get dry as soon as possible. Bundle up, under blankets without direct contact with the cold ground. Thermal balance must be maintained for survival. Getting out of the elements and creating a warming environment around you will take care of mild cases.

Water additives coffee tea drink beverage 1

Don’t be too shy to share body heat by initiating skin-to-skin contact. Also, drinking warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks will help. Application of hot water bottles in the armpit and groin areas would help sufferers of moderate hypothermia. If the patient is suffering from a severe case, professional medical assistance will be required to introduce warm fluids into the patient intravenously. Dangerously shallow breathing might require CPR.

Prevention

The best way to avoid hypothermia is to stay warm, dry, and hydrated. It’s important to wear the proper clothing and shoes or boots for the elements. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a good, comfortable level of body heat in cold temperature. Don’t overdo it and bundle up until you’re sweating. On the other hand, don’t go out in the cold in your birthday suit, either. It’s also probably a good idea to pass on the next polar bear plunge, too.

Hypothermia first aid medical skin winter ice snow survival preparedness 6

Maintaining Body Temperature

In cold weather, your body burns more calories faster than in warmer climates. The more you move, the more energy you burn, and the more your body needs to be hydrated. Your primary objective is to stay hydrated. Maintaining a level body temperature goes hand in hand with hydration. Layering clothing is also very important to help maintain your body’s core temperature. Excessive sweating in cold environs is not a good thing since it makes it harder for your body to stay warm. The best way to balance your body warmth is to make adjustments to your clothing as necessary by putting on or taking off layers.

Alcohol

Alcohol can play a role in dehydration. Alcohol when consumed is absorbed rather quickly by the body because of its smaller molecular makeup. Your body wants to process this foreign substance faster, and it then uses water to process the alcohol. That’s why you have to pee when you get hammered. Your body wants to pee it out — and quickly. In a hypothermia situation, depleting water from your body has the opposite desired effect of what we are attempting to achieve. So when you’re freezing, it’s a good idea to avoid that bottle of bourbon or vodka. It may feel like it’s warming you up, but in the end, it’ll freeze you, maybe even to death.

Even after one recovers from the symptoms of hypothermia, it’s a good idea to have a trained medical professional examine the patient to make sure they are fully recovered. Hypothermia is a dangerous killer that can be avoided with proper preparation. When it’s cold out, make sure you take in water and you are properly bundled up. But, hypothermia isn’t the only condition to keep an eye out for. There are other dangers to cold environments, as well. Take a look at the sidebars on these pages to learn what else to avoid.

Other Cold-Induced Injuries

Frost Nip

Hypothermia first aid medical skin winter ice snow survival preparedness 7

Frost nip by definition is damage to the skin and underlining tissue as a result of exposure to severe cold. The signs of frost nip are:

  • Possibly red or pale grayish skin tone
  • Hard and waxy appearance with a burning sensation
  • Numbness and stiff joints
  • Cracking and painful skin

This usually occurs to exposed areas of the body, such as the hands, fingers, toes, noes, ears, or cheeks. While this is occurring, you may not even be aware of it once the numbness sets into those areas. If exposure to the elements continues, the next level of severity would be frostbite.

Frostbite

Hypothermia first aid medical skin winter ice snow survival preparedness 4

Frostbite is an injury to body tissues caused by exposure to extreme cold, typically affecting the extremities. Prolonged exposure could result in gangrene or tissue death.

Frostbite signs are:

  • Reddening of the skin that turn white or pale
  • Direct exposure would have an icy appearance
  • Stinging, burning sensation with swelling to the affected area
  • Over a 24-hour period, you could develop blisters
  • Loss of sensation with continued pain
  • Reduced movement or range of motion in joints and muscles

As the skin continues to be exposed to the extreme cold, the tissue on the surface will be damaged. However, the real problems start with extended exposure to the cold and when the underlining layers of skin are damaged. This could result in damage to blood vessels and capillaries, and it will eventually kill the cells. This is where gangrene starts to set in. If it does, professional medical assistance must be sought immediately.

Basic CMYK

Trench Foot

Trench foot is a painful condition to the feet caused by long exposure to cold water or mud and marked by blackening and death of surface tissue. It also leads to gangrene or tissue death occurring at the affected area. Keep in mind these are the worst-case situations to extreme cold exposure. The key point here is exposure as it’s related to time and temperature. The colder it is, the worse the damage to the body.

Trench foot signs and symptoms are:

  • Tingling or itching sensation with pain and swelling
  • Numbness, prickly needle feeling in the feet
  • Tissue death may occur and start to peel off
  • Blisters surrounding affected area

Gas Relief: Siphoning Fuel in an Emergency

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This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.

WARNING: The content in this story is provided for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be a detailed guide on fuel transfer or vehicle repair. Any use of the information contained in this article shall be solely at the reader’s risk.

Urban preppers face many unique challenges that their rural cousins need not consider. Urban living has its perks for sure, but ample and adequate space to store certain items is not one. Things like food, water, and medical supplies are manageably stored in a closet or cupboard. Gasoline is not so easy to store if you’re eight floors up and hurtin’ for closet space.

If your plan is to “bug in,” your food and water stockpile can keep you comfortable for however long you’ve prepared to stay. But, what about when you have to bug out? How far can you go on what’s left in the tank of your vehicle? Is it far enough? How can you get the gas you need to go farther?

Siphon gas fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf survival emergency 4

Here’s a likely scenario: You have to get mobile, and your car… well, let’s say you haven’t been as diligent as you should’ve about keeping it above the 3⁄8 mark. Your saving grace? You spot an abandoned car in a parking lot. You know chances are it has at least a little gas in it. Assuming the fuel hasn't expired, it's liquid gold. Now you just have to figure out the best way to get those tigers into your tank.

Suck It?

We’ve all seen it, someone sticking a hose into the gas tank and creating a siphon by sucking on it madly until they get a mouth full of 87 octane. Don’t do it. The whole idea is to survive — not to become a rotting corpse, collapsed in a heap, dead from either respiratory arrest, being eaten from the inside out by the petrol in your stomach, or suffocating because of a vapor-burnt esophagus.

Siphon gas fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf survival emergency 3

There's no need to put mouth to hose when there are plenty of other ways to appropriate gas. The easiest and most portable way is with a simple hand pump like the one pictured. There are a number of designs and sizes; any home improvement store or auto center will have a good selection.

Siphon gas fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf survival emergency 1

Our advice? Get the smallest most packable siphon pump you can find, and keep it in your vehicle emergency kit. We chose an Arnold 490, mainly because of its size, but also because it comes with two different hoses: a large one for gas and a smaller one for Texas tea (oil, that is). It’s efficient, simple, and person-powered. All you do is hook a hose at each end of the pump; the in tube goes into the source tank and the out tube belongs in the gas can, car, or wherever you’re storing your bounty. Now, you’re ready to pump away.

Siphon gas fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf survival emergency 2

Another source for a simple siphon pump is your local pet store in the aquarium section. Look for a hand-powered aquarium vac. Instead of pumping out fish poop-laden water, it’ll be suckin’ up gas. It’s also a bonus that they come with the clear tubing, so you can see that it’s actually gas you’re getting.

It’s Never As Easy As It Should Be

Chances are it won’t be as easy as sticking a tube into the gas tank and pumping away. In general, car companies consider the filler tube a one-way street. They make it easy to put gas in, but frown on the ability to take it out.

Several late-model cars have one or more devices to discourage the transfer of fuel out of the tank. The first line of defense you’ll need to get around is the lockable filler door and/or filler cap. Without going into too much detail, the only way past them may be the brute force required to pry, pick, and break your way past the doors and locks.

car-scavanging-gas-filler

Now that you have access to the filler tube, you notice there’s a little flapper thing covering the top of the filler tube. Sure, the siphon hose will push it aside as it goes in, but much like Chinese finger cuffs, the more you try to pull the hose out, the more the flap pinches it. Be prepared to use your screwdriver to push the flap up when taking the hose out.

Now that we’ve dealt with the easily-beatable first lines of defense, a much more defiant adversary awaits. If you start to feel some resistance as you put the hose down into the tank, chances are you’ve hit one of two things: an anti-siphon screen or an anti-siphon valve.

The anti-siphon screen is merely a piece of perforated metal that prevents anything solid from going into the tank. That’s easy enough to get around. All you need to find is a long enough screwdriver or any sturdy stick thin enough to fit on the tube and long enough to hit the screen with room to spare. You can guess what happens next; you’re going to use what you have to break the screen. Caution! Gas vapor is extremely flammable, so using a metal rod to puncture the screen may cause sparks, followed by a flash, followed by you doing an impression of the human torch. Again, the object is to survive, so common sense should be applied abundantly.

The Anti-Siphon Valve

If there’s still resistance while pushing the hose down the filler tube, then you’ve most likely come across an anti-siphon valve. Though exact designs vary with manufacturers, the most basic and efficient valve is a simple ball valve. Push against it, and it closes the filler tube. When gas is flowing it floats up, and the gas gets to the tank.

syphon

So, how do you get through the anti-siphon valve? Short of disassembling the filler tube, you can’t go through the valve. Instead, you’ll have to go around. The easiest but least comfortable way is to climb under the car, and if it’s a polymer tank, drill into it with the battery-operated drill you always have with you.* What? A cordless drill isn’t part of your bug-out bag. No worries, it’s not in ours either. So, how do we tap that gas?

*Note: Never attempt to drill a hole into a metal fuel tank with a metal drill bit. Sparks from a bit and from the electric motor may ignite fuel vapors in the tank, causing explosion and death.

Since you’re always prepared, your multitool has various ways to create holes in the tank. Depending on the tool, you can use an awl, a corkscrew, a screwdriver, or a knife to get into the tank. Basically, any sharp pointy object can be used to work or punch your way in. Remember these tanks are designed to withstand a good amount of damage before being punctured. Any method of putting a hole in the tank is going to require a little muscle and a lot of patience.

Siphon gas fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf survival emergency 5

If you’re so inclined, an alternative method to get around the anti-siphon valve is to attack the tank from the other end. This requires you to be a little more mechanically adventurous. You’ll need to find the fuel line coming out from the tank to the engine. You’ll see that it’s attached to the tank with a metal clamp. With the pliers on your multitool, remove the clamp and, bingo, you’re in. Put the siphon hose where the fuel line was and away you go. If you found the keys to the car, you can crank the ignition with this hose disconnected to let the fuel pump force fuel through the hose.

It’s worth noting that not all of these methods work on all models of cars. It’s easier to get gas out of some cars (especially pre-1990s models) than others. If you have time you may need to exercise some creativity to get what you need. It’s important to remember, however, the longer you’re trying to figure it out, the longer you’re not moving forward. Moving on to easier pickins may be the best option. Needless to say, the essence of functioning effectively in any emergency or crisis is being prepared to adapt and overcome.

Reader’s Tip: Considerations for Going Gray

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Editor's Note: I recently received the following email from a reader regarding my On the Grid column in Issue 29, When Going Gray is a Red Flag. In that column, I responded with an open letter to an acquaintance who had ridiculed the “gray man” concept — you can read my counterpoint on page 104 of that issue. This reader, who wishes to stay anonymous, offered some helpful insights into his experience with this principle as a plainclothes law enforcement officer.

The Gray Man silhouette

My apologies for being so far away from the release date of Issue 29, but I wanted to pass along my thoughts on going gray.

First, my background. I am a military veteran who did serve overseas (Cold War), and have over 18 years in federal law enforcement with over 13 of those years in plain clothes.

To me, it is a balancing act. A person should have clothing that is practical, good quality, long wearing, and comfortable. It should also match and reflect a persons style and taste, as we all have preferences that make us unique and comfortable. Your clothing should be appropriate for the area, but versatile enough for movement to other areas. A tuxedo and a business suit are similar in having a coat, shirt, tie, and pants, but they are not necessarily interchangeable. And no matter how good Cary Grant looked in “North by Northwest,” you wouldn't really go mountaineering in that apparel.

Cary Grant looking dapper in the classic 1959 Hitchcock thriller

Cary Grant as Roger Thornhill in the classic 1959 Hitchcock thriller “North by Northwest”

I agree with, and enjoyed, your article. Just as a military veteran can often spot another, so can a true veteran spot a charlatan. The way a person moves/looks/carries themselves says volumes about who they are. And even those who have made careers out of deep cover assignments, understand the limits to going totally dark and yet still be engaged and relevant.

Another point to consider is this: in addressing crime deterrence, it's recommended that the more hardened a target is, the greater deterrence it is to a criminal. If your home has alarm company signs posted, visible cameras (even fake ones), well trimmed landscaping, and visible quality locks, a thief would possibly pass it by in favor of a less prepared looking residence. The same can be said about a person. But a caveat is that there will always be an outlier that is not fazed one way or the other.

I would stress more emphasis on situational awareness and environment awareness, than stressing a “gray man” concept. One also needs to be within their comfort zone. Some people want/need a fairly comprehensive EDC to feel comfortable, while others are more minimalist.

Anyway, that is some of my two cents to a nickel's worth of thoughts. If you wish to use any of my comments, feel free.

Review: TOPS Hammer Hawk Tomahawk

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Contrary to what we may often see on TV, real survival isn’t scripted. It never will be. Staying alive in adverse conditions requires knowledge, skills and a plan; having the right tools certainly doesn’t hurt, also.

Topping the list of desirable SHTF gear is the venerable knife. Few tools are more closely associated with survival, and for good reason. Fixed blade or folder, this one piece of survival equipment has probably contributed to saving more lives than any other. From fire starting, to shelter building and defense, in the world of survival the knife is the original multi-tool. But depending on the task at hand, even the best knife can have practical limitations. And no matter how capable your knife — and some are very capable — there may be times when the situation requires something much more robust. Think heavy-duty chopping, hammering or smashing.

TOPS MSF 4 and Fieldcraft bushcraft knives review 28

Above: TOPS offers many survival-oriented knives, including the Fieldcraft fixed blade and MSF 4.0 folder we previously reviewed.

While you can certainly improvise and use your knife for all sorts of tasks, essentially you may be forcing it to do the work of a much larger and heavier tool, and hoping it will hold up to the abuse. Push the limits of your knife too far, however, and you risk damaging or even losing a vital piece of your survival kit just when you need it most. When the situation demands next level durability, strength and performance, you may want to take things up a notch. Enter the tomahawk.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (10).JPG

Today we'll review the TOPS Hammer Hawk Tomahawk, exploring the many features that set it apart from other tomahawks and make it a definite asset in just about any survival situation.

TomaWhat?

A tomahawk is commonly defined as a general purpose, single-handed, light axe used by, and often associated with, Native Americans. The earliest known designs consisted of a stone or deer antler head attached to a wooden handle using strips of rawhide, and are believed to be among some of the oldest tools made by humans.

A tomahawk produced by the Hudson' Bay Company in the 1830s. Source: FBI.gov

A tomahawk produced by the Hudson' Bay Company in the 1830s. Source: FBI.gov

When Europeans arrived in North America the metal blades they brought with them helped propel early tomahawk designs to a whole new level. These advancements ushered in huge improvements in efficiency, durability, and lethality. The updated tomahawks could be used for cutting, chopping, hunting, and for battle, but they also served as a key tool for everyday survival needs.

While the tomahawk’s compact size made it easy to carry and use in confined spaces, their effectiveness and power was unmatched by anything that had come before. The improved designs incorporated the best aspects of the originals, with modern materials and a broader range of multi-function features.

Modern Tomahawk Design

The design of many modern tomahawks usually consists of a steel head attached to a wood or composite handle. Some designs incorporate a single (full-tang) piece of steel with no traditional head-attachment points, and use wood or composite materials on the handle to provide a secure grip, as well as comfort and durability.

TOPS Hammer Hawk backup knife tomahawk blade combo 4

Advances in metallurgy, design, materials, and fabrication methods have helped the tomahawk evolve and take its place in the 21st century as an important multipurpose tool that is still widely used by the military, law enforcement, and private citizens. It’s no secret that U.S. soldiers have used tomahawks in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. One news article even quotes former Navy SEAL team members confirming that some on the teams have used tomahawks on missions for breaching and hand-to-hand combat, among other things.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (16).JPG

The Hammer Hawk is a prime example of this evolution, and how computer aided design, modern materials and hand-finished details have all come together to create a superior tool that is just as relevant and useful today as it was in its earliest forms.

The 411 on the TOPS Hammer Hawk

The Hammer Hawk is made by TOPS, an American company based in Eastern Idaho that was founded in 1998 by several combat veterans who served in Vietnam. These guys are intimately familiar with what works in the field, and more importantly what doesn’t. (When your life depends on the gear you carry, you tend to be very particular.) So when they got together to start TOPS the mission was crystal clear – produce quality, overbuilt, functional tools that exceed expectations in real-world conditions.

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Leo Espinosa, who designed the Hammer Hawk, is also the President and lead designer for TOPS Knives. Leo is very passionate about the products that come out of the TOPS facility in Idaho, and the Hammer Hawk is just one example.

The Hammer Hawk features a full-tang design, incorporating a 3/8 inch thick piece of 1075 carbon steel. TOPS usually uses 1095 for most of its knives, but they decided to use 1075 for this tool, since 1075 is less brittle and can still be sharpened in the field. This steel features what TOPS calls an “Acid Rain” finish which looks great and allows the unique character of the metal to come through.

All TOPS knives and tomahawks, including the Hammer Hawk, are differentially heat treated by hand to increase hardness at the cutting edge while maintaining a more flexible spine/handle. This results in excellent durability under hard use. On the opposing side of the Hammer Hawk's edge is a heavy-duty hammer head, which offers a large surface area for blunt-force impact, and is also differentially heat-treated by hand.

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The handle is topped off with textured green canvas Micarta scales that are hand-fitted and hand-sanded/polished. The scales cover almost the entire length of the handle for comfort, safety and added confidence during swings. Their thick contours provide an excellent no-slip grip in all conditions, with or without gloves. At the bottom end of the handle are two lanyard holes suitable for lashings or lanyards.

Overall length is 14.5 inches – long enough to get a good swing, and short enough to permit choking up for added control of the razor sharp, 4.25 inch cutting edge. This size is ideally suited for getting into tighter spaces, and requires much less backswing to deliver effective strikes, when compared to a larger two-handed axe. The large cutting edge comes to a point on the bottom and is excellent for hacking through rope, twine, and other similar materials.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (17).JPG

The head is CNC-machined to help reduce the weight, but the guys at TOPS used the opportunity to mill in a detailed Native American spear design right into the head. The tomahawk weighs 36.3 ounces (2.27 pounds).

The two-piece brown leather sheath system allows a comfortable carry option and quick access. The sheath covers the entire head and uses a two-snap design that is not only attractive, but also highly functional. The belt-loop portion is also well designed and provides a generous amount of leather to hold the Hammer Hawk in place, while providing ease of movement. The sheath weighs 6 ounces, bringing total weight of the tomahawk and sheath to 42.3 ounces (2.64 pounds).

The Verdict

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The TOPS Hammer Hawk Tomahawk is a serious, full-tang monster that combines practical performance with style and superb workmanship.

We were very impressed with the strength and durability of the entire package, especially the extremely robust 0.38 (3/8) inch thick piece of 1075 carbon steel, and the very secure and comfortable, hand-fitted Micarta scales which cover the majority of the handle and facilitate multiple grip options.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (11).JPG

This hatchet-sized tomahawk can easily perform the work typically done with a much larger axe. It incorporates serious chopping and smashing power in one compact and multi-function tool that’s just as much at home at camp as in an evacuation bag. While it will absolutely chop and cut, it can also be used as an evacuation/breaking/breaching tool to take on doors, windows and many other obstacles with blunt force impact strikes using the hardened hammer on the back end. It's also helpful for more mundane tasks such as pounding in tent stakes.

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The Hammer Hawk has a suggested retail price of $350, and for an extra $20 you also get the TOPS Backup knife. With a bit of shopping around we were able to find a number of vendors offering prices around $250.

The Hammer Hawk is a high-quality, American-made tool that we feel confident would last a lifetime. A big thumbs up on this one. For more information on the Hammer Hawk, go to www.topsknives.com.

About The Author

Richard is a practicing attorney, urban survival consultant, writer and firearms enthusiast. He’s the author of Surviving Doomsday: A Guide for Surviving an Urban Disaster, and The Quick Start Guide for Urban Preparedness. www.quickstartsurvival.com

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Video: Steve1989 Tastes a Russian Spetsnaz MRE

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Many of us have eaten American MREs, whether it was during military service, on a camping trip, or as an emergency ration. While there are plenty of jokes along the lines of “meal ready to excrete” or “meal rejected by everyone,” most MREs we've tried are reasonably palatable. That said, it's always interesting to see how other countries and cultures approach the MRE formula. The YouTube channel Steve1989MREInfo provides a look into these often-strange international culinary adventures.

Steve1989 MRE emergency ration food Russian Spetsnaz special forces 2

We recently came across one particularly interesting episode where Steve samples the contents of a rare Russian Special Forces 24-hour Mountain Ration. This was reportedly produced for members of the Spetsnaz operating in challenging high-altitude environments, and it contains some food that those of us in the west might consider a bit unorthodox. Namely, there are two types of pork brain pâté, one of which also contains liver.

Despite these ingredients, Steve calls this one of the best military rations he's ever had. Here's an outline of the surprisingly comprehensive spread of items inside this 24-hour ration:

  • Beef porridge
  • Beef goulash with potatoes
  • Minced sausage (appears similar to Spam)
  • Pork brain pâté
  • Liver and pork brain pâté
  • 3 packets of cereal/porridge
  • Nut and apricot bar
  • Cheese spread
  • Apple spread
  • Chocolate hazelnut spread
  • 5 packets of crackers
  • 5 bars of dark chocolate
  • Cherry drink mix
  • Coffee packets and tea bags
  • Sugar, salt, pepper
  • Multi-vitamins
  • Water purification tablets
  • Matches and mini solid-fuel stove
  • 2 flameless ration heaters
  • Plastic spoons and pouch-opening tool
  • Antiseptic towelettes for cleaning skin and utensils

What are your thoughts? Would you give the pork brain pâté a try, only eat it in an emergency, or would you rather starve? Let us know in the comments. For more ration reviews, follow Steve1989MREInfo on YouTube.

Flu Pandemics of the Past 110 Years

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This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.

Spanish Flu (H1N1)

1918-1919
20-50 million deaths

One of the deadliest outbreaks, ever — not just in terms of the number killed, but also in how quickly they were killed. It is estimated that one third of the world’s population was infected, resulting in 20 to 50 million deaths (some researchers peg the number closer to 100 million). Not only that, but the virus killed mostly healthy young adults instead of the old and weak, who are usually more at risk with influenzas. The death toll in the U.S. was roughly 675,000. Just as quickly as it laid waste to the globe, it disappeared. Its exact origin remains unknown and a topic of debate.

Asian Flu (H2N2)

1957-1958
1-4 million deaths

First identified in China, this influenza A virus killed an estimated 1 to 4 million people, including about 70,000 in the U.S. It was relatively less lethal and mostly affected children and the elderly, with an estimated fatality rate of less than 0.2 percent. Vaccines were developed within about three months, but took some time longer to manufacture in quantity. Two waves of infections hit the U.S., a reminder that even when things seem to be getting better during a pandemic, another surge might hit.

Hong Kong Flu (H3N2)

1968-1969
1-4 million deaths

Originating from Hong Kong, another influenza A virus spread across the world. An estimated 1 to 4 million people died, about 34,000 of whom were in the U.S. As with the previous Asian Flu pandemic, the fatality rate was also relatively low, at less than 0.2 percent. Additionally, better medical care and antibiotics that helped fight secondary bacterial infections were able to soften the impact.

Mexican Flu (aka “Swine Flu,” H1N1)

2009
150k-600k deaths

A new strain of the H1N1 influenza virus from the early 1900s returned in 2009, resulting in an estimated 150,000 to 600,000 dead with a 0.03-percent fatality rate. It hit young people, in particular (5 to 30 years old) with even the very healthy potentially developing pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome. The CDC estimates that in the U.S., about 9,000 to 18,000 people died, out of 43 to 89 million who had H1N1. The virus originated in Mexico, apparently from a combination of pig, bird, swine, and human flu viruses. But, despite the “swine flu” moniker, it had nothing to do with eating pork.

Near-Misses

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

2002-2003

In 2002 to 2003, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) hit Asia and was a huge scare. Caused by a coronavirus, it resulted in life-threatening atypical pneumonia and respiratory distress. SARS is believed to be transmitted by human-to-human contact, and a quick response by governments, agencies, and citizens helped stop it from spreading and becoming a pandemic. Still, the WHO estimated a 10-percent mortality rate among those who were infected, nearly 800 out of 8,100 across almost 30 countries. Another type of coronavirus, known as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), appeared in Saudi Arabia in 2012. So far, it has remained relatively contained to the Middle East and has not proven to spread rapidly, but it is being closely monitored.

Bird Flu (H5N1)

mid-2000s

You may also remember the Avian Flu (or Bird Flu) from the mid-2000s. This strain of avian influenza (H5N1) was detected in birds, and cases were confirmed in countries across Asia and Europe. It is not considered a pandemic because it lacked means of efficient human-to-human transmission, and total reported cases are relatively low (641 as of October 2013). However, the H5N1 virus is believed to be highly lethal (nearly 60 percent, according to WHO estimates), and if it eventually mutates sufficiently to allow airborne transmission between mammals, it would be extremely dangerous and could quickly rise to pandemic levels. As a result of this looming threat — considered by many to the largest as of today — research and preparation continues in hopes of keeping up with the mutations. Still, keep in mind that it could take several months for production of a new vaccine just to ramp up, much less reach such volumes that they could be widely distributed around the world. And if that wasn’t enough, new variants continue to appear, such as the H7N9 virus that emerged in China in 2013 (as of press date, H7N9 had not yet shown to be transmitted effectively between humans).

Virus in blood

Sidebar: Smallpox

Smallpox isn't a form of flu, but there's still much we can learn from this devastating disease. It is caused by the Variola virus, spread by human-to-human contact (e.g. from coughing or exposure to smallpox scabs or contaminated clothing). Initial symptoms typically include fever, vomiting, fatigue, and aches, followed by the infamous rash and bumps spreading from the face to arms and legs. An ancient disease at least 3,000 years old, smallpox killed an estimated 300 to 500 million people in just the 20th century, and it had an estimated mortality rate (depending on who you ask) of 30 to 40 percent among those infected. At least it was a purely human disease, so it could not be transmitted via other means like the bubonic plague.

It is also the only human disease that was defeated by a massive global vaccination campaign. This cross-border achievement, accomplished through cooperation among many nations, is heralded as one of the great triumphs of medical science.

The smallpox vaccine that was developed, comprised of live vaccinia virus, was very effective, but had potentially severe and even fatal complications. Live animals and non-sterile conditions were used to manufacture the vaccine, which would not cut it for current standards. Routine smallpox vaccinations have not been administered for decades. Even if you were vaccinated as a kid, the vaccine requires periodic booster doses to maintain full effectiveness. So the only people walking the streets today truly protected against smallpox are those who already had the disease and survived.

Once smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, all known stocks of the smallpox Variola virus in laboratories around the world were destroyed or transferred to high-security facilities in the United States and Russia. These are the only official locations that maintain a supply of infectious Variola virus, and research utilizing these samples is tightly restricted and monitored. The World Health Organization and many scientists have urged that the remaining virus stocks be destroyed once and for all, but the U.S. and Russia have resisted, citing research needs.
So, does that give you the warm fuzzies? Yeah, that’s what we thought. So what can you do about it? Follow the same recommendations in the main article, and take some comfort in the fact that smallpox can only be transmitted by person-to-person contact.

What Can You Do to Prepare?

Pandemic infographic flu influenza h1n1 sars bird viral health medical survival 3

These infectious diseases are viruses, so you can’t stock up on antibiotics or other drugs to combat them. You can’t protect against a virus that doesn’t yet exist. However, there are some things you can do to try to stack the odds in your favor:

Maintain your physical condition. Better yet, improve it — exercise and eat healthy. The stronger and healthier you are, the stronger your natural immune system. Keep up to date on your flu shots.

Practice good hygiene. You don’t have to act like Howie Mandel, but wash your hands frequently with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer), especially after coughing or sneezing, contact with other people, or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. Cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid the same from others. Properly dispose of tissues and wash your hands afterward. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. For those who hunt or have regular contact with animals, take precautions whenever possible to limit exposure to wild animal blood and bodily fluids, especially if you have any injuries, cuts, or scratches on your hands or arms.

Work to increase your self-sufficiency and preparedness. The more prepared you are with food, supplies, water, and so forth, the better you will be able to wait out quarantines, subsist, and survive during the tough times that may come during a serious and wide-spread pandemic. Try to keep cash and barter goods on hand, since financial services may be disrupted. If you require medications, be sure to keep sufficient stock.

Develop contingency and communication plans for your family. Plan ahead for how to keep in touch, who is responsible for what, and how to corral all your family members.

Distance yourself socially. This is a tough one given the realities of day-to-day life, but avoiding crowds and reducing travel will help decrease your risk of exposure. Try to keep at least a yard away from people who are showing symptoms of influenza-like illness, such as coughing or sneezing.

Keep up to date. Before planning travel, check the latest reports of disease outbreaks: For the U.S., http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm, and internationally, http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html.

Stock up on N95 respirators. NIOSH-certified N95 respirators or medical masks can help reduce potential exposure, though by no means can you rely on them to fully protect you.

Avoid urban areas. If possible, residing in areas with a lower population density will reduce your risk to some extent. However, note that in this day and age, even people in rural areas may also travel frequently. You also need to balance population density against having access to quality health care.

It would seem that living like a reclusive hermit might be the safest course of action, but we also can’t live our lives completely in fear. So be smart, stay informed, and be prepared.

Sources

Update: Coronavirus / COVID-19

Although it falls under a different classification than the forms of influenza discussed in this article, the 2019 novel Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) is rapidly developing into a large-scale pandemic. For more information on Coronavirus symptoms, detection, treatment, and prevention, refer to our recent article, Coronavirus: How Concerned Should We Be? by Dr. David Miller.

Preparing Your Home for a Backup Generator

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This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.

With our cities weathering everything from natural disasters to an aging infrastructure, power outages are becoming an all too common occurrence. Aside from needing power to run everything from lights to microwaves, many people depend on electricity to run critical medical equipment and refrigerators for medicines. If the power does go offline for a few days or more in your area like it did during the large-scale blackout of the Northeast in 2003, do you have a plan to get your home up and running?

Having a power generator handy is definitely a great idea and should be on the top of every prepper’s must-have list. We’re going to take it one step further than to simply have a generator at your beck and call. We will prepare our house so that it can accept power from a backup generator much like how a hospital or supermarket has theirs. Do you know if your home is prepared to run off a generator safely and efficiently?

Generator power outage prep survival electricity disaster emergency 1

Above: This EF6300iSDE generator by Yamaha cranks out enough power to get equipment like well pumps going as well smaller items such as TVs and computers.

Planning & Preparation

Before we begin, let’s get the legal stuff out of the way first. There is a federal code that regulates electrical construction in the United States. In this article, we will cover the ways to legally get your home back onto the grid in case of an emergency. A dangerous practice called “back feeding,” which is where you simply make a male-to-male extension cord and plug it into your house, is often illegal and can be very dangerous. Don’t do it that way. Before SHTF, take the opportunity to set your home up properly to accept generator power before you really need to.

The first obstacle to tackle is making a priority list of appliances that your family will need to run in case of a power outage. I recommend involving as few people as possible in this process. Trying to convince your better half that the wine fridge and flat iron are not necessities can be a battle that is better avoided. My house is small, so the big ones for my family are the refrigerator, Internet, and TV, and I picked one room that I wanted lighting in. In my case, I chose the living room because it is on the same circuit as Internet and TV. Your essentials may vary. If you have a deep freezer, live in an environment that the air conditioning is a must, or get your water from an electric well pump, you should definitely take all these necessities into consideration.

Basic CMYK

Above: Transfer switches allow you to safely switch between your primary sources of power like the city’s grid to a backup source like a portable generator without danger of energizing unwanted circuits.  

Getting the house itself ready takes a little effort, time, and money, but is well worth the trouble. Being entirely self-sufficient during dark days is priceless. Federal code requires that you install a transfer switch before connecting any generator to your house. In some areas, your local code may require you to use a licensed electrician. If you are one, then kudos to you. If you aren’t one, get a pro to install it for you. A transfer switch allows you to safely switch between your primary sources of power to a backup source without danger of energizing unwanted circuits. There are two different kinds of switches available. Manual switches, which require you to manually turn the switch to the generator position and start your generator, and automatic transfer switches which can be coupled with an electric start generator that detects a drop in current and automatically switches to and turns on your generator. The transfer switch can be set up to power the whole electrical panel or only specific circuits.

Generator Basics

Let’s talk generators. This is a subject that could make up a whole article by itself. For the scope of this article, I am going to cover just the basics. After analyzing your electrical needs list, you will have to figure out if you are only going to run 120-volt appliances, such as lights, TVs, or small appliances, or if you are going to need to run larger 240-volt appliances like washing machines and some water heaters and air conditioners. You will then need to add up the voltage required for all your appliances measured in watts to get the approximate size of generator you will need.

Generators will usually have two ratings:

  • Running wattage, which is the amount of power it can generate for a sustained period of time
  • Surge wattage, the amount of power a generator can produce for a short peak of demand

Generator power outage prep survival electricity disaster emergency 3

Above: Generators should be used in a well-ventilated area and never inside your garage or house. Even when installed outside, be mindful to avoid placing it near air intakes and windows. 

Once you have all this information, you can start searching for a generator that fits your needs. In some cases, it might be better to purchase two generators. Many manufacturers offer kits that allow you to connect the generators together so they can run in parallel. This will allow you to run more appliances and put less of a load on each generator. The added bonus of this is you have a built-in backup in case one generator goes down, as well as a source for spare parts.

If you have done everything to prepare your home in advance, all you will have to do when the power goes out is turn your transfer switch to the generator position, plug in your generator, and start it up. If you opt for an automatic setup, it’ll start up all by itself when it detects a power drop. Once you have a proper power generator setup in your home, you can rest easy and continue life as usual the next time the power shuts off.

Generator power outage prep survival electricity disaster emergency 2

3 Considerations for Running a Generator

Carbon Monoxide — Always run your generator in a well-ventilated area and never inside your garage or house. Try to avoid placing it near air intakes or windows. According to the U.S. Government, approximately 170 people die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and about half of these deaths occur during power outages.

Power loss — You want to use an extension cord as short as possible to avoid losing power between your generator and transfer box. In this case, the less length, the better.

Security — Generators make noise. Even the quietest models can draw unwanted attention, especially when no one else on your street is running one. If your house is the only one prepped for power, it can make you a target. At the very least, you will probably want to chain your generator to a large object so someone does not just
walk off with it.

Infographic: The Survival Rule of 3s

Written by

This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.

Despite all our advancements in medicine, science, and technology, the human body is still a relatively fragile system. Those who have endured a survival situation will be acutely aware of this fact. Whether you're up against a large-scale natural disaster, injured on a solo hike, or stranded by a vehicle breakdown, knowing your physical limits can help you prioritize tasks and stay safe. There's no sense in hunting for food if you're going to die of dehydration, and it's unwise to search for a fresh water source if hypothermia is already setting in.

Photo Credit: Spc. Liliana S. Magers, U.S. Army Alaska Public Affairs

One easy way to remember the hierarchy of survival risks is known as The Rule of 3s. The simplest version of this rule tells us that 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, or 3 weeks without food can be fatal. An expanded version of the rule also includes suffocation in 3 minutes without air. Additionally, 3 days without sleep can lead to delirium, an extreme decline in mental function and motor skills. Of course, differences in physical fitness, age, health, and the surrounding environment can skew these figures, but the general rule is intended as an estimate for the average individual.

The following infographic from Issue 1 of our magazine provides a visual reference for The Rule of 3s, as well as some other important human body tolerances to keep in mind. Click here to download a full-size printable version of this infographic.

Human body tolerances rule of 3 survival preparedness air shelter water food infographic 1

Biodiesel: Free Yourself From the Fuel Supply Chain

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Photography by Trevor Reed, and courtesy of AMC, The Department of Energy, Diesel Power Magazine, and the manufacturers.

This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.

Unfortunately, it’s not very hard to imagine a scenario where the fuel supply system breaks down. In 2012, the closure of just two refineries in California caused fuel prices to skyrocket and some stations to close in a state with more than 38-million people. Now, picture every refinery in the entire country, or even the whole world, shutting down, and record-high prices will seem like a minor inconvenience as supplies of ready-to-use fuel disappear. One way to insulate yourself from this kind of disaster is to learn how to find and make your own fuel before it happens, and biodiesel is your best bet for self-sufficiency.

Photo Credit: Ben Leuner/AMC

Photo Credit: Ben Leuner/AMC

Above: You don’t need to be an expert chemist or wear a hazard suit and mask to make your own biodiesel at home. Friends may be tempted to call you Mr. White when you start creating batches of crystal-clear biodiesel, but you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank, when your fuel costs drop below $1 per gallon.

What Is Biodiesel?

The “bio” in biodiesel is there because the fuel comes from biological resources, instead of petroleum. Biodiesel can be made from a number of sources, including vegetable oils, animal fat, used deep-fryer grease, or even butter. It’s made by brewing these substances and then adding chemicals and water to maximize consistency and strip away impurities. The byproduct of this chemical reaction is glycerin, which can be used to make soap, lotion, and other products, or sold to recoup your production costs.

Why Biodiesel?

2011 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Max Tow with Case New Holland Max

Availability when petroleum supplies are scarce is not the only reason to choose biodiesel as your fuel of choice. Imagine a substance that doesn’t need to be made at a refinery, that’s more powerful than gasoline, gets more miles per gallon than gas, while costing and polluting less than diesel, and you have biodiesel. In addition to powering a vehicle’s engine, biodiesel can also run a diesel generator, or be used as heating oil. Diesel engines are known for being powerful, efficient, and durable, which makes them ideal for an emergency situation. That’s the reason tractors, heavy equipment, and semi-trucks run on diesel.

Petroleum-based diesel fuel contains more power per gallon than gasoline, and biodiesel is just as potent, but you can make it at home. Plus, engines that run on diesel aren’t nearly as picky as gasoline engines when it comes to the fuel you can use, which means they can be a lot more flexible, and useful, during an urban emergency. A diesel engine that’s been prepared to use biodiesel can also run on numerous petroleum-based oils you may acquire during an emergency.

Do It Yourself

In addition to costing significantly less per gallon than petroleum diesel, you don’t need a Ph.D. in chemistry to make your own biodiesel. The government may even subsidize some of your equipment costs with alternative-fuel tax breaks. All you need is a processor kit, which you can buy ready to use, or make for yourself, and some methanol and lye to mix with your source material. The size of your operation can range from about 40 gallons per batch to more than 400 gallons, depending on how much space you have available and how mobile your setup needs to be. Other than methanol and lye needed for processing, the only limitation to your biodiesel production will be how much organic material you can cultivate or obtain.

Biodiesel fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf emergency survival 3

Above Left: This processor by Biodiesel-Kits-Online is made in the USA and can produce as much as 135 gallons per day. It has everything needed to convert biodiesel at home from start to finish. The company also makes a larger three-tank unit that can make as much as 270 gallons per day.

Above Right: The BioPro line of products by Springboard Biodiesel automates the production process to the point where the user only has to interact with the machine one time after it’s started. The BioPro 190 seen here can make 50 gallons per batch, and there is a larger model that can make 100 gallons per cycle.

Biodiesel fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf emergency survival 4

Above: Graydon Blair of Utah Biodiesel Supply designed this system for a customer, using parts that can easily be repaired or replaced. The 80-gallon processor is made from an electric water heater, and the wash tanks are made from poly barrels. Quick connects are used to make operation a breeze and the wash tanks are mounted on a cart with wheels, so it can be easily moved to where the fuel is needed.

Biodiesel fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf emergency survival 5

Emergency Sources

Under normal circumstances, there are quite a few legitimate sources for the ingredients to make biodiesel. Many businesses such as restaurants, buildings with cafeterias, and food-processing plants pay to have waste oil removed and will allow you to take it for making biodiesel. You can also grow your own sources, including seeds or vegetables that produce high levels of oil you can convert. These include, but are definitely not limited to, peanuts, sunflower seeds, olives, canola, and soybeans.

During an emergency, fuels that can be used in a diesel engine can be found in numerous places, including unused vehicles and equipment, and diesel generators from abandoned buildings; there’s even mineral oil in high-voltage power line transformers that are no longer in use. Like biodiesel, oils can be combined with petroleum diesel to extend the range of a fuel tank. With the right preparations, there’s hope you won’t have to resort to scavenging for fuel sources and can rely on your own stockpiles and even grow your own fuel supplies.

Biodiesel fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf emergency survival 6

Above: Heads up! During an emergency, fuel sources for diesel engines can be found in lots of unexpected places. Power line transformers are full of mineral oil that can be used as diesel fuel if times become desperate. Of course, obtaining this type of fuel is illegal, and much more dangerous than making biodiesel, which is fairly safe. But in a long-term grid-down scenario it may be an option.

Biodiesel fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf emergency survival 7

Cooking oil often has just one ingredient: soybean oil. This makes it an ideal candidate for making biodiesel, because it’s simple and clean, compared to used oils. Unlike used oil, cooking oil is not free for the taking, but it can be bought in bulk, and during an emergency, abandoned businesses may have lots of it on hand.

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Sometimes biodiesel vehicles are called “grease cars,” because used cooking oil and grease can be converted into biodiesel. When used cooking materials are collected, they are first run through a screen to remove debris, and any particles that are not removed during the biodiesel conversion are caught by a filter when the fuel is transferred to a storage tank.

Biodiesel Engine Prep

Most modern diesel engines come from the factory ready to accept either 5 or 20 percent biodiesel, known as B5 or B20, mixed in with petroleum diesel. That means even some of the most advanced diesel engines will require no modifications to run diesel, which has been combined with biodiesel, and can extend your funds and your supplies. When it comes to using pure biodiesel, called B100, it’s best to make some modifications to your fuel system to ensure reliability.

Biodiesel fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf emergency survival 11

Above: The famed Cummins B-series engine has just six cylinders, but it is world famous for its strength and durability. It’s not uncommon to hear about these engines lasting for 200,000, 300,000 or even more miles. These “bullet-proof” engines can be found in vehicles ranging from pickups, to motor homes, and heavy-duty trucks. With more than 2 million of these engines built for Dodge Ram pickups alone, there should be plenty of spare parts available during an emergency.

Low temperatures cause the most problems for vehicles running B100 because it can turn into a gel and clog fuel lines, injectors, and filters. These problems can be avoided with the help of products such as an electric heater in the fuel tank, insulation, and an inline heater in the fuel line. People who run straight vegetable oil (SVO), which is oil that has not been converted to biodiesel, will sometimes employ a two-tank system that allows them to flush regular diesel into the engine at start-up and before the engine is stopped to prevent gel from forming in the fuel system while parked.

Another concern about using biodiesel is the potential for water or debris to be in the fuel. While correctly processing your own fuel can minimize the chances of these substances making it into your engine, it’s better to be safe than sorry. This can be prevented with the use of a fuel/water separator, along with a fuel filter designed to screen out the smallest of particles that may be found in biodiesel.

Above: Diesel Power magazine’s project “Doomsday Diesel” is a study in how to build a vehicle that can reliably transport six people at least 1,000 miles during an emergency. In addition to lots of zombie-proof parts, it’s been equipped with a 12-valve Cummins, which is a mechanical engine that doesn’t rely on electronics to operate. To make sure Cummins can run on multiple source materials, the fuel is routed through a heavy-duty Nicktane water separator before travelling through a 2-micron Caterpillar fuel filter on its way to the engine.

Living With Biodiesel

2013 Chevrolet Express 2500 Cargo

Many people believe biodiesel works better with older diesel engine designs, but with the right preparations, even modern diesel engines can work reliably with biodiesel. The attraction of older designs is they require fewer, or even no electronic parts, and they only need to put biodiesel under a fraction of the 30,000 psi of pressure used in current diesels. The tradeoff is that newer diesels are much more powerful, run cleaner, and are more fuel efficient than ever before.

Above: Whether you need a sedan that’s rated to get 43 miles per gallon, a truck that can pull a house off of its foundation, an SUV for off-road capability, or a van for secure cargo transportation, you can get one with a diesel engine. With diesels available in each vehicle category, you should be able to switch your family fleet over to diesel while meeting their vehicular needs. Plus, it shouldn’t be too hard to convince them to switch once you are making biodiesel that costs less than a dollar per gallon.

Diesel engines are also available in a wide range of vehicles, giving you the options of driving everything from a midsize car that gets more than 40 mpg to an off-road-ready SUV, a motorhome, or a pickup that can tow a gigantic fifth-wheel trailer. Biodiesel can also be used to cleanly power a generator to keep your home powered in an emergency, using the same fuel that runs your vehicles. So, if you decide to prepare with biodiesel, you’ll not only have a renewable fuel source that’s always at your disposal, you’ll also be ready for an emergency.

Biodiesel fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf emergency survival 16

Above Left: Diesel engines may have a bad reputation for blowing smoke and polluting, but the Department of Energy has found that biodiesel burns much cleaner than petroleum diesel. (Data Source: Chapter 2.6 of the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS2) Regulatory Impact Analysis. February 2010. EPA-420-R-10-006.

Above Right: Biodiesel production rises when the economy drops, so making your own fuel can help insulate your family from the volatility of the markets. It can be stockpiled for later use, or sold for goods and services. You might say it’s good as gold, except the value of gold recently dropped, and biodiesel is still gaining popularity. (Data Source: EIA Monthly Energy Review, Table 10.4)

New: Magpul Rigger Framelock Knife

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Magpul has developed a surprisingly wide range of gear, from the ubiquitous PMAGs and MBUS sights to items you may not be familiar with, such as sunglasses, gear pouches, and suppressor covers. Despite all this, the company hadn't ventured into the knife market — until now. Magpul recently announced the launch of a new limited-edition folding knife called the Rigger, which will go on sale starting in mid-2019.

Magpul Rigger framelock folding knife edc tool blade flipper S35VN 2

The Magpul Rigger is what knife guys refer to as a mid-tech, meaning it's somewhere between a standard production knife and a hand-made custom. It's designed by the Magpul team, made in the United States, and uses the type of materials you'd expect in a premium folder. Namely, the blade is CPM S35VN, one of our favorite EDC-friendly steels as a result of its excellent toughness and edge retention. The handle and reversible tip-up pocket clip are lightweight 6Al4V titanium. All parts are coated in a stealthy Blackout PVD finish.

Magpul Rigger framelock folding knife edc tool blade flipper S35VN 3

The Rigger uses a frame lock with a Secondary Locking Feature (SLF). This lever can be engaged to prevent accidental disengagement of the frame lock during hard use.

Magpul calls the blade a modified Wharncliffe, and it features a near-straight cutting edge and sharp piercing point. A flipper allows for quick opening of the knife and is aided by a ceramic bearing pivot. When the blade is open, the flipper acts as a guard and extension of the forefinger notch, preventing the user's hand from slipping forward. Blade length is 3.4 inches; overall length is 7.59 inches.

Magpul Rigger framelock folding knife edc tool blade flipper S35VN 4

The reversible clip includes an integral lanyard hole.

The Rigger will be available in “a series of short, serialized production runs,” each with some unique variations. Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but the mid-tech designation and limited production suggest it'll be $500 or more. Magpul plans to announce the first of these Rigger production runs in spring 2019.

For more on the Rigger and an interview with several members of the Magpul project team, check out this article on RECOILweb.com. You can also watch a teaser video from Magpul below.