EDGED DEFENSE

Colonel Colt may have made all men equal but carrying a firearm is not always possible, easy or legal. At these times the edged weapon can be a life saving equalizer.
Rule number One: Never bring a knife to a gun fight, at all other times, never be without one.

Without exception, each and every Police Officer, Security Guard, Military Operator and Emergency Responder I know carries an edged "Tool" of some kind. Either as a back up weapon to their primary arm or as a response tool for EDC work or to affect self rescue.

In some areas large fixed blades may not only be acceptable, it may be the norm. However, for off duty or even civilian carry, the "small" fixed blade or folder is king. Consult local laws for carry in your region.

Pocket or belt clipped tactical knives such as these provide their owner a edge (no pun) in a self defense situation when out numbered, out gunned or bushwhacked.

I have no loyalty to any particular brand, If I have faith in a particular knife, I'll use it. The CRKT M16-10kz is my EDC and one hell of a handy knife. Fast, Lite, Strong and well thought out. It's a fist full of security when you need it most.

The CRKT Hissatsu folder is one serious knife.

Fast thanks to the "OutBurst" feature. An assisted opening devise that springs the blade into action.

The Hissatsu is by design, a penetrating weapon with great slashing characteristics. Strong and over built. Made for the Professional.

I doubt you'll need to stab a tree, Plywood or an automobile hood, but you never know. Thick clothing doesn't stand a chance.

Both of these folders incorporate a secondary lock system that virtually ensure they will never close during use no matter what. A great safety feature.

The Ka-Bar TDI (Tactical defense Institute)knife is purpose built as a weak hand last ditch defense blade. Fast on the draw and with a unique Kukri type leverage advantage, the TDI is a great self defense option. I wore the TDI in uniform for years and never knew it was there, it travels so comfortably in almost any direction or location on (or under) your duty belt. It carries just as well on jeans under a loose shirt.

Another great option is the Cold Steel "Spike" series. These thin easy to carry fixed blades can be worn as a belt, neck or boot knife. Sharp and needle pointed, they can be a surprise to an attacker and a down right nightmare to any mugger.

The self defense knife is a personal choice, only you know what you will be comfortable with. Training and practise will result in competence and confidence. Seek out a professional or train with a partner to better learn the skills necessary to make those few fast moves that can save your life.

Keep in mind, should you be forced to use a weapon in your own defense, you will be responsible for your actions. There is no free pass just because you were picked on. You better be sure this was a life or death situation that you could not avoid or escape without taking action. I would NEVER use or even display a weapon without needing to save my own life, you shouldn't either!

RJ

watch your six

BLACKOUT.........NOW WHAT?

It's mid summer, the drain on the power grid is at dangerous levels. Every A/C and fan on the block is cranking, the refrigerator is opening and closing all day, lights are on in many rooms because it's to hot to be outside.
What else is new? It's summer and it's hot, what do you expect?

Well what you should expect is interruption of power. A hot summer Tuesday night might not give you a second thought unless the lights go out. Then, it will be the only thing on your mind.

All of a sudden the little things you take for granted become paramount. First thing we notice is of course the lights. We don't do dark as well as our ancestors did. If you are at work when the power goes out the chances are you will have some sort of generated back up power and or emergency lighting. This will not last long. Unless you are in a health care or corrections environment, you are not on the must resupply list.

Plan for a long trip home. Traffic lights will be out, the sub way will not be running. It may be dark. It's really going to be a challenge.
Always carry a personal flashlight, even a small LED is better then nothing. This will help you reach your car, the bus stop or even a stair well.

I recommend the Stream Light Stylus Pro. Handy size and very good output, the price is right to boot.

If you are lucky enough to be home, life need not be terrible, just inconvenient.

During hot summer months always keep freezers full of ice and iced drinks. Keep some foods that are edible once thawed out, such as veggies and fruit. meats may be usable if used right away. Keep a grill or at least a small Hibachi and charcoal for cooking. You may have gas to cook on but have a back up plan. Don't forget a "percolator" style coffee pot and a hand powered can opener.

Coolers should be available to store food and supplies, Your refrigerator is big and once power is out it is not efficient at keeping contents cool, coolers are actually better, you can fill them with ice or Frozen items from you freezer and it will keep cool for a long time.

Chemical ice packs or "Gel" packs work well but I think frozen water is much more useful, you can't drink Gel!
Store water now! Should things get worse for any reason, water may be disrupted. Any "Mart" store will sell five gallon water jugs. They are worth keeping, I suggest at least two for one person for two days.

Candles, Lanterns and Flashlights with Fuel, Batteries and Safety Matches should always be on hand. These items will not stay on the store shelves very long IF the stores are even open.

Candles in glass are always safer then exposed flame.


Electric lanterns are safe, keep batteries fresh.

High Quality White Gas Lamps such as this are worth the money, They put out a lot of light and I think they are stylish.

Flash lights (LED) are cheap and small. Buy many for the home, car, office, garage, basement, bedroom. Keep a few all around the house. I never move them unless I'm using them. In this way, I don't need to hunt for them, they will always be where I need them in the dark.

Oil bottles are safe and spill proof. They store well and are inexpensive.





How long will this last?

Only the crews working on the problem know for sure. So listen in on the game. Portable Radio Frequencies Scanners with Police/Fire/Ambulance frequencies are great but having your local Utilities provider and municipal workers radio frequencies will keep you in the know. These frequencies can be found on the Internet.

Keeping Cool, Hydrated, Reasonably Well Fed and Securely Informed. That's all you need for the moment. Grouping with friends or family helps time pass in the company of those you trust and can be comfortable in the dark with.

Very last but not at all least, keep some form of self defense close at had. Darkness brings out the dirt bags and should one of these wolves come a knockin, the sheep need to bite as well.

RJ