M.D. CREEKMORE

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What’s The Best Pocket Knife for Every Day Carry?

What is The Best Pocket Knife

Swiss Army Knives are arguably one of the most underrated and overlooked knives there is. They are great for everyday carry (EDC), camping, and wilderness survival but which is the best pocket knife for 2019.

One of the most important pieces of advice you can follow when putting together your everyday carry, or EDC is to not just get the right equipment but to get high-quality equipment.

One of the handiest items you can have as part of your EDC is the Swiss Army Knife, such as the kind made by Victorinox.

Victorinox has been producing knives since 1897, so it’s safe to say that they know what they are doing. In other words, they know how to deliver quality.

But first of all, why is a Swiss Army Knife even a necessary or wise item to have in your EDC?

Why Carry A Swiss Army Knife?

There are many reasons that you should carry a Swiss Army Knife as part of your EDC, and we’ll outline and discuss the primary reasons here:

It’s Convenient

It may not be one hundred percent necessary to carry a Swiss Army knife as part of your EDC, but there’s no question that it would be a very convenient item for the sole purpose that it combines multiple tools into one.

In fact, Swiss Army Knives are arguably one of the most underrated and overlooked tools there is. This is because a Swiss Army Knife essentially takes several items out of a toolbox, sizes them down, and then stuffs them into the body of the tool:

– Knife Blade
– Magnifying Glass
– Key Ring
– Fish Scaler
– Can Opener
– Bottle Opener
– Screwdriver
– Measuring Tape
– Scissors
– LED Flashlight
– Toothpick
– Tweezers
– Saw

That’s just a small list of the above items that are often packed into a little Swiss Army Knife. With those kinds of tools, you can perform tasks such as:

– Opening Boxes
– Slicing or Cutting food
– Tightening Screws
– Cutting Wires
– Seeing In Darkness
– Sawing Through Small Wood Pieces
– Opening Cans and Bottles
– Peeling Fruit
– Measuring A Certain Height
– Opening A Wine Bottle

You get the idea. A Swiss Army Knife can be a highly convenient item to have with you in your everyday life.

In fact, the most complex Swiss Army Knives have over thirty different tools in them (yes, thirty). The fact that you’re carrying multiple tools together is what makes Swiss Army knives so unique and such a wise item to have with you. It’s multi-functional, and it will be there when you need it.

You Can Carry It With You Everywhere

Or at least you can bring it with you almost anywhere. Because of how small it is. The largest Swiss Army Knives measure approximately five inches in length and the smallest Swiss Army Knives around two inches in length.

It’s really easy to bring your Swiss Army Knife with you around in your pocket wherever you go, and you won’t even remember that it’s with you (at least not until you need it).

In short, Swiss Army Knives are among the most portable tools in existence, and this alone proves their worth in gold.

It will Last For Years

Swiss Army Knives

So long as you buy a Swiss Army Knife from a highly reliable manufacturer, such as Victorinox, it is going to last you for many years, and this is not an exaggeration.

The primary reason for this durability and quality is because Swiss Army Knives are built out of stainless steel, and have been for years. Furthermore, they are also often further coated in rust and corrosion-resistant materials as well, such as the Victorinox Spartan PS Swiss Army Knife that we will discuss later in this article.

It’s Cost-Effective

Last but certainly not least, did anyone mention that Swiss Army Knives are hardly expensive? They are highly affordable despite their multi-purpose design and stainless steel build construction. It’s a relatively cheap investment that you’ll have to make for a tool that is going to give you many years of dependable service.

In short, you should never underestimate the Swiss Army Knife for how it can serve you in your everyday life.

That being said, don’t overestimate it either. You should never treat the Swiss Army Knife like a defensive, fighting, or combat tool, so you’ll need another tactical knife in your EDC that can fulfill those purposes for you instead.

Next, let’s talk about five of the best models of Swiss Army Knives for EDC use.

The 5 Best Swiss Army Knives For EDC

Here are the five best Swiss Army Knives for EDC and the unique features of each model, listed in alphabetical order:

BEST BEGINNER SWISS ARMY KNIFE – VICTORINOX BANTAM

The Victorinox Bantam is easily the best entry-level Swiss Army Knife, as it consists of only the following components:

– Knife Blade
– Wire Stripper
– Can Opener
– Screwdriver (5mm)
– Key Ring
– Toothpick
– Tweezers

Still, there’s a lot that you can do with just those items. But what really makes this a good entry-level Swiss Army Knife is the price, as it’s offered at a much lower price point in contrast to the other Swiss Army Knives on this list.

BEST LOW PROFILE SWISS ARMY KNIFE – VICTORINOX CADET ALOX

If you’re looking for a Swiss Army Knife that can handle basic and yet consistent everyday tasks, while also being very small and low profile, then the Victorinox Cadet Alox may be exactly what you’re looking for. The scales on the body of this Swiss Army Knife are built out of aluminum oxide. You may be disappointed to find out that this Swiss Army Knife does not have a tweezer or toothpick, simply because it does not have the storage room for either of them, but the tradeoff is you are getting a knife with a much lower profile and size, in combination with the superior grip texting.

In other words, this Swiss Army Knife is about as flat and small of a pocket knife as you could ask for. The entire body of the knife is just 3.3 inches long, while the blade measures just under two and a half inches.

Additional tools that the Cadet Alox comes with, in addition to the knife blade, are:

– Can Opener
– Bottle Opener
– Screwdriver

BEST SPECIALIZED SWISS ARMY KNIFE – VICTORINOX CLIMBER

If you’re in the market for a Swiss Army Knife that’s a little more specialized, then you’ll want to pay close attention to the Victorinox Climber Swiss Army Knife. This is a knife that comes with a few tools you may not have anticipated, including a corkscrew for opening bottles of wine (and is also surprisingly useful for untying knots in your shoelaces as well).

This knife earns its name because it was designed for rock climbers in mind. Still, it’s a very small sized Swiss Army Knife that is a great choice for anyone looking for a practical and conveniently sized tool that they can carry with them every day.

BEST SWISS ARMY KNIFE FOR HUNTING – VICTORINOX HUNTSMAN

There’s also a reason why this Swiss Army Knife is called the Huntsman: it really was designed for use with hunters. To this end, it contains tools such as a saw to slice through branches, a hook for hanging fish, a can opener to open your camping provisions, and even an awl that you can use to drill holes into the side of a tree in order to set up snares.

Besides hunting use, this is really just a heavy-duty Swiss Army Knife that can also be used for EDC use in your daily life, then this will also be good for that.

SWISS ARMY KNIFE WITH THE BEST BLADE – VICTORINOX SPARTAN PS

The final Swiss Army Knife that we will talk about for EDC use is the Victorinox Spartan PS, and this knife is worthy of note because it easily comes with one of the best knife blades of any of the Swiss Army Knives.

First and foremost, you’ll notice that this knife is colored all black, including each of the components such as the blade, which is coated in a material called Polispectral for added durability and rust resistance. This coating is also what gives the blade, body, and the rest of the components the unique black coating that can appear to be different shades when viewed under sunlight.

The total length of this blade when closed is three and a half inches, so like any other Swiss Army Knife, it can easily be carried with you even noticing it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Swiss Army Knives are a very good tool to have for your everyday carry purposes for the reasons that we covered earlier in this article: they are multi-purpose, practical, easy to carry around, and dirt cheap too. With all of these reasons in mind, it naturally begs the question: why would you not carry around a Swiss Army Knife in your EDC?

If you agree that it would be a good idea to have a Swiss Army Knife to serve in your EDC, any one of the five models that we have covered here today will be a good option for you.

Can You Use Diesel Fuel In a Kerosene Heater?

Is It Safe to Burn Diesel Fuel in a Kerosene Heater?by Jeff in Ohio 

Can You Use Diesel Fuel In a Kerosene Heater? That’s a good question and one that I will answer below…

It is well-known that diesel engines are capable of using other fuels besides diesel. This includes kerosene (with added lubrication). But how well does diesel work in items designed for kerosene? Theoretically, they should be almost interchangeable.

But are they? I decided to find out for myself. First, I will describe the items used followed by the results of using diesel fuel in them. The fuel used in the testing was off-road diesel that had been dyed red for tax purposes.

So, Can You Use Diesel Fuel In a Kerosene Heater?

Yes, you can burn diesel in a kerosene heater. Diesel burns surprisingly well in MY 23,000 BTU Kerosun brand kerosene heater. I could detect no difference in flame height or heat output and no odors. A friend that works at the local fuel co-op told me that diesel may reduce the life of the wick but so far I can’t tell any difference.

Even if it does occur, wicks are fairly cheap and the difference in fuel price can result in significant savings over the long haul.

Butterfly brand 22 wick 14,000 BTU kerosene stove.

I love this stove because of its simplicity and versatility and I have two of them. It uses rope wicks that are simply moved up and down to adjust heat output. It is made as a cook stove but works quite well as a heater.

Be aware that these stoves do not have an auto-shutoff feature if knocked over. Flame height and heat output were the same. However, I could detect a slight increase in odor and a very small amount of black smoke as well. For temporary use indoors I don’t think this would be a problem. I believe diesel is a viable alternative fuel in this stove.

Dietz Monarch lantern.

This is the”railroad” lantern most people are familiar with. Like the Butterfly brand stove above, these are a model of simplicity. Light output was about the same and I could detect no difference in odor but it was quite smoky.

It didn’t take long to soot up the chimney. This was bad enough that it would have to be cleaned off every day. I would not want to use this in a closed-up house unless I was desperate. Outside use would be fine.

Coleman Exponent multi-fuel stove with kerosene jet installed.

This is a rugged backpacking stove and is quite a little powerhouse. Diesel did not work well in this stove. There was spiking yellow flames among the normal blues flames and it constantly spit and sputtered.

I’m theorizing that the less refined diesel fuel was not vaporizing properly resulting in the mediocre performance. While it would be ok to boil water with, I would not want to cook on this, unless once again I was desperate.

I did not try using diesel in any of my Aladdin lamps after the Dietz experiment above. If the Dietz would smoke as much as it did I had no doubt that the Aladdin would not run on it with the wick and mantle setup. So I passed on that one.

So now that I know the above what good does it do me? Well, a lot. I can store cheaper diesel instead of more expensive kerosene. In my area, off-road diesel is usually at least 1 dollar a gallon cheaper. That is a significant savings if you store fuel in quantity or allows you to store more fuel for the same price.

It seems that in many areas kerosene can be difficult to come by but diesel is readily available. Even when kerosene is available diesel seems to be sold in many more locations.

Also if in an extended TSHTF scenario and my kerosene stock starts to run low I can switch to diesel in the items that run well with it thereby extending my supply of kerosene. Next is what I call “scroungeability”. In short, diesel is almost everywhere.

The tractor sitting in a barn or field. The long-haul truck. That bulldozer sitting at a construction site. Also, many diesel trucks have large fuel tanks in the beds. I am not advocating stealing but this does provide a lot of opportunities for bartering or scrounging in certain circumstances. Also, my own diesel vehicle can be used as a source as well and a large one if the tank is kept at least half full.

While I have not tried home heating oil in the above, I have no doubt that it would work. Home heating oil is virtually identical to diesel. In many areas, the heating oil tanks at houses are more common than propane tanks. Again, another potential source of fuel. A homemade 12v fuel transfer setup would be nice to have here as well.

When trading for or buying fuel of unknown quality it is essential that it be filtered properly for both water and sediment before use. Fuel filters are cheap insurance. I was once stranded along a country road due to clogged fuel filters in my Mercedes diesel.

I had been using scrounged diesel and had not filtered it at all. Both the primary and secondary fuel filters were so clogged that the engine couldn’t run and kept stalling. Not only was I using fuel of questionable quality without filtering it I did not have spare fuel filters with me for the car. Lesson learned.

Many people use kerosene appliances and fuel as their primary backup for emergencies both short and long-term. They are both relatively cheap and readily available. As a bonus, kerosene as a long shelf life if stored properly and more importantly is a safe fuel to store in quantity.

By knowing what alternative fuel can be used in them and their limitations it only increases my options. Fuel interchangeability is a great option to have. Plus be sure to store plenty of extra wicks as needed. Also if used indoors be sure to use more than adequate ventilation and a CO2 detector.

Now for storing that fuel beforehand. Large underground tanks for storage are good to have but may not be practical for several reasons including the cost. Plus, like a lot of people, I live in a small town and large amounts of fuel kept at the house is not practical.

But do you have unused land somewhere or a trusted friend with some property? Then you can make what I call my “mini fuel storage depot”. This is simply a wooden pallet set up on some bricks to keep it off the ground.

On the pallet, there is room for a 55-gallon drum with either diesel or kerosene, five 5 gallon metal jerry cans of gasoline and two 20 lb propane tanks or whatever combination you prefer. On top of this goes a heavy-duty tarp properly secured to keep the weather out and provide some camouflage.

A camo net could go over this for additional concealment if needed. By placing the above in a shaded area it avoids large temperature swings and if the fuel is properly treated this works very well long-term.

By having several of these over a wide area or on different properties you avoid having all your eggs in one basket. If one is compromised or destroyed by fire your entire fuel storage is not lost.

By being above ground you run a slight risk of exposure. However, if sited properly and carefully camouflaged (possibly as a junk pile?) they are not hard to conceal. I hope people find this useful and remember to follow all safety guidelines as outlined by the heater and or appliance manufacturer and keep in mind that these are my results and yours could be different… see the disclaimer policy here.

What Does Don’t Tread on Me Mean? (It’s Shocking!)

don’t tread on me flag meaning
DON’T TREAD ON ME – THE GADSDEN FLAG AND IT’S MEANING

BY JESSE MATHEWSON

What Does Don’t Tread on Me and the Gadsen Flag Mean Today? Of the many slogans that have been socially adopted by some as a banner, and others as the new evil to kill, the line, “Don’t tread on me” is easily among the top ten over the past few years. To find out what the Don’t Tread on Me Flags Meaning today we need first take a look at where it came from, and why.

The idea promoted with the Gadsen Flag and the Don’t Tread on Me phrase is simple, “leave me alone to live in peace, to do what I do best, and as long as my actions do not cause physical harm to others there is no need for your intervention. It is about free will, personal choice, and freedom without rulers or government overloads. It has nothing to do with race or religion and everything to to with maximum freedom and limited government. 

Rattlesnakes, in this case, the eastern diamondback and the timber rattlesnake, were both abundant in North America, and something not found in Great Britain. Benjamin Franklin made many references to rattlesnakes in his commentaries, published from 1751 onward.

In 1754 he published the woodcut of a snake cut into 8 sections with the message, “JOIN or DIE”. Fast forward 21 years and we were on the cusp of a civil war with England.

Contrary to what has been taught for decades in the United States, our war with England was, in fact, a rebellion. Christopher Gadsden designed the Gadsden flag in 1775, this is what we think of today when we hear the phrase, “Don’t tread on me”.

This was the year before the declaration of independence was signed. As a firm believer in the natural rights of man*, I choose to see the benefit of separating from the state of England.

Department of Army EmblemIn 1778 the United States Congress began using the War Office Seal, which was replaced in 1947 for the official document used by the Department of Army Emblem, pictured here. As you can see, the rattlesnake, like the bald eagle and the lone pine tree, features heavily in our history and documentation.

Current day versions of the Gadsden flag can be traced to the Tea Party movement, another maligned movement based in a misrepresented historical ideal.

One article from 2016 says, “The snake, it turns out, was something of a Colonial-era meme, evidently originated by Benjamin Franklin. In 1751, Franklin made the satirical suggestion that the colonies might repay the Crown for shipping convicts to America by distributing rattlesnakes around England, “particularly in the Gardens of the Prime Ministers, the Lords of Trade and Members of Parliament; for to them we are most particularly obliged.” (Walker, 2016) Modern “educated” writers who cannot be bothered to search further than Wikipedia are in fact the reason why, in our current day and age, any use of the Gadsden flag is seen as hateful by the left – or worse, as supportive of yet more government by the right.

These people use just enough verifiable information that no one questions the veracity of their stories, tweets, and posts.

England and more specifically the East India Trading Company-owned or controlled the original 13 colonies, as well as lands spanning what is currently Canada. The colonists had, for many years, dealing with everything from forced conscription in the English naval forces, to forced eviction from homes built and land farmed for years. In addition to these things, there were many instances of the quartering of English troops in colonial residences without any real recompense.

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All of this was done under the color of law and for the colonists’ “own good”. The reasoning was the same as what we are given today when taxes are raised, levies are sought, and new wars and conflicts entered into. “Your safety, the safety of (English) interests abroad and the furthering of (English) influence around the globe!”

For 258 years the East India Trading company literally ruled the world, and it was all done under English laws and rules. (Rittman, n.d.)

The use of symbols was especially important at a time when many people were not able to read and write effectively. By using figures such as rattlesnakes and bald eagles, these uniquely American animals, the colonial civilians could cling to something that was theirs, and that did not stem from the King or company controlling the leaders of the “civilized” world.

What Does The Don't Tread on Me Snake Mean
What Does The Don’t Tread on Me Snake Mean?

It should be noted that the idea of slavery as an institution and means of profit was originated by Spain, England, and the East India Trading Company. (Please note that while the East India Trading Company is also known as the British East India Trading Company, and the Dutch East India Trading Company, it was originated and founded in London in 1600) The symbol of the rattlesnake was specifically meant to offer a warning to England. A rattlesnake that is stepped on bites in every case.

This is obviously dangerous to the person doing the stepping, hence the term, “Don’t tread on me,” it was meant to convey this warning in terms that even the farmers and working man could understand.

So What Does Don’t Tread on Me Mean?

Over the past few years, we have seen extremes, more so than ever before. These extremes are a result of people being classified, labeled, and marginalized by mainstream media and politicians alike.

In our modern society, thanks to endless loops of 15-second sound-bytes and directed social media outbursts, we see even more people becoming disillusioned with the status quo.

On a personal note, the past few years have been difficult beyond any other years before in my life. The hatred is being stoked to further divide the population, much like what happened in France prior to their revolution, and here in the United States prior to ours.

This has led to people using old slogans and catchphrases to promote alternatives to the status quo. “Don’t tread on me” is just such a slogan. I embrace this slogan though I do not embrace all who use it. This is extremely important to understand.

Americans, and humans in general love to use others to validate their beliefs. There are those of us who realize that only the facts matter in the end. This means that in some respects we have to understand that the data is simply that, data.

There is a current phrase being used, “Big Data”. I see this phrase for what it is, the philosophical ramblings of Political Science majors who have no concept of facts outside of how they may prop up their positions.

1778 20 dollar bill from Georgia
1778 20 dollar bill from Georgia

Consider this, in recent decades, this country has been in a state of upheaval. Financial destruction, millions of hard-working Americans jobless, increasing inflation, and hundreds of new laws and protest organizations. Certainly, there is blame to go around, and it should be directed at each of us. We are to blame for our own life decisions and approaches.

This being said, when you have a government that cannot listen to the people, or people who are more interested in emotional outbursts than facts, these slogans and their history become that much more important! I will not blame a single man or woman, but rather a mindset that infects and affects all of us.

This malaise and division are embraced and promoted by those in control as well as many who prop them up with financial and “moral” support.

The modern usage of this term was meant to generate a sense of patriotic furor and has been associated with the Tea Party movement, a more recent movement originally designed to protest extremely high taxes and government overreach, but which was co-opted and devolved into mainstream political infighting.

Between the mainstream media (all sides), and political finagling (on all sides), what could have been a positive thing was subverted, perverted, and eventually demonized by many Americans – simply due to ignorance being given platform over facts.

Commodore Hopkins
Commodore Hopkins

In looking at the history of the Gadsen flag in use we find that the first to use it was Commander Esek Hopkins, the first “admiral” of the newly formed naval forces. He was widely known to have not been enamored with Washington and other “leaders” of that time.

He was, however, an active privateer prior to, and during, the Revolutionary War. In his words, “the two new ships are Launched & will be soon ready if men could be had.” (Hopkins, 1776) He was speaking about the fact that Washington and Gates were requisitioning all the men and not leaving any to man the newly formed fleet.

Washington later sacked him, many believe this was a result of Hopkins inability to hold his tongue when someone was doing something he saw as stupid.

When using historical symbols, my personal approach is to learn as much as I can about them and to absorb the real history surrounding them. This is a reason I have not adopted the rather common “Molon Labe” phrase. In the case of the “Don’t tread on me” flag, it was brightly colored and easy to read.

Also, over the ocean in a sailing craft where it could take an entire day or longer for one ship to overtake another, this allowed for a sense of dread to build and to be felt by the crew of ships being overtaken.

Modern times have seen a resurgence in the use of this flag and phrase, and while many who fly it are a part of the failed Tea Party movement, many others, like myself, have and fly this flag as a symbol against tyranny.

Tyranny is quite simply, “oppressive power”, which can be applied to the approaches used by modern media, activists, and politicians alike. Thomas Jefferson once said, “for I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.” (Jefferson, 1800) In my personal study of the founders** I embraced the writings of Jefferson, Paine, Henry, Mason, Lee, Yates, Singletary, Warren, Clinton, Smith, Fenner, Martin, Samuel Adams, and Monroe as well as others seen to be Anti-Federalists or from who the Anti-Federalists drew their inspiration.

How does this apply to the phrase, “Don’t tread on me”?

The idea promoted with this flag and phrase is simple, “leave me alone to live in peace, to do what I do best, and as long as my actions do not cause physical harm to others there is no need for your intervention.

Christopher Gadsden, the author of the phrase, made clear his intent to represent an idea to the British overlords at the time when he penned this phrase, attached as it was to a coiled rattlesnake.

It seems quite obvious that he believed very strongly in the real separation between England and the colonies, and that his loyalty was also very much in the colonies with his family, friends, and those who wished to see us free of the grip of the corporate overlords of the East India Trading Company and England.

Interestingly, there is not much known about this individual, and I have searched everywhere I have access to. Feel free to write a comment below with any links or books that may have additional information on him.

Metallica – “Don’t Tread On Me”

So there you have it, the modern use of “Don’t tread on me”, as well as its history – and my somewhat anemic commentary. If you have any added information or knowledge in this arena, comment below. I learn from what others share with me, and from what I study and research. While I feel confident that my knowledge in this arena is extensive, there is always more to learn.

Thank you for reading, and of course, commenting and sharing.

*When I use the term “man” I am referring to humankind as a whole, using the classic sense of the word.

**There were 3 sets of founders, first you have the Declaration authors than the drafters of the Articles of Confederation and lastly the Constitution drafters. These individuals are not the same though there is some minor crossover between them, many of the original Declaration signatories rebelled against the passage of the Constitution, and some of them were very vocal in their belief that this “document” would be a problem in the future.

Here are some of my favorite prepping gear

Thank you for investing your time in this article, and I sincerely hope it has provided valuable insights to strengthen your survival preparedness. As a survivalist, I make use of a variety of tools and gear, many of which have proven to be indispensable in my journey. Here, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite survival gear, which I believe you will find beneficial as well.

These are affiliate links, meaning if you decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission at no additional cost to you. However, I assure you that these recommendations come from personal experience – these are the exact tools I trust, use, and confidently recommend to everyone, including my own family.

  1. Long-Term Food Storage: ‘My Patriot Supply‘ is my top choice for emergency food supplies. Their selection caters to long-term storage needs, ensuring you’re always prepared.
  2. Water Filter: Clean, safe drinking water is a priority in any situation. This water filter has served me well, and I trust it will for you too.
  3. Versatile Cooking Solution: The Zoom Versa Cook Stove is a reliable, versatile cooking solution perfect for outdoor and survival scenarios.

I’ve compiled an extensive, frequently updated list of my top survival gear recommendations for your convenience. Equip yourself with the best and latest gear here.

Remember, true survival isn’t merely about making it through – it’s about effectively navigating and thriving in challenging circumstances. Equip yourself well, stay informed, and always be prepared.

Is It Safe to Use a Propane Stove indoors?

Is It Safe to Use a Propane Stove indoorsby Jacki

Is it Safe to Use a Propane Stove indoors?

Yes, it is safe to use a propane stove indoors… if the proper steps and safety precautions are taken. However, it can prove to be hazardous if you don’t stick to the correct methods of doing so. In fact, propane is deemed to be amongst the most inexpensive as well as safest sources of fuel that will surely fit one’s budget.

Below, we have mentioned several guidelines to help you get started.

1. Verify the cooking device

It will be advisable to check your propane stove prior to starting cooking so as to make sure that it is functioning properly. Make certain that all the essential components, controls, as well as valves are in proper order.

Moreover, do not forget to take the assistance of an experienced technician to perform the maintenance of the stove at least once every year. This will help you to avoid any costly repairs in the future since they will be able to detect and also fix any issue related to the stove.

2. Proper supervision

Never leave the food open while cooking. The same rule applies while you are using the propane stove. There is no need to sit in front of the stove constantly while you are cooking, but try to be within a close distance from the cooking area so that you can attend your cooking as and when required.

This will come of use to you particularly if you are frying some items and performing other activities that involve the usage of cooking oils and grease given that these are inflammable substances which can lead to significant damage in case you don’t give proper attention.

3. Pets and children

You ought to make certain that the kids and pets in your residence are not within the close vicinity of the propane stove while you are cooking. This will prevent them from getting burnt and thus they will remain safe providing you with complete peace of mind. This will also keep you safe given that your attention will not get diverted by the mischief caused by the pets as well as the kids while you are busy cooking.

4. Adequate ventilation

It is essential for your room to be properly ventilated where you will be cooking with the propane stove. The main reason for this happens to be carbon monoxide which is actually a by-product of burning. In fact, propane is known to generate an alarming amount of carbon monoxide as well as smoke thus making it quite hazardous for all those who are staying indoors.

You can take the help of your propane expert who can take care of the installation in the best possible way. They will even install a vent hood above the stove which will help to put the majority of the gas outside.

Also, try to keep a couple of windows open while cooking. Although it is not desirable to do so during the cold months, bear in mind the old saying, “Safety comes first”.

5. Keep the stove clean

The propane stove can produce a lot of smoke in case grease and food items drip down onto the burners. However, by keeping your stove clean, you will be able to avoid this to a great extent.

These above-mentioned paragraphs must have provided you with the proper reply to your query, “Is it Safe to Use a Propane Stove indoors?” Next, we will mention some popular propane stoves on the market intended for cooking.

Recommended Propane Stoves For Cooking:

1. Coleman Portable Propane Gas Classic Camp Stove featuring 2 Burners

Even though it might be a sensible idea to prepare your food over an open fire, it might not be the best way to feed your guests whatsoever. For this, a propane stove will be the best solution to get the job done quickly and efficiently. Here, we will talk about the Coleman Portable Propane Gas Classic Camp Stove which offers a host of innovative features.

First of all, it comes with wind block panels which aid in protecting the burners from wind and also adjusting effectively for different pan sizes. Moreover, it comes with a flawless technology that offers consistent performance irrespective of any type of situation.

You will be able to prepare your food within a short span of time while consuming lesser fuel as well. There are a couple of separately adjustable burners that will provide you with immaculate control for two temperature zones. Lastly, you can easily remove the resilient and chrome-plated grate so that they can be cleaned without any problem at all.

(Click here to check price and availability at Amazon).

2. Camplux Dual Fuel Propane and Butane Portable Camping Gas Stove featuring Single Burner

This amazing product from Camplux is known to offer a consistent performance along with a CSA safety certification. It likewise comes with innovative features such as automated safety switch, piezoelectric ignition, plus a gas leakage protection device. Also, there is a dual fuel single burner which can work with propane as well as butane.

This can be used in different situations and will come of use to you while cooking at home. Another notable feature of the product happens to be the propane converter regulator which will enable you to connect the propane stove to a propane tank.

Last but not least, this portable stove is extremely simple to clean thanks to its enamel surface as well as a dripping tray which contains only a small amount of water for getting the job done.

(Click here to check availability and price at Amazon).

3. Bayou Classic SP10 Cooker with Single Burner

This product from Bayou is ideal for cooking in the open and is portable too. You can use them for RVs, camping, backyard parties, and on other occasions as well. Featuring a single-piece steel frame, this product is amongst the strongest stoves manufactured commercially.

These are known for their strength as well as safety features and come with a cooking surface having a diameter of 14 inches. There is likewise a 4-inch cast-iron burner plus an adjustable regulator too. Other notable features consist of windscreen protection spanning 360 degrees plus an innovative wide-leg layout for providing stability. Above all, this amazing propane cooker is manufactured in the US.

(Click here to check price and availability at Amazon)

4. High Flame Outdoor Propane Gas Burner along with Wind Stand – Automated Ignition together with CSA Approved Regulator and Hose

Next, we will talk about this innovative and breathtaking High Flame Outdoor Propane Gas Burner which features automated ignition together with CSA approved regulator plus hose. The propane stove is 13 inches in height, 17 inches in width, and also features a Wind Guard Tripod Stand.

This amazing stove will offer you everything that is required for managing your cooking experience flawlessly. It has been designed with almost every important feature that will be needed for cooking outdoors. Amongst the notable features, the knob which comes along with flame adjustment facilities plus the robust stainless steel stand deserves special mention.

You can use it for any type of situation including camping, boating, patio or backyard parties, not to mention home cooking as well.

Recommended Propane Stoves For Heating:

It is a fact that a propane heater will be able to keep you warm either outdoors or indoors during the cold winter months. These propane stoves for heating will come of use in case you do not have any electric source available to you. They will provide you with the ideal solution irrespective of whether you require a heater for the patio or would like to warm the outdoor porch. Here, we have mentioned some well-known propane stoves for heating that are high in demand right now.

1. Mr. Buddy Heater for indoor usage

This breathtaking product will be the ideal choice in case you like to heat areas of as much as 45 0 ft.². It comes with innovative customizable features as well as a portable layout which will allow you to enjoy innovative functionality from this product.

It is a fact that propane can be responsible for producing a huge amount of carbon monoxide gas which can prove to be dangerous to human beings. Consequently, the product comes with a safety switch which will allow you to remain safe in case there is any malfunction with the product or it is not able to burn the fuel effectively.

Besides these, there is likewise an innovative tip-over switch which will switch off and on the product automatically.

You have the option of selecting between low, medium, as well as high-temperature settings which will enable you to save energy in case you do not require much heat or you can also increase the heat when the temperature is quite cold.

(Click here to check price and availability at Amazon)

2. PROCOM Propane Wall Heater

This astounding propane heating solution will deliver the goods for you by simply mounting it to any wall within your residence. It doesn’t need any ventilation and also comes with an innovative blue frame that provides a gentle glow that helps to enhance its attractiveness.

Besides this, the propane wall heater likewise comes with a non-adjustable regulator which will help to make sure that there is no over-firing. It will also function as effective thermostatic control. In fact, this thermostatic controller can be used for setting the temperature to the desired level and this will help you to maintain the temperature in your room.

Last but not least, the white finish of the product will allow you to match it to your home’s existing decor.

(Click here to check price and availability at Amazon)

3. Dyna Glo RA18LPDG Propane Heater

Lastly, we will mention this incredible Dyna Glo RA18LPDG which will effectively warm any space during the winter months. Apart from this, it likewise appears great while offering you with optimum safety features plus an innovative design as well.

This product is able to generate heat instantaneously such that you can start enjoying the results as soon as you switch it on. As a matter of fact, it is able to generate sufficient heat within a radius of 600 feet.

This will enable you to use it in bigger areas like the garage, workshop, or even a big hall. In case you would like to heat a smaller area, this heater will also live up to your expectations. It provides as many as three different heat settings thus allowing you to control the production of heat effectively.

Another significant feature that has made this heater so famous happens to be the innovative piezo ignition that will allow you to start the product whenever you require without bothering about how to ignite the flame manually.

(Click here to check price and availability at Amazon)

Tips for Using a Colman Propane Camp Stove:

As we have mentioned before, a Coleman propane camp stove will prove to be extremely effective when it comes to cooking. Apart from being portable, you can easily use it for hiking, camping, as well as other activities too.

Nevertheless, it is essential to bear in mind some essential safety guidelines which will allow you to remains safe while using the product. Below, we have thrown light on some of the essential safety tips on using a Coleman propane camp stove in a risk-free manner.

First of all, make certain that there is enough ventilation in the room where the stove is placed. Refrain from using this type of stove in your tent, garage, or even in a camper. The reason for this is that propane has the ability to produce carbon monoxide which can even cause the demise of an individual.

It will be a smart idea to attach the propane cylinder with the stove and make sure that it does not rust or break in any manner. Moreover, make it a point that the knobs connecting the stove with the cylinder are tightly and securely fit.

The burner is another significant component of the stove that makes use of the flow of gas from the canister which is used for igniting the burner. However, it is important for the burner not to rust or break in any manner since this will prevent it from generating the desired temperature.

Always make it a point to light the stove using the igniter that comes along with it since this will prove to be safe in the long run given that the spark will remain isolated within the stove. Also, keep your arms, fingers, as well as face away from the product while igniting it since this will minimize the risk of getting burnt or becoming seriously injured.

Can I use a Propane Stove in a Tent?

It is a fact that tents are manufactured from non-breathable and flammable materials. Consequently, any kind of flame within the tent can accidentally lead to a huge fire. Moreover, these tents are not properly ventilated on most occasions which can encourage gas fumes to build up in no time at all. This might result in carbon monoxide poisoning as well as an explosion.

A propane stove should never be used within a camper, garage or tent. As mentioned before, propane is known to produce carbon monoxide too much of which might deplete the oxygen level of an individual which might even cause his eventual death.

As a result, the most sensible thing will be to keep the stove outside the tent and you ought to abide by the safety regulations as well. Last but not least, make sure to place it in a properly ventilated area preferably outdoors.

Note: That this article is not meant to be regarded as safety advice. And because you might do it wrong please seek professional advice from a certified propane specialist before following any of the advice contained in the article above.

Safe Indoor Emergency Cooking Solutions

cooking off the grid
Cooking on a military field kitchen in field conditions

by Robert H

If you live or camp off the grid or plan to then you’ll need to figure out and plan how you’re going to cook off the grid. There are several ways and fuel choices and I’ll talk about those below. If you have any other suggestions or ideas then please leave those in the comments section below.

Propane

The use of propane is easy and quick.  A small propane stove could be purchased and then stored until the need for use.  Propane is clean and produces good heat for cooking and canning.  The downside of a stove/oven would be the amount used.  Either multiple bottles or a large tank would be needed to keep operating it during a SHTF scenario.

A propane fish cooker would be a second option.  With the proper regulator, gas usage would be minimal.  The cooker would be large enough to can food or just cook a meal.  As a plus, in the event that you would have to bug-out, the cooker would be able to be loaded in a vehicle and carried with you to another location.

The use of a propane camp stove is a good third option, either using 1 pound bottles or a hose connector.  An adapter is made to refill the 1 pound bottles which would help out in the long-term. The use of a gas grill would allow you to cook also.

With the storage of propane the use of a grill would allow portability with a large cooking area.  Grills can be used with either bottles or hooked to a large tank for long-term use. All four of these options allow the use of a camp oven.

Storage of propane is simple and the propane does not go bad in storage.

White Gas

Camping stoves that use white gas are available new, in stores, or for sale used.  They cook very well.  A downside of these stove are fuel storage and parts/repair kits. White gas usually comes in metal cans which can rust and cause leakage.  Fuel viability over long-term would be iffy.  Parts kits are available, but, when they are gone, they’re gone.

These are very portable and yes, you can use a camp oven with these too.

Charcoal

Charcoal, either lump or briquettes, are a good option for cooking food.  Charcoal can be used with a grill or can be used with a dutch oven.  Dutch ovens will allow you to bake or stew meals as an alternative to using other methods of cooking.  Charcoal can be made by burning wood in a low oxygen environment.

Charcoal storage is easy.  The use of metal barrels or trash cans will keep it dry and ready to use.  Moisture is the enemy to worry about. Although not very portable, concerning space used, if you are staying put this is a good alternate source of cooking.

A camp oven can be used with most grills too. WORD OF CAUTION:  the use of charcoal indoors is VERY DANGEROUS as carbon monoxide poisoning is a deadly and real threat if it is used indoors.

Cooking with wood

Cooking with wood allows many and variable options also.  Getting a wood burning cook stove would be the ultimate in wood cooking.  These stoves have many options that could allow baking, cooking, and even heating water for clean up or bathing.  As a bonus, the cook stove can be used to heat during the winter.

Cleaning and amount of wood used are minor drawbacks.  Cooking in the summer would be a chore, but if the stove is put in a room that would allow a cooling breeze to enter and carry out the heat, it would be bearable.  If a room was added to an existing structure then it could be open in the summer and closed off during the winter so as to allow the heat to remain in the home.

Rocket stoves and wood gas stove allow cooking with the use of minimal wood.  These are available for purchase on the internet or can be made with pipe or even tin cans.  Heavier stoves that can be made would last a lifetime. The use of a camp oven could be used with the making of some type of bracket system to hold it off of the fire.

A rocket mass heater can be made to include an oven and a stove top to cook on.  Mass-heaters are a good way to heat but would have a few drawbacks for cooking.  Portability would be a big issue for some.  Using it to cook would heat a room and continue to radiate heat for even days.

No smoke or very little smoke would be a very large added plus though.  If a way to move air and remove excess heat were taken into consideration, then this would be a good option for bugging in.

A fireplace can be used to cook on if care is taken to reduce the risk of fire.  A fireplace does not use fuel very efficiently though.  When using a fireplace to cook with, a plume of smoke would also give away your position.

But, the chimney would also send the smell of cooking higher into the air and would dissipate the odors faster and better.  It would be very hard to use a camp oven with a fireplace but it could be done.

In a rural setting or suburban setting, wood can be gotten with a little effort or even just picking up sticks and branches around the yard or neighborhood.  Cutting of firewood after the fact would be a large chore that would burn a lot of energy.

But, with a good sharp axe or saw, the effort can be minimized.

Kerosene

Kerosene stoves and even burners can be had on the market.  Some of the stoves include ovens and even hot water tanks.  The kerosene burners would allow the use of a camp oven without the expense of a full-size stove.

Kerosene can be stored longer than gasoline or white gas but will still go bad over time.

Solar

Solar ovens can be bought online or made with wood and mirrors.  They can even be made with cardboard and aluminum foil.  These ovens can be used to cook with as long as the sun is shining and you have the time to wait.  Very good used to cook all day meals as a slow cooker.  Some of the ones purchased, allow baking bread and treats as it will get to very high temperatures.

Mud / Cob stoves

Cob stoves can be made using local materials usually.  With sand, clay, and some labor you can make an oven that can be a focal point at a backyard BBQ or used in a SHTF scenario.  These can be used to make bread or cook in an oven type environment.

Heat retention is very good and you can bake multiple batches of bread at a time.  If this is built outside, then some type of cover would be needed to keep the rain off of it.  This will prolong the life of your hard work.

The oven can be heated using rocket stove technology or even a fire built inside of it and using the coals for heat.  As it is being built, rocket stove inserts can be added at the side to have access to stovetop cooking.  The use of a wok for frying or cooking would be an added bonus.  The oven can be made of cob or as a steel box with racks and a door.

Wood Ovens

Ovens can be bought with wood stoves or kerosene stoves.  Wood ovens can be bought and used in bad times.  Ovens can be bought or made.  A camping oven can be bought or you can go all the way to large wood-fired ovens that could even cook a turkey.

Ovens can be made using cob, steel, even brick. You can make simple ovens using an ammo can.  But the easiest would probably be a large rural mailbox.  It is large enough to bake in by turning it on its side.

The door is ready-made.  If it burns out, more are readily available in a rural setting.  Large ammo cans are thicker metal and would last longer, but the latch would have to be modified to make it more user-friendly.  Dutch ovens are good for cooking and are used with coals or charcoal.

All in all, there are many ways to cook.  These may range in price from many thousand dollars down to free.  It can just depend on the time and effort you are willing to spend on your project.