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Large Companies In The U.S. Are Going Bankrupt At The Fastest Pace That We Have Seen Since The Global Financial Crisis

Is the fact that large companies are filing for bankruptcy at the fastest pace in 15 years a good sign for the economy or a bad sign for the economy? I don’t even have to answer that question because all of you already know the answer. And as you will see below, other types of bankruptcies are soaring as well. We are a nation that is absolutely drowning in debt, and now bubbles are bursting all around us. I hope that you have positioned yourself for what is about to happen, because the months ahead are going to be rough.

According to Newsweek, 446 large companies filed for bankruptcy during the first seven months of this year.  That is the highest total that we have seen since 2010…

The U.S. saw a sharp increase in corporate bankruptcy filings in July, according to a recent report, reaching a post-COVID peak and placing 2025 on track to surpass last year’s total.

S&P Global Market Intelligence, the research and data arm of the credit-rating agency, found that filings by large public and private companies rose to 71 last month from 66 in June, marking the highest monthly tally since July 2020. So far in 2025, meanwhile, the total of 446 bankruptcy filings is the highest for this seven-month stretch since 2010.

In 2010, we were experiencing the tail end of the global financial crisis.

So there was a very good reason for why so many large companies were going bankrupt at that time.

What reason do we have for what we are witnessing right now?

Of course it isn’t just large companies that are going bankrupt in staggering numbers

Personal and business bankruptcy filings rose 11.5 percent in the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2025, compared with the previous year.

According to statistics released by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, annual bankruptcy filings totaled 542,529 in the year ending June 2025, compared with 486,613 cases in the previous year.

Business filings rose 4.5 percent, from 22,060 to 23,043 in the year ending June 30, 2025. Non-business bankruptcy filings rose 11.8 percent to 519,486, compared with 464,553 in the previous year.

Wow.

I had no idea that the bankruptcy numbers were that bad.

An 11.5 percent increase in bankruptcy filings in just one year is a really troubling sign.

And it turns out that the number of farm bankruptcies in the United States has been spiking as well

Hit with high interest rates and labor shortages, more American farmers are filing for bankruptcy, according to new data from the University of Arkansas.

Researchers found that more than 250 farms filed for Chapter 12 bankruptcy between April 2024 and March of this year, marking a sharp increase in financial distress across the agricultural sector.

“We’ve already beat last year in terms of Q1 national filings,” said Ryan Loy, an economist at the university. “Once you see this on a national level, it’s a clear sign that financial pressures that we saw before in the 2018 and ‘19 are kind of reemerging.”

A lot of people out there are in denial about what is really happening to the economy.

We have been on an unprecedented debt binge for many years, and now we are beginning to experience the consequences.

Millions upon millions of Americans are in way over their heads, and there is no easy way out.

At this point, approximately two-thirds of Americans that are carrying debt admit “to minimizing or hiding it from others”

The study of 1,078 adults by Self Financial exposes a nation drowning not just in debt, but in the shame that comes with it. Of those carrying debt, 66.3% admitted to minimizing or hiding it from others. This breaks down to 28.1% outright lying about their situation, 20.8% downplaying how bad things really are, and 17.4% avoiding the topic entirely.

We may want to hide our financial distress from others, but there is no way to hide it from ourselves.

Americans have become so obsessed with financial troubles that they are thinking about it constantly

Between bills to pay, tariff news and inflation worries, money is living rent-free in Americans’ minds.

They’re spending nearly four hours a day on average thinking about it, according to new research from Empower, a financial services company.

Needless to say, that isn’t healthy.

Continually worrying about your finances can eat you alive.

But this is what daily life is like for so many people these days.  One recent survey discovered that 53 percent of Americans are feeling financial stress “more acutely than ever”

At 54%, a little more than half of the 2,206 adults surveyed said they’re thinking about it more than they did last year. In fact, the June survey found 53% of Americans said they’re feeling financial stress “more acutely than ever,” including 62% of Gen Xers and 41% of baby boomers.

One of the biggest reasons why Americans are feeling so much financial stress is because we are spending an average of 42 percent of our incomes on housing costs…

More than half of Americans say they’re paying too much for housing, with the average person spending 42% of their income on housing costs.

Meanwhile, just about everything else that we regularly spend money on has been getting increasingly more expensive.

For example, beef prices just keep hitting brand new record high after brand new record high…

Grocery prices have been climbing and one area where prices have hit a record high is beef, a staple for many households.

Ground beef, usually the inexpensive choice for shoppers, has hit a record high. Shoppers can expect to pay $6.25 per pound, up from $5.49 a year ago and $4.26 five years ago, in July of 2020.

The average price for beef steaks has hit $11.87 a pound as of July. That’s up from $10.85 in July of 2024 and $8.69 in July of 2020.

And coffee prices have jumped more than 30 percent over the past year…

A more than 30% year-over-year rise in retail prices for coffee is staggering — and consumers are not likely to see relief anytime soon, even as a merger between two beverage giants looks to create an entity that can better manage rising costs.

If we stick our heads in the sand and keep repeating “everything is going to be okay”, will that make things better?

Of course not.

We need to realize what is happening and adjust our plans accordingly if we are going to navigate through this very harsh economic environment.

For one thing, if you have a good job right now please do not give it up unless you absolutely must do so.

Mass layoffs are being conducted all over the nation, and yet another example of this was just in the news

Nearly 1,000 corporate Kroger employees are losing their jobs after the company previously announced its intentions not to lay off employees.

The layoffs come after the grocer decided to shutter more than 60 underperforming stores by the end of 2026.

Kroger initiated the closures as a way to cut costs following its failed $25 billion merger with Albertsons.

Sadly, I think that a lot more Americans will lose their jobs in the months ahead.

And since most of the population is living paycheck to paycheck these days, those that lose their jobs are at risk of losing everything.

There was no way that we were going to be able to pile up debt indefinitely.

We have now reached the “bubbles are bursting” chapter of our story, and it certainly isn’t going to be pleasant.

Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com.  He has also written nine other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”“End Times”“7 Year Apocalypse”“Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”“The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Large Companies In The U.S. Are Going Bankrupt At The Fastest Pace That We Have Seen Since The Global Financial Crisis appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

The Irrepressible Emptiness Of Modern Liberal Society

Our society is constantly telling us that true happiness is just around the corner. We are promised that if we will just buy the next product, adopt the latest trend, get more eduction, get a better job, make more money or win a better looking romantic partner, we will finally be happy. But once you successfully make the next step on the hamster wheel, you discover that it was just another empty promise. In fact, there is a very deep emptiness to our modern liberal society as a whole. We are all constantly chasing after the things we are told to chase after, and at the end of the day most of the population still feels an irrepressible emptiness. It is an ache that cannot be controlled or restrained, and that is why so many people spend so much time and effort trying to dull the pain that they are feeling inside.

Modern liberal society offers an extremely “me-centered” philosophy that looks good at first glance.

But if you follow that “me-centered” philosophy all the way to the end of the road, what you get is a Robin Westman

The alleged shooter, Robert Westman, who identified as a female and went by the name Robin Westman, also expressed in his notes that he wished he had never “brain-washed” himself.

The Post translated a cryptic section of the manifesto as saying, “I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself.”

Despite claiming frustration with having bought into the trans agenda, the alleged Catholic school attacker believed that something as slight as changing his appearance would result in a sense of defeat: “I can’t cut my hair now as it would be embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported. It just always gets in my way. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.”

“I wish I never brain-washed myself.”

Those are very powerful words.

But they aren’t entirely accurate.

Westman simply gave in to the propaganda that we are all constantly being hammered with.

I have seen it happen to so many young people.

And when they figure out that they have been lied to all along, it can lead to crushing despair.

It isn’t a coincidence that the suicide rate has been soaring in recent years.

Our society simply isn’t offering any real answers.

This week, I was horrified to read about a young mother in New Hampshire that decided to kill herself, her husband and two of her children

A mother in New Hampshire is believed to have killed herself, along with her husband and two of her three children.

Police found the bodies at a home on Moharimet Drive in Madbury just before 8:30 p.m. Monday, when they responded to a 911 call reporting several people dead inside the home.

Authorities identified them as Emily Long, 34; Ryan Long, 48; son Parker Long, 8; and daughter Ryan Long, 6.

Perhaps you feel like you have reached the end of the road too.

Don’t give up.

There is always a way to turn things around.

But instead of reaching out for answers, most of the population is just looking for a way to numb the pain.

One study that was conducted a couple of years ago found that 47.7 million Americans had used illegal drugs within the past 30 days…

Among Americans aged 12 years and older, 47.7 million were current illegal drug users (used within the last 30 days) as of 2023.

That number stunned me.

But it gets worse.

Even more Americans are on legal drugs.  In fact, a whopping 68 percent of the population is now taking at least one prescription drug on a daily basis…

New CivicScience data as of mid-February finds that 68% of Americans report taking at least one prescription medication daily, up slightly from an average of 67% in 2023. A deeper look reveals an even more noteworthy increase – the percentage of Americans taking four or more prescription medications daily has climbed four percentage points, and now as much as 26% say they’re taking 4+ prescriptions per day.

There are many legal drugs that are being specifically marketed to those that are suffering from anxiety and depression.

So millions of Americans just keep popping more “happy pills”, but what they don’t realize is that those drugs are really messing with their heads.

Our society is also dealing with a raging epidemic of loneliness.

When I was growing up, people actually left their homes on a regular basis and made real connections with one another.

But now we connect to one another through our screens, and what we see on our screens is controlled by the algorithms

Gen Z and Gen Alpha, however, have never known life without algorithmic curation. From childhood, their identities, friendships, and even their sense of self have been shaped inside systems designed to maximize engagement.

They are the most connected generation in history and yet, paradoxically, the loneliest. Studies confirm that they report higher levels of isolation and depression than their parents or grandparents did at the same age. For them, solitude is almost unimaginable. Their sleeping hours have diminished, and their waking hours have been saturated with algorithmic nudges, performance demands, and invisible comparisons.

This is why blaming “phones” or “tech” misses the point. A phone is just a tool. The deeper cause of today’s epidemic of loneliness is the system of algorithms that runs on those devices and quietly governs the lives lived through them.

We like staring at our screens.

Because they make us feel good, we spend hours doing it each day

On average, screen-zombie Americans spend more than 10 hours daily accessing the Web.

They spend 5.4 of those hours browsing, working, gaming, looking at social media, reading email or paying bills, the survey found.

They spend another five hours streaming video or TV content.

But what we don’t realize is that our screens are an instrument of control.

It is not a coincidence that we have seen the largest cultural shifts in our history in the Internet age.

Over the past 30 years, every major institution in our society has shifted way to the left.

Thankfully, there are some of us that are trying to fight back.

Sometimes people ask me why I spend so much time and effort trying to reach people on the Internet.

The answer that I give is very simple.

The reason why I spend so much time and effort trying to reach people on the Internet is because that is where they are.

There are billions of people looking for answers, and most of them are constantly staring at their screens.

So I use those screens to deliver the truth.

We need to fight for hearts and minds, because if we stay on the path that we are currently on we aren’t going to have a society.

At this stage, even liberal scholars are openly admitting that the collapse of our society has become “inevitable”

The collapse of human civilization is now ‘inevitable’, according to a scholar who’s combed through 5,000 years of history.

Dr Luke Kemp of the University of Cambridge has exposed clear and alarming patterns of inequality, environmental damage, reckless leadership and fragile systems that lead to ancient collapse in the modern world.

‘We can’t put a date on Doomsday, but by looking at the 5,000 years of [civilization], we can understand the trajectories we face today, and self-termination is most likely,’ he told the Guardian.

Just about everyone realizes that something has gone horribly wrong and we are on a road that doesn’t lead anywhere good.

But most of us just keep chasing the things that society tells us to chase anyway.

Let us hope that people start to wake up on a massive scale, because the clock is ticking.

Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written nine other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”“End Times”“7 Year Apocalypse”“Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”“The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post The Irrepressible Emptiness Of Modern Liberal Society appeared first on End Of The American Dream.

Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them

A Complete Guide On Finding The Best Manual Wood Splitter For YOU

Splitting firewood by hand is a time-honored tradition—great for staying warm, building muscle, and working up a proper appreciation for modern tools.

But swinging an axe all day? That’s a fast track to a sore back and a bad attitude.

That’s where manual firewood splitters come in—giving you a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to split logs without the fuel costs or noise of gas-powered machines.

If you’re ready to upgrade from brute force to brainpower, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about manual firewood splitters, including:

✅ The best manual firewood splitters on the market
Key features to look for when buying one
How to use a manual firewood splitter (so you don’t wreck your hands or dignity)
Who should get one (and who should stick to an axe or hydraulic splitter)

Let’s dive in (but first)…

Grid Doctor With EMP Intercept Technology

Manual Firewood Splitters

Not all manual splitters are created equal. Some are great for big, tough logs, while others are better suited for kindling and small jobs. Here are the top-rated manual firewood splitters:

1. Kindling Cracker

???? Best for: Splitting small logs and making kindling
???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
???? Max log size: 6.5-inch diameter logs
???? Why you’ll love it: Zero maintenance and safe for all ages. Perfect for campers, cabin owners, and anyone who loves a good bonfire.

Check it out here

Kindling Cracker – Firewood Splitter Review

2. Kindling Cracker XL

???? Best for: Splitting medium logs and making kindling
???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
???? Max log size: 9-inch diameter logs
???? Why you’ll love it: Same as the previous one, just a big larger/heavy to accommodate larger log sizes.

Check it out here

Kindling Cracker XL – First Try

Note: These are the only 2 I recommend. Everything else has too many compromises to be considered a top option.

Key Features to Look for in a Manual Firewood Splitter

A good manual firewood splitter should be strong, stable, and safe. Here’s what you should consider before buying:

???? Splitting Mechanism – Hydraulic pump? Slide hammer? Wedge-and-mallet design? Pick one based on your strength and log size needs.

???? Max Log Size – Some splitters handle only small logs for kindling, while others can split thicker, tougher pieces of firewood.

???? Portability – If you need something lightweight for camping or off-grid use, avoid bulky hydraulic models.

???? Durability – Cast iron and hardened steel blades last longer than cheap aluminum or plastic parts.

???? Ease of Use – If your goal is less effort, go for hydraulic splitters or wedge-based designs that don’t require brute force.

How to Use a Manual Firewood Splitter (Without Wrecking Yourself)

Using a manual firewood splitter the right way will keep you safe and make the job much easier. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Prep Your Work Area

✔️ Set up on solid, level ground (concrete or packed dirt works best)
✔️ Wear safety gear – gloves, boots, and eye protection (flying wood chips are no joke)
✔️ Stack logs nearby so you don’t have to stop and reload every few minutes

2. Position the Log

✔️ Place the log upright and centered on the splitter
✔️ If using a wedge-style splitter, align it straight over the grain for a clean break

3. Apply Force

✔️ For hydraulic splitters – Pump the handle until the log splits
✔️ For slide hammer splitters – Lift the hammer and slam it down onto the wedge
✔️ For wedge-style splitters – Strike the log with a heavy mallet until it cracks

4. Remove & Repeat

✔️ Clear the split logs away before placing another one
✔️ If a log doesn’t split completely, rotate it and try again

Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Splitting firewood is about technique, not just strength.

Let the tool do the work!

Prepper Checklist eBook Cover - with gas mask on a SHTF scenery background

Want a free 78 item preppers checklist?

Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇

Who Should Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

A manual firewood splitter isn’t for everyone—but it might be perfect for you if:

You want a safer alternative to an axe – If you’re tired of swinging a maul (or just worried about missing your target), a splitter gives you more control and less risk.

You don’t want to deal with gas-powered machines – Hydraulic and electric splitters are great, but they require maintenance, fuel, or electricity. Manual splitters work anywhere.

You need something portable – If you’re heading to a cabin or off-grid property, a small manual wood splitter is easier to transport than a heavy-duty hydraulic model.

You want to save money – Manual splitters cost a fraction of electric or gas-powered splitters. If you’re only splitting firewood for personal use, a $100–$300 splitter will get the job done without breaking the bank.

❌ However…If you need to split massive logs all winter long, you might want to invest in a powered splitter instead. Manual splitters are fantastic for smaller jobs, but they’ll wear you out if you need to process cords of wood regularly.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

So if you love the idea of splitting firewood without gas, electricity, or unnecessary effort, a manual firewood splitter is a smart buy. It’s safer than an axe, cheaper than a power splitter. And far more efficient than splitting logs the old-fashioned way.

???? For small logs and kindling? Go for a wedge-based splitter like the Kindling Cracker.
???? For medium-sized logs? A slide hammer splitter gives you controlled power.
???? For big logs? A hydraulic manual splitter is your best bet.

At the end of the day, the right tool makes all the difference. If you want faster, easier, and safer firewood splitting, a manual wood splitter belongs in your shed.

Now, go forth and split wood like a pro. ????????

Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

P.s. – I just found out 2 out of 3 Americans don’t feel prepared for a 3 day disaster!!!

I guess this goes to show how modern society continues to embrace ‘living a fragile life.’ What’s crazy is… it’s so easy to fix.

To make sure YOU have the basics, watch our FREE training on “10 Simple Steps To Basic Preparedness” that shows you HOW.

Nothing crazy here… this isn’t doomsday prepping… just the basics every responsible adult should have before a disaster strikes.

Why You Can Trust Skilled Survival…

Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

  • Who We Are
  • Our Credentials
  • Our Mission
  • & Product Recommendations…

Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

  • Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
  • Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
  • Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
  • Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
  • Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
  • Bachelor’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
  • Bachelor’s Degree In Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor’s Degree In Biomedical Engineering

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett

We’re fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we’ll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create…

P.s – I just took this FREE 60-second ‘Readiness Score Quiz’????


<img decoding="async" class="container" style="width: 775px; margin: 0 auto;" src="https://www.skilledsurvival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RSQuiz-Sample-Image-No-Border-1.jpg" alt="Readiness Score Quiz"


AND… I’ve still got a few gaps in my preps…????

But at least, I’m not part of ‘The Fragile Masses’. ????

Find out where YOU stand by answering a few questions…

The post Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them appeared first on Skilled Survival.

Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them

A Complete Guide On Finding The Best Manual Wood Splitter For YOU

Splitting firewood by hand is a time-honored tradition—great for staying warm, building muscle, and working up a proper appreciation for modern tools.

But swinging an axe all day? That’s a fast track to a sore back and a bad attitude.

That’s where manual firewood splitters come in—giving you a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to split logs without the fuel costs or noise of gas-powered machines.

If you’re ready to upgrade from brute force to brainpower, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about manual firewood splitters, including:

✅ The best manual firewood splitters on the market
Key features to look for when buying one
How to use a manual firewood splitter (so you don’t wreck your hands or dignity)
Who should get one (and who should stick to an axe or hydraulic splitter)

Let’s dive in (but first)…

Grid Doctor With EMP Intercept Technology

Manual Firewood Splitters

Not all manual splitters are created equal. Some are great for big, tough logs, while others are better suited for kindling and small jobs. Here are the top-rated manual firewood splitters:

1. Kindling Cracker

???? Best for: Splitting small logs and making kindling
???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
???? Max log size: 6.5-inch diameter logs
???? Why you’ll love it: Zero maintenance and safe for all ages. Perfect for campers, cabin owners, and anyone who loves a good bonfire.

Check it out here

Kindling Cracker – Firewood Splitter Review

2. Kindling Cracker XL

???? Best for: Splitting medium logs and making kindling
???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
???? Max log size: 9-inch diameter logs
???? Why you’ll love it: Same as the previous one, just a big larger/heavy to accommodate larger log sizes.

Check it out here

Kindling Cracker XL – First Try

Note: These are the only 2 I recommend. Everything else has too many compromises to be considered a top option.

Key Features to Look for in a Manual Firewood Splitter

A good manual firewood splitter should be strong, stable, and safe. Here’s what you should consider before buying:

???? Splitting Mechanism – Hydraulic pump? Slide hammer? Wedge-and-mallet design? Pick one based on your strength and log size needs.

???? Max Log Size – Some splitters handle only small logs for kindling, while others can split thicker, tougher pieces of firewood.

???? Portability – If you need something lightweight for camping or off-grid use, avoid bulky hydraulic models.

???? Durability – Cast iron and hardened steel blades last longer than cheap aluminum or plastic parts.

???? Ease of Use – If your goal is less effort, go for hydraulic splitters or wedge-based designs that don’t require brute force.

How to Use a Manual Firewood Splitter (Without Wrecking Yourself)

Using a manual firewood splitter the right way will keep you safe and make the job much easier. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Prep Your Work Area

✔️ Set up on solid, level ground (concrete or packed dirt works best)
✔️ Wear safety gear – gloves, boots, and eye protection (flying wood chips are no joke)
✔️ Stack logs nearby so you don’t have to stop and reload every few minutes

2. Position the Log

✔️ Place the log upright and centered on the splitter
✔️ If using a wedge-style splitter, align it straight over the grain for a clean break

3. Apply Force

✔️ For hydraulic splitters – Pump the handle until the log splits
✔️ For slide hammer splitters – Lift the hammer and slam it down onto the wedge
✔️ For wedge-style splitters – Strike the log with a heavy mallet until it cracks

4. Remove & Repeat

✔️ Clear the split logs away before placing another one
✔️ If a log doesn’t split completely, rotate it and try again

Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Splitting firewood is about technique, not just strength.

Let the tool do the work!

Prepper Checklist eBook Cover - with gas mask on a SHTF scenery background

Want a free 78 item preppers checklist?

Enter your email below to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary. 👇 👇

Who Should Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

A manual firewood splitter isn’t for everyone—but it might be perfect for you if:

You want a safer alternative to an axe – If you’re tired of swinging a maul (or just worried about missing your target), a splitter gives you more control and less risk.

You don’t want to deal with gas-powered machines – Hydraulic and electric splitters are great, but they require maintenance, fuel, or electricity. Manual splitters work anywhere.

You need something portable – If you’re heading to a cabin or off-grid property, a small manual wood splitter is easier to transport than a heavy-duty hydraulic model.

You want to save money – Manual splitters cost a fraction of electric or gas-powered splitters. If you’re only splitting firewood for personal use, a $100–$300 splitter will get the job done without breaking the bank.

❌ However…If you need to split massive logs all winter long, you might want to invest in a powered splitter instead. Manual splitters are fantastic for smaller jobs, but they’ll wear you out if you need to process cords of wood regularly.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

So if you love the idea of splitting firewood without gas, electricity, or unnecessary effort, a manual firewood splitter is a smart buy. It’s safer than an axe, cheaper than a power splitter. And far more efficient than splitting logs the old-fashioned way.

???? For small logs and kindling? Go for a wedge-based splitter like the Kindling Cracker.
???? For medium-sized logs? A slide hammer splitter gives you controlled power.
???? For big logs? A hydraulic manual splitter is your best bet.

At the end of the day, the right tool makes all the difference. If you want faster, easier, and safer firewood splitting, a manual wood splitter belongs in your shed.

Now, go forth and split wood like a pro. ????????

Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

P.s. – I just found out 2 out of 3 Americans don’t feel prepared for a 3 day disaster!!!

I guess this goes to show how modern society continues to embrace ‘living a fragile life.’ What’s crazy is… it’s so easy to fix.

To make sure YOU have the basics, watch our FREE training on “10 Simple Steps To Basic Preparedness” that shows you HOW.

Nothing crazy here… this isn’t doomsday prepping… just the basics every responsible adult should have before a disaster strikes.

Why You Can Trust Skilled Survival…

Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

  • Who We Are
  • Our Credentials
  • Our Mission
  • & Product Recommendations…

Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

  • Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
  • Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
  • Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
  • Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
  • Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
  • Bachelor’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
  • Bachelor’s Degree In Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor’s Degree In Biomedical Engineering

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett

We’re fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we’ll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create…

P.s – I just took this FREE 60-second ‘Readiness Score Quiz’????


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AND… I’ve still got a few gaps in my preps…????

But at least, I’m not part of ‘The Fragile Masses’. ????

Find out where YOU stand by answering a few questions…

The post Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them appeared first on Skilled Survival.

Prepper Fitness Exercises: Build Strength and Stamina for Survival Tasks

Can your body keep up during survival scenarios? Most preppers only focus on gear and supplies and often neglect physical fitness training. Without enough strength, you’ll most likely struggle to carry bug-out bags and execute survival plans. This guide covers prepper fitness exercises to help prepare your body for physically demanding tasks.

 

Prepper Fitness Exercises: Full-Body Training for Survival Situations

Fitness training helps you build the endurance to cover long distances and develop the grit to push through stressful situations. With that in mind, here are seven prepper exercises along with instructions on how to perform them correctly.

Squats

Practicing squats builds leg strength and core stability. Doing so will enable you to hoist heavy loads and ascend rugged inclines.

Steps:
  1. Stand with feet hip-width apart and put your toes forward.
  2. Brace your core and lift your chest.
  3. Push your hips back as if you’re sitting in a chair and bend your knees until your thighs are level with the floor.
  4. Press through your heels to return to standing position.
  5. Perform six to ten reps per set. Start with unweighted exercises, then use a kettlebell first before progressing to a barbell.

Lunges

Lunges are a great exercise for building single-leg strength, which is essential in navigating the trails.

Steps:
  1. Stand with feet hip-width apart.
  2. Step one foot forward and bend your knees until they form right angles. Maintain a straight back and an engaged core.
  3. Press through the front heel to rise back up.
  4. Perform eight to twelve reps per side. To add difficulty, you can carry dumbbells while lunging.

Deadlifts

Deadlift training develops hip hinge and strengthen lower back muscles. It will also help you safely raise gear from the ground and move heavy items.

Steps:
  1. Stand with feet hip-width apart and position the weight slightly in front of your feet.
  2. Push your hips back and bend your knees to grip the weight.
  3. Keep your back flat, brace your core and pull your shoulders down and back.
  4. Drive through your heels then straighten hips and knees to lift the weight in one smooth motion.
  5. Reverse the move by pushing hips back first, then bending knees to lower the weight. Rest 90 seconds between sets.
  6. Lower the weight by hinging at the hips first, then bending your knees until it reaches the ground. Rest 90 seconds between sets.

Planks

Plank exercises strengthen the core and provide spinal support. They’ll also allow you to carry heavy backpacks and supplies over long distances.

Steps:
  1. Place forearms on the floor and extend your legs straight behind you.
  2. Engage your glutes and engage your core to protect your lower back.
  3. Keep your gaze on the floor to maintain a neutral neck position.
  4. Repeat 3–5x. Plank for 20 seconds, rest 30 seconds, then increase each hold by 5 seconds.

Triceps Dips

Performing triceps dips builds upper body strength that’ll help you to push debris and climb over obstacles.

Steps:
  1. Sit on a bench with hands shoulder-width apart and fingers pointing forward.
  2. Slide your hips off the bench and let your arms bear your weight.
  3. Bend your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor.
  4. Push your palms into the bench, straighten your elbows, and avoid lifting your shoulders.
  5. Perform three to four sets of eight to twelve reps.

Biceps Curls

Biceps curls help improve elbow-flexion strength and grip endurance for hauling gear and pulling ropes.

Steps:
  1. Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold weights at your sides.
  2. Bend your elbows to raise the weights until they reach shoulder height.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your torso when lifting.
  4. Lower the weights in a controlled motion to maintain tension.
  5. Perform three to four sets of eight to twelve reps.

Shrugs

Shrug exercises strengthen the trapezius and shoulder muscles that can help you carry heavy equipment.

Steps:
  1. Stand holding dumbbells or a barbell at your sides.
  2. Keep arms straight and shoulders relaxed.
  3. Lift shoulders straight up toward your ears and pause briefly. Then lower them under control.
  4. Perform three to four sets of ten to fifteen reps.

Final Takeaways on Prepper Fitness Exercises

The prepper fitness exercises above can help develop joint range and build the endurance required when moving for long hours. Improving mobility, stability, and strength also reduces the risk of injury when hiking rough trails or navigating obstacles. Which routine will you add to your workout this week?

FAQs: Prepper Fitness Exercises

  1. What are prepper fitness exercises?
    They’re functional movements designed to build strength, endurance, and stability for real-world survival tasks like carrying gear or navigating rough terrain.
  2. Do I need gym equipment to start?
    No. Many prepper exercises use body weight or simple gear like backpacks, dumbbells, or kettlebells.
  3. How often should I train?
    Aim for 3 to 4 sessions per week, focusing on total-body movements that mimic real tasks.
  4. What’s the difference between regular workouts and prepper fitness?
    Prepper workouts prioritize functional strength over aesthetics, targeting movements used during emergencies.
  5. Can beginners do these exercises?
    Yes. Every movement can be scaled by adjusting reps, range of motion, or resistance.
  6. How long should each workout take?
    Most routines can be completed in 30 to 45 minutes, depending on sets and rest periods.
  7. Which muscles are most important to train?
    Focus on legs, core, and back—these are key for lifting, carrying, and staying balanced under stress.
  8. Is cardio part of prepper training?
    Yes. Hiking, rucking, and intervals build the stamina needed for long-duration activity under load.
  9. What’s a good starter routine?
    Begin with squats, planks, and loaded carries. Add lunges and overhead presses as strength improves.
  10. How do I track progress?
    Measure improvements in reps, load, and recovery time. Also track how you perform with actual tasks like rucking or carrying heavy gear.

It Seemed Like Peace Was So Close, But Now “War Fever” Has Returned With A Vengeance

This article was originally published by Michael Snyder at The Economic Collapse Blog. 

I have to admit that I am feeling pretty frustrated today.  Last week, there was so much optimism that we could finally see peace, but now “war fever” has returned with a vengeance.  The situation in the Middle East threatens to spiral out of control; there is a very real possibility that the U.S. military could soon be conducting operations in Mexico and Venezuela, and it appears that our last chance for peace with Russia could be going up in smoke.  I was writing about a coming war with Russia many years before it became fashionable, and I continue to warn in the strongest terms possible about what will happen if we do not reverse course.  But of course, world leaders do not listen to people like us, and they continue to make decisions that could drag us into the unthinkable.

Last night, the Russians absolutely pummeled Ukraine with drone and missile strikes.  One of the targets that was hit was an American-owned manufacturing facility

In its overnight attacks, Russia launched a total of 574 strike drones and 40 missiles on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday, hitting as far west as the city of Lviv.

Missiles also struck an American-owned manufacturing company, Flex Ltd., in the western region of Zakarpattia, in an attack that injured at least 19 people, Ukrainian officials said. Flex is a American-Singaporean company that provides electronics manufacturing services and is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

“Overnight, Russian missiles attacked one of the largest American investments in Ukraine – Flex – an active member of the American Chamber of Commerce,” said Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine. “Russia continues to destroy and humiliate US businesses in Ukraine, targeting companies that invest and trade on the US stock markets.”

I am very displeased that the Russians chose to target a U.S.-owned business, because they should have known that this would really upset the Trump administration.

Whoever authorized this attack is not thinking rationally, because it threatens to further derail the peace process.

Of course the Ukrainians are going to try to squeeze as much out of this incident as they possibly can

“It was an ordinary civilian enterprise, an American investment,” Zelensky wrote. “They produced such familiar household items as coffee machines. And this is also a target for the Russians. Very telling.”

Russian forces “delivered this strike as if nothing had changed at all,” he said. “There is still no signal from Moscow that they are really going to go into meaningful negotiations to end this war.”

I think that it is a valid point that if the Russians were truly serious about peace, they would not have done this.

Now President Trump is steaming mad, and he just posted an extremely ominous warning on his Truth Social account

It is very hard, if not impossible, to win a war without attacking an invaders country. It’s like a great team in sports that has a fantastic defense, but is not allowed to play offense. There is no chance of winning! It is like that with Ukraine and Russia. Crooked and grossly incompetent Joe Biden would not let Ukraine FIGHT BACK, only DEFEND. How did that work out? Regardless, this is a war that would have NEVER happened if I were President – ZERO CHANCE. Interesting times ahead!!!

What in the world does that mean?

Is Trump going to allow the Ukrainians to use long-range missiles provided by the U.S. to hit targets deep inside Russian territory?

If so, how will the Russians respond when long-range missiles provided by the U.S. start hitting Moscow?

Everyone needs to calm down and think very carefully about their next moves.

At the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, it really did seem like talks were moving in the right direction.

But since that time, both sides have hardened their positions.

Ukraine is demanding that any peace agreement must allow large numbers of European troops on Ukrainian soil in order to prevent the Russians from attacking again.  But Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov just warned that European troops on Ukrainian soil would be “absolutely unacceptable for Russia” and that trying to arrange security guarantees without Russia’s approval is a “road to nowhere”

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov followed up comments dismissing Europe’s bid to arrange security guarantees for Ukraine as utopian and a “road to nowhere” with fresh remarks on Thursday that may amount to a fresh bid to slow or derail peace talks by introducing new demands.

While President Trump had revealed on Monday that “President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine”, it was never made clear what it was Putin had signalled his consent to and now Russia is finessing its conditions in public. Lavrov said today that any foreign military deployment to Ukraine — the very core of what European nations have in mind for Ukrainian security guarantees — would be “absolutely unacceptable for Russia”.

The Russians are determined to keep NATO completely out of Ukraine.

That has never changed.

So why do Western leaders keep talking about sending troops to Ukraine as part of any peace agreement?

And the Russians are also demanding that Ukraine must hand over the remaining portions of the Donbas that Russia has not conquered yet…

Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up all of the eastern Donbas region, renounce ambitions to join NATO, remain neutral and keep Western troops out of the country, three sources familiar with top-level Kremlin thinking told Reuters.

For the Ukrainians, handing over the rest of the Donbas is a non-starter

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly dismissed the idea of withdrawing from internationally recognised Ukrainian land as part of a deal, and has said the industrial Donbas region serves as a fortress holding back Russian advances deeper into Ukraine.

“If we’re talking about simply withdrawing from the east, we cannot do that,” he told reporters in comments released by Kyiv on Thursday. “It is a matter of our country’s survival, involving the strongest defensive lines.”

So the fighting will continue.

And if long-range missiles start hitting Moscow and other Russian cities, the war will greatly escalate.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military is preparing to conduct military operations against Mexican drug cartels inside Mexican territory

Now, NORTHCOM has tasked its subordinate Special Operations Command (called SOCNORTH) to undertake “operational preparation of the battlespace” inside Mexico to set the stage for future military operations, and to prepare cartel-related “target packages” for potential strikes and “direct action” attacks on the ground against high-value individuals, compounds, and supply chain targets associated in particular with the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Direct attacks could also involve air and drone strikes.

“Direct action” is a term special operations forces use to describe small-scale offensive operations carried out by Army Green Berets, Navy SEALs, or Marine Corps raiders. Think of the airstrikes on Iran this summer as a kind of direct action, against a discrete target with a “strategic” or national purpose.

The Mexican government has already told us that it will not give us permission to do this.

But preparations are going ahead anyway.

And it also appears that we are getting dangerously close to war with Venezuela

The White House confirmed 3 warships and 4,000 marines are being deployed toward Venezuela. When asked about the possibility of boots on the ground, officials said the President is ready to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into the US and hold those responsible accountable.

“The Maduro regime is not a legitimate government—it is a narco-terror cartel,” the statement added.

On top of everything else, Israel’s new offensive in Gaza has now begun

Israel launched strikes on Gaza City overnight as it moved forward with a new offensive in the Palestinian enclave despite international condemnation and mounting domestic protests.

Explosions rocked neighborhoods in the city on Thursday, after Israel said its military had entered the first stages of a planned assault that includes calling up 60,000 reservists. The operation has sent civilians fleeing once again, intensifying fears about the starvation crisis unfolding in the territory.

Israel also carried out strikes on Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, and Deir al-Balah in the center of the territory on Thursday. Video from Deir al-Balah showed people running away from a large plume of smoke.

As I discussed yesterday, nobody can deny that we are in a time of “wars and rumors of wars”.

In a world that is absolutely teeming with weapons of mass destruction, flirting with an apocalypse is not wise.

We are literally dancing on the brink of disaster, and it won’t take much to push us over the edge.

Michael’s new book, entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next,” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book, entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next,” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com.  He has also written nine other books that are available on Amazon.com, including “Chaos”“End Times”“7 Year Apocalypse”“Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”“The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books, you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream, and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them

A Complete Guide On Finding The Best Manual Wood Splitter For YOU

Splitting firewood by hand is a time-honored tradition—great for staying warm, building muscle, and working up a proper appreciation for modern tools.

But swinging an axe all day? That’s a fast track to a sore back and a bad attitude.

That’s where manual firewood splitters come in—giving you a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to split logs without the fuel costs or noise of gas-powered machines.

If you’re ready to upgrade from brute force to brainpower, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about manual firewood splitters, including:

✅ The best manual firewood splitters on the market
Key features to look for when buying one
How to use a manual firewood splitter (so you don’t wreck your hands or dignity)
Who should get one (and who should stick to an axe or hydraulic splitter)

Let’s dive in (but first)…

Grid Doctor With EMP Intercept Technology

Manual Firewood Splitters

Not all manual splitters are created equal. Some are great for big, tough logs, while others are better suited for kindling and small jobs. Here are the top-rated manual firewood splitters:

1. Kindling Cracker

???? Best for: Splitting small logs and making kindling
???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
???? Max log size: 6.5-inch diameter logs
???? Why you’ll love it: Zero maintenance and safe for all ages. Perfect for campers, cabin owners, and anyone who loves a good bonfire.

Check it out here

Kindling Cracker – Firewood Splitter Review

2. Kindling Cracker XL

???? Best for: Splitting medium logs and making kindling
???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
???? Max log size: 9-inch diameter logs
???? Why you’ll love it: Same as the previous one, just a big larger/heavy to accommodate larger log sizes.

Check it out here

Kindling Cracker XL – First Try

Note: These are the only 2 I recommend. Everything else has too many compromises to be considered a top option.

Key Features to Look for in a Manual Firewood Splitter

A good manual firewood splitter should be strong, stable, and safe. Here’s what you should consider before buying:

???? Splitting Mechanism – Hydraulic pump? Slide hammer? Wedge-and-mallet design? Pick one based on your strength and log size needs.

???? Max Log Size – Some splitters handle only small logs for kindling, while others can split thicker, tougher pieces of firewood.

???? Portability – If you need something lightweight for camping or off-grid use, avoid bulky hydraulic models.

???? Durability – Cast iron and hardened steel blades last longer than cheap aluminum or plastic parts.

???? Ease of Use – If your goal is less effort, go for hydraulic splitters or wedge-based designs that don’t require brute force.

How to Use a Manual Firewood Splitter (Without Wrecking Yourself)

Using a manual firewood splitter the right way will keep you safe and make the job much easier. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Prep Your Work Area

✔️ Set up on solid, level ground (concrete or packed dirt works best)
✔️ Wear safety gear – gloves, boots, and eye protection (flying wood chips are no joke)
✔️ Stack logs nearby so you don’t have to stop and reload every few minutes

2. Position the Log

✔️ Place the log upright and centered on the splitter
✔️ If using a wedge-style splitter, align it straight over the grain for a clean break

3. Apply Force

✔️ For hydraulic splitters – Pump the handle until the log splits
✔️ For slide hammer splitters – Lift the hammer and slam it down onto the wedge
✔️ For wedge-style splitters – Strike the log with a heavy mallet until it cracks

4. Remove & Repeat

✔️ Clear the split logs away before placing another one
✔️ If a log doesn’t split completely, rotate it and try again

Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Splitting firewood is about technique, not just strength.

Let the tool do the work!

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Who Should Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

A manual firewood splitter isn’t for everyone—but it might be perfect for you if:

You want a safer alternative to an axe – If you’re tired of swinging a maul (or just worried about missing your target), a splitter gives you more control and less risk.

You don’t want to deal with gas-powered machines – Hydraulic and electric splitters are great, but they require maintenance, fuel, or electricity. Manual splitters work anywhere.

You need something portable – If you’re heading to a cabin or off-grid property, a small manual wood splitter is easier to transport than a heavy-duty hydraulic model.

You want to save money – Manual splitters cost a fraction of electric or gas-powered splitters. If you’re only splitting firewood for personal use, a $100–$300 splitter will get the job done without breaking the bank.

❌ However…If you need to split massive logs all winter long, you might want to invest in a powered splitter instead. Manual splitters are fantastic for smaller jobs, but they’ll wear you out if you need to process cords of wood regularly.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

So if you love the idea of splitting firewood without gas, electricity, or unnecessary effort, a manual firewood splitter is a smart buy. It’s safer than an axe, cheaper than a power splitter. And far more efficient than splitting logs the old-fashioned way.

???? For small logs and kindling? Go for a wedge-based splitter like the Kindling Cracker.
???? For medium-sized logs? A slide hammer splitter gives you controlled power.
???? For big logs? A hydraulic manual splitter is your best bet.

At the end of the day, the right tool makes all the difference. If you want faster, easier, and safer firewood splitting, a manual wood splitter belongs in your shed.

Now, go forth and split wood like a pro. ????????

Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

P.s. – I just found out 2 out of 3 Americans don’t feel prepared for a 3 day disaster!!!

I guess this goes to show how modern society continues to embrace ‘living a fragile life.’ What’s crazy is… it’s so easy to fix.

To make sure YOU have the basics, watch our FREE training on “10 Simple Steps To Basic Preparedness” that shows you HOW.

Nothing crazy here… this isn’t doomsday prepping… just the basics every responsible adult should have before a disaster strikes.

Why You Can Trust Skilled Survival…

Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

  • Who We Are
  • Our Credentials
  • Our Mission
  • & Product Recommendations…

Here are a few highlights of our teams credentials & certifications:

  • Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
  • Plant Emergency & Safety Leader for a Major Food Manufacturer
  • Member of the 10TH Mountain Division Hut Association
  • Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR, CPR
  • Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
  • Bachelor’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering 
  • Bachelor’s Degree In Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor’s Degree In Biomedical Engineering

“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett

We’re fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we’ll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create…

P.s – I just took this FREE 60-second ‘Readiness Score Quiz’????


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AND… I’ve still got a few gaps in my preps…????

But at least, I’m not part of ‘The Fragile Masses’. ????

Find out where YOU stand by answering a few questions…

The post Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them appeared first on Skilled Survival.

Only 17 Percent Of Young Adults In The U.S. In The 25 To 34 Age Bracket Have Attained The 5 Major Milestones Of Adulthood

What I am about to share with you is some of the clearest evidence yet that the middle class in America is being systematically destroyed.  Young adults are forming middle class households at an extremely depressed rate, and that is because the American Dream is simply out of reach for most of them in this very harsh economic environment.  If you can’t get a good job that pays an adequate wage, you aren’t going to be able to live a middle class lifestyle.  Sadly, many older Americans simply do not understand how difficult things have become for our young adults in this day and age.

The Census Bureau has produced a paper entitled “Changes in Milestones of Adulthood” that absolutely blew me away.

According to the Census Bureau, the 5 major milestones of adulthood are living away from your parents, completing your education, getting a job, marrying, and living with a child.  Since 1975, the success that our young people have had in attaining these milestones has declined dramatically

According to the working paper, “Changes in Milestones of Adulthood,” almost half of all young adults in 1975 had reached four milestones associated with adulthood: moving out of one’s parents’ home, getting a job, getting married and having a child.

Five decades on, that progression has changed dramatically. The share of young adults that have followed the traditional pathway to adulthood has dropped to less than a quarter, according to the paper.

After reading that CBS News article, I had to go find the original paper.

I found it on the official Census Bureau website, and it says that in 2023 only 17 percent of young adults had attained the 5 major milestones of adulthood…

In 2005, the most common combination was young adults who had all five milestones (about 26% experienced all five milestones). By 2023, however, the proportion of young adults who experienced all five markers of adulthood declined to about 17%, and young adults who reported only experiencing the three economic milestones of living away from parents, completing education, and participating in the labor force was the modal combination. Finally, the residual category in Figure 2 representing the proportion of young adults who experienced any other combination of milestones declined from 36% to 30%, suggesting that the experiences of young adults have become more homogeneous for contemporary cohorts.

17 percent!

Just think about that.

If our society was in good shape, most of our young adults would be in a position to achieve all 5 milestones by the age of 25.

But our society is not in good shape.  According to the Census Bureau paper, the primary reason why young adults are not achieving these milestones is because they are “facing economic barriers”

The reason for this, according to the paper, is that more young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 are facing economic barriers compared with previous generations. Changing societal attitudes around family formation are also contributing to the sharp decline in the share of young people reaching what the U.S. Census Bureau considers to be “key milestones.”

If I keep hitting people with more evidence day after day, maybe the skeptics will finally start getting it.

Our young adults are not entering the middle class fast enough to replace the older middle class adults that are dying off.

As a result, the middle class is steadily shrinking.

To be a part of the middle class, you have to be able to get a middle class job.

And right now the competition for middle class jobs among our young people is extremely fierce.

If you doubt this, just consider what a 23-year-old college graduate recently admitted to NBC News

“Every guy I know that is without a job right now wants to work, but they just can’t get it,” said Eli McCullick, who has been looking for a job for more than a year after he graduated with a degree in sociology from the University of Colorado Boulder. “It’s demoralizing for guys who really want to get ahead and it’s just not happening.”

McCullick, 23, said he hasn’t even been able to get an hourly job at a restaurant or doing cleaning work at a hotel in the Boulder area, where he’s living at a property his father owns. The only way he has been able to earn money to cover his food and daily expenses has been to do odd jobs for friends and relatives, like shoveling horse manure, mowing lawns and helping an older woman prepare for a yard sale.

There is no way that I would want to be a fresh college graduate looking for a job right now.

It is terrible out there.

Another recent college graduate told NBC News that nearly all of his friends are unemployed and living with their parents…

Sean Breen, who graduated this spring with a communications degree from California State University, Long Beach, said he and nearly all of his high school friends, both men and women, are back home living with their parents and unemployed. He said even those who went to top-ranked colleges and got seemingly in-demand degrees are unable to find work.

“It is like a high school reunion,” Breen said. “We’re all, we are back in Marin County this summer, all unemployed, all trying to find a barista job, a part-time something, because we haven’t found anything.”

After having applied to hundreds of jobs, he said, Breen now plans to go to graduate school in the fall at Trinity College in Ireland, where tuition is significantly lower and, he hopes, jobs will be more plentiful.

This is the reality of what is really going on out there.

Those that keep insisting that “everything is fine” just need to stop.

The job market is freezing up and layoffs have absolutely skyrocketed compared to last year…

Layoffs have risen 140 percent from a year ago, a new report reveals.

Companies have already announced more than 800,000 job cuts this year alone, the highest since the pandemic upended the economy in 2020.

US-based employers cut 62,075 jobs in July compared to 25,885 in the same month last year.

Those numbers are staggering.

Unfortunately, 62 percent of U.S. consumers believe that unemployment will continue to get even worse during the months ahead…

  • About 62% of consumers believe unemployment will worsen in the year ahead, according to the University of Michigan’s latest monthly survey.
  • That’s bounced around a little in the last few months, but consistently hung around levels not seen since the Great Recession.

Do you remember how difficult it was to get a good job during the Great Recession?

Well, now we are entering a similar time.

That may help to explain why “job hugging” has become a thing in 2025…

Job hugging is the act of holding onto a job “for dear life,” consultants at Korn Ferry, an organizational consulting firm, wrote last week.

The rate at which workers are voluntarily leaving their jobs — known as the quits rate — has hovered around 2% since the start of the year, according to data from the U.S. Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. Outside of the initial days of the Covid-19 pandemic, levels haven’t been that consistently low since early 2016.

The quits rate is a barometer of workers’ perceptions of the broader labor market, said Laura Ullrich, director of economic research in North America at the Indeed Hiring Lab. In this case, they may be nervous about getting another job or aren’t enthusiastic about their ability to find one, she said.

If you have a job that you highly value, don’t let go.

Hold on to it as tightly as you can, because if you lose it you may not find work again for a long time.

A lot of people are shocked by what is happening, but the truth is that nobody should be surprised.

There was no way that we were going to be able to defy the laws of economics forever.

The inexorable march of time cannot be stopped, and our future is going to look a whole lot different than most people anticipated.

Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com.  He has also written nine other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”“End Times”“7 Year Apocalypse”“Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”“The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post Only 17 Percent Of Young Adults In The U.S. In The 25 To 34 Age Bracket Have Attained The 5 Major Milestones Of Adulthood appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them

A Complete Guide On Finding The Best Manual Wood Splitter For YOU

Splitting firewood by hand is a time-honored tradition—great for staying warm, building muscle, and working up a proper appreciation for modern tools.

But swinging an axe all day? That’s a fast track to a sore back and a bad attitude.

That’s where manual firewood splitters come in—giving you a smarter, safer, and more efficient way to split logs without the fuel costs or noise of gas-powered machines.

If you’re ready to upgrade from brute force to brainpower, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about manual firewood splitters, including:

✅ The best manual firewood splitters on the market
Key features to look for when buying one
How to use a manual firewood splitter (so you don’t wreck your hands or dignity)
Who should get one (and who should stick to an axe or hydraulic splitter)

Let’s dive in (but first)…

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Manual Firewood Splitters

Not all manual splitters are created equal. Some are great for big, tough logs, while others are better suited for kindling and small jobs. Here are the top-rated manual firewood splitters:

1. Kindling Cracker

???? Best for: Splitting small logs and making kindling
???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
???? Max log size: 6.5-inch diameter logs
???? Why you’ll love it: Zero maintenance and safe for all ages. Perfect for campers, cabin owners, and anyone who loves a good bonfire.

Check it out here

Kindling Cracker – Firewood Splitter Review

2. Kindling Cracker XL

???? Best for: Splitting medium logs and making kindling
???? Why it’s great: Stationary wedge design—just hit the log with a mallet
???? Max log size: 9-inch diameter logs
???? Why you’ll love it: Same as the previous one, just a big larger/heavy to accommodate larger log sizes.

Check it out here

Kindling Cracker XL – First Try

Note: These are the only 2 I recommend. Everything else has too many compromises to be considered a top option.

Key Features to Look for in a Manual Firewood Splitter

A good manual firewood splitter should be strong, stable, and safe. Here’s what you should consider before buying:

???? Splitting Mechanism – Hydraulic pump? Slide hammer? Wedge-and-mallet design? Pick one based on your strength and log size needs.

???? Max Log Size – Some splitters handle only small logs for kindling, while others can split thicker, tougher pieces of firewood.

???? Portability – If you need something lightweight for camping or off-grid use, avoid bulky hydraulic models.

???? Durability – Cast iron and hardened steel blades last longer than cheap aluminum or plastic parts.

???? Ease of Use – If your goal is less effort, go for hydraulic splitters or wedge-based designs that don’t require brute force.

How to Use a Manual Firewood Splitter (Without Wrecking Yourself)

Using a manual firewood splitter the right way will keep you safe and make the job much easier. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Prep Your Work Area

✔️ Set up on solid, level ground (concrete or packed dirt works best)
✔️ Wear safety gear – gloves, boots, and eye protection (flying wood chips are no joke)
✔️ Stack logs nearby so you don’t have to stop and reload every few minutes

2. Position the Log

✔️ Place the log upright and centered on the splitter
✔️ If using a wedge-style splitter, align it straight over the grain for a clean break

3. Apply Force

✔️ For hydraulic splitters – Pump the handle until the log splits
✔️ For slide hammer splitters – Lift the hammer and slam it down onto the wedge
✔️ For wedge-style splitters – Strike the log with a heavy mallet until it cracks

4. Remove & Repeat

✔️ Clear the split logs away before placing another one
✔️ If a log doesn’t split completely, rotate it and try again

Pro Tip: Don’t rush. Splitting firewood is about technique, not just strength.

Let the tool do the work!

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Who Should Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

A manual firewood splitter isn’t for everyone—but it might be perfect for you if:

You want a safer alternative to an axe – If you’re tired of swinging a maul (or just worried about missing your target), a splitter gives you more control and less risk.

You don’t want to deal with gas-powered machines – Hydraulic and electric splitters are great, but they require maintenance, fuel, or electricity. Manual splitters work anywhere.

You need something portable – If you’re heading to a cabin or off-grid property, a small manual wood splitter is easier to transport than a heavy-duty hydraulic model.

You want to save money – Manual splitters cost a fraction of electric or gas-powered splitters. If you’re only splitting firewood for personal use, a $100–$300 splitter will get the job done without breaking the bank.

❌ However…If you need to split massive logs all winter long, you might want to invest in a powered splitter instead. Manual splitters are fantastic for smaller jobs, but they’ll wear you out if you need to process cords of wood regularly.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Manual Firewood Splitter?

So if you love the idea of splitting firewood without gas, electricity, or unnecessary effort, a manual firewood splitter is a smart buy. It’s safer than an axe, cheaper than a power splitter. And far more efficient than splitting logs the old-fashioned way.

???? For small logs and kindling? Go for a wedge-based splitter like the Kindling Cracker.
???? For medium-sized logs? A slide hammer splitter gives you controlled power.
???? For big logs? A hydraulic manual splitter is your best bet.

At the end of the day, the right tool makes all the difference. If you want faster, easier, and safer firewood splitting, a manual wood splitter belongs in your shed.

Now, go forth and split wood like a pro. ????????

Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

P.s. – I just found out 2 out of 3 Americans don’t feel prepared for a 3 day disaster!!!

I guess this goes to show how modern society continues to embrace ‘living a fragile life.’ What’s crazy is… it’s so easy to fix.

To make sure YOU have the basics, watch our FREE training on “10 Simple Steps To Basic Preparedness” that shows you HOW.

Nothing crazy here… this isn’t doomsday prepping… just the basics every responsible adult should have before a disaster strikes.

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  • Who We Are
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  • Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
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  • Official Gear Tester for Numerous Outdoor Gear Companies
  • Countless Multiday Backpacking trips into Remote Wilderness
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“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” – Warren Buffett

We’re fully aware that trust is NOT something you GET but is EARNED.

And we’ll continue to earn YOUR trust through our forthright and honest approach with each new Blog Post, Guide & Product we create…

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<img decoding="async" class="container" style="width: 775px; margin: 0 auto;" src="https://www.skilledsurvival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/RSQuiz-Sample-Image-No-Border-1.jpg" alt="Readiness Score Quiz"


AND… I’ve still got a few gaps in my preps…????

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The post Manual Wood Splitter: Best Options & How to Use Them appeared first on Skilled Survival.

There Is Debate About Whether The Red Heifer Sacrifice That Took Place In Israel On July 1st Was The Real Thing Or Not

A number of people have asked me about the red heifer sacrifice that took place in Israel on July 1st, and so I decided to look into it.  I had heard that it was just a “practice run”, and so I didn’t understand why some people were making such a big deal about it.  Well, it turns out that those that actually conducted the red heifer sacrifice did not consider it to be a “practice run”.  That definitely shocked me.  Meanwhile, the Temple Institute is insisting that the ceremony on July 1st used “a disqualified heifer” and therefore could not be the real thing.  So there is a debate about the legitimacy of the ceremony, but everyone agrees that a lot of emotions are being stirred up because of what just took place.

Byron Stinson helped bring five red heifers from Texas to Israel in 2022, and he organized the sacrifice of one of those red heifers on a remote hilltop in northern Israel on July 1st at 6 PM

Stinson told RNS about the details of the practice ritual, which was held at 6 p.m. local time July 1, and released photos and video of the ceremony. That video shows a flaming pyre on a remote hilltop with what looks like the animal carcass engulfed in flames. A rabbi led the ceremony after the heifer was driven there from Shiloh in the West Bank, where the selected red heifers have been kept.

Plans for the ritual have been years in the making. Stinson, who has a home in Israel and lives there part of the year, funded a search to find heifers that would fit the exacting requirements found in the biblical text. Those requirements include having no flaws or blemishes, even from the ear tags commonly used by ranchers in the United States.

I mentioned this “practice run” in a previous article.

But to Stinson, it wasn’t a “practice run”.

On Facebook, Stinson claimed that “it was real and the first in 2000 years”

This is the burning from July 1. It was not on the Mount of Olives and some Jewish leaders feel it does not pass all requirements they support. But it was real and the first in 2000 years. Some will say all you need is to follow the Torah. We did that. Others have a higher standard under the Oral Torah. Many will never agree. But the world is changing fast. And I believe this ceremony changed something in the world. So it should be recognized as the first in over 2000 years. Will there be more?

Yes.

Will everyone agree that those will be the “right” one.

No.

Many will continue to question and fight against the ceremony. I just think the world needs to know. The ceremony went perfect. With a perfect Priest. In a place outside of the camp. And, in the opinion of those I respect, we used a perfect red heifer.

According to Stinson, all of the requirements for a red heifer sacrifice that we actually find in the Bible were met.

But not all of the Jewish traditions about a red heifer sacrifice were satisfied.

So the Temple Institute and other Jewish authorities are never going to recognize the sacrifice that occurred on July 1st.

However, there are some Jewish voices that are embracing what just happened.  For example, Adam King had a sample of the ashes of the red heifer that was just sacrificed sent to him, and he showed that sample off on Tim Pool’s podcast.  King is claiming that people that have been sprinkled with the ashes of this red heifer have actually been healed

I don’t know what to make of that.

Apparently the recent sacrifice produced 10 and a half gallons of red heifer ashes, and samples have supposedly been sent all over the world.

So nobody will ever be able to track all of the ashes down.

But the Temple Institute, which will actually be overseeing the future Temple in Jerusalem, says that all of the red heifers that had been brought to Israel ended up being disqualified and thus the ceremony that took place on July 1st was just a “test run”.  In a lengthy Facebook post, the Temple Institute detailed precisely what they believe will be necessary for a legitimate red heifer sacrifice…

Our longtime supporters are certainly aware that the Institute’s efforts to raise or discover a red heifer suitable for the purpose of achieving the ashes of the red heifer go back more than two decades. We have forged deep connections with cattle growers in the United States, both professionally and personally. We have worked with cattle growers in Israel. We have raised red heifer candidates here in Israel and flown over red heifer candidates from Texas. The halachot concerning the eligibility of a potential red heifer are very strict and unfortunately all our efforts so far have been frustrated by the appearance of more than one non-red hair on all our potential candidates. Nevertheless, our efforts continue.

Attaining a suitable red heifer, however, is only one aspect of the work of achieving the longed for purifying ashes. Once a viable red heifer has been achieved it needs to be slaughtered and burned into ashes. Simply to create a fire that will burn at a temperature capable of converting the heifer into ashes is a task that has required much research and experimentation.

Kohanim who are free of the impurity of tamei met must be located, for only kohanim enjoying such a status can be involved in creating the ashes. This requires kohanim who were home-birthed and have never stepped inside a hospital or cemetery, where the impurity of tamei met is a given. The Institute has successfully located and brought on board eligible kohanim.

Pure waters from the Shiloach spring located at the foot of the City of David must be collected and cedar wood, hyssop and wool dyed red with the tola’at shani insect must also be acquired and added to the ashes. Fortunately all these elements are readily attainable.
The actual burning of the heifer must take place on the Mount of Olives at a vantage point from which the kohen performing the ceremony can see into the great entrance of the Temple Sanctuary, (or, at least where it stood).

All throughout the Institute’s continuing efforts, tremendous research has formed the basis for every step forward we have taken. Rabbi Azarya arial of the Temple Institute has devoted years of his life researching and overseeing all these aspects.

Recently a groundbreaking test run was taken using a disqualified heifer. The experience better prepares us for the ultimate performance of the ceremony with a kosher heifer.

I am sure that there will be a lot of debate about the ceremony that took place on July 1st for a long time to come.

And I am sure that the Temple Institute will eventually conduct their own sacrifice when they feel that they have found a suitable candidate.

But that is not what I am focusing on.

Personally, I am focusing on all of the very clear signs of the end times that are literally being fulfilled right in front of our eyes.

God has told us history in advance, and the Bible has a tremendous amount to say about the days that we are currently living in.

Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com. He has also written nine other books that are available on Amazon.com including “Chaos”“End Times”“7 Year Apocalypse”“Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”“The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”.  When you purchase any of Michael’s books you help to support the work that he is doing.  You can also get his articles by email as soon as he publishes them by subscribing to his Substack newsletter.  Michael has published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and he always freely and happily allows others to republish those articles on their own websites.  These are such troubled times, and people need hope.  John 3:16 tells us about the hope that God has given us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  If you have not already done so, we strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

The post There Is Debate About Whether The Red Heifer Sacrifice That Took Place In Israel On July 1st Was The Real Thing Or Not appeared first on End Of The American Dream.