Ready to geek out over beard wash? We looked up all the quality ingredients common among the top products in beard wash reviews so you don’t have to.

Top Beard Wash Ingredients to Look Out For

Moisturizers

Moisturizers, or humectants, perform the double duty of hydrating your skin and delivering vitamins and minerals deeper into your skin’s inner layers.

1. Aloe Vera

Try using aloe vera gel as a shaving cream, and you’ll see how this plant keeps your skin supple and healthy. It is also effective for preventing razor burn and minimizing skin reactions due to shaving.

2. Argan Oil

Moroccans have long used this oil extracted from the nuts of the argan tree for its moisturizing and hair growth properties. It also prevents acne from breaking out and smoothens wrinkles.

3. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil’s main use is to nourish the skin. Aside from that, people use avocado oil to help wounds heal faster, to manage psoriasis, and to relieve skin inflammation due to eczema.

4. Blackcurrant Seed Extract Oil

This oil works wonders for the skin by treating conditions like dermatitis and eczema. It’s basically a vitamin booster for your dermis (aka skin).

5. Beeswax

Beeswax combats bacterial infections and protects your beard hairs from wear and tear. It’s always a good ingredient to have in your beard wash.

6. Castor Oil

Castor oil is amazing at drawing moisture to the skin. It’s great as a beard wash ingredient because of its antimicrobial qualities and anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is not only an effective moisturizer, but it is also great at killing bacteria. It penetrates your skin more than any other kind of oil.

RELATED: 37 Best Gifts For Bearded Men Who Have Everything

8. Cedarwood Essential Oil

Aside from its relaxing scent, cedarwood essential oil can also promote hair growth.

9. Citrus Auranitfolia Oil

Citrus Auranitfolia Oil comes from key lime and works well as a moisturizer, cleanser, hair conditioner, mask, and as a tonic.

10. Cocoa Powder

Believe it or not, the ingredient behind chocolate is also good food for your skin, since it’s packed with antioxidants that help reverse skin aging. It’s not something you regularly look for in your beard wash but it’s a definite plus when you see it listed among the ingredients.

There are more natural beard wash ingredients you should watch out for! Check out the entire list here from Wild Willies!

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***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 1, 2019, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Today I’ve got something incredibly awesome to share…

A Complete Guide On Buying & Wearing A Boot Knife

Because what’s the most important survival gear you wear daily?

It’s certainly NOT a mood ring. It’s a knife!

It’s one of the oldest weapons for cutting and combat.

But not all boot knives are created equal.

That’s why you need a good one and a comfortable way to wear it…

TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE…    ↓(click to jump)

• Best Boot Knives Today
• What Is A Boot Knife Anyway?
• A Brief Boot Knife History
• Who Should Start Wearing?
• How To Wear A Boot Knife
• The Best Boot Knife Features

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Best Boot Knives On The Market Today

↓  S&W “SWHRT9B”

↓ Kershaw Secret Agent Knife

↓ CRKT Sting Overview

↓ Gerber Ghostrike Knife

↓ SOG Instinct Mini Review

↓ Counter Tac 1

What Is A Boot Knife Anyway?

It’s usually a fixed-blade dagger.

Sheathed and attached to the inside (or outside) of your boot.

It’s a secondary blade you wear as a sneaky backup.

A knife you can draw fast without having to unfold it.

It’s an everyday carry weapon you don’t put in your pocket.

The blade is usually three to four inches long.

That way it can fit inside a boot.

And while this is not a large, its power is concealment.

Longer ones around six inches are available…

But they suck. 

Because they’re too heavy and hard to conceal.

↓ Why I Carry A Boot Knife (Their Uses & Local Law Requirements)

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

A Brief Boot Knife History Lesson

The history of wearing knives in boots goes back to the American West.

It was known as the gambler’s best friend.

Days when firearms were less reliable.

So having a concealed weapon gave you an advantage.

Long boots worn in the old west made it the perfect place to carry.

And more recently, Military personnel around the world wear them.

For example:

Paratroopers had them in WWII when they dropped into battle zones.

Who Should Start Wearing One?

Hunters

Every hunter needs a knife that’s easy to carry.

Regular tasks around camp, like cutting branches and using ropes, require a knife.

Skinning animals and helping with field dressing are also necessary.

Anglers

You need a knife when fishing.

Why? To cut lines, clean fish, and do all the other random cutting acts on the waters.

Survivalists

You’ll need a blade for protection, and utility while on the run.

If you lose your primary knife (like your survival knife), you’ll still have a backup in a pinch.

Military

Armed forces worldwide have used boot knives.

They are a standard issue in some branches.

And provide a secondary weapon that’s easy to access in combat.

Police

Besides firearms, some police forces carry a knife in their boot.

Folding knives take an extra step to open them.

Thus, takes precious seconds to open.

This can be the difference between life and death.

Bushcraft Enthusiasts

A knife is an essential bushcraft tool.

Wearing one in a boot sheath keeps your pockets open for other tools.

EDC (Everyday Carry)

Having a concealed weapon is excellent for cutting and self-defense.

Our pockets are full of cell phones, keys, and other items.

It is a weapon no one sees, so you are not considered a threat.

It’s also a part of your gear load whenever you leave the house.

Want a free 78 item prepper checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

How To Wear A Boot Knife The Right Way

This knife is a concealed backup weapon.

So it’s not attached to your bug-out bag, survival belt, plate carrier, or MOLLE vest.

As the name suggests, this knife attaches to your work boots, cowboy boots, or tactical boots.

There are 4 possible locations within each boot.

1. Inside your boot
2. In a pocket inside the boot
3. Outside of the boot
4. In the laces

1. Inside Your Boot

This is the simplest way.

Just sheathe the fixed blade and slide it tip down into your boot.

This can cause problems though.

If your boot is too loose, the blade may move around.

It may slip down too far, making access harder.

If it’s too tight, you will feel the knife against your leg.

Making it uncomfortable to wear.

Buy a holster that wraps around your lower leg.

↓ Boot Knife With Cowboy Boots

2. In a Pocket Inside The Boot

This option is convenient and designed for this purpose.

You must match your knife with your boot pocket ahead of time.

But you’re also not messing around with holsters or straps.

3. Outside The Boot

This setup gives your legs freedom.

You will need a longer boot or a shorter knife attached to a strap.

This may cause concealment problems if you wear skinny jeans.

4. In The Laces

This is another option if your boot type has an extended lace area.

You can weave the laces through the holes in the holster.

And then you have your knife mounted on top of the boot.

There are no modifications to worry about; it won’t rub or irritate your leg.

A smaller knife works best.

Bonus: Cowboy Boots

Are you wondering how to wear a boot knife in cowboy boots?

You have the advantage of a long boot, so concealing one is easier.

Use a holster for the blade and attach it to your leg or inside the boot:

↓ How To Attached Knives To Your Boots

Best Boot Knife Features To Look For

Here are a few tips to get a good boot knife:

Size

Consider the size of the blade.

• Too long, and it will poke out of your boot.
• Too short and hard to get at if it slips down.

You don’t want it interfering with your foot movement.

Try some on for size and see how it feels.

You also want the blade to be thin so it fits the contours of your leg.

Weight may also be an issue.

Material

Your knife must be durable and made of either stainless or high-carbon steel.

Stainless is more corrosion-resistant.

But it can get dull quicker.

While a high-carbon has a sharper edge but can rust.

And since we all walk through snow, mud, and water…

Stainless is the better choice.

The handle can be wood or synthetic.

Synthetic is more durable, but wood looks good.

You decide which is more important to you.

Blade Type

Usually, a boot knife will be double-edged and shaped in a long spear point.

If it is being used as a weapon, go with this style.

For a survival tool, pick a knife that has a one-sided blade.

Sheath

Always use your sheath when putting it in your boot.

This is a no-brainer, but I have to mention it anyway.

You’ll get cut fast if you jam an open blade into your boot.

The bottom line is:

Sheath it!

Final Thoughts

A boot knife is an ideal secondary, last-resort weapon.

And it’s a good way for survivalists, hunters, hikers, and preppers to carry a knife daily.

Get one, attach it, and strut about your day with confidence.

Why Trust Skilled Survival…

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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 
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• Bachelor’s Degree In Biomedical Engineering

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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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Mission: Help Folks Stop Living A Life Fragile To The Future

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The post The Best Boot Knives & How To Wear One Like A Boss appeared first on Skilled Survival.

Can you guess who the quote in the article title is from?  I will give you a hint.  It wasn’t me.  I know that it sounds like it could have come from me, but it actually comes from a very big name on Wall Street.  Ellen Zentner is Morgan Stanley’s chief U.S. economist, and she is the one that said it.  During an interview with CNBC she warned that “the tightening impacts from monetary policy” will have enormous consequences for the U.S. economy in the months ahead…

“We will have a hard landing at some point. I guarantee you that. We’re all wondering: When does that come?” she said. “The point that Dimon makes is that there are these cumulative impacts that build over time, and we are in the camp that we haven’t yet seen all of the tightening impacts from monetary policy,” she added, referring to the impact of Fed rate hikes.

She makes a really great point.

The consequences of interest rate hikes are felt over time.

Higher interest rates have certainly started to cause a lot of problems, but if rates are not brought down soon the level of pain that we are experiencing will begin to go up dramatically.

Unfortunately, the Fed is not likely to reduce interest rates any time soon because inflation continues to run hotter than expected…

Inflation increased by the largest amount in almost a year, according to the Fed’s preferred measure – confirming expectations interest rates will not be cut until around June.

The so-called core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index – which excludes volatile food and energy prices – increased 0.4 percent between December and January.

Marko Kolanovic, the chief market strategist for JPMorgan Chase, believes that the U.S. economy could be headed into “something like 1970s stagflation”…

In an analyst note to clients, the bank’s chief market strategist Marko Kolanovic warned that the economy may turn away from a “Goldilocks” scenario – in which it is not expanding or contracting by too much – and enter a period of stagflation similar to that experienced in the 1970s.

“Going back to the question of market macro regime, we believe that there is a risk of the narrative turning back from Goldilocks towards something like 1970s stagflation, with significant implications for asset allocation,” Kolanovic wrote.

I would argue that we have already been in a period of stagflation.

The economy has certainly been stagnating, and inflation has been unacceptably high.

But now conditions have taken a dramatic turn for the worse in early 2024, and we are seeing some very troubling signs.

For example, I was stunned to learn that a Canadian pension fund has just sold a stake in a Manhattan office tower for just one dollar…

Canadian pension funds have been among the world’s most prolific buyers of real estate, starting a revolution that inspired retirement plans around the globe to emulate them. Now the largest of them is taking steps to limit its exposure to the most-beleaguered property type — office buildings.

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board has done three deals at discounted prices, selling its interests in a pair of Vancouver towers, a business park in Southern California and a redevelopment project in Manhattan, with the New York stake offloaded for the eyebrow-raising price of just $1. The worry is those deals may set an example for other major investors seeking a way out of the turmoil too.

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board had a 29 percent stake in Manhattan’s 360 Park Avenue South.

The plan was to redevelop that property, but at this point the outlook for office buildings is so bad that the pension fund just wanted out.

And so the entire 29 percent stake was sold off for just one dollar.

Do you remember when I warned that we were heading into the worst commercial real estate crash in history?

Well, this is what a crash looks like.

Meanwhile, large employers all over America continue to conduct mass layoffs.

Today, I was saddened to learn that Electronic Arts is laying off approximately 700 workers…

Another day, another round of mass layoffs in the games industry. Electronic Arts (EA) has announced it will cut around five percent of its employees, putting almost 700 people out of a job. It’s also cancelling games and shutting down at least one development studio.

EA CEO Andrew Wilson announced the layoffs in an email to employees, which was subsequently posted to the company’s blog on Wednesday.

And we just learned more details about the layoffs that Citigroup is conducting…

Citigroup is cutting nearly 300 workers in New York as it continues its massive layoff spree in an effort to rein in expenses, according to filings with the State Labor Department.

About 239 workers in the primary banking subsidiary, 44 from its broker-dealer unit and three from its technology arm are getting cut, according to Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices filed this week.

In early January, the company announced that it was cutting 20,000 roles “over the medium-term,” as part of a reorganization effort. The cuts are slated to save the company between $2 billion and 2.5 billion.

We have not seen anything like this since the Great Recession of 2008 and 2009.

On Thursday, Zero Hedge published a list of 50 different mass layoffs that we have seen recently…

1. Everybuddy: 100% of workforce
2. Wisense: 100% of workforce
3. CodeSee: 100% of workforce
4. Twig: 100% of workforce
5. Twitch: 35% of workforce
6. Roomba: 31% of workforce
7. Bumble: 30% of workforce
8. Farfetch: 25% of workforce
9. Away: 25% of workforce
10. Hasbro: 20% of workforce
11. LA Times: 20% of workforce
12. Wint Wealth: 20% of workforce
13. Finder: 17% of workforce
14. Spotify: 17% of workforce
15. Buzzfeed: 16% of workforce
16. Levi’s: 15% of workforce
17. Xerox: 15% of workforce
18. Qualtrics: 14% of workforce
19. Wayfair: 13% of workforce
20. Duolingo: 10% of workforce
21. Rivian: 10% of workforce
22. Washington Post: 10% of workforce
23. Snap: 10% of workforce
24. eBay: 9% of workforce
25. Sony Interactive: 8% of workforce
26. Expedia: 8% of workforce
27. Business Insider: 8% of workforce
28. Instacart: 7% of workforce
29. Paypal: 7% of workforce
30. Okta: 7% of workforce
31. Charles Schwab: 6% of workforce
32. Docusign: 6% of workforce
33. Riskified: 6% of workforce
34. EA: 5% of workforce
35. Motional: 5% of workforce
36. Mozilla: 5% of workforce
37. Vacasa: 5% of workforce
38. CISCO: 5% of workforce
39. UPS: 2% of workforce
40. Nike: 2% of workforce
41. Blackrock: 3% of workforce
42. Paramount: 3% of workforce
43. Citigroup: 20,000 employees
44. ThyssenKrupp: 5,000 employees
45. Best Buy: 3,500 employees
46. Barry Callebaut: 2,500 employees
47. Outback Steakhouse: 1,000
48. Northrop Grumman: 1,000 employees
49. Pixar: 1,300 employees
50. Perrigo: 500 employees

Just look at that list.

That is nuts!

Anyone that thinks that the U.S. economy is heading in the right direction is simply being delusional.

Greg Hunter just interviewed economic analyst David Morgan, and he is warning that we are actually “entering into a global depression the likes of which the world has never seen”…

Economic analyst and financial writer David Morgan has gone against the majority in the past with predictions that seemed unbelievable at the time. One prediction last year is the Fed not cutting interest rates in 2023. The Fed didn’t, and Morgan is still predicting there will be no Fed interest rate cut anytime soon. Now, with a record high stock market, Morgan is predicting “We are entering into a global depression the likes of which the world has never seen.”

Global central banks were able to delay the inevitable by flooding the system with colossal mountains of money.

But that just created a tremendous amount of inflation and now a horrifying economic crisis is coming anyway.

So I would encourage everyone to brace themselves for the “hard landing” that is rapidly approaching, because it is going to be exceedingly painful for the unprepared.

Michael’s new book entitled “Chaos” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can check out his new Substack newsletter right here.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s extremely controversial new book entitled “Chaos” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com.  He has also written seven other books that are available on Amazon.com including “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned)  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 Blog, End 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.  You can connect with Michael on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and sharing his articles on your own social media accounts is definitely a great help.  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 “We Will Have A Hard Landing At Some Point. I Guarantee You That.” appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

Yuletide season is here. You can already feel the Christmas vibe and what better way to spend this momentous occasion than with your family and loved ones. Of course, we also have to celebrate it with our in-laws. And admit or not, it can sometimes be a stressful episode especially if your in-laws are always breathing down your neck. You need to survive the holidays without losing your cool. We’ve come up with these survival tips for Christmas will leave you in the clear with even the most difficult in-laws! Read on and find out more about it.

How to Survive Christmas Dinner With Your In-Laws

Bright lights, whirring holiday hymns, busy street and malls, family traditions and mixed emotions –you’re right it’s Christmas. It’s a time of joy, love, laughter and family. But for many of us, it can also be a stressful time– especially when dealing with in-laws. Of course, we love them, but there’s no denying that our in-laws can be a stressful addition to our holiday celebrations particularly if they’re a pain in the rear.

Whether it’s talking politics or asking when they’re going to get a grandchild, everyone’s in-laws have their habits that drive them absolutely nuts. You absolutely need to control your temper to save this lovely occasion from turning into the worst family dinner that will eventually haunt you like the ghost of Christmas past. So here are a few tips to help you survive Christmas dinner with your in-laws.

1. Offer to help

If your in-laws are hosting, be sure to make yourself useful in the Christmas dinner preparation and clean-up. Your mother-in-law might seem annoying just because she’s stressed. Easing the burden on her will make the day easier for you too. Offer whatever help you can give and it will surely lighten the feeling of uneasiness.

2. Mind your manners

“Please” and “thank you” are easy and go a long way. Being polite also sets a great example for your kids. Good manners should always be shown at all times and regardless of how your in-laws treat you. After all, they are still the parents of your better half.

3. Share your spouse

Don’t get jealous or clingy if your spouse spends more time talking to their parents and siblings than with you. Remember, you get every day with your spouse; he or she might only see his or her family a few times a year. You don’t need to be selfish and keep your spouse by your side all the time. So let them catch up with each other. Give them time and privacy to talk. It’s their family anyways so there’s no need to guard them like they’re Fort Knox.

4. Participate

Look through your mother-in-law’s photo albums. Laugh at your father-in-law’s jokes and also share some of yours to lighten every conversation. Make yourself a part of the family, and you’ll be surprised what a good time you can have. Participate if there’s a family activity and communicate with them, for communication can save struggling relationships.

5. Take a break

The holidays can be overwhelming and exhausting, and by the end of it, you may be starved for alone time. Don’t feel bad if you need to sneak away for a quick walk or a nap after dinner. It will recharge your batteries and put you into better spirits because stress can ruin this special occasion.

Watch this video for more Christmas safety tips for you and your family!

Our characters can be determined by how we handle the circumstances we encounter. And some of us turned into an Ebenezer Scrooge and despises Christmas whenever we are off to our in-laws to spend the holidays with them. But you can always turn that thing around and have a wonderful time with them. Maintain your cool if ever you’re in an unpleasant situation with your in-laws. Give them respect for they are the parents of your spouse. Walk away if you’re about to be engaged in a heated debate with them and do not make the situation worst by adding insult to the injury. When shots are fired in form of words it will only make your wounded relationship bleed even more. Let us be reminded that Christmas is about giving and sharing not only gifts but also love for each other. Follow these simple tips and maybe this time Christmas dinner with your in-laws will be even better and strengthen your relationship with them. Have a blessed Christmas y’all!

Looking for tips on how to survive Christmas eve with excited kids? Click here!

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***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 20, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

French ruler and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member Emmanuel Macron suggested that the West will need to put “boots on the ground” in Ukraine in order to defeat Russia. Moscow has already responded by saying such a move would make a direct war with the United States-led military bloc “inevitable.”

Supporters of Kiev gathered in Paris on Monday at Macron’s invitation to discuss what they should do as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues. The conflict has now entered its third year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly participated in the event, which was held behind closed doors, via a video link.

Ukrainian troops have suffered a new series of setbacks on the battlefield over the past several weeks. The government is struggling to replenish lost troops, as the parliament is debating mobilization reform, which would introduce harsh punishments for dodging the draft. Meanwhile, a partisan row in the US Congress has kept a White House request for additional Ukraine aid in legislative limbo.

The Elysee Palace touted the gathering as a way for participants to “reaffirm their unity” and express their determination to defeat Russia. Some guests who are critical of the Western approach expressed concerns beforehand. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said the agenda “sends chills down my spine.” -RT

Following the private discussions, Macron described various ways the West could help Kyiv to win the war at a press conference, arguing that preventing a Russian victory served European security interests. There was “no consensus to officially back any ground troops,” he said, while controversially adding that “nothing should be excluded.”

While most of the European Union balked at Macron’s comments that soldiers should get officially involved in the fighting, the Russian government reacted with a warning.  Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that while most of Macron’s anti-Russian rhetoric at the press conference was just a repetition of things he’d said in the past, the public proposal for an acknowledged presence of NATO troops in Ukraine was new.

Peskov said that should NATO put any kind of “boots on the ground” people would “have to talk not about the probability, but rather the inevitability” of a direct Russian-NATO clash.

Russia Warns NATO A Nuclear War Will Ensue If Western Weapons Defeat Russia

Russia has warned the West several times about the inevitability of war, and the consequences should the NATO alliance continue to be involved in the conflict. So far, Russia has not followed through with any of its threats. Is it only a matter of time before they do?

If you want to determine what people believe, don’t listen to what they say.  Rather, closely watch what they actually do.  In recent days, the stock market has been hovering near all-time record highs and business leaders have been assuring us that good days are ahead.  But meanwhile many of our most famous billionaires have been doing things that indicate that they are extremely concerned about what is coming in the future.  For example, during the first two months of this year Jeff Bezos, Jamie Dimon and Mark Zuckerberg “have all sold big chunks of shares in their own companies”…

Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon, and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg have all sold big chunks of shares in their own companies. How come?

Bezos is way out in front after offloading 50 million shares of Amazon in just nine trading days this month, pocketing an estimated $8.5 billion.

Zuckerberg cashed in almost 1.8 million shares of his social-media empire for more than $400 million in the last two months of 2023.

JPMorgan’s Dimon joined the club this month, jettisoning about 822,000 shares of the bank he leads for about $150 million.

If these men believe that the U.S. economy is going to thrive and their companies will continue to grow, it would make sense to just sit back and let their portfolios increase in value.

But instead they have all determined that this is a perfect time to sell.

And I can definitely understand that.  Over the past year, the stocks of all three companies have soared to unprecedented heights…

Meta stock has soared by 186% over the past year, JPMorgan is up nearly 30%, and Amazon has surged close to 90%. All three companies are trading close to record highs.

These men didn’t become filthy rich by being stupid, and selling at the peak of the bubble certainly wouldn’t be stupid.

But is that the only reason why these billionaires are feverishly liquidating shares?

In recent weeks, much has been made of the fact that Zuckerberg and his wife are constructing an absolutely massive survivalist compound in Hawaii.  The following comes from Time Magazine…

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, co-founder and co-CEO of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, plan to build a 5,000-square-foot underground shelter on their Hawaii ranch with its own energy and food supplies, according to a Wired investigation published earlier this month.

The plan is that the shelter’s door will be made of metal and filled in with concrete—common in bunkers and bomb shelters, the news outlet reported in its extensive article citing planning documents and interviews.

So why is Zuckerberg going to such effort?

Does he know something that the rest of us do not?

Yes, it is true that Zuckerberg has always been more than a little bit eccentric.

But many other ultra-wealthy individuals are also preparing for doom.  In fact, Sam Altman and Peter Thiel both seem to be extremely alarmed about the times that are approaching…

To keep himself safe, Altman keeps a stash of the usual Doomsday prepper fare including antibiotics and water as well as some more unusual goods. He told the founders of the startup Shypmate, per the New Yorker: “I try not to think about it too much. But I have guns, gold, potassium iodide, antibiotics, batteries, water, gas masks from the Israeli Defence Force, and a big patch of land in Big Sur I can fly to.”

He also said he and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel have an “arrangement” to flee to one of Thiel’s luxury properties in New Zealand in the event the End of the World comes about.

Why would Sam Altman need guns and gas masks?

And why would he need potassium iodide?

Exactly what does he expect to happen?

Other billionaires are going to even greater extremes.

Al Corbi, the founder and president of Strategically Armored & Fortified Environments, says that he is currently working on an “island fortress” for one client that will have a very deep moat around it filled with highly flammable liquid…

Corbi — who worked on the palatial 27-floor, $4.8 billion Mumbai residence of business mogul Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries — reveals to THR that his most spectacular project, due to be completed in 2025, is an island fortress created on a 200-acre property in the U.S., with cutting-edge tactical systems.

“The shelter can withstand a blast one mile from ground zero,” says Corbi. “But that was almost incidental. The client [a business mogul] was saying, ‘I want to make sure that no one can get to my family,’ so we wound up literally building a 30-foot-deep lake [around the compound] skimmed with a lighter-than-water flammable liquid that can transform into a ring of fire. The only access to the island is a swing bridge.”

I have to admit, that sounds pretty cool.

I just hope that they have figured out how to keep the fire from escaping the moat.

The property will also have “water cannons that can take down parachuters”…

Also at Corbi’s project, “there are water cannons that can take down parachuters, Apache helicopters, whatever’s coming your way 500 feet in the air,” he says. “Then we took all the dirt removed for the lake to literally build a mountain as natural fortification around the property. And we cut a tunnel through with flame-throwers, gassing systems, a steel wall that closes midway that could stop a 16-wheeler going 80 miles an hour, and bollards at both ends.”

Okay, so I have a question.

Why go to so much trouble?

If life is going to continue more or less like it has for the past few decades, why waste so much money?

Obviously the client that is paying for this island fortress is envisioning that the world is going to go mad.

And I agree with that assessment.

In fact, I believe that the most chaotic chapters in all of human history are ahead of us.

The billionaires that I have discussed in this article would not see eye to eye with me on all of the specifics, but they are certainly preparing for apocalyptic times too.

What about you?

Have you been getting prepared for what is coming?

I hope so, because the clock is ticking…

Michael’s new book entitled “Chaos” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can check out his new Substack newsletter right here.

About the Author: Michael Snyder’s extremely controversial new book entitled “Chaos” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com.  He has also written seven other books that are available on Amazon.com including “End Times”, “7 Year Apocalypse”, “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America”, “The Beginning Of The End”, and “Living A Life That Really Matters”. (#CommissionsEarned)  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 Blog, End 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.  You can connect with Michael on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and sharing his articles on your own social media accounts is definitely a great help.  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 Why Are Billionaires Selling Off Stocks And Building Massive Survival Bunkers? appeared first on End Of The American Dream.

Let’s dig into the details of pet survival and what it would take to make sure you’re prepared to care…

This article %Pet Survival – 3 Levels of Pet Prepping% appeared first on %Survive Doomsday%.

Deal with all sorts of facial hair troubles the simplest and easiest way with this beard care guide.

Your Badass Beard Care Guide to Beard Growing Issues

1. Beard Itch

You’ll encounter beard itch as a common complaint when growing a beard. This is especially true when you’ve been baby-faced for years and are now just getting into the basics of badass beard care and beard growing. As new hairs grow, their edges scrape against the skin, and this causes the skin to itch. When the beard is already fully grown, poor hygienic conditions underneath the hair can irritate and make the skin itchy.

The Remedy:
Beard care and maintenance also involve knowing what natural ingredients will best address issues that’ll crop up from time to time. With beard itch, you can use Argan or Moroccan oil, camellia oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil to tame inflammation. These oils will moisturize your skin and get rid of skin dryness, which is a contributor to itchiness. After returning suppleness to your mug, these oils will nourish your epidermis with Vitamin E and antioxidants. Look for beard oils or elixirs with minty scents like menthol or tea tree to help soothe the itch.

We recommend: Wild Willie’s Beard Elixir in Cool Mint

For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

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**Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer .**

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 6, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Today I’ve got something really exciting to share…

A Complete Guide To Using A Survival Bandana In A Pinch

Because a bandana isn’t just a square of cloth for nose-blowing, right?

A bandana can be a tool, just like anything..

IF you’re creative enough…

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Note: Watch the video below OR continue past to read the article…

↓ Survival Bandana: 40 Uses

23 Survival Uses For Your Bandana

1. Signaling For Rescue

Sure, that camouflage pattern bandana looks badass and blends in perfectly from a distance.

But let’s be honest, a bandana isn’t going to make you invisible, but it can do exactly the opposite.

Let’s say you’re out hunting and break your legs while decked out in full camo…

Wouldn’t it be more helpful to reach into your pack and grab a couple of bright neon bandanas and make a flag or hang them around you?

Like with signal mirrors, search and rescue teams across the country recommend using a bright bandana to signal to search aviation crews.

Why? Because they stick out from natural colors.

More than that, if you need to signal to someone else without speaking, brightly colored bandanas can communicate over distances.

↓ 101 Uses of a Bandana – Survival, Medical, Tactical, Humor

2. Establishing Trail Markers

Sick of getting lost when you go bushwhacking in the wilderness?

Lots of hunters, hikers, and other explorers use neon plastic tape to tie to tree branches and mark their way home.

Like Hansel and Gretel, only no one will come around eating the plastic stuck in trees, so you won’t get lost.

Likewise, brightly colored survival bandanas can be torn into ribbons and tied to trees to mark progress.

This will help keep your bearings straight.

Don’t be afraid to tear that bandana into several trail marker ribbons.

It’s a large part of its usefulness, and they are easy to replace.

If your bandana is sentimental, leave it at home and instead invest in a cheap new one to add to your survival gear.

3. Dirty Dish Rag

I love to cook when camping.

I have a nice setup of camp cookware that I take with me everywhere.

But sometimes washing dirty dishes can be a serious pain when I’m out and away from sinks and sponges.

In a pinch, bandanas can be soaped up and used as dish rags to get in there and clean up.

4. Napkin | Handkerchief

I don’t know that this one needs a lot of explanation.

If you sneeze or have allergies, wipe that nose with your bandana and clean yourself up.

If you don’t have proper paper napkins or paper towels lying around, use your bandana.

Either way, make sure you rinse it out when you’re done.

5. Neck Gaiter For Cold Weather

Winter is, without a doubt, my favorite season.

Why? Because it’s ski season, snowshoe season, igloo season, and the season of big warm jackets and crisp silent nights.

But everyone’s face gets cold in that weather.

And even a very thin layer of cloth can make a BIG difference.

So if you’ve got a survival bandana handy and the cold weather is biting at your face, cover up like a bandit and use it as a neck gaiter.

You’ll be surprised at how efficiently this keeps the cold at bay.

6. Makeshift Tourniquet

No one expects to amputate a limb when you leave the house in the morning.

But you can never be entirely sure.

Should the need arise, bandanas can cinch tightly in a pinch.

They’ll do an OK job…

Not as good as an actual rapid application tourniquet.

7. Cordage

As mentioned, don’t be afraid to tear up your bandana to increase its usefulness.

Often, they’re more useful in pieces than wholly intact.

If you need to bind a broken bone to a splint, bind tent poles together, bind something to your pack, a person’s hands, an animal, whatever!

Bandanas can do the job.

The fabric makes for decently strong cordage.

I’d rather have some paracord, but a bandana works if push comes to shove.

8. Washcloth Or Tiny Towel

If I forget something when I pack my backpack, it’s a washcloth and a towel.

I will ALWAYS remember everything else, but never that.

The problem got so bad that I have just resorted to using bandanas.

They are smaller, easier to pack, and much easier to remember to bring (for me, at least).

So you can’t wrap it around your waist to cover yourself after bathing.

But who doesn’t love a little nudity in the wilderness?

You may be naked, but at least you’ll be dry.

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

9. Waist Pack | Pouch

You can fashion a small waist pack if you tie the knots correctly.

Like a homemade fanny pack to keep your favorite goodies close.

I’d rather have a tactical molle pouch for survival, but I assume you must improvise.

This works in the wilderness for recreation or survival.

It could even be handy at the next music festival you go to sneak goodies inside (but you didn’t get that idea from me).

10. Pot Holder

Hot stuff burns hands.

That’s science.

So protect your grabbers with a bandana next time you reach for that hot pot in the fire.

I can’t promise it will mitigate ALL the heat, but it’ll help.

11. Pouch For Collecting Wild Edibles 

Now, don’t go out picking berries, mushrooms, and roots without a basic understanding of what you are picking.

Eating whatever you encounter in the wilderness can be extremely dangerous.

But it can also be highly useful if you have the right wild edible knowledge base.

Get the book “From Dirt To Plate” on foraging if interested.

Once you know what you are doing, bandanas can be used as containers to collect such edibles.

And transport them back to your home base or bug-out location.

12. Sunblock

I often tucked one end of my bandana under my hat when traveling.

This served two purposes:

1. To keep the sun from burning the crap out of my pasty white skin.
2. Keep sweat contained and prevent it from evaporating from my pasty white skin.

When you’re in intense heat like that, the last thing you want to do is remove your clothes…

You don’t want to let your sweat disappear into the scorching air.

It is better to use cotton garments to keep as much moisture as close to the skin as possible.

So leave your sweaty shirt on and use that bandana to save your sweat!

13. Makeshift Sling

Slings keep injured body parts close to the body and elevated to minimize swelling.

Anyone who has ever needed to use one knows they help SO MUCH when you’ve got an injured arm/shoulder.

Doctors and first responders always carry triangle bandages in their medical kits.

This allows them to create slings on the fly.

But homemade med kits might not have any of those.

Bandanas can be substituted to hold injured limbs aloft – although they are slightly smaller than regular triangle bandages.

14. Sling (X2)

Yeah, you read that right; I put “slings” on here twice.

That’s not a typo!

Why? Because you can make two different slings out of the same single survival bandana.

The first was discussed above; the second was the kind that David used to defeat Goliath.

You know, the kind our ancestors from long ago used to hunt animals and fire projectiles at their enemies.

Look up a simple DIY on how to make a sling, and you’ll be able to see how you can use a bandana to achieve a similar effect.

This can be useful for hunting small animals if you have no other food source.

Or defending yourself when you have no other means.

15. Eyepatch

Losing an eye would suck.

My condolences to anyone out there who’s suffered such a serious inconvenience.

But stuff happens, and if you lose an eye in a survival situation, you probably can’t get to a hospital to bandage yourself up.

It could get infected easily without covering the exposed wound from the elements.

And you want to keep unwanted guests (like ants or spiders) from laying eggs in your eye socket…

16. Pre-water Filter

Do you know how coffee filters work?

Well, bandanas can achieve a similar function to water.

You can significantly reduce debris and unwanted waterborne guests by using a piece of mildly tight-knit fabric (like the cotton of a bandana).

This won’t replace your pump-action water filter or iodine tablets.

But if it is the only method you have available for filtering water, definitely use it.

While it won’t protect you from every waterborne nasty, it will protect you from some.

↓ LifeStraw Review & Field Test (Plus a Prefilter Tip)

17. Hobo Pack

This one’s a Great Depression Era classic.

Find yourself a stick, tie the corners of your bandana together on one end, and voila!

You have yourself a handy little shoulder pack.

Granted, it isn’t great for holding tons of stuff.

But it can take the weight out of your pockets, at the very least…

18. Cleaning Patches For Firearms

Every gun owner knows that keeping a survival firearm clean is imperative if you want to rely on and trust in your firearm.

But you never know when and where you might have to use your gun.

You may need some makeshift cleaning patches to polish up your weapon.

Bandanas can work as a basic substitute for a gun cleaning kit.

Just tear it up into small pieces and gently dab some gun-cleaning oil on them, then get to it!

19. Bullet Patches For Muzzleloader

If, for whatever reason, you’re stranded, and you have a muzzleloader with you, bandanas can also serve as decent bullet patches.

This will help you keep your bullets and gunpowder separate.

20. Toilet Paper

Need I say more?

21. Earmuffs

They won’t be the warmest earmuffs on the market.

But if your ears are exceptionally chilly, wrap your bandana around your head and cinch it tightly.

It’s no replacement for a wool cap or fleece muffs, but it is certainly better than nothing.

A survival bandana may be just enough to save your ears from frostbite.

22. Bind A Stone and Toss A Line Over A Limb

Let’s say you need to throw a line over a tree branch or steel beam.

Tying a cord or line to a stone can be a difficult endeavor.

But if you wrap the stone up in your bandana and tie the line to that, you have a much more efficient tool and a lower chance of failure.

23. Dust Mask

I always think of that scene from “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”…

When Thompson’s out in the desert following dirt bikes around in a buggy, dust so thick in the air that visibility is negligible.

↓ Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas – Desert Race Scene

Breathing in heavy amounts of dust or soot, or smoke can be unimaginably stressful on human lungs.

Especially if you have to inhale that crap for an extended period.

Of course, a gas mask or respirator is almost always the best option in such a circumstance.

But those are rarely available.

Tying a bandana around your face can help filter out a significant amount of air pollution.

And will save your lungs.

Even that thin layer of cotton can go a long way when breathing in dusty air.

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Final Thoughts

These aren’t all of the potential uses for a survival bandana

But they are a few of my favorite creative uses.

You can surely think of a few more, and in an emergency, under pressure, who knows what kind of crazy ends you’ll use your bandanas to achieve.

If I hadn’t taken a bandana while traveling, I could have gotten an infection, severe skin damage, or worse – baby flies popping out of my skin.

But because I was prepared, and I understood the versatility of the survival bandana, I was able to save myself from those horrors.

Why Trust Skilled Survival…

Go here now to review a full breakdown of:

Who We Are

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& Product Recommendations…

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

• Certified Member of a Mountain Search & Rescue Organization
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• 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…

Will Brendza

Bachelor of Arts, University of Colorado at Boulder

Member of The 10th Mountain Division Hut Association

Certifications: Avalanche 1, WFR (expired), CPR (expired)

8+ Years Researching, Writing, About Survival and Preparedness

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In minutes you’ll know EXACTLY where you stand and if you should be worried or not..

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The post 23 Surprising Ways A Survival Bandana Can Save Your Life appeared first on Skilled Survival.

This article was originally published by Austin Padgett at The Mises Institute. 

Much of the developed world is slipping into a hyperregulated malaise. Growth rates are down across most major economies, and the developing countries are catching up to our errors almost as fast as they are growing.

Increasingly, even in the US, you would have to be outside the norm to afford a house by age forty. The median age of a first-time homebuyer in 2023 is the same as a repeat buyer in 1981. We’re not allowed to build and grow, but we’re told everything is ok as long as the stock market hasn’t crashed. When we point out that the system isn’t working, we are told we should be happy because degrowth is good for the environment.

It is time people stopped feeling obligated to justify their existence to a managerial class of unelected bureaucrats. Their incompetence and capture to powerful interests has been demonstrated enough times. There is utility in fighting propaganda by painstakingly digging through studies to highlight flaws in the constant stream of bad data and assumptions being used to rationalize our slavery. However, the only reason they can presume to have authority over our lives in the first place is that our society has broadly lost belief in our own agency.

The United States was founded based on the ideas of individual sovereignty and natural rights. Whether these values have receded in the West as a result of the death of God, some failure of the Enlightenment, or the incentives of the system, they are diminished and need reviving.

The presumption that leads Environmental Protection Agency consultant Professor Naomi Oreskes to generously tell us we “can still eat some meat” on a World Economic Forum panel also generates our impulse to negotiate for freedom rather than assert it. We try to prove we aren’t a cancer on the planet so they will let us go free as if begging a captor for our worthless lives. There is a shared presumption of control, a master-and-slave mentality. Unless we cut to the core of that mentality, we will exhaust ourselves having to endlessly justify every ounce of our existence.

A common criticism of our appeal to agency is that people are not rational; therefore, they must be protected from advertising, making their own healthcare decisions, or any number of freedoms the appointed experts deem us to be unworthy of or too stupid to be trusted with. It is a mistake to respond to this by arguing that people are rational or that a belief in freedom relies on that assumption.

Libertarians explain agency through the observable fact that people act purposefully, not rationally. Violating someone’s intent when they are not interfering with anyone else’s is a violent rejection of our individual sovereignty. While an individual’s ability to reason can lead to rational action, it does not presuppose it. Nor can we presume to declare ourselves as arbiters of rationality.

Much of traditional economic theory assumes that people are self-interested rational maximizers. Some advocates of free markets lean into this presumption as a justification for our ideas. When people are then inevitably seen to make suboptimal or seemingly random decisions it is labeled as a failure that needs to be corrected for their own good.

It still holds true that freedom increases rational action, but it is not from an individual perspective; it is from a collective evolutionary perspective. The deepest evolutionary incentive is for the propagation of the species, not the individual. This is why a free market that allows purposeful action benefits the collective, while social planning benefits a parasitic class of individuals.

The only way to maximize rationality within a collective is to allow for seemingly irrational, idiosyncratic individual behavior.

During World War II, there was a bombing mission so dangerous only volunteer pilots were assigned to fly. When flying these bombers, there was roughly a 90 percent chance you would be killed by shrapnel and a 10 percent chance of losing your engine and crashing. Unfortunately, the planes could not handle the additional weight of both a parachute and a flak jacket, so they could only wear one.

At first, the military was adamant that all the pilots should wear the flak jackets considering there was a significantly higher risk from shrapnel, but the pilots revolted, insisting on having a choice. Because it was a volunteer mission, the officers acquiesced, and the pilots matched the distribution of risk with 90 percent picking the flak jacket and 10 percent choosing the parachute.

This choice demonstrated a deep, evolutionary instinct to match the probability of the scenario, maximizing the upside while minimizing the chances of catastrophic failure (an instinct our public health officials failed to demonstrate when they locked us down and insisted on population-wide mandates for experimental RNA treatments in response to a government-engineered cold).

It may seem irrational for someone to dig a bunker or store a year’s worth of canned food, but the percentage of people who do will generally reflect the likelihood of requiring such preparation. This is perfectly rational from a collective evolutionary perspective. This process of matching the distribution of likely outcomes is routinely demonstrated in nature:

Probability matching has been observed in thousands of geographically diverse human subjects over several decades, as well as in other animal species, including ants [32–35], bees [36–38], fish [39, 40], pigeons [41, 42], and primates [43]. In virtually any setting where an animal is able to make a choice between A versus B in a randomized experiment, we observe probability matching.

The way all creatures make decisions is through adaptive probability matching. For example, let’s say you have a fish tank. If you feed your fish on the right side of the tank 75 percent of the time and on the left side of the tank 25 percent of the time, the fish will match that distribution, with 25 percent of them swimming to the left side of the tank and 75 percent to the right at feeding time. If you change the feeding pattern, they adapt their behavior. This distribution results in the least amount of food being wasted by hitting the bottom of the tank.

If you ask a social planner what the rational thing for a fish to do at feeding time, she might say it’s to swim to the right side of the tank since that would maximize its potential food intake. This is similar to how propaganda in public schools prioritizes four-year university attendance above other options, and how federal loan policies were put in place to push everyone to go to college based on the fact that on average, university graduates have a higher salary.

Metaphorically, public policy encouraged everyone to go to the right side of the tank. Of course, all this artificial tipping of the scales did was devalue college degrees and create devastating shortages elsewhere in the economy.

You will never be able to forcefully plan behavior in a way that maximizes rational collective action. An infringement of agency prevents the development of an individual’s character and capabilities, leading to an unconscious and weakened collective. The more freedom people must seek out through information and making their own choices, the better we can adapt to the fundamental uncertainty of life. This uncertainty requires a differentiated, antifragile approach, something a central planner would not even have the theoretical ability to do, due to their lack of distributed knowledge.