January 2016, a purchase was made of over 20 solar powered, crank powered and alternative powered handheld lights. These flashlights all underwent extensive testing. This testing included the following steps for my personal use. 1. Drop testing (from 4 feet and 6 feet using different angles and surfaces) – I live in the high desert, […]
Gear Reviews
Here is where you will find product reviews of gear and tools for the homestead.
Holosun Optic Sight [An Honest Review]
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt; if you know Heaven and know Earth, you may make your victory complete.” Sun Tzu Budget prepping is a difficult thing to do. After all, there is a difference between budget and cheap, inexpensive and cheap. Cheap by definition does […]
Ferro Rod Review and Usage Guide
Fire is an essential element of survival, living, and warfare. It has been used for many millennia for heating, cooking, controlling growth, reducing wildfire damage, to promote grazing and conduct defensive and offensive campaigns against enemies. Ferro Rod usage is popular with many people within the prepper community, and yet, from what I have seen […]
Hiluckey Solar Charger Review
Legally I have to tell you if I have received the product or any compensation for writing this review. As with the large majority of products I review, I have not received this product or any compensation. There may be affiliate links in the material that utilize Amazon as a platform. However, unlike other blogs, we follow […]
P-38 or P-51 Can Opener Review
Not everything made for the military is truly well made. In many cases what is made for the military, regardless of nation of origin, often is low-end and fits into a rather loose set of restrictions guiding its building. This is the case with the amazing folding can opener known as the P-38 and P-51. The […]
Review: Alive After the Fall™ by Alexander Cain
Electromagnetic Pulse’s have been apart of the subculture of doomsday prepping since the 1970’s. The specter of ultimate doom causing humans to revert to their pre-industrialized days scares many of us. There have been dozens of books written by professionals regarding a man-made EMP or natural similar event occurring. Alive After the Fall™ was written approximately […]
Review: Slime Self-Sealing Tube for Bicycles
Here in Arizona, we enjoy bicycling, we also enjoy one of the densest populations of spiny flora on the planet. This combination is absolutely terrible for bicycle tubes. This is a review of one product I have found for my bicycle that works quite well and allows us to maintain pressure even when we encounter […]
Review: Darkest Days – How to Survive an EMP Attack to the Grid
Personally, I tend to avoid conspiracies and doomsday predictions, because typically they are, fear-based attempts to drive an individual or groups agenda. At no point in history has any species lived longer than it should nor has any state or collection of states lasted forever. This said I was sent a copy of the book […]
Where There is No Doctor a Village Health Care Book: Weekly product review
Some reviews are simple to write, some are difficult. This is one of the simple ones, firstly I need to tell you that I purchased this book with the intention of adding to my library of medical knowledge. I did not receive it for free or in exchange for anything. Some purchases can be seen […]
Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener Review
I am a fan of Work Sharp products, owning several and having purchased a few for gifts and various applications over time. In this case the Pocket Knife Sharpener is a brand new product that WorkSharp decided to allow me to test! So in this case, I did receive a product (that I will be buying more of) […]
Kephart by Condor Knife and Tool Review
It should be common knowledge by now, I have a serious steel addiction. My dad has built knives for most of my life, I also built a few and own several dozen at any given moment. When it comes to useful tools I am a firm believer in having a good knife around always! The Kephart by Condor Knife & Tool is one of my personal favorites when it comes to daily use. Originally it was designed by Horace Kephart author of Camping and Woodcraft one of the amazing books I own in print (and will be reviewing for you all soon).
It was during his time spent in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina that he wrote Camping and Woodcraft and designed the Kephart blade. Around 3 years ago I read an article on this particular blade type and being an avid collector and user of good steel, decided to do some searching for one. Now it should be noted that I firmly believe in the value of a good blade, specifically the Morakniv line of knives. However, I am always looking for other blades that may fit different or similar roles and the Kephart is a blade that can do that!
Heritage Rough Rider .22 Revolver Review – Is It Any Good?
Everyone needs a .22lr firearm. Specifically, one that is accurate and reliable, the Heritage Rough Rider is an accurate, reliable handgun! Now before we get any further, the Heritage Rough Rider is a single action handgun that comes in several varieties and barrel lengths. It will chamber the .22lr, .22 short and with a cylinder change .22wmr.
As with all single action handguns, accuracy is a matter of perspective and ability as well as understanding your individual firearm and ammunition combination. I originally purchased this handgun to have something that my son would enjoy. It is inexpensive running $136 after taxes from my local firearms dealer and easily $120-$145 depending on your location. This allowed for someone with limited funds to purchase a firearm without a large investment in the event it was not seen as a valuable addition to the family.