American Survival Guide - April 2021

Glen | Ballistics

The Guardian 5

CPM-3V Stainless Steel
Get your new knife TODAY
@BradfordKnives.com

“MANY EXAMPLES OF THE [PUUKKO] DESIGN HAVE BEEN
UNEARTHED AMONG VIKING RUINS, AND THE DESIGN VARIATIONS

ARE AS NUMEROUS AS THE PEOPLE WHO USED THEM.”

› Right: This group
of students took the

initiative to level-up

their skills during a

Fieldcraft Survival

Basic Survival Skills

class held in South

Carolina.

‹ Far left: The Rokka
Korpisoturi sheath
is ambidextrous,
durable and
provides excellent
retention.

‹ Near left: A view
inside the sheath
highlights its unique
design. Note the
dual channels that
make the sheath
ambidextrous.

minimal contact with the wood. This This blade is perfect for making feathersticks! On softwoods such as pine and poplar, SOURCE
creates less stress and friction on the it’s nearly effortless. We also used seasoned oak, which was only moderately more
blade, making it easy to split wood. The difficult. Rokka Knives, Ltd.
knife was purposely pounded through Facebook.com/RokkaKnives
knots in the wood, and it sailed through After the fire was built, the Korpisoturi was cleaned and used to make lunch. The edge
with no damage or problems. felt every bit as sharp as when we started our various field tests.

With kindling made, it was time to use A few weeks after this outing, I took this knife with me to The Sawmill Training Complex
the knife to create tinder. The Korpisoturi in South Carolina to help me teach some modern survival classes for training company
was used to carve feathersticks, as well Fieldcraft Survival. I used the knife extensively throughout the weekend to build shelters,
as scrape fatwood and magnesium. The carve spears, make traps, build fires and much more. It performed flawlessly and, because
spine of the knife is a sharp 90 degrees. I was involved with teaching those skills, I forgot the knife was there. The blade just
It scraped both fatwood and magnesium became an extension of my hand and did everything I asked of it, drawing no attention to
with no issues. The spine also does a itself. To me, this represents the highest praise I can give a knife.
fantastic job at scraping a ferro rod.
If you’re looking for a bushcraft/hunting/woods knife that’s had every detail well-thought-
out and well-executed, look no further. The Rokka Korpisoturi is simply outstanding!

52 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

ONLINE
GO VISIT US
WWW.ASGMAG.COM

GETCLEAN
WATER
ANYWHERE

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES TAKE THE
GUESSWORK OUT OF SAFE HYDRATION.

BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA

What more can be said about the necessity of clean drinking
water that hasn’t been said already? Not much, except for
this most important fact that must be repeated constantly:
Go three days without water, and you’re as good as dead.
However, not just any water will do. While you can drink
directly from a natural water source and get hydrated, the aftereffects can be
disastrous for you and make a situation go from bad to much, much worse.

Unseen by the human eye in otherwise clear water lurks a large number of
pathogens just waiting to wreak havoc on your digestive tract—or worse—with
the finale being severe vomiting, diarrhea and extreme dehydration ... leading
to possible death.

It’s up to you to avoid this barrage of “bugs” upon your fragile GI system via a
wide variety of water filtration options available today. From simple straws to
hand-pump systems and even electric filters, you can rest easy as you sip water
that’s been made safe to drink.

54 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [AMPARRICLH2022012]1]

PHOTO: SURVIVORFILTER.COM

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 55

Sawyer Tap Filter

Overview Specifications
There are times your home tap water • Attaches directly to your tap or
might be unsafe to drink due to natural
disasters or equipment failures that backyard hose faucet
contaminate the public water supply. • Filters up to 500 gallons per
Now, this isn’t an issue with the Sawyer
Tap Filter. This compact filter screws day
onto existing faucets or hose spigots • Certified at 0.1-micron filtration
and provides instant filtering of harmful • Small, lightweight design
contaminants. Also, it’s ideal when • Removes bacteria, protozoa
traveling and using questionable water
connections. Keep one in your emergency and microplastics
bag and one in your kitchen drawer … just
in case! MSRP
$39.95
URL
Sawyer.com

Sawyer 1-Gallon Gravity
Water Filtration System

Overview Specifications
Designed to filter large quantities • Removes 99.99999% of bacteria,
of water quickly and efficiently,
this lightweight and portable filter salmonella, cholera and E. coli
is ideal for campouts, deep back- • Large-mouthed bladder allows for
woods hunting trips or family needs
within your home when tap water fast filling
is suspect. Just fill the 1-gallon • Filters quickly (within 7 minutes)
"dirty-water" bag and let gravity and • Convenient handle for carrying and
the impressive mini filter process it
into the 1-gallon "clean-water" bag. hanging
Never risk your or your family’s health • Rated to filter up to 100,000 gallons
by guessing if water is safe. Make it
safe with this simple, yet effective, MSRP
filtration system. $74.99

URL
Sawyer.com

Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System

Overview Specifications
You’ll be worry free when you have this • Compact, palm-sized unit
filter in hand—at least when it comes • Attaches to hydration pack,
to ensuring you’ll have safe drinking
water. The Sawyer Mini Filter weighs standard water bottle or to the
just 2 ounces yet produces huge included straw
results as you filter out dangerous • Rated to filter up to 100,000
pathogens and other contaminants gallons of water
from tainted water sources. It’s highly • Certified for 0.1-micron filtration
versatile with multiple attachment • Ideal addition to bug-out or
sources. Best of all, it can be cleaned emergency bags
and reused almost indefinitely, with no
expensive cartridges to replace. Go big MSRP
with the Mini Filter! $24.95

URL
Sawyer.com

56 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

RapidPure Universal Bottle Adapter

Overview Specifications
Many people keep their favorite water • Removes 99.99% of viruses,
bottle by their side when working out-
side or at the gym. Now, they can use bacteria and parasites
that same bottle and enjoy safe, odor- • Easy twist onto standard
free water from nearly any questionable
source—anytime they want. Just fill widemouthed water bottles
the bottle, screw on the adapter, and • Removes pathogens 100 times
drink. It’s that simple. Because of the
RapidPure’s ultra-fast flow rate, there’s smaller than can traditional
no wait time for safe water. Refill and microfilters
reuse—no problem! It filters up to 200 • No pressing or back flushing
gallons for bacteria, cysts and protozoa required
and up to 25 gallons for harmful viruses. • Activated charcoal removes
Replacement purification cartridges are odors and improves taste
fast and easy to change out.
MSRP
$44.99

URL
RapidPure.net

RapidPure Pioneer Straw

Overview Specifications
The RapidPure Pioneer Straw is small • Removes 99.99% of viruses,
enough to fit inside your pocket, yet it’s
powerful enough to protect you from bacteria and parasites
sickness caused by unsafe water. This • Ultra-fast flow rate purifies as
small wonder can be dipped into a river,
stream or even a rain puddle to allow you it filters
to quench your thirst instantly and safely. • Activated charcoal removes
Its latest technology removes pathogens
100 times smaller than those caught odors and improves taste
by 0.2-micron, hollow-fiber filters. Now, • UltraCeram technology increases
that’s worry-free drinking!
pathogen removal
• Weighs only 2.6 ounces

MSRP
$29.95

URL
RapidPure.net

RapidPure Intrepid Bottle

Overview Specifications
The Intrepid Bottle makes nearly • Removes 99.99% of viruses, bacteria,
any type of water safe by simply
filling it and letting the incredible parasites and sediment
filter “do its thing.” A convenient flip • Ergonomic design with flip-top lid
top allows for hydration on the go, • Requires no pressing, squeezing
while the widemouthed opening
enables refilling in just seconds. The or priming
latest technology allows RapidPure’s • Works even after it’s been frozen
UltraCeram to filter pathogens much • Holds 25 ounces of water
smaller than traditional filters, which
gives peace of mind when your only MSRP
sources are ponds, rivers and lakes. $59.99

URL
RapidPure.net

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 57

ReadyWise Seychelle Water
Filtration Bottle

Overview Specifications
The ReadyWise Seychelle Water Filtra- • FDA-approved, BPA-free, low-density
tion Bottle’s patented filter removes up
to 99.99 percent of pollutants in ques- polyethylene bottle
tionable water. No longer will you need • Removes chemicals, dissolved solids
to be wary of water from a nearby
stream, lake or pond. You’ll drink with and aesthetic contaminants
confidence after filling this amazing • Removes 99.9999% of bacteria
bottle and letting the filter do its job.
The bottle holds up to 28 ounces of and viruses
water, and the filter lasts for up to 100 • Flip top for fast hydration
gallons. The kit includes a BPA-free • Large, 28-ounce capacity
bottle, filter and insulator sleeve for
easy attachment to a belt or pack. MSRP
$29.99

URL
ReadyWise.com

Alexapure Pro Filter

Overview Specifications
Ideal for large groups or families, the Alexapure • Filter capacity: up to 5,000
Pro Filter gravity-fed filtration unit reduces up
to 99.9999 percent of contaminants such as gallons
heavy metals, fluoride, chlorine, viruses, bacte- • Stainless steel construction
ria and pesticides. Simply fill the low-mainte- • Easy to assemble and offers
nance unit with water and let gravity do the
rest. A simple and convenient tap controls low maintenance
water flow into your glass, cooking pot or • Gravity-powered filtration
canteen. The filter is tested to NSF/ANSI • Fast installation of replacement
standards and replaces easily inside the
unit. filters

MSRP
$269.95

URL
Alexapure.com

Katadyn Survivor 06 Desalinator

Overview Specifications
Water, water everywhere ... and not a • Compact and lightweight
drop to drink! This situation is especially • Utilizes reverse osmosis
frustrating when you’re stranded on or
near the ocean. Drinking seawater can technology
cause serious medical problems (and • Simple hand-pump operation
death). Prevent this situation with the • Ideal for marine environments
Katadyn Survivor 06 Desalinator. Turn • Weighs only 2.5 ounces
salty seawater into fresh, drinkable water
within minutes via the desalinator’s simple MSRP
hand-pump mechanism. This pump is a $1,295
true lifesaver!
URL
Katadyn.com

58 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

Sawyer S3 Filter

Overview Specifications
A great choice when traveling • Reduces chemicals down to 0.5 part
abroad and your water sources are
questionable (at best), the Sawyer per billion
S3 Filter can be your solution for • Reduces pesticides to 0.01 part per
avoiding a plethora of waterborne
pathogens. The bottle holds up to billion
20 ounces, and the filter lets you • Filters out 99.99% of viruses
use tap water or even raw water • Reduces heavy metals (such as lead,
from stagnant locations and then
drink confidently to quench your copper and arsenic) to 0.5 part per
thirst. The kit includes the bottle billion
and cap, a 0.1 Micron Absolute • Ideal when traveling abroad or after a
Micro filter, a cleaning plunger and national disaster
a cleaning coupling.
MSRP
$89.99

URL
Sawyer.com

Survivor Filter Active Filtration Bottle
(900ml)

Overview Specifications
Replace up to 426 single-use bottles and • Removes 99.99% of bacteria,
be worry free when enjoying a drink of
water—that’s the wonder of the Survivor parasites, heavy metals and
Filter Active Filtration bottle. This on-the- toxic chemicals
go bottle offers filtration that removes • Flow rate: 1.8 liters per minute
the “bad” from water, including chlo- • Created from BPA-free,
rine, detergents, microplastics, E. coli, low-density polyethylene
giardia, chromium, PCBs, pesticides, • Weighs only 4.90 ounces (empty)
lead and more. As water passes through • The ACTIVE filter can be reused
the ionic adsorption filter, you instantly up to 100 gallons or 426 refills
receive clean water. When time is tight
and hydration is a must, this bottle is MSRP
definitely the answer. $50

URL
SurvivorFilter.com

Survivor Filter Electric PRO Filter

Overview Specifications
Producing fresh water from outside • Removes 99.999% of protozoa,
sources is easy with the Electric PRO
filter. Drop one end into your water staph and bacteria
source and the other end into your • 99.5% of mercury removal; 93%
awaiting catch vessel, and you’re
ready to go. The unit’s powerful elec- of lead removal
tric pump moves the tainted water • Produces 500 ml of fresh water
through the ultra filter pre-filter, the
carbon filter and finally, the internal per minute
ultra-filter to ensure total removal of • The carbon filter can be cleaned
hazardous contaminants. A super-fast
filtering rate makes filling multiple and reused up to 2,000 liters
containers easy and efficient. • Powered by plug, mobile charger

or two (2) AA batteries

MSRP
$125

URL
SurvivorFilter.com

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 59

Survivor Filter PRO Pump

Overview Specifications
The Survivor Filter PRO Pump is one of • Easy setup with convenient
the best portable water filtering systems
on the market today. All it takes is a hand pump operation
little bit of elbow grease to create fresh, • Filtration level: an incredible
drinkable water from nearly any outdoor
water source. Drop the filtering end into 0.01 micron
a pond, stream or puddle, and pump • Ultra-filters offer 100,000-liter
your way to tasty water within minutes.
The pump’s three-stage filtering system capacity; carbon filters offer
ensures algae, E. coli, protozoa, heavy 2,000-liter capacity
metals, chemicals, viruses and more • Flow rate: 500 ml per minute
stay behind while you collect the “good • Weighs only 12.8 ounces
stuff” in a waiting vessel. It’s ideal for
deep woods camping or emergency and MSRP
survival applications. $65

URL
SurvivorFilter.com

Survivor Filter Squeeze Kit With
Two Canteens

Overview Specifications
Whether you drink from the source or • Use filter alone or with collapsible
collect water in a canteen, the Survivor
Filter Squeeze Kit kit will provide you canteen bag
with fresh water to drink during every • Flow rate: 200 ml per minute
outdoor outing or bug-out situation. Its • Removes protozoa, bacteria,
small, yet powerful, filtering straw offers
three stages of protection—a cotton viruses, mercury and lead
filtering pad, an ultra-filter and a carbon • Perfect for bug-out kits or
filtering mouthpiece—to protect you from
tainted water and supply you with safe, emergency bags
great-tasting hydration. While you're • Compact unit weighs only 3.5
on your journey, fill one or both of the
included collapsible canteens to have ounces
clean water ready for the trail ahead.
MSRP
$40

URL
SurvivorFilter.com

Grayl Geopress Purifier Bottle

Overview Specifications
Dirty sinks, old wells, murky lakes • Removes waterborne pathogens
and sketchy spigots are no match for
the Grayl Geopress Purifier Bottle. and filters particles, chemicals,
It requires no setup time and offers pesticides and heavy metals
a rapid performance: Just fill the • Ergonomic comfort pads for nonslip,
bottle, press down and drink—it can’t anti-fatigue pressing
get simpler. Aside from removing • Improves taste, smell and clarity
waterborne pathogens, this purifier • Rapid, (5 liters per minute) filtering
improves the taste, smell and clarity • Capacity: 24 ounces
of water, making drinking a pleasure,
no matter the water source. TopoGrip MSRP
technology offers nonslip for heavy- $89.95
use surfaces.
URL
Grayl.com

60 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

H2O Survival Water Filter Travel Straw

Overview Specifications
Many survival “straws” are large, • Filters out bacteria, algae,
oversized tubes that are sometimes
bulky; and, at times, they even need spores, protozoa, viruses and
two hands to properly operate. The cysts
H2O Survival Water Filter Travel Straw • Lightweight and easy to carry
mimics a true drinking straw ... but • Use when traveling near
with the added benefit of purifying questionable water sources
every sip. It’s ideal to carry while trav- • Filters up to 18 gallons
eling abroad (where local water can • Includes carrying case and two
be sketchy at best) or when taking end caps
short hikes for which you want to
keep your pack weight low. Either way, MSRP
this straw stores in a shirt pocket and $20.98
produces huge results when needed.
URL
Amazon.com

Alexapure Survival Spring Straw

Overview Specifications
Water taken from ponds, rivers, streams • Use like a straw or attach
and even muddy puddles goes from unsafe
to tasty, clean and clear in seconds with to a standard water bottle
this amazing filtering straw. The Alexapure • Innovative, three-stage
Survival Spring Straw ensures you won’t have
to be concerned about waterborne protozoa, filtration process
bacteria and grainy sediment as you quench • BPA free
your thirst. This simple-to-operate tube can • Filters up to 300 gallons
be placed directly into the water. Alternatively,
attach it to a standard bottle for on-the-go from any fresh water
hydration. Its specialized carbon filter also source
makes processed water odor free and great • Weighs only 3.2 ounces
tasting. This is a must-have for every outdoor
enthusiast. MSRP
$24.95

URL
Alexapure.com

H2O Survival Lifeguard Water
Filter Straw Kit

Overview Specifications
Never worry about water quality again • 99.9999% effective against bacteria,
when traveling abroad or hiking through
the countryside. The H2O Lifeguard Water viruses and heavy metals
Filter Straw Kit includes a large-capacity • Self-standing bag stays upright
filtering straw, neoprene sleeve, lanyard,
belt clip and a carrying bag with a on flat surfaces
large-capacity pocket for personal items. • Equipped with convenient
When you’re not traveling, this virtual
lifesaver stores inside most emergency lanyard
or bug-out bags and is ready to come to • BPA-free, 16-ounce water bag
your aid if a crisis hits your area. You can’t
afford not to stock this valuable survival included
item! • Up to 530-gallon water filtration

capacity

MSRP
$18.99

URL
Amazon.com

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 61

MSR MiniWorks EX Microfilter

Overview Specifications
The MiniWorks EX Microfilter is • 99.9999% effective against bacteria;
popular worldwide because it
delivers long-lasting, field-main- 99% effective against protozoa
tainable water filtration in even • Uses Marathon EX carbon/ceramic
the most challenging situations.
It’s durable and efficient enough element for clean and taste-free water
to be used regularly and process • Can pump up to 1 liter per minute
water throughout your trip or • Weighs only 1 pound
emergency. It’s easily packable • Cartridge can filter up to 2,000 liters
and lightweight, so you can keep • Filter can be cleaned in the field to
it handy for those times you
need to create your own potable maintain effectiveness
water.
MSRP
$89.95

URL
MSRGear.com

MSR Guardian Military-Grade

Water Purifier

Overview Specifications
Not sure what the future will bring? Then, • Meets NSF protocol P248 for
you might as well pull out all the stops
for maintaining a safe water supply. The viruses, bacteria, protozoa and
Guardian Military-Grade Water Purifier more
is renowned among professionals as a • Pumps up to 2.5 liters per minute
dependable, top-shelf purifier. Originally • Weighs just 17 ounces
designed for the military, it’s fast and • Self-cleaning cartridge can
easy to use. It also provides the added process up to 10,000 liters
viral protection you need, whether you’re • Includes a cartridge replacement
traveling in austere environments or indicator
wilderness recreation areas. Its advanced
hollow-fiber filter offers the most reliable MSRP
way to purify even the filthiest water. $349.95

URL
MSRGear.com

MSR TrailShot Pocket-Sized
Water Filter

Overview Specifications
If you’re looking for a lightweight • 99.9999% effective against
water filter, the TrailShot Pocket-Sized
Water Filter is the product for you. bacteria; 99.9% effective against
Easy to stash in a pocket or other protozoa
small space, this tiny water filter lets • Filters up to 1 liter per minute
you drink directly from questionable • Weighs just 5 ounces
sources for instant hydration. You can • Cartridge can process up to 2,000
also fill your containers with potable liters
water for the next part of your trip. • Cartridge replacement indicator
Easy, one-handed operation lets you
get back on the trail quickly. MSRP
$49.95

URL
MSRGear.com

62 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

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BOLT-ACTION,
BABY

RUGER’S HANDY 77/44 RIFLE IN .44 MAGNUM
IS A POTENT MIDRANGE GAME-STOPPER.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

64 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

“FOR CLOSE-ACTION
ENVIRONMENTS,
A SHORT, FAST-
HANDLING AND
LIGHTWEIGHT
MIDRANGE CARBINE
WITH HEAVY BULLET
PUNCH MIGHT
JUST BE THE BEST
OPTION.”

Iused to be convinced that when-
ever I had the ability to take a long
gun along, it should be a powerful
centerfire rifle that could really reach
out accurately at great distances.
Such a gun would be effective in a plethora
of circumstances and environments. It’s
still not a bad idea.

But then, I started thinking about the
terrain in the Northeast, where I’ve spent
most of my life. I typically camp and hunt
in thick woods with rolling hills that limit
my line of sight. Rocks and blowdowns
make travel difficult. The weather is
typically lousy.

I’ve shot many deer over the years.
Looking back, the shots probably ranged
from 15 to no more than 100 yards with the
average, I figure, about 30 or 40 yards.

For close-action environments, a short,
fast-handling and lightweight midrange
carbine with heavy bullet punch might
just be the best option. The sum of all
those attributes perfectly describes the
Ruger 77/44 bolt-action rifle chambered
for .44 Magnum. Extend the reasoning
from hunting into survival and bug-out
situations, and this little Ruger makes even
more sense.

AMMO ADVANTAGE
Obviously, there’s a benefit if you have

a companion handgun in .44 Magnum
too. Room in your pack and the amount
of weight you can carry are serious
considerations when situations are fluid
and you might have to move ... and move
fast. Ammo compatibility between/among
your firearms is a key advantage.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 65

‹ Left: The Ruger
77/44 is a short, light
and handy little
bolt-action rifle
chambered for .44
Magnum.

› Near right: Like all
new Ruger Model
77 rifles, the 77/44
features a three-
position safety—
which is nice to
have.

And, yes, I always have at least one the use of rifles that fire straight-wall cartridges for deer hunting when other rifles are ‹ Above: The rifle’s
handgun of some sort with me. In not permitted. rotary magazine
wilderness environments, it’s usually mounts flush with
something that can do double duty for WHY THE RUGER 77/44? the stock. The
defense and procuring meat. The .44 Having ammo compatibility with a powerful handgun isn’t the only plus with the Ruger push-button release
Magnum, whether in a rifle or handgun, behind it works
is a versatile cartridge that can be 77/44. It’s short and lightweight, making it easy to carry—as well as easy to get in and positively, with
loaded light or heavy, depending on the around tight places without bashing it on trees or car door frames. The Ruger 77/44 little likelihood of
specific mission. In my own inventory, weighs a scant 5.2 pounds. With its 18.5-inch barrel, this rifle is just 38.5 inches long it being depressed
I have .44 Magnum ammo with bullet overall. accidentally.
weights ranging from 160 to 300 grains.
Additionally, .44 Special ammo can also be Compare that to the longtime standard in short, handy rifles: the Winchester Model
fired through this Ruger. 94 lever action, which is 38 inches long ... but it weighs 6.5 pounds. And, the Winchester
has blued steel and a wood stock. While you can get the Ruger 77/44 with blued steel
In addition, the ammo advantage and a wood stock, the specific model I tested was made of stainless steel with a black
increases if you also reload your own synthetic stock. So, it’s going to stand up to foul weather much better.
ammunition. You can then tailor your
ammo to your needs; and the .44 Magnum, A bolt action is one of the most simple and rugged actions you can get in a rifle.
being a straight-wall cartridge, is easier to There’s just not as much that can go wrong. The bolt assembly can be removed quickly,
reload than bottleneck rifle cartridges that
require you to lube the cases during the “FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A SURVIVAL GUN THAT
reloading process. In fact, some areas allow TAKES THE SAME AMMO AS THEIR .44 MAGNUM
HANDGUN, THE RUGER 77/44 IS A GOOD CHOICE.”

66 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

giving you an open look from breech to › Right: Nothing
muzzle for purposes of cleaning or checking more to buy! One
for an obstruction. The bolt assembly, nice feature of Ruger
itself, can be disassembled easily too, but Model 77 rifles is
that’s usually not necessary. the integral scope
mounts in the top
The Ruger 77/44 is sized so that anyone in of the receiver. In
your family or survival group can handle it. addition, the rifle
And, like any bolt-action rifle, it’s easy to comes with Ruger
operate. Inexperienced shooters can learn proprietary 1-inch
to shoot it safely and effectively in short
order. Recoil with a .44 Magnum, which can rings.
be a handful in a revolver, is not significant
in a rifle. directly into the solid steel receiver. That’s a strong system. I recently tested another
manufacturer’s rifle, on which the receiver screw holes were stripped. I wasn’t able to
SOLID FEATURES fasten the scope base to the receiver. It wobbled considerably, and accuracy suffered. That
Let’s take a closer look. The Ruger 77/44 can’t happen with Ruger’s integral scope mounts. The rifle comes with rings for scopes
with 1-inch tubes to fit those mounts, so that’s one less thing you have to source in this
features a cold hammer-forged barrel with day of many shooting supplies being out of stock.
precise rifling for accuracy and longevity.
The newest model, introduced within the The rifle’s stainless steel bolt features a 90-degree throw. Together with the short
past year, features a threaded barrel for
adding a muzzle brake or suppressor. A
thread protector is provided if you want to
run the gun with no muzzle accessory.

Like all rifles in the Model 77 line, this one
features integral scope mounts machined

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 67

Accuracy Results › Below: Reloading a straight-wall cartridge
such as the .44 Magnum is easier than with
bottleneck cartridges, and you don’t need a
lot of expensive equipment to get started.

AMMO GROUP VELOCITY SMALLEST AVERAGE
Black Hills HoneyBadger, 160-grain (FPS) GROUP GROUP

2,006 (INCHES) (INCHES)

1.5 1.75

American Eagle 240-grain JSP 1,824 1.25 1.5

Federal Fusion 240-grain JHP 1,774 1.0 1.25
1,624 1.25 1.25
Hornady Handgun Hunter 1,800 1.0 1.25
200-grain Monoflex

Hornady LEVERevolution 225-grain FTX

Notes: Velocity is measured in feet per second (fps) via a MagnetoSpeed chronograph. Accuracy is in inches, with
averages being the result of three three-shot groups fired at 100 yards from a rest.

action—long enough only to cycle the short pistol cartridge—bolt travel is at a minimum › Above, left: The author mounted an old Bushnell 3x9 variable scope
compared to bolt-action rifles chambered for long-rifle cartridges. That makes this rifle on the Ruger 77/44 rifle for this review. He intends to swap it out for a
faster to cycle for quicker follow-up shots. lower-power scope.

I really like the three-position safety lever on Ruger Model 77 rifles. At “full safe,” both › Above, right: The adjustable rear sight folds out of the way when you
the trigger and bolt are locked. In the second position, you can operate the bolt to mount a scope. The author, who hunts frequently in remote areas, likes
chamber or eject a cartridge, but the trigger is still blocked. Push the safety to the third, having backup iron sights.
fully forward position, and the gun is ready to fire.
› Below: The newest Ruger 77/44 model features a threaded barrel for
The rifle is fed through a detachable rotary magazine that holds four cartridges. It’s those who wish to add a muzzle brake or suppressor. (Photo: Ruger)
very reliable, and the rounds are easy to load into the magazine. The magazine fits
flush with the bottom of the receiver, so it doesn’t interfere with carrying the rifle one-

“EXTEND THE REASONING FROM
HUNTING INTO SURVIVAL AND

BUG-OUT SITUATIONS, AND THIS LITTLE
RUGER MAKES EVEN MORE SENSE.”

68 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

› Top right: The front sight of the Ruger 77/44 Ruger 77/44
has a traditional brass bead.
Specifications
› Middle right: The bolt of the Ruger operates
with a 90-degree throw and, because the action • Type: Bolt-action rifle
is short, it cycles quicker than many other • Caliber: .44 Magnum
bolt-action rifles. • Capacity: 4+1 using detachable rotary magazine

• Barrel: 18.5 inches
• Overall length: 38.5 inches
• Finish: Brushed stainless steel
• Sights: Folding Buckhorn rear, blade front;
scope base integral with receiver; Ruger scope

rings included
• Stock: Black synthetic with rubber recoil pad and

sling swivel studs
• Weight: 5.2 pounds
• Other: Also available with
blued finish and wood stock

MSRP: $999

handed at its balancing point. The push-type magazine release sits directly behind the
magazine. It’s easy to reach and easy to operate—but not too easy: You’re not likely to hit
it inadvertently and drop your magazine as you might with some guns that have extended
magazine releases.

ON THE TARGET
Okay, so you can have a rifle with all the bells and whistles, but it really comes down to

one thing, doesn’t it? How does it shoot?
Pretty good, I think.
I shot the Ruger 77/44 from the bench for accuracy at 100 yards. I shot five different

loads, tallying the results from three three-shot groups. I could have gone on and on, but
what was the point? The rifle shoots well and, after all, this is a rifle you’re going to put
to your shoulder and fire in a hurry at something maybe 75 yards away. It’s not the gun to
mount a bipod on and then wait for a deer to start climbing the far side of a canyon 500
yards away. (And remember: There’s an ongoing ammo shortage too.)

Groups ranged from 1.0 inch to 2.0 inches (my fault), with most around 1.25 inches.
That’s pretty good for a rifle firing a fat, blunt pistol cartridge. It really didn’t show
a preference for any brand or bullet weight, although the Hornady Handgun Hunter
200-grain Monoflex and Federal Fusion 240-grain JHP were probably the most consistent.

Velocities, as can be expected, were significantly higher from the rifle’s longer barrel,

“THE .44 MAGNUM, WHETHER IN A RIFLE OR › Above: The four-round rotary mag-
HANDGUN, IS A VERSATILE CARTRIDGE THAT CAN azine proved to be easy to load and
BE LOADED LIGHT OR HEAVY, DEPENDING ON THE was flawless in operation. A couple of
SPECIFIC MISSION.” spares would store easily in the pocket
of a hunting jacket.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 69

‹ Le : The little Ruger
proved a worthy
shooter during
accuracy testing from
the bench.

› Near right: Do you as compared to a handgun. Velocities ‹ Above: The author
feel lucky? The Black of the ammo tested, compared to the measured the trigger
same loads fired from my Ruger Super pull at about 4¼
Hills HoneyBadger Blackhawk with a 7½-inch barrel (refer pounds—not the
ammo leaves holes to the feet-per-second numbers in the lightest, but very
in paper targets that parentheses that follow), ranged from a crisp.
resemble four-leaf high of 2,006 (1,613) feet per second for
the Black Hills 160-grain HoneyBadger to ‹ Left: The obvious
clovers. 1,620 (1,473) for the Hornady Handgun big benefit of the
Hunter 20-grain load. The Hornady Ruger 77/44 is the
70 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021] LEVERevolution 225-grain FTX load, which ability to pair it
presented excellent 1,800 (1,484) fps with a .44 Magnum
velocity without sacrificing much in the handgun.
way of bullet weight, was impressive.

For the test, I affixed an old Bushnell
3x9 variable scope that’s been mounted
more times than a cowhand’s pony.

“THE RUGER 77/44 IS SIZED
SO THAT ANYONE IN YOUR
FAMILY OR SURVIVAL GROUP
CAN HANDLE IT. AND, LIKE ANY
BOLT-ACTION RIFLE, IT’S EASY

TO OPERATE.”

It served well in this instance, but I’ll › Right: The .44
eventually mount a lower-power scope for Magnum cartridge is
the close-in shooting I’m likely to be doing popular enough that
with this gun. I have a 1x6 variable scope most manufacturers
from Skinner Sights that’s waiting in the offer it. It’s available
wings. It features crosshairs with bullet
drop compensator (BDC) lines and a 1 MOA in a wide range of
illuminated red-dot. I’ll have to pick up bullet weights (here,
some Ruger 30mm rings first, however.
from 160 to 300
The trigger pull was relatively good. grains).
I measured it at 4.25 pounds—not as
light as on some of my other rifles, but which I roam, this short, fast-handling rifle suits me perfectly.
it broke cleanly and obviously wasn’t For those looking for a survival gun that takes the same ammo as their .44 Magnum
too detrimental to the accuracy. Firing
standing/off-hand really gives you a feel handgun, the Ruger 77/44 is a good choice. After all, you can only carry so much. Having
for how handy this rifle will be in the to source (or reload) and carry only one kind of ammo is a big plus; so is toting a rifle such
woods. It’s light and nimble, and recoil is as this Ruger, which weighs 1 or 2 pounds less than many hunting rifles. In addition, a
no problem. stainless steel rifle with a synthetic stock and a simple, rugged and reliable bolt action is,
pardon the expression, “practically bulletproof.”
A FIT FOR ME
A short carbine that shoots a pistol In a critical situation, when things are already going drastically wrong, having a
dependable rifle is one thing about which you should have no doubts.
cartridge might not be the best option for
those who live in wide-open country, where
long shots are not only possible, but likely.
In the thick woods of the Northeast in

› Left: A good
sighting option for
the Ruger 77/44
would be this 1x6
scope from Skinner
Sights. The author
plans on picking up
some 30mm rings
for the Ruger.

SOURCES

Black Hills Ammunition
(605) 348-5150
Black-Hills.com

Federal Premium
(800) 831-8100
FederalPremium.com

Hornady
(800) 338-3220
Hornady.com

Ruger Firearms
(336) 949-5200
Ruger.com

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 71

PHOTO: MICHAEL D’ANGONAWHEN PLAN ‘B’
IS FOR ‘BLADE’

LOST YOUR KNIFE? THESE
BACKUPS CAN TAKE UP THE SLACK.

BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA

72 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

“KEEP IN MIND THAT A Aknife is, without question,
KNIFE IS JUST A SHARP the most important tool
OBJECT USED FOR CUTTING every survivalist or outdoors-
OR PIERCING, AND YOUR man should carry at all times.
OPTIONS FOR REPLACING IT This valuable item offers
a variety of functions that cross over
ARE NUMEROUS.” into nearly every category of survival: It’s
valuable for shaving tinder and as a striker
to create fire. It can cut cordage and shape
tarps for building a shelter. It can help
secure game by crafting weapons or as a
spear tip. It can then be used to process the
animal for later use and also as a utensil
when it’s time to cook and eat your catch.
It can help fend off those who are out to
do you harm, as well as assist with first aid
tasks, from removing splinters to making
splints, cutting gauze and other medical
supplies and performing emergency field
amputations.

So, with all the advantages a knife
offers, one would think that if it were lost
or stolen, it could mean “game over” for
the individual or, at the very least, make
it much more difficult to survive whatever
scenario they might be facing. This could
be true, but only if they don’t know how
to access suitable replacements for their
lost blade.

It’s fundamental to the survival mindset
that a person must adapt to their situation,
and the loss of a knife is no different. There
are everyday objects that can be used or
adapted to take the place of a knife. It
might take some creativity, a few extra
“parts” and a touch of luck, but you can
make it through without your trusty knife.

Here’s how.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 73

“USED TO CUT THROUGH TOUGH PLANT MATERIAL, GARDEN
SCISSORS OR SHEARS ALSO MAKE EXCEPTIONAL AND EASILY
SHARPENED KNIVES IN A PINCH.”

‹ Left: Don’t pass
up older scissors
to use as knives.
They’re typically
stronger and better
constructed than
their modern
counterparts.

› Below: Poultry
shears can be sep-
arated and used as
two knives without
effort. Wrap the
handles in duct tape,
and you’re good to
go! (Photo: Michael
D’Angona)

74 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

SCISSORS be beneficial for a large number of survival
needs. Try to find the longer, flat-bladed
Essentially, scissors are two knives connected at the middle. Knowing this, you can use shears that are normally used to cut
one or both blades to create a useful knife on the go. hedges or large plant masses. These are
also two-handed tools, so when you make
First, there are several types of scissors to choose from, and if you have the luxury (or a knife from one of the blades, it’ll be on
luck) to come across multiple styles, there are some that work much better than others. the larger side and with a good deal of
weight behind it. While this option will be
Poultry shears. Poultry shears are excellent because they typically separate with just a tough to use for precision cuts, there are
twist of both handles. This immediately creates two “knives” that work well on their own. many other cutting tasks this option can
When a handle is created to take the place of the finger hole, a longer-term cutting and help with.
stabbing tool can be made. Poultry shears are typically tough and durable because they
have to cut through cartilage, bone, tough skin and muscle fibers. You can use duct tape or Utility or all-purpose scissors. These
cordage to seal the finger hole and then continue wrapping the handle until a comfortable scissors can work somewhat well for
grip is formed. smaller jobs and tasks because they’re
lightweight and cheaply made. They can
Garden scissors or shears. Used to cut through tough plant material, garden scissors or usually be snapped in two with some force
shears also make exceptional and easily sharpened knives in a pinch. Like poultry shears, and can then double as utensils and tinder-
they are highly durable and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. However, unlike shavers and satisfy other minor cutting
poultry shears, they don’t separate easily at their connection point, which might cause needs.
issues when you have no other tools nearby to break them down.

Remember: Pruning shears (or loppers) aren’t suitable to create a workable knife. They
only have a small, curved blade that’s used to snip flower buds and such ... which wouldn’t

“IT MIGHT TAKE SOME CREATIVITY, A FEW ROCKS
EXTRA ‘PARTS’ AND A TOUCH OF LUCK,
BUT YOU CAN MAKE IT THROUGH WITHOUT When one thinks about rocks, they might
YOUR TRUSTY KNIFE.” imagine large, heavy “doorstops” that in
no way, shape or form could take the place
of a survivalist’s knife. With that kind of

‹ Left: Once separated,
manual hedge clippers
can be repurposed
into two—impressively
large—makeshift
knives, machetes or
short swords.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 75

mindset, it’s entirely true. “GLASS WINDOWS, MIRRORS OR SHEETS
Nevertheless, for thousands of years, OF GLASS, SUCH AS FROM TABLES OR
FURNITURE, CAN BE BROKEN AND USED
man has, indeed, created sharp, knife-like ON THEIR OWN OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH
objects used to cut, stab and slice various A MAKESHIFT HANDLE TO OFFER A SOLID
materials; so, this hack is not new to the AND VERY SHARP CUTTING TOOL.”
scene by any means. The key is finding the
best rock for the job. For that, you need After you become familiar with both rock types and techniques for breaking them,
to scour the shores of low-lying riverbeds, practice will make improve your results (frequent American Survival Guide contributor
creeks and brooks. Christopher Nyerges wrote a helpful article that provides more specifics about the art of
turning rocks into knives. You can find it at asgmag.com/how-to/transforming-rocks-into-
Most rocks found in this kind of wet tools). Once the workable shards are created, you can either use them as is—similar to
environment are suited for knife creation. using a razor blade without any supporting structure around it—or you can create a handle
Without having a Ph.D. in geology, you can and fabricate a knife or small axe if necessary.
still secure the best choice—simply through
trial and error. › Below: Stones GLASS SHARDS
found along river-
Quartz, jasper and flint all work well as beds make some of It might be difficult to find glass in the wild, but it’s out there. You might stumble upon
knife substitutes, so start breaking! The the best knife blades. an old, abandoned hunting cabin or find the remnants of a shack or shed on a remote
best way to create an extra-sharp edge is Lots of practice is property that’s long been forgotten. If so, you’re in luck.
to find a suitably sized rock and stand it up required to make
on its longest end on a solid, much larger them, but they’re If you reside in the city or suburbs, glass is literally all around you. Yes, I know: Cars
stone. Doing what you can to protect your good options. (Photo: are everywhere too, but the glass from vehicles is tempered and wouldn’t work for your
eyes and hands from flying debris and cutting needs, so save yourself the time and effort and pass those by.
sharp edges, strike firmly downward with a Getty Images)
hammer or other striking object (another Glass windows, mirrors or sheets of glass, such as from tables or furniture, can be broken
solid and substantial stone will do). As you and used on their own or in conjunction with a makeshift handle to offer a solid and very
break down the stone, you should be able
to create some useful shards.

76 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

› Above: Broken glass sharp cutting tool. One drawback to this option is that it can break as easily as you broke
or broken mirrors the glass to create it, so use caution when using and carrying it. You might be able to dull
the edges where you plan to hold this tool, but also wrap twine or tape to form a handle.
produce long, sharp Check often to make sure the wrap isn’t being cut or weakened by the sharp glass.
pieces that are
As easily as glass cuts your finger when you break a glass in the kitchen, it can work
ideal to craft into an wonders in the field. From skinning game and cutting cordage to slicing through fabrics
efficient cutting tool. and plastics, this option for a temporary knife offers nearly razor-sharp performance
(Photo: Getty Images) without you needing to sharpen it.

“A KNIFE IS, WITHOUT QUESTION,
THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL EVERY
SURVIVALIST OR OUTDOORSMAN SHOULD
CARRY AT ALL TIMES.”

NO BONES
ABOUT IT—IT’S OLD!

Think your pocketknife handed down to you from your grandfather is old? Think again!
A knife found in Morocco and created from the rib bone of an unidentified mammal, is con-
sidered to be the oldest of its type—dated at a staggering 90,000 years old. It’s thought to be
associated with the Aterian culture of North Africa’s Middle Stone Age.
Recovered in 2012 from a cave about 850 feet inland from the current Atlantic shore of
Morocco, this well-preserved tool of the age showed evidence of being shaped and sharpened
in a complex, multistage process.
It just goes to show that a knife, no matter when it existed in history, was one of the most
useful and needed tools ever created by man.

› Right: An animal rib
bone such as this was
used to create what's
now thought to be the

oldest bone knife in
the world—it’s dated
at 90,000 years old!
(Photo: Getty Images)

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 77

EVERYDAY
BLADES

Being without a knife when you need one is inconvenient, at best, and a bad situa- “THERE ARE EVERYDAY
tion, at worst. Additionally, most people don’t carry knives regularly, so when a crisis
hits, they lack this valuable tool. OBJECTS THAT CAN BE USED OR

Here are some simple and common options that are easy to carry or find: ADAPTED TO TAKE THE PLACE
Pocketknife. A simple pocketknife can do wonders when you need it to. Keep it
in your pants pocket or attached to your keyring, and you’re good to go when an OF A KNIFE.”
emergency hits. Pocketknives with multiple blades can perform numerous small tasks
as well. METAL
Multi-tool. What’s better than just one tool? How about 12 or more in one, com-
pact unit? That’s the beauty of a multi-tool. Enjoy the use of several blades, in addi- › Above: Leatherman Pieces of metal found throughout your
tion to bottle openers, scissors, tweezers, saws, pliers, wrenches and more—all in one made the original surroundings can be sharpened and used
convenient package. A common component in many EDC kits, good multi-tools can multi-tools and as knives.
fill many gaps you’ll encounter in a wide variety of everyday and adverse situations. recently launched its
Wallet survival card. There are many versions of these credit card-sized tools. new FREE line. These All sizes and shapes of metal items and
Lots of these offer a sharp edge on one side, as well as a selection of other useful tools are easier to use scraps can be found virtually anywhere
tools, such as a saw, screwdrivers, wrench openings and others that are stamped or and carry so you can in civilization—not to mention the same
punched throughout the tool. Best of all, it can be carried within your wallet (which always have a knife remote outposts mentioned above. These
most people always keep with them). blade handy. (Photo:
Razor cutter. Flat, compact—and yes, razor sharp—these cutters can be carried Leatherman)
just about anywhere because of their small size. These blades cut through just about
anything, and the metal case can be folded out and sharpened when the blade is too
dull to cut and replacements can’t be found. In emergencies, you can find knives such
as this everywhere, from offices and stores to warehouses and homes; in other words,
everywhere people need to open packages.

could include metal workshop files, pieces

of fencing and signs, parts of vehicles,

appliances or building supplies, and hand

tools that can be repurposed into cutting

tools.

The beauty of metal is that it can be shaped

and then sharpened using coarse rocks or

other abrasives found just about everywhere.

You might not get the best edge, but you'll

be able to cut or hack through a variety of

materials, such as cordage, plastic, rubber

and wood. Choose appropriate metals

that are tough and rigid and won’t fail with

repeated use. Adding a handle, in most cases,

is a simple process of just taping or tying a

wooden handle you fashion (or even a stick)

› Left: Razor cutters to the “non-business” end of the tool.
are easy-to-carry As for using your metal knife as a utensil
blades that come in
handy if your prima- for dinner ... give this a pass: Rust, tiny bits
ry knife is missing. of metal and other impurities can end up in
(Photo: Michael your food and cause additional problems in
D’Angona)

78 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

addition to your current survival emergency › Right: This large
or crisis. shard of glass,
when properly
UNORTHODOX CUTTING TOOLS
If the aforementioned cutting tools wrapped to make a
safe handle, would
weren’t unorthodox, then what is?
The truth is that there are numerous ways be a useful tool
when you don’t
of cutting various materials most people have a bona fide
might not know about, and many of those knife available.
options are always nearby.
› Right: Metal files
Wire and dental floss are both strong found in tool chests
and flexible materials that can cleanly
make short work of soft and semi-soft or workshops can,
food products. Fruits, vegetables and even themselves, be filed
chicken and fish (under enough pressure)
can be severed by such items. Cheese down to a sharp
wires are used to break down large wheels edge and used as a
of cheese easily, and you can also do the knife replacement.
same with other foods and materials.
They can also be
Your wallet also holds cutting used to sharpen
implements. The edges of credit cards, IDs makeshi knives.
and driver’s licenses can be filed down;
they make great, little knives. Today, some › Right: Dental floss,
credit cards are extra heavy, with some although not super
metal added, so these work especially well
in this case. strong, can slice
cleanly through ripe
BE CREATIVE fruits and other so
This list of knife substitutes is by no foods. (Photo: Getty

means complete. However, the underlying Images)
idea of surviving any situation is to adapt
to what’s happening around you. Whether
you’re dealing with a large-scale disaster
or smaller-scale issues—such as the
loss of your knife—you’ll need to make
alternatives work for your ongoing survival.

Keep in mind that a knife is just a sharp
object used for cutting or piercing, and your
options for replacing it are numerous.

Some individuals might panic if or when
they’re without a knife. Don’t be one of
those people! Instead, step it up, look
around for viable materials, and craft away.
Soon, you’ll have your own, personalized
blade at your side, ready to tackle
whatever situation stands in your way.

“WIRE AND DENTAL FLOSS ARE
BOTH STRONG AND FLEXIBLE
MATERIALS THAT CAN CLEANLY
MAKE SHORT WORK OF
SOFT AND SEMI-SOFT FOOD
PRODUCTS.”

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 79

MAKETHE
MOSTOF

YOUR GARDEN

EXPERT ADVICE FOR THE HOME
GARDENER—PART 2

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES

80 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

› Miguel Gutiérrez of Altadena,
California, shows the fruit from his
Fuerte avocado tree. The Fuerte
avocado originated in 1911, when Carl
Schmidt brought about 30 budwoods
from Atlixco, Mexico, to his nursery in
Altadena, California. During a frost in
the winter of 1913 1914, all but one of the
avocado trees died. That survivor was
the parent of all Fuerte avocados.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 81

‹ Far left: Fig trees
are easy to grow with
minimal care, and
both their leaves and
fruits are edible.

‹ Near left: The
evergreen Catalina
Island cherry. There
are cherry trees that
grow best in each part
of the United States.

› Near right: Oak In this article’s first installment, ‹ Above: Mesquite
trees are long-term which appeared in the January 2021 pods are a quality
commitments. There issue of American Survival Guide, I food and are easy
are good oak trees identified many of the “best” food to grow in desert
plants for one’s yard or garden. Ob- regions.
for all parts of the viously, there are many variables in these
United States. choices, but I asked various gardeners to
share with readers what they determined
82 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021] to be the “best plants” based on the
following criteria:
• Which plants are the most nutritious?
• Which plants are the most productive
with the least work?
• Which plants are easiest to grow (in your
area), almost taking care of themselves?
• Which plants offer more than food,
providing multiple uses (such as fiber,
medicine, soap and even fragrance)?
In this issue of ASG, I asked another group
of gardeners and self-reliance experts
to share what they regarded as the best
plants in the following areas:

Food
• Best tree
• Best shrub
• Best vine
• Three best vegetables

Non-Food
• One or two top choices of useful plants

THE ADVISORS are extremely long-lived and are drought and heat tolerant, but they won’t thrive in cold, ‹ Above: A view
wet areas. In warm, arid locations, olive trees have been known to live and produce olives of the branches of
Each of the advisors I consulted for this for more than 1,000 years! the mesquite tree.
article was asked to select just one plant Note the numerous
from each category that they consider McNeil: Figs are very nutritious and have lots of calories for their size. The fruit comes large thorns on the
the “best.” Obviously, this is somewhat out in small batches over a month or so, providing a continuous harvest rather than a branches.
subjective, but it’s also objectively based single crop. Fig leaves are edible and are also good for wrapping up other food such as
on each person’s experiences in their meat or rice. ‹ Below, left: A group
particular ecosystem. So, although it would of avocados for
be foolish to ever say that any one plant Nyerges: Olives—any of the high oil-content varieties. (Apples are a very close second.) sale at a local farm
is the “best” under all circumstances, you Struycken: Avocado. Avocados taste good and are incredibly nutritious. They contain market
can get some good ideas about what you the so-called “good fats”—both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Consumption ‹ Below, right: Acorns
might plant in your own yard or farm by of avocados has been linked to lower levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol. High-fiber diets are the nuts that oak
considering these advisors’ answers. have been lauded for lowering blood sugar, cutting cholesterol and potentially preventing trees produce in the
some kinds of cancer (colon cancer, for instance). Avocado contains about 1 gram of fiber autumn. They can
Dana Benner of New Hampshire (also a per tablespoon, with around 10 grams in an entire fruit. Avocados are also good sources be used for food but
contributor to American Survival Guide), of folate, magnesium, potassium, vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic require some work
is a gardener with a bias toward native acid), B6 (pyridoxine), C, E and K. before they’re edible.
plants. Sweany: Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria). Yaupon is native from the U.S. East Coast to
about Texas but has a wide growth range well beyond Texas. Yaupon is the only native
“Wildman” Steve Brill from New Rochelle, plant to North America that has caffeine. To make a coffee substitute, the leaves are
New York, is a famous wild food forager. lightly toasted in a 300 degree (F) oven. Boil 2 cups of water and add 1 tablespoon of
yaupon. Steep for about five minutes. Toasted yaupon was the beverage-of-choice in the
Environmentalist Joe A. Hall of Alhambra, United States for hundreds of years. It has a unique, pleasant taste that's sort of a blend
California, is a life-long gardener and of Argentina's national beverage, yerba mate, and a coffee/tea.
ecologist.

Jay Hartman of Brier, Washington, is a
home gardener and plant experimenter.

Malcolm McNeil is a naturalist at Huntley
Meadows Park, Fairfax County, Virginia.

Christopher Nyerges—yours truly!
Actor Carel Struycken of Altadena,
California, is an expert in permaculture.
Helen Sweany is a naturalist and gardener
from Santa Clarita, California.

TOP TREES

Benner: Any of the fruit-producing
cherries. There are many varieties out
there. They produce fruit for people and
wildlife. A close runner-up would be fruit-
producing crabapples. Their fruit is tart, but
it makes great jam and it attracts wildlife.

Brill: Mulberries
Hall: Oak tree (food from acorns).
Although it takes a few years to produce
acorns, it will sustainably produce nuts for
centuries.
Hartman: Olive tree (Olea europaea).
This tree produces olives and olive oil. Olive
oil is known to be a healthful, nutritious
cooking and baking ingredient. Olive trees

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 83

SUGGESTED SHRUBS ‹ Above, left: The can be stored easily for several months
prickly pear cactus is by freezing. Blueberries require slightly
Benner: Wild blackberries and raspberries. If they grow in your yard, encourage them. low maintenance and acid soil, some irrigation (depending on
I don't like the cultivated varieties. They’re like growing roses: They need a lot of care. In produces food nearly location), and each bush can produce for
addition, blueberries are always a good bet. Every part of this plant can be used for both year-round. many years if it’s well-kept.
food and medicinal purposes. Any variety is good.
‹ Above, right: The McNeil: Blueberry or raspberry. Both
Brill: Autumn olives young prickly pear berries grow similarly and are quite
Hall: Mesquite. This is a sustainable shrub for the desert Southwest, producing edible pad is the most tasty. Both can be mixed up with fruit or
and highly palatable pods every year. tender and tasty. vegetables in salads or squeezed for their
Hartman: The blueberry (Vaccinium cyanococcus). The common blueberry bush/ juice. They usually produce fruit for long
shrub produces generous quantities of delicious fruit that’s good fresh or baked and periods of time.

Nyerges: Prickly pear cactus (I’m pretty
sure we can call this a “shrub”). This plant
produces year-round food in the form of
the young pads, inside the older pads and
the fruit.

Struycken: Blackberry
Sweany: Redbud (Cercis occidentalis).
The flowers and buds have more vitamin
C than do citrus fruits. As a cooked side
dish, they start out tasting like green
beans and then give a pleasant, sour
aftertaste. They're in the same family as
peas and beans, and you get a lot of food
for a small area. Redbud’s beautiful color
makes a knockout sorbet. A close runner-
up is pineapple guava (Feijoa sellowiana),
another awesome shrub to plant. It
provides edible petals and fruits.

‹ Far left: One of the author’s students, Monica
Montoya, tastes a bit of raw cactus.

‹ Near left: Blackberries are not only easy to
grow, they can also become invasive. They
produce a natural fence and sweet fruits
every summer. (Some people call them
“vines”; some people view them as “shrubs.”)

84 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

‹ Far left: THREE TOP VEGETABLES
Nasturtium sprawls
over a stone wall. Benner:
1. Pumpkins: Both the flesh and the seeds
‹ Near left: The can be eaten. They can be stored for long
leaves and vines of periods of time.
the wild grape 2. Beans: There are many different
varieties. They can be eaten right off the
VALUABLE VINES ‹ Below: Purslane plant, frozen for later use, and the seeds
is often found in can be dried. They’re a great source of
Benner: This has to be the grape; specifically, fox grape. The fox grape is the wild variety the wild, but it’s protein.
of the Concord grape (famous for jelly and grape juice). The true fox grape is small, also intentionally 3. Greens: Lettuce, chard, spinach, kale.
whereas the Concord grape is larger. Both are great for the homeowner. grown in gardens. They’re all good—and easy to grow.
Because it's one Brill:
Brill: Greenbriar (although it’s technically a climbing shrub). of the richest 1. Violet
Hall: Snap peas—a good source of protein—can be eaten raw or dried. Beans, in general, plant sources of 2. Lamb’s quarters
are close seconds. omega-3 fatty acids, 3. Purslane
Hartman: Blackberries and related brambles (Rubus species). The humble blackberry this plant is very Hall:
produces delicious berries that freeze well and are tasty raw or in baking. Blackberries are healthy to eat. 1. Kale
the “survivors” of the garden world once they’re established. And, with the proper amount 2. Sweet potatoes
of moisture, blackberries grow vigorously. When cared for, they’re heavy producers. In 3. Pumpkins
addition to their food qualities and durability, blackberries can be fermented into wine. Hartman:
McNeil: Wild grape vine. A good wild grape vine has many long-term benefits: The 1. Pumpkins and other field squash
grapes are tasty eaten or squeezed for juice, and the young leaves are also delicious when (Cucurbita pepo). The winter squashes are
mixed into a salad. The vine, itself, is quite tough and can be used as a natural rope for a nutritious staple of many cultures and
tying things together or hanging objects in the air. The plants are quite hardy and survive
well through the winter.
Nyerges: Roger’s red grape. This is a cross between the Concord grape and the native
California wild grape. The fruits are smaller, and the plant is less prone to grape diseases.
Struycken: Kiwi
Sweany: Nasturtiums. Most people won’t see this as “food”—which is good for an
inconspicuous garden.

‹ Above: Asian greens are good sources for the B vitamin folate, the
carotenes lutein and zeaxanthin, and magnesium.

‹ Near left: There are many varieties of grape species. Chances are
good that at least one will grow well in your area.
‹ Far left: Nasturtium is a beautiful sprawling vine, as well as an
inconspicuous food source.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 85

‹ Far left: Commonly
grown in gardens
around the country,
violets are edible and
also provide many
medicinal uses.

perform well with modest care. In addition to providing a tasty, nutritious vegetable and › Above: A pumpkin 3. Green beans. Green beans are very
edible, long-storing seeds, many winter squash varieties are known for staying fresh for offers edible flesh nutritious and easy to grow. They produce
several months without refrigeration when they’re stored under cool, protected conditions. a continuous crop once they mature. Green
and seeds, and it can beans can be prepared in a variety of ways
2. Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Beans are “light feeders,” with lower nutrient be stored for long and are delicious raw right off the plant,
requirements for good production than many other vegetable crops. Beans have been a periods. prepared in a stir fry with other veggies or
mainstay of many cultures over millennia—for good reason: They’re nutritious, high in fiber roasted in an oven.
and an excellent source of vegetable protein.
Nyerges:
3. Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum). Tomatoes are frost intolerant, but varieties have 1. Purple tree collard
been bred to be widely adaptable to areas from arid deserts to cool regions and in a vast 2. Potatoes
assortment of colors, shapes and sizes. Tomatoes are easy to grow, making them one 3. Tomatoes. Also consider the closely
of the most popular of garden vegetables because, even with modest care, they tend to related tomatillos (“husk tomatoes”),
produce well. which are perennials.
Struycken:
McNeil: 1. My favorite vegetables are mostly
1. Butternut squash (mildew-resistant variety). Squash is a very nutritious vegetable. It Asian brassicas. However, nobody sells
can be roasted or mixed in with soups to great effect. Squash are quite hardy, because Tyfon seeds (also called “Holland greens”)
their thick skin protects them from animals and elements alike. One downside: Unless you anymore. That was my favorite, because it
get the correct variety, the vines and leaves are vulnerable to mildew. would grow almost year-round, except for
2. Cherry tomatoes. A good cherry tomato plant can provide food for an entire season. the hottest part of the year, and it can be
These tomatoes can also be dried and saved, as well as pickled. In my experience, you only "cut and come again."
need to plant one cherry tomato plant, because it creates “volunteer” plants very easily— 2. My all-time favorite stir-fry vegetable is
sometimes to the point of being almost weed-like. Chinese broccoli (“Gai lan”), but I’ve never had
much luck growing it in sufficient quantities.
‹ Far left: The wild 3. The only edible tomatoes these days
lambs quarter plant are home-grown varieties. If I remember
is one of the most correctly, the "heirloom" varieties produce
nutritious green more steadily through the season (they
plants. Both its don't ripen all at once). I am a lazy
leaves and seeds can gardener and always try to pick the least
be eaten. labor-intensive edibles!
Sweany:
‹ Near left: 1. Purslane (Portulaca oleraceae) added to
Raindrops bead up a sandwich provides crunch, tastes much
on the leaves of this better than lettuce and is rich in omega-3
lambs quarter plant. fatty acids.
2. Lambs quarter (Chenopodium album) is
a nutrient-rich spinach substitute.
3. Stinging nettle is another spinach
substitute that helps arthritis and other
health issues.

86 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

NON-FOOD PLANTS › Top right: Bronze
flax is commonly
Benner:
1. Willow: Willows have multiple uses that range from fire-starting (dried seed pods) to planted as a border
medicinal (inner bark). ornamental. A
2. Rhododendron: Rhododendron makes a great barrier on the north side of your house
(that’s important here, in the Northeast). It provides nesting areas for many songbirds, top-quality fiber can
and its flowers attract pollinators. be produced from its
Brill: Dogbane is good for making twine and rope.
Hall: Yucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei) is used for its fiber, particularly for sandals and rope. leaves.
Hartman:
1. The pine tree (various species). In addition to their lumber, construction- and furniture- › Bottom right: Aloe
making value, pine trees are fast-growing and adaptable. Less-well-known uses for pine vera is an easy-to-
products include pine needle tea (high in vitamin C), pine needles for baskets and other grow succulent
handicrafts, and pine pitch as a natural adhesive and fire accelerant.
2. Aloe vera is used to treat a variety of skin irritations (such as windburn, sunburn, whose juice is used
chafing and poison oak rash). Aloe is also applied to minor skin injuries and to existing to treat rashes, burns
injuries, because it reduces scarring.
McNeil: and cuts.
1. Pine trees. Pine resin can serve as a mildly effective natural glue to stick light objects
together. The resin can also serve as pitch to make a torch. Pine tree needles are usually › Below, left: Native
thick and soft enough to serve as excellent ground cover for overnighting outside. The yucca is sometimes
boughs of the tree also make excellent coverage for shelter-building. planted in gardens
2. Cattails. There are multiple edible parts of the cattail, and they also have great utility.
The reed leaves can be woven into mats for floor or roof coverings. The shafts of the within its range. It
cattail can be used for creating arrow shafts. The mature cattail seed fluff can be used as produces fiber, soap
an insulating stuffer for shoes or jackets. It's also an excellent fire-starter, catching quickly
and burning hot. and food. (Photo:
Nyerges: Yucca and bronze flax. Both are excellent fiber plants. Rick Adams)

“EVERYONE HAS A DIFFERENT IDEA OF › Below, right: A view
WHAT ‘BEST’ MEANS, BASED ON THEIR of the native yucca
PERSONAL NEEDS AND DESIRES AND plant (Photo: Helen
WHAT’S RIGHT FOR THEIR ENVIRONMENT.” Wong)

‘BEST’ FOR YOUR AREA
Everyone has a different idea of what

“best” means, based on their personal
needs and desires and what’s right for their
environment. Still, it’s interesting to note
the plants that appear more than once on
the lists. That probably means that plant
should rate the highest consideration.

Keep in mind that most of the trees,
shrubs, vines and vegetables listed here
have many horticultural varieties. Local
garden clubs and garden guides can
educate you regarding the varieties that
are best for your part of the country.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 87

HOW TO USE
PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION
MORE SAFELY

MINIMIZE THE DANGERS OF GETTING
FROM POINT A TO POINT B.

BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA

88 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

“WHEN DISCUSSING PHOTO: GETTY
SELF-DEFENSE
ITEMS YOU COULD
CARRY, IT SHOULD
BE NOTED THAT NO
MATTER WHICH
ITEM YOU CHOOSE,
PROPER TRAINING
WITH THAT
WEAPON PRIOR TO
CARRYING IS AN
ABSOLUTE MUST.”

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 89

‹ Left: Overcrowded buses or trains can result in
a panicked stampede when a crisis hits. Avoid
packed trains, planes and buses. In addition,
also be wary of pickpockets in these situations.
(Photo: Getty)

“IT SHOULD GO
WITHOUT SAYING
THAT TRAVELING
DURING DAYLIGHT
HOURS AND
‘GOING WITH THE
FLOW’ OF FELLOW
COMMUTERS
IS THE SAFEST
TIME TO TRAVEL
THROUGHOUT
YOUR DAY.”

› Near right: When
traveling by air,

choose an aisle seat
near the back of the

plane. Statistically
speaking, this is the

safest place to sit.
(Photo: Getty)

There’s no doubt that in the services such as taxis and other options (Uber and Lyft, for instance), these varied ‹ Above: When
United States, passenger modes of travel present their own dangers to you. In addition, it’s not only the idea that waiting for your
cars and light trucks are you might be injured in an accident, secondary dangers also exist. Uber or Lyft, be
the most dangerous modes sure to note the
of transportation a person You need to address staying safe while waiting for your ride, taking precautions against driver and the car
could use to move from one place to “odd” or phony drivers, or just being cautious of unforeseen hazards during the hustle that are supposed
another. According to the U.S. Bureau of and bustle of busy transportation hubs. The fact is that even though car deaths and to arrive. Impostors
Transportation Statistics, over 61 percent injuries are the greatest threat, your ‘’radar’’ should always be on, and your common have picked up and
of 2019’s transportation fatalities resulted sense and natural instincts must be tuned into your surroundings to ensure you’ll make assaulted unsus-
from riding in cars, pickups, vans and other it home to your loved ones. pecting commuters.
similarly sized vehicles. (Photo: Getty)
A PLETHORA OF CHOICES
Luckily for most people, the option to use As mentioned above, transportation options are more numerous in the city, and
other modes of transportation is readily
available in cities, suburbs and some rural because most people live in either a city or the surrounding suburbs, the odds are
areas of the country. However, just because good they’d employ one or more transportation choices other than their own car or
someone lowers their statistical chance of truck. These could include local buses, subways and elevated trains, as well as longer-
being injured or killed by avoiding using a distance options that travel out of state, and intercity and regional trains. Some cities
car doesn’t mean they should be worry- employ cable cars and trolleys to move commuters, while smaller towns offer large
free about their alternative choice of van and shuttle services. Finally, all types of car-ride services are now available, such
transportation. as cabs, limousines and independent contractor drivers for those needing one-time
transportation.
From subways to buses to “chauffeured”
There are about a dozen viable options to choose from, and they can be divided into

90 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

a few main categories—buses, trains, large buses or in their associated congested stations can incite mass panic, causing
cars and small aircraft, to some extent. stampedes, people being forced against the doors and crushed, knocked down and
Helicopters and planes, although not trampled by others. Crowded stations also attract pickpockets and thieves, who watch a
everyday travel for the vast majority target’s every movement and strike at the precise time to steal their wallet, handbag or
of commuters, are included, because even luggage, even if it’s left unattended for only a few seconds.
where you sit on the craft can aid in your
survival if a crash occurs. You also need to Not everyone can pick and choose their preferred travel time, but by finding the best
incorporate safety protocols at the airport times and formulating a schedule as near to those times as possible, you can reduce risk
or field and when securing a ride to the and have a better chance of avoiding safety and security problems.
method of transportation.
› Below: A flash- CARRYING ... JUST IN CASE
OPTIMAL SAFE CONDITIONS light can detect an
It should go without saying that traveling assailant hiding in Traveling in large, loud crowds, sketchy environments, riding alone with an unknown
driver and traveling at all hours of the night can lead to dangerous situations for the
during daylight hours and “going with the the shadows and commuter. But the fact is that appropriate precautions need to be taken during any travel
flow” of fellow commuters is the safest also illuminate your to protect yourself from both predators and potential dangers presented by hazardous
time to travel throughout your day. Night conditions found all around you.
travel invites predators to prey upon solo path when walking
riders and those lost or confused about through dark corri- There are numerous opportunities for “bad actors” to approach you and threaten your
their surroundings. The darkness can be physical well-being if you don’t give up your money, jewelry or other valuables; essentially,
detrimental if an accident occurs and a dors or stairways. you get mugged. Your money is replaceable and not worth your life, of course. However,
person is trying to get their bearings or call (Photo: Getty) that’s only one such crime that could occur—and the others only get worse from there.
for help.
The possibilities of physical attacks for a wide variety of reasons, such as sadistic fun,
Conversely, overcrowded daytime travel rape, kidnapping and murder, can justify the decision to carry one or more self-defense
is not optimal for the individual either. and safety items. The frequency, environmental safety record and many other factors, not
Accidents occurring on subways, trains, to mention local laws and your capabilities with the tools, will help you determine what’s
appropriate for the given situation. In addition, cabs and ride shares put you under the
control of the driver; if you’re unfamiliar with the area, that could go very wrong for you.

“ ... WHEN SOMEONE IS COMMITTING
A CRIME OF ANY NATURE, THEY DON’T
LIKE TO BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT. IF YOU
PUT THEM IN IT, YOU HAVE A VERY GOOD
CHANCE OF SURVIVING THE ORDEAL.”

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 91

THE
‘CHAMELEON’
EFFECT

While waiting at a station or on the sidewalk at a bus stop, ‹ Above: Waiting alone at a bus stop at night is just asking for trouble. If possible, change your
there are ways for you to blend into your environment and schedule to avoid this dangerous combination. (Photo: Getty)
avoid attracting the interest of predators.
PRECAUTIONARY
TONE DOWN THE BLING There are many items you could carry that don’t physically harm a person but are
There’s nothing wrong with showing your nice things, but
there’s a time and place for it—and it’s not while waiting for a intended to disorient or scare them or, at the very least, attract attention toward them.
ride. Fancy watches, rings and necklaces shout out to others, Remember: When someone is committing a crime of any nature, they don’t like to be in
“Come and get some of this!” Take your valuables off, and the spotlight. If you put them in it, you have a very good chance of surviving the ordeal.
you’ll enjoy a hassle-free wait.
A portable, hand-held alarm with a high decibel sound can essentially “wake up" the
DRESS TO DEPRESS night, along with just about anyone around you when it’s activated. These devices are
Like jewelry, fancy clothing attracts attention. Whether it usually palm sized and operate on simple batteries with either a pull string or “panic”
could lead to sexual advances or suggests to others that you button for activation. If a threatening situation occurs, you need only switch it on,
have money, it’s something you shouldn’t have to deal with hopefully scaring the assailant and sending him running. The unit can also be stored
during your commute. Instead, wear a long coat or jacket that within a purse or bag with the cord wrapped around your wrist. If the crime is theft—or,
keeps your fancy togs under wraps. Drab colors and plain styles more specifically, purse-snatching—once the bag is seized by the robber, they’ll essentially
also help decrease attraction from strangers. activate the alarm and have it sounding within their stolen prize. This might be enough to
get them to drop it and run, and you can then retrieve your valuables and other goods.
AVOID THE JITTERS
Nervousness or distraction telegraphs to others that you’re A tactical flashlight is another option. However, this tool doesn’t alert others to your
out of your element or multitasking when you shouldn’t be; danger; it distracts your assailant or, at the very least, allows you to shine some light
thus, it makes you a target to those around you. Whether on their identity. This, alone, might be enough to deter them from proceeding with their
you’re eager to get home after a long, stressful day or have a intended crime. Some tactical lights are designed to be effective impact weapons, but this
lot on your mind, being distracted can lead to you being robbed type of use could be legally problematic in some jurisdictions.
or jumped when you least expect it.
SELF-DEFENSE
HEAD HIGH When discussing self-defense items you could carry, it should be noted that no matter
Confidence can go a long way toward dissuading a predator
from making you their target. Even if it’s only bravado, always which item you choose, proper training with that weapon prior to carrying is an absolute
walk with your head high, your eyes scanning in front of you must. Too many times, people believe they’re good to go as soon as they purchase the
and your walk exuding firmness and certainty with each step. item. However, they find out—sometimes with horrible consequences—that learning how
Bullies target the weak. Stay strong and get passed by. to use the device is more important than having it.

Knives and batons are easily concealed, and both make excellent defensive
weapons. Most batons offer greater reach than most knives and can keep an attacker
at bay, whereas a knife, if it makes a decisive cut, can force the assailant to stop their

‹ Left: It’s unwise to travel alone in dimly lit subway or train station corridors. If it’s unavoidable,
carry a flashlight, alarm or self-defense weapon in case of trouble. (Photo: Getty)

92 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

TREAD
ONLINE

GO VISIT US
WWW.TREADMAGAZINE.COM

NUMBERS usually listed so you know the exact vehicle you’ll be driving in. In addition, the driver’s
DON’T LIE: characteristics should also be on the phone app so you know who your driver will be. If
VEHICLE SAFETY all the data matches, it’s a good sign, but if the car is different or the driver seems “off”
when compared to the picture or name, your inner voice should alert you that something
Commercial aircraft. With planes topping out the list as might be wrong. Regardless of how reality matches the app’s information, many people
one of the safest modes of travel for commuters, 2019 numbers send a photo of the license plate and rear of the vehicle to a trusted friend, who can help
illustrate this fact, with only 452 fatalities within the United authorities track you down if necessary.
States.
If you confront the driver about the inconsistencies and their explanation makes sense,
Trains. With approximately double the number for planes, still use caution when deciding if you will or won’t take that ride. It’s better to wait
passenger trains came in at 899 fatalities during the same one- another half hour for someone you trust than to become the subject of a news report the
year period. next day. Don’t feel badly for the driver, and don’t second-guess yourself. Your life could
be on the line, so err on the side of caution.
Buses and trucks. Among buses and trucks that weigh more
than 10,000 pounds (gross vehicle weight), the 2019 number is Waiting for a train or bus can leave you susceptible to stalkers of all types. Whether their
892. intent is to rob or harass you or kidnap or sexually attack you, remember: There’s safety in
numbers. Stay within the station, where it’s well-lit, and stay near other people who don’t
Cars. Perhaps giving up your car might be in order: Nearly appear to be threats. It might not be comfortable, and it might counter your eagerness to
22,215 passengers died in cars, vans, pickups and similar vehicles get aboard and home, but you might not get home at all if you’re assaulted or robbed.
in 2019.
‘SAFE SPOTS’ IN VARIOUS VEHICLES
Walking. Although one would think walking would be the Your choice of location while riding in various public transportation vehicles can make a
safest mode of travel, 6,205 deaths occurred in 2019 while people
were walking. difference to whether you survive an accident. There are no guarantees but, if you follow
the odds, there are safer seats within your chosen vehicle; and, if you know them, your
attack quickly and flee. Both have their odds of surviving a crash increase greatly.
advantages. Nevertheless, remember that
both can be taken away from you and used Trains. It’s best to find a seat in one of the middle cars. Because most crashes occur
against you. Hence, the necessity of pre- either in the front or back of the train, the middle cars will suffer the least impact.
carry training—not to mention checking Furthermore, an aisle seat inside that car distances you a bit from glass and other debris.
their legality in the areas in which you For even more safety, find a back-facing seat with a headrest so a front-end crash will
intend to travel. drive your body into the seat back, as opposed to projecting you out of the seat, as in
the case of a forward-facing seat. Subway travel mimics normal train travel, so the same
A firearm is the top tier defensive weapon. precautions should be followed.
However, it also carries the most impact
in the forms of physical harm, mental Buses. Buses follow this same idea of internal seating choice. A mid-vehicle seat
and emotional aftermath for the user, as location, coupled with an aisle seat, offers the best protection on large interstate buses,
well as possible legal issues if there’s a as well as local and intercity buses.
question of whether your use of a firearm
was legal or justified. The decision to ‹ When using public transportation,
carry a handgun is a complex one, so it’s try to blend into your surroundings. In
advisable to do your homework first, make addition, refrain from signaling affluence
an informed decision, and then practice so
you know your weapon’s—and your own— or that you are in an unfamiliar area.
capabilities.

WAITING DANGERS PHOTO: GETTY

As much time as it takes to travel to a
destination, there’s an associated amount
of time spent waiting for the intended
vehicle to finally depart. In addition,
accidents, breakdowns, weather and other
schedule delays can lengthen the amount
of time you have to stand by.

For app-assisted services, it’s wise to
use that time to review the information
available about your incoming ride.
The car’s make, model and color are

94 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

PHOTO: MICHAEL D’ANGONA

‹ Various self-defense
weapons can be carried
discreetly and used in case
trouble comes your way.

PHOTO: MACE BRAND
PHOTO: MICHAEL D’ANGONA

“ ... EVEN THOUGH CAR PHOTO: SELFDEFENSEPRODUCTS.COM
DEATHS AND INJURIES ARE
THE GREATEST THREAT,
YOUR ‘RADAR’ SHOULD
ALWAYS BE ON, AND YOUR
COMMON SENSE AND
NATURAL INSTINCTS MUST
BE TUNED INTO YOUR
SURROUNDINGS ... .”

Cars. When you take an Uber or Lyft service, or vans (such as AD INDEX
airport shuttle services), the safest location has mixed options in
recent years. In the past, the back middle seat was the safest in APRIL 2021
the vehicle. However, due to technological advances in safety for
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now installed in newer cars—some experts lean toward the front BATTLBOX LLC ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................100
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in inclement weather or when there’s construction on the road. FENIX...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................41
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their safest seats located in the back end of the plane, with the TOPS KNIVES................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
aisle seats (middle of the fuselage) being the safest (lowest
percentage of death or injuries) locations. The Advertiser Index is provided as a service to American Survival Guide readers.
American Survival Guide is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.
TRAVEL INTELLIGENTLY
Traveling, whether across town or across your state, is inevitable

for most people due to work or personal situations. The key to
surviving your trek is to be a smart traveler. Do your homework
and research the best seats, the best times and the modes to
make your journey as safe and pleasurable as possible.

Although there are no guarantees in life, a bit of pre-planning
can decrease your chances of injuries from unforeseen accidents,
dangerous predators and other vehicular risks.

[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 95

PREPPER PLANT ADVISOR

AUSTRALIA’S
KURRAJONG IS A SOURCE
OF FOOD AND WATER

WIDELY USED AS AN ORNAMENTAL
IN THE UNITED STATES, THIS TREE’S
SEEDS ALSO MAKE GOOD FOOD.

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES

Name: Kurrajong In Australia, kurrajong seeds also have a long history as a coffee substitute. The
seeds are first lightly roasted, then ground and brewed, as you’d do with regular
(Brachychiton populneus) coffee beans.

DESCRIPTION I took roasted kurrajong seeds and ground them in a coffee grinder. This
produced an obviously oily golden flour. I put two heaping teaspoons of the
The kurrajong is a medium-sized tree with oval-shaped leaves that are evergreen. golden flour into my drip coffee filter and produced a somewhat opaque,
The trunk is occasionally swollen or enlarged at the base. golden-colored beverage. The fragrance was a bit like burnt corn, and the flavor
was reminiscent of a grain beverage. It produced a pleasant drink that wasn’t
The fruit is a hard, little pod about 2 to 3 inches long that looks like a miniature strongly flavored one way or the other. I wouldn’t compare it to coffee, except
wooden canoe. Inside the pod are about a dozen golden seeds, each covered with that both are warm beverages.
a fine fuzz.
According to Australian bush resident Daniel Sainty, with whom I spoke about
WHERE FOUND the kurrajong, the young kurrajong trees have a yam-like, tuberous root that’s
often considerably broader than the stem above, and this was a popular item of
The kurrajong is native to Australia. The tree has been transplanted into the food among the aborigines.
American Southwest and West, South Africa and throughout the Mediterranean
regions as an ornamental and street tree. Although they’re not as widespread as PROCESSING
the eucalyptus tree, kurrajongs will grow wherever eucalyptus can grow.
When you process these seeds, you don’t want to get the fine fuzz all over your
USES skin; I suggest wearing gloves. The fine fuzz isn’t like cactus spines, but there’s a
lot of it. If you don’t use protection, you’ll feel the fuzz all over your body. Then,
Kurrajong seeds have long been used by the Australian aboriginals for food. pick out the seeds with a knife, letting them drop into a bowl. However, I found
When I first tried these, I simply wiped the fuzz from the seeds and popped a that the easiest way to clean the seeds was to put them into a metal colander
few in my mouth. They’re hard at first, but they soften up in the mouth. They and shake the colander over a flame, which effectively burns off most of the
become chewy, with a flavor reminiscent of corn. The flavor is good. fuzz.
I also tried roasting the cleaned seeds (without oil) in a cast iron skillet over
the fire. I just shook the skillet from time to time for about 15 minutes. I heard WHEN TO HARVEST/AVAILABILITY
some seeds pop, but mostly, they just faded from a bright yellow to a dull yellow
bordering on brown. These tasted much better than the raw seeds and, again, the The kurrajong fruits mature and fall during autumn, from late September into
flavor was very much like corn and maybe reminiscent of sunflower seeds. early November.
I also tried using the seeds to make pancakes. I took some ground-up kurrajong
seed flour and mixed it, half and half, with some wheat flour. I blended it well MEDICINE/NUTRITION
and then cooked it in a hot skillet. The batter had that dark-golden color of the
seed, and it had texture. Everyone I served it to enjoyed it, even without honey or According to a study by the University of Sydney, these seeds contain about 25
a topping. Even the children liked them! There was a flavor like burnt corn, along percent fat and about 18 percent protein. The study also stated that 100 grams
with a very slight astringency. As you chewed, the pancakes seemed almost oily, of the seeds contain about 348 calories (as a comparison, peanuts contain
like eating peanut butter. about 567 calories per 100 grams).

96 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

CAUTIONS ‹ Below, left: The cleaned seeds
and the pod of the kurrajong
I did learn—the hard way—that you need to be careful when you clean each seed of its outer coating,
which, as I’ve already mentioned, is covered in a very fine fuzz. When I first learned that these seeds ‹ Below, right: The ground kurrajong seeds are
were edible, I picked a few of the dark-yellow, fuzz-covered seeds out of the pod and just rubbed them now combined with flour to make pancakes.
between my hands in order to remove the fuzzy chaff. The fuzz is very fine, and it’s not a serious irritant,
but I did feel it; and afterward, I needed to wash my hands, as well as my clothes. The seed coating also
imparted a yellowish pigment to my skin (which easily washed off).

OTHER USES

Aborigines were known to burn down the kurrajong tree in the belief that this would drive water into
the roots. They would then put one end of the roots into the coals of a fire and the other end into a
container to catch any water that slowly dripped out. This is said to be a good way to get water if you’re
in the Australian bush (although I’ve never tried this).

At least two species of Brachychiton (B. rupestre,
or bottle tree, and B. populneus, or kurrajong)
are known to be good water trees, and other
members of the genus probably also have
roots worth tapping. There were reports that
the Aborigines had subsisted in some areas
almost wholly on water from kurrajong
roots.

About ASG’s
Plant Advisor

Christopher Nyerges has been
teaching ethnobotany since 1974.
He is the author of Guide to Wild
Foods and Useful Plants, Foraging Wild
Edible Plants of North America, and other
books on the uses of wild plants. He can be
reached at SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com.

› Far right: Cook kurrajong pancakes just
as you would other types of pancakes.

› Near right: The uncleaned kurrajong
seeds have a lot of fuzz! This should be
removed before using the seeds.

› Bottom right: A coffee substitute beverage can
be made from the roasted kurrajong seeds. It
doesn’t taste like coffee, but it’s not bad!

APRIL IS NATIONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

The last year has been a financial challenge for many folks, and lots of people Another option is a popular book with preppers that was written by Christopher
are still taking a financial hit from the effects of the pandemic. Some have Nyerges, who's also a regular contributor to ASG. It explains how you can increase
found new ways to create income, while others have found ways to leverage your self-reliance skills, reduce your dependence on outside systems and mini-
skills they learned in order to be more self-sufficient. And, as we’re all aware, mize your expenses at the same time. You can learn more about this book at his
prepping doesn’t come free. website (http://www.schoolofself-reliance.com/product/self-sufficient-home-
going-green-and-saving-money).
With every day a national or global celebration of something, it seems only
fitting that someone decided Americans should dedicate the month of April While I don’t have personal experience using the tips and advice from the
to exploring and improving our financial literacy. National Financial Literacy famous Dave Ramsey, I do know some folks who can’t say enough about
Month began in 2000 as Youth Financial Literacy Day and has since grown to the huge impact his system has had on their finances. A quick search of the
the point at which it’s even promoted by the U. S. Department of Education to Ramsey website will turn up some free and practical budgeting tips you might
help younger citizens learn how to manage money. find useful. You might even want to explore his site further while you’re there
(https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/the-truth-about-budgeting).
I, for one, could benefit from several financial literacy months’ worth of
education and improvement, and I suspect many others feel the same way. American Survival Guide has always offered a great way for you to keep more
It seems that no matter what plans or budgets we lay out and commit to, of your hard-earned cash as well: Ordering a one- or two-year subscription
something comes along to put a little kink in the payroll pipeline. to ASG will save you up to $6.78 off the newsstand price every month (not
to mention the fuel and time you’ll save by having each issue mailed to your
This month-long effort won’t be celebrated with a parade and fireworks door). Just go to ASGMAG.com and click on the “Subscribe Now” button at the
(other than those shooting out of some taxpayers’ ears around April 15), but it top-right corner of the page.
can be something we look forward to each year as a way to do a full-on review
of how we’re doing financially. It’s at this time of year—or sometime during As you go through your finances, remember Benjamin Franklin’s words:
the previous two or three months—that we have much of our financial data “Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.”
laid out in one place, and we’re most fluent with what our finances look like.
Because it’s already top-of-mind, it’s a good time to go beyond the forms and Take care,
numbers to determine what it all really means in terms of our financial health. Mike McCourt

It’s not enough to know how much we owe or should expect to get back from
the various governments we settle our income taxes with; we need to know
what’s truly coming in and how much and to what entities it’s being paid, as
well as how to get more of what we earn to work for us.

Not sure where to start? There’s a lot of advice out there in places ranging
from your local library (a free resource) to many books and, of course, there
are tons of options online. Nothing is right for everyone, but here are some
options we think you could find helpful:

Finding a reference that takes the prepper’s needs and goals (beyond
everyday budgeting) into consideration isn’t as hard as you might expect.
The Prepper’s Financial Guide is written by regular American Survival Guide
contributor Jim Cobb, and it’s available on Amazon (https://www.amazon.
com/Preppers-Financial-Guide-Post-Collapse-Marketplace/dp/1612434037/
ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=jim+cobb+books&qid=1610039312&sr=8-8).

© ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES

98 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [APRIL 2021]

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