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Best Karambit Knives For Inflicting Devastating Wounds

Skilled Survival’s Karambit Knife Buyers Guide

Interested in Karambit Knives? You’ve come to the right place.

The karambit is one of the best blades you can wield in a fight.

It’s unique, it’s powerful, and it’s deadly.

But, like most things in life:

“Not all knives are created equal.”

Some are worth your money, but a handful are complete rubbish.

That’s why today, I’ll rely on my Engineering, Gear Testing, and SAR Mountain Rescue background to cover the following:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Karambit Knives For Sale

History Lesson Behind This Blade 

What’s A Karambit Anway?

Best Karambit Knife Uses

How To Fight With A Karambit

Best Karambit Knife Features

Sharpening This Blade Type

Are You Ready For The Tough Times Ahead? Take My 60 Sec Quiz To See If You’re Part Of ‘The Fragile Masses’ Or Not… Start Quiz Now!

Best Karambit Knives On The Market Today

Once you’re ready to jump into the karambit knife market, you have plenty of models to choose from:

Folding Karambit Knife

Some folks want a compact karambit knife.

A knife you can keep hidden and folded in your pocket.

But for this setup to work, the folding mechanism must be strong.

Why? Because it’s the natural weak point.

This is why folding knives are usually more expensive than fixed-blade knives.

But they’re more compact and less conspicuous, a big bonus in EDC situations.

1


Spyderco Karahawk Specialty Knife

Many “tactical” knives are way more extensive than necessary.

But not so with the Spyderco Karahawk. This knife is both compact and efficient.

When deployed, the folded 4.5” knife can fit into a pocket and quick-draw to a full 6.5”.

While that sounds like only a 2” blade, the curved profile adds another 0.35” of sharpened edge to the knife, this extra blade length helps provide more leverage during close combat.

The blade is smooth and straightforward, with no serrations or other features. This clean edge helps sharpen it to a razor’s edge.

The G10 epoxy/fiberglass scales provide an excellent grip. Plus, it’s impervious to chemicals and extreme temperatures.

The back of the blade features a positive hook (like the Emerson “Wave Opening” mechanism). As well as a large thumb slot to manually open the blade.

PROS

  • Compact design is easy to conceal
  • A reversible pocket clip allows for ambidextrous carry

CONS

  • EXPENSIVE
  • The shorter blade may not suit all fighting styles


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↓ Thoughts On The Spyderco KaraHawk ↓

2


FOX 479 G10 Black Emerson Wave Folding Karambit

Fox Knives has taken some design cues from Emerson. How? They’ve incorporated the “Wave Opening” feature. This feature makes for a swift draw opening from the pocket.

The adjustable pocket clip keeps the knife ready for a quick draw.

Better yet, try mounting it on either side of the handle. This setup makes it possible to use the Fox Karambit ambidextrously.

It features high-quality NC690Co stainless steel. This choice of steel has a very high hardness rating and holds an edge well.

Plus, the blade is dipped in a black Teflon coating to help inhibit corrosion. This coating cuts down even more on maintenance needs.

But keep in mind that any stainless steel blade is harder to sharpen than a carbon steel blade. And a karambit-style blade shape also adds complications.

If you do need to sharpen this blade, it will take some practice with proper sharpening tools.

PROS

  • Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
  • Wave Opening feature

CONS

  • Harder to sharpen due to stainless blade and karambit shape


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↓ Fox Knives Folding Karambit Overview ↓

3


CRKT Provoke Kinematic EDC Karambit Knife

Most folding blades have a single pivot point. These pivot points open like a hinge from one end. But the CRKT Provoke proves there ARE other ways to make a folding knife.

The Provoke uses a unique 4-bar linkage that extends, rather than folds, the blade.

This extending motion allows you to grasp the handle with a death grip – even while pushing down on the activation point and deploying the blade.

The Provoke also sports a deep-carry pocket clip. This clip is an unusual feature on these blade shapes due to the position of the finger hole.

So you can carry the knife even deeper down in your pocket. This knife feature allows the knife to completely disappear into the frame of the knife when not in use. And this makes for a more comfortable handle.

PROS

  • Deep carry pocket clip
  • Fast deployment with secure grip throughout

CONS

  • The pocket clip is not adjustable for left-handed carry
  • The complex folding mechanism requires more maintenance


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↓ CRKT Provoke Review ↓

4


Smith & Wesson ExtremeOps CK33 7.9in S.S. Karambit Folding Knife

While most of us know Smith & Wesson from their firearms, they have long produced a line of knives as well.

The ExtremeOps CK33 is a great starter option to discover if a folding karambit knife will work for your needs.

It has a generous 3” blade of 7Cr17MoV stainless steel, making it simple to maintain.

The curvature isn’t too extreme, so it will feel comfortable for those who are familiar with western styles of blades.

It also features a pocket clip and ambidextrous thumb knob to help open the blade quickly. But the pocket clip position on the knife is upside down (finger hole at the bottom of the pocket). This unique design is not as intuitive.

PROS

  • Affordable
  • Easy to use and maintain

CONS

  • Some play in the folding mechanism
  • Somewhat heavy for the size
  • The pocket clip holds the knife in the “wrong” (tip down) position


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↓ Smith & Wesson ExtremeOps Karambit Budget Beater Blade ↓

5


The Tactical Karambit Knife

The Raptor Claw Folding Karambit consists of a 2.5″ stainless steel blade and a 5.25″ black handle.

It also includes a lightning-fast, spring-assisted opening mechanism for a quick draw. This is important in a self-defense-bladed weapon.

It also has a robust pocket clip design that allows you to place it discretely deep down in your pocket. This specialty pocket knife lets you easily keep it with you every day and everywhere.

And at the time this article was published, you could get this quality karambit knife for FREE – just pay a reasonable shipping/handling fee.

PROS

  • Affordable (FREE +s/h)

CONS

  • The finger ring can get snagged when pulled out of pocket


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Fixed-Blade

As appealing as folding knives seem, they come with a critical path of failure.

For this reason, many people prefer a full-tang fixed blade knife for hand-to-hand combat.

This robust, one-piece build removes this weakness.

6


CRKT Du Hoc Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath

Columbia River Knife Works makes some top-rated and well-built knives. I especially like their Du Hoc karambit blade.

The high-carbon SK5 steel has a great balance of toughness and edge holding ability. It has a full-tang design of nearly 10” from point to tail.

Attached to this massive chunk of steel is a highly-textured G10 handle. This handle is perfect for optimal grip performance in all conditions.

The handle scales attach with a pair of hollow rivets. This attachment setup allows a space to thread paracord through the rivets. This, in turn, allows the knife to be an attachment to a spear shaft for extra reach.

The Du Hoc also comes with a secure glass-reinforced nylon sheath.

PROS

  • Simple design with minimal complications
  • High-end materials ensure durability

CONS

  • The large size makes it very noticeable
  • The sharpened back edge point may not be legal in all locations


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↓ Blade Show: New Mide Year CRKT Knives ↓

7


Schrade 9Cr18MoV Grey Ti Coated Karambit

The SCH111 from Schrade is about as simple as a knife can get – it’s one piece of steel with no frills.

This design makes the knife extremely lightweight and durable, but not the most comfortable.

Like many skeleton handle blades, the SCH111 has an open center. This setup allows for a reduction in weight. But it also makes it possible to weave in a paracord handle for grip and secondary utility.

The skeleton handle also makes it straightforward to attach the SCH111 as a spear point.

The high-quality stainless steel makes for a durable and maintenance-free knife. This steel choice is a plus if you plan to store the blade in a survival cache for emergencies.

PROS

  • Lightweight, simple build
  • Low maintenance needs

CONS

  • Handle (or lack of) makes the knife uncomfortable in the hand


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↓ Karambit Neck Knife – Tactical, Practical, And Affordable ↓

8


Schrade 8Cr13MoV Grey Ti Coated Full Tang Fixed Blade

The SCH112 is another excellent knife from Schrade. And the SCH112 is a very different knife than the SCH111.

Where the previous knife was a compact skeleton design, the SCH112 has a large, 5.2-inch blade. And it has a grippy, rubberized elastomer handle.

It’s one piece of 8CR13MoV stainless steel, from the highly curved point to the large finger ring at the base.

One thing to watch out for is the sheath. The extreme curvature of the blade can expose your fingers during unsheathing.

This exposure is even more dangerous because the blade is sharp on both sides. But this also makes it more deadly – and thus, illegal to carry in many locations.

PROS

  • Well-made and durable
  • Sharp out-of-the-box

CONS

  • Extreme curve to blade makes it dangerous for novice users
  • Sheath makes it difficult to remove safely
  • It May NOT be legal where you live


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↓ Schrade Double Edged Review ↓

9


Cold Steel Steel Tiger Karambit

Cold Steel makes a wide variety of affordable bladed tools, from knives to axes and even swords.

The Steel Tiger karambit is an excellent entry blade. It comes with an ergonomic handle and a less aggressive curve than the Shrade SCH112.

With a 4.75” blade and a large Kray-Ex rubberized handle, it’s easy to use and far safer for new users.

If you’re learning how to use a karambit, get the matching blunt-pointed trainer as well!

PROS

  • Affordable and well made
  • Sharp out-of-the-box
  • Only sharpened on one side, which is far easier to carry legally

CONS

  • The sheath isn’t MOLLE compatible


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↓ CS Karambit, ‘Steel Tiger’ Review ↓

10


Ape Survival's Black Karambit Knife

Here’s a solid full-tang black recurve knife from Ape Survival.

This karambit knife is not too big or small, with an overall length of 7.4 inches.

It includes a handle with molded finger grips and a finger ring. The finger ring has a pointed end for more effective hammering moves.

This is NOT a high-end blade, but it is very good for the price…

As we often say, with survival gear, you get what you pay for, but what happens when the offer is FREE?

We’ll then it’s a pretty low risk – high reward “purchase.”

Because when this article was published, you could get this Karambit Knife for FREE – just pay a reasonable shipping/handling fee.

Click here now, to see if this deal is still available.

PROS

  • Full tang construction
  • Grip Includes finger molding for superior grip
  • Sheath included
  • FREE (+ s/h)

CONS

  • The sheath is not MOLLE compatible
  • It could use some sharpening before use


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A Brief Karambit History Lesson

It’s a fact of human nature that conflicts arise.

And every culture develops particular weapons to defend itself.

Most modern weapons (i.e., firearms) tend to have a similar design.

But if you look back at the traditional bladed weapons of a culture, it’ll tell you a lot more about what makes them unique.

For example:

In the jungles of Southeast Asia, humans are not at the top of the food chain.

Both leopards and tigers hold dominance in pockets of pristine habitat.

These big cats hold a place of reverence in dense jungles and the minds of native people.

So it’s no wonder that one of the area’s most storied fighting knives takes the shape of a tiger claw!

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

What’s A Karambit Anyway?

It’s a compact fighting knife with a distinct forward sweeping blade that ends at a point.

The blade shape likely developed in Western Sumatra.

It may have stemmed from modifications to a small handheld farm tool.

Why? Because a similar tool was used to cut and rake roots, thresh, and plant rice.

It’s similar in design to a small sickle but with a more open hook to the blade.

Once invented, it spread throughout Southeast Asia over the coming centuries.

It became a common and popular weapon for the peasant class in the region.

Karambit Knife Uses

Despite its humble beginnings, the karambit developed into a fearsome fighting tool.

One with a reputation for being brutally effective.

This type of knife is the main blade of choice in many warrior cultures of the region.

It’s also commonly used in Filipino & Indonesian martial arts.

It’s still considered one of the deadliest melee weapons of all time.

The unique design has made it a favorite for hand-to-hand combat instructors.

Many believe it has a more intuitive striking ability than alternative fighting knives.

The karambit might be your best choice if you’re looking to win a real knife fight.

The forward sweep of the blade is reminiscent of a tiger’s claw.

It hooks and digs into an enemy rather than slicing along the skin.

The sharp point focuses all its striking energy on one spot.

This design helps it penetrate deep through clothing, armor, and tissue.

And once it penetrates the surface, the blade will naturally dig even deeper when a victim tries to pull away.

Stop and think about THAT!

This automatic “deepening of the blade” results in devastating injuries, especially if the attack focuses on the body’s weakest points.

Here’s a video slicing through meats to show how much damage these knives can inflict!

↓ A Close Look Inside Karambit Flesh Damage! ↓

Beyond the distinct forward-curved blade, these blades often include a large finger loop in the handle.

Adding the finger loop allows for a solid grasp of the knife with either hand.

And many blade masters have taken advantage of this by learning to fight with one in each hand.

Also, many work in both upward and downward grip positions.

Most feature “enclosed” finger loops (as opposed to open ones).

This closed-loop design helps to keep the blade secure in these different grips.

This loop can wrap around either the index or little finger, depending on the vertical orientation of the hold.

This “locked-in” grip allows for powerful cutting strikes from any direction.

It also allows for a protected “hammer” strike, using the metal loop as a striking point.

Many include a small point as a part of the loop; this makes a downward hammer blow deadly.

With a blade so focused on fighting, it’s less versatile than other knives for daily tasks.

For example:

Ordinary camp chores (i.e., food and firewood prep) are more complicated.

Why? Because it’s tricky to use the sharpened curved edge for such delicate peeling and slicing tasks.

And it’s not made for chopping or batoning wood either.

However, it works brilliantly for cutting rope, vines, and other tough-to-slice items.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

How To Fight With A Karambit Knife

Fighting with a karambit blade takes serious training.

And intense training is necessary even if you have previously trained with other slicing blades.

Why? Because the fighting styles are so unique.

So if you want to master this fighting style, it’s best to seek a professional.

Look for someone who specializes in fighting with these blades.

Perhaps a martial art instructor familiar with Filipino methods.

But you can start with some basic training instructions online.

And even purchasing some training blades (rubber blades with blunted tips).

First, you must learn the various grips…

Here’s a brief overview of one to get you started:

Reverse And Forward Grips

The Reverse and Forward grips are the most common.

But others allow for more reach or to disorient your opponent.

Paul Ingrahm has produced some of the best instructional videos recently.

He’s an expert instructor at the Kali Center or Luke Holloway at Raw Combat International:

↓ Karambit Basic Flips & Grips ↓

Once you understand the different grips, tackle each one slowly.

Make sure you’re comfortable with each style of attack and defense before moving on.

Many of these knife drills need a partner to master.

A partner allows you to perform repetitions until they become second nature.

After you have mastered basic moves, there are plenty of advanced strikes to tackle.

Many of these advanced moves prove deadly in combat.

Most of these involve short, high-energy strikes.

Attacks look more like boxing than a traditional knife fight.

This setup is due to the frequent use of the reverse grip, which allows you to “punch” the hooked blade forward.

Here are a couple of combo moves to get a sense of what’s possible:

↓ 3 Devastating KARAMBIT Techniques ↓

Best Karambit Knife Features To Look For

As with any other critical gear, it pays to invest in quality.

A Quality Blade Material

The steel chosen for a knife blade is the most critical part of the entire knife.

You can’t have to good knife if its steel is poor quality.

But there are plenty of different “high-quality” steels on the market.

So you’ll have to choose between two main steel types:

1. High-carbon

It’s easy to sharpen to a fine edge but requires maintenance and corrosion prevention.

2. Stainless steel

It needs very little maintenance and holds an edge well, but it’s hard to sharpen and can be brittle.

So your steel preference depends mainly on your skills and diligence in maintaining your blade.

There is no right answer; just make sure it’s a high-quality metal.

A Quality Handle

The handle should be comfortable with either forward or reverse grips.

And the finger ring should comfortably fit over your index and little fingers.

Some people like a handle with molded finger position slots to help with the proper grip and finger placements.

It shouldn’t be too snug, which may prevent you from changing grips.

Quality Construction

Ensure the blade and handle are securely connected.

And any extra design features (pocket clip, folding mechanism, etc.) are well-constructed.

Full tang is always more robust than partial tangs or a folding knife with hinges.

But, on the other hand, a folding knife is more convenient to carry.

Blade Length & Angle

A karambit’s shape is always forward sweeping.

But there are variations in blade length and angle:

  • Longer blades are more deadly in combat but more challenging to carry and conceal.
  • Shorter blades have less reach but can fit comfortably in a pocket.

You should also consider whether you intend to carry the blade concealed.

And whether you want a folding knife to carry in a pocket or a fixed blade that needs a sheath.

A Cautionary Note

Over the years, I’ve encountered several blades that claim to be karambit.

But their swept-back design is *NOT* and does not function (or fight) the same way.

These may be fine blades. But they are fundamentally different.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

How To Sharpen This Unique Blade Shape 

Due to the inward curving blade, you can’t effectively sharpen it with a flat stone or pocket knife sharpener.

Instead, it requires a curved surface, such as a diamond honing cone or a gouge sharpener.

This video shows how to sharpen a forward sweeping blade using a rounded whetstone and strops.

↓ Sharpening Method For Recurve Knives ↓

When you decide to sharpen your karambit blade, work slowly at first.

Ensure you have the proper technique down and you’re not causing damage to the edge in the process.

Once you’ve successfully sharpened the blade a few times, it will become muscle memory.

You’ll quickly settle into an efficient sharpening technique.

And there’s nothing more satisfying than putting (and keeping) a razor-sharp edge on ALL your bladed tools.

Final Thoughts

One thing that separates humans from nearly all large land predators is the lack of claws.

But with a karambit knife, you can rectify that oversight.

You can give yourself a devastating claw-inspired hand-to-hand combat weapon.

It’s a weapon that’s incredibly versatile and deadly (if you know how to use it).

Sure, it will never match the camp utility of a survival knife or bowie knife.

It’s an invaluable tool to have in your self-defense weapon arsenal.

Jason K.

  • Born & Raised In The Remote Woods Of Michigan
  • Engineering Degree From A Major University
  • Long Standing Member Of Mountain Search & Rescue
  • Offical Gear Tester For Several Outdoor Companies
  • Avid Outdoorsman: Backpacking, Camping, Fishing
  • Years Researching & Writing About Surival & Gear
  • P.s. Are you ready for the tough times ahead?

    Find out now by taking my short Readiness Score Quiz – it’s absolutely free.
    Once complete, you’ll know exactly where you stand on the “fragile” vs.” resilient” spectrum.

    The post Best Karambit Knives For Inflicting Devastating Wounds appeared first on Skilled Survival.

    Fighting Blades: Today’s Best Fighting Knives Give No Quarter

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    Knives were the first equalizer among men. No matter how strong you are, there will be someone stronger, or even worse, multiple adversaries. No matter how big you are, you will find someone bigger … the knife helped to even the odds before Sam Colt made all men equal. Edged instruments subconsciously awakens our primal instincts when a cutting edge meant the difference between survival or perishing.

    No Quarter Given: Today’s Best Fighting Knives

    Sharp-edged objects have been part of human existence soon after we discovered how advantageous our thumbs are; thus, separating us from most other animals. Objects such as flint and bones were sharpened and enhanced so we could stand a chance against critters with large fangs, along with other roaming bands of Neanderthal or Homosapien cousins. Our superior brain power and evolution did the rest. Based on this, our connection to firearms is a mere blip on our timeline compared to knives/edged weapons.  

    There is a primitive appeal to an edged weapon that is hard to deny. It resembles our fascination with the dancing flame of a fire. Each represent a primordial sensation placed in the deepest regions of our brain stem. Every advancement in material technology up to our modern day steels were applied to edge weapon production. The goal being sharper, stronger and more durable weapons. 

    Fighting blades take many shapes and forms, dictated by individual need and mission. Below is an assorted list of production battle blades of various sizes, designs, and price point that proves this point—pun intended.   

    Cold Steel GURKHA KUKRI PLUS

    Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri

    The Cold Steel GURKHA Kukri is created from high end CPM-3V tool steel allowing for hard usage. The Kukri has numerous survival applications from brush clearing, creating shelter, wood chopping, quartering game, etc. Cold Steel decided to offer their version of the Kukri, showcasing its full potential beyond just a chopping weapon with piercing, slashing, and smashing also possible. Cold Steel’s Kukri Plus features a longer, narrower point with more distal tapering to the spine. This resulted in a thinner, sharper point, which penetrates better than more traditional Kukri blade styles. The blade is almost an inch wider near the tip than at the handle, shifting the knife’s balance point forward to allow a substantial blow to be struck with minimal effort, using inertia alone to complete the cut. The Cold Steel GURHKA Kukri combines the chopping power of a hatchet with the finesse of the knife. (coldsteel.com)

    SPECIFICATIONS: Cold Steel GURKHA KUKRI PLUS

    • Blade Length: 12-inch
    • Blade Thickness: 5/16-inch
    • Overall Length: 17-inch
    • Steel: CPM-3V High Carbon Steel
    • Weight: 9.5 oz.
    • Handle: 5-inch Long Kray-Ex
    • Sheath: Secure-Ex
    • MSRP:$764

    Spyderco GENZOW Hatchethawk

    Spyderco GENZOW Hatchethawk

    The GENZOW HatchetHawk combines Spyderco’s state-of-the-art materials and engineering experience. The head has a classic bearded profile that is complemented by a raised toe and a slightly canted edge angle. The design provides a long working edge allowing it to both chop and perform more detailed cutting chores. The underside of the beard is beveled to create a working surface for scraping. For maximum versatility, the opposite side of the HatchetHawk’s cutting edge has a hammer poll that allows the HatchetHawk to be used for driving tent stakes, nails, and spikes. 

    For someone concerned with getting the most use out of an implement, albeit soldier, civilian, survivalist, the GENZOW HatchetHawk supplants the large knife and hatchet. You can dig, pick, punch holes, use it as pry bar and a host of other things you would not want to use your primary cutting edge for. The tomahawk has certain advantages over the knife. It is consoling and a real morale booster to know that your tomahawk outclasses most knives in terms of utility, power, reach and lethality. (spyderco.com)

    SPECIFICATIONS: SPYDERCO GENZOW HatchetHawk

    • Overall Length: 15.82 inch
    • Blade Material: 5160 tool steel
    • Edge: 2.76 in
    • Weight: 25.1 oz
    • MSRP: $269.95

    Benchmade 175 Adamas CBK

    Benchmade 175 Adamas CBK

    Benchmade literature mentions that the 175 Adamas CBK dagger was inspired by law enforcement request for discrete fixed back-up blade. The Adamas is made from 440C stainless steel with a double-edge spear-point with chisel-ground edge. The blade measures 2.5 inches and overall length is 5.47 inches. The Adamas was designed by Shane Sibert. It has vinyl-coated integral full tang shaped to reside in your palm and extend from between your fingers. The Adamas profile and handle indicates that it is meant to be used like a boxer throwing a punch. You can imagine the amount of damage the Adamas blade will create when launched at intended target with the force of a punch behind it. The Adamas push dagger comes with a thermoplastic sheath with 1 inch integral belt slots as well as steel spring belt clip for maximum flexibility in carry style. (benchmade.com)

    SPECIFICATIONS: Benchmade 175 Adamas CBK

    • Overall Length: 5.47-inches
    • Blade Length: 2.50-inches
    • Blade Material: 440
    • Weight: 2.32 oz.
    • MSRP: $110

    Microtech COMBAT Troodon

    Microtech Combat Troodon

    The Microtech Combat Troodon is the battleship of the Microtech’s OTF lineup in that it is the largest with its 3.8-inch blade and 9.5-inch length. A pocket clip allows for right-hand tip down mode of carry. The Microtech OTF knives can have the pocket clip reversed for left-hand carry if desired. The carbide glass breaker on the butt is a nice touch. Weight is 5.12 ounces. Not trying to be shallow or dramatic, but the double-action Microtech Combat Troodon OTF is flat-out intimidating. Cold double-edge steel appearing in the blink of an eye is hard to deny. 

    Microtech utilizes premium M-390 steel–ideal for a tactical knife. It is the blessed with the ability of holding an edge for a long time while still being easy to sharpen. You usually do not get both. The version evaluated for this article was tan version with 6061 T6 aluminum G10 handles. The blade was a double-edged dagger with top being fully serrated. The Combat Troodon’s serrated edge makes short work in terms of cutting any rope or sawing through other mediums. To ease your curiosity, Troodon was a North American bird-like dinosaur similar to a raptor in profile. The blade design of many Combat Troodon make it clear it is as a tactical knife albeit offense or defense; not for camp chores, opening boxes, etc. One of the benefits that OTF knives bring over their folding auto brethren is no need to shift or alter grip after opened. (microtechknives.com)

    SPECIFICATIONS: Microtech Combat Troodon

    • Overall Length: 9.50-inch
    • Blade Length: 3.80-inch
    • Blade Material: M-390 stainless steel
    • Blade Style: Dagger
    • Handle Length: 5.75-inch
    • Weight: 5.80 oz.
    • MSRP: $550

    CRKT Hissatsu

    CRKT Hissatsu

    The CRKT Hissatsu puts on no airs of being anything other than a fighting knife. The tanto blade style chosen by designer James Williams is Osoraku-Zukuri, typified by long point. The point section on an Osoraku-Zukuri-style blade is actually as long or longer than half the blade’s length. James Williams’ bio indicates he is a former Army officer and martial arts practitioner/instructor with over 50 years of experience. The Hissatsu is his vision of what a CQB blade should be with its 7.13-inch blade culminating in a lethal point. After all, Hissatsu rough translation is to finish opponent with one blow. The aesthetics of the CRKT Hissatsu instill a certain martial flare. Hell of a lot of knife for the price. After all this is CRKT’s way. (crkt.com)

    SPECIFICATIONS: CRKT Hissatsu

    • Overall Length:12.25-inch
    • Blade Length:7.13-inch
    • Blade Material: 440A
    • Blade Style: Tanto
    • Weight: 8 oz.
    • MSRP:$94

    Cold Steel Natchez Bowie

    Cold Steel Natchez Bowie

    The Cold Steel Natchez is a knife you can easily see Jim Bowie carrying. He would appreciate its design, high-end material manufacturing, and more importantly heft in his hand. The Natchez Bowie is large and aggressive in its aesthetics. The Natchez features an 11.75-inch blade made from 5/16-inch of CPM 3V steel. The archetypical Bowie-style clip blade is in full effect. The Natchez well represents the original Bowie knife thought process. It can slash as well as thrust with equal efficiency. This is the main reason for the Bowie’s popularity as a fighting knife. The Natchez Bowie is razor sharp out of the box, including the sharpened back edge of the clip point.  

    Within the car genre there is an aphorism stating, “there is no substitute for horsepower.” The Natchez Bowie represents this for fighting knives. Short sword is a fitting description with dismemberment not far-fetched when swinging a blade like the Natchez when full of adrenaline. (coldsteel.com)

    SPECIFICATION: Cold Steel Natchez Bowie

    • Blade Material: CPM 3V
    • Handle Material: Black Linen Micarta
    • Overall Length: 17-inch
    • Blade Length: 11.75-inch
    • Weight: 22.4 oz.
    • Extras: Coffin style handle
    • Origin: Taiwan
    • Includes: Kydex Sheath
    • MSRP: $629

    Steel Will Fervor Dagger

    Steel Will Fervor dagger

    The Steel Will Fervor’s styling harkens back to medieval times. The Fervor is made in Italy, the birthplace of the stiletto dagger. The Fervor’s aesthetics are centered on the sleek 6.69-inch, .22-inch-thick double-edge blade created from Austrian N690Co steel. This European steel is similar to US 440C stainless in terms of corrosion/wear resistance, strength and hardness. The Fervor features a 58-60 RC hardness. The key with knife steel is the consistency and uniformity in its heat treatment.  

    N690Co is a good choice for hard use applications and provides increased point strength, something important with a dagger, while allowing for superior edge geometry. A cannelure runs does the center of the blade. Created by a tool called a fuller, often referred to as a blood groove, the cannelure is a forging technique that serves to strengthen the Fervor’s blade. A good analogy is to think of the fuller groove serving as an I-beam reinforcement allowing for strength to be achieved via less material. This translates into penetration power. (steelwillknives.com)

    SPECIFICATIONS: Steel Will Fervor 1201

    • OVERALL: 11.81 inches
    • BLADE: 6.69 inches
    • WEIGHT: 8.16 ounces
    • Blade Type: N690Co
    • MSRP: $319

    Bear SONG VIII Butterfly with Bowie Blade

    Bear OPS Song

    Before the ascendancy of spring-loaded folders, butterfly knives offered the convenience/potency of one-handed opening capability. Being able to deploy your weapon efficiently is crucial. A balisong can be quiet and simple to deploy by simply dropping the bottom handle and rotating wrist. Even closed the balisong offers some utility as a blunt weapon similar to a Kubotan, enhancing striking or applied to pressure points.

    The Bear OPS Bear Song VIII Butterfly features a 4-inch Bowie-style 154CM blade with taper-ground edge. The handles are Cerakoted stainless steel. Pivot bearings keep the knife moving from closed to open, etc. The Bear Song measures 5.25 inches closed to 9.5 inches when open with a weight of 5.1 ounces. The Bear OPS Bear Song VIII is a more traditional looking balisong. (bearandsoncutlery.com)

    SPECIFICATIONS: Bear OPS SONG VIII

    • Blade Material: 154CM
    • Handle Material: Stainless Steel with Cerakote®
    • Handle Color: Gray
    • Open Length: 9-1/2-inches
    • Closed Length: 5-1/4-inches
    • Blade Length: 4-inches
    • Weight: 5.1 oz.
    • MSRP: $183
    • CRKT Kangee T-Hawk

    CRKT Kangee T Hawk

    CRKT Kangee T Hawk

    The CRKT Kangee T Hawk is a “do-it-all” tomahawk that typify the genre as both tool and weapon. The Kangee was designed by Ryan Johnson and uses one piece of SK5 Carbon steel with RC of 54-55. Two-piece handle scales are attached on either side of the steel body. Flat-grind edges are used on the axe head front and Kangee’s rear spike. Overall length of the CRKT Kangee is 13.75 inches, weighing 1 pound, 8 ounces. 

    Tomahawks have become a mainstay of utility in the military for a long time with the same features attracting civilians and to a lesser degree law enforcement. For many tasks, such as clearing, constructing shelter, digging, breaching, and fighting tools, tomahawks such as the CRKT Kangee have earned their place as gear worthy of having around. A favored feature of the CRKT Kangee is the excellent sheath providing both retention and quick access. The Kangee comes with a Molle equipped form-fitting Kydex sheath that slips over the tomahawk’s head and secures with a buckled strap. (crkt.com)

    SPECIFICATIONS: CRKT Kangee T-Hawk

    • Blade Length: 2.93-inches
    • Blade Edge: Axe w/Spike
    • Blade Steel: SK-5
    • Blade Finish: Powder Coat
    • Overall Length: 13.75-inches
    • Weight: 24 ounces
    • Spyderco Ronin 2

    Spyderco Ronin 2

    SpyderCo Ronin 2

    The Spyderco Ronin 2 is based on an earlier Michael Janich design. The Ronin 2 features a 4-inch Wharncliffe profile blade. The Ronin 2’s Wharncliffe blade style is typified by a straight cutting edge with the spine rounded convexly downward to meet the point. Also, the Ronin 2’s spine profile guides thumb placement, enhancing ability to apply downward pressure. With a Wharncliffe style blade, one can dump power into the cut regardless of whether they are stabbing, slashing or chopping with the knife—it doesn’t matter. A multi-adjustable sheath with G-Clip attachment supports belt carry and clip-style inside-the-waistband carry. The G-Clip is also configurable for vertical, horizontal, or diagonally canted carry and can be attached to both faces of the symmetrical sheath. (spyderco.com)

    SPECIFICATIONS: Spyderco RONIN 2

    • Blade Length: 4.08-inches
    • Blade Edge: Wharncliffe
    • Blade Steel: CTS BD1N
    • Blade Finish: stainless
    • Overall Length: 7.84-inches
    • Weight: 3.9 ounces

    Want more blades? Then check out our full run down of all the knew jabbers we saw at SHOT Show for 2023:

    A Look at Some of the Best Knives Coming Out of SHOT Show 2023

    The Best Knives from SHOT Show 2023.

    Didn’t find what you were looking for?

    The post Fighting Blades: Today’s Best Fighting Knives Give No Quarter appeared first on Ballistic Magazine.

    Best Solar Powered Water Pumps For Deep Wells

    Finding The Best Solar Powered Water Pumps For Emergencies

    Solar Powered Water Pump

    Solar water pumps are a modern technology that’s exploding in popularity.

    And why not –they’re solving an age-old problem – moving water without grid power.

    These devices allow folks to live and farm in remote locations.

    Places previously inhabitable due to the distance and cost to connect to the grid.

    Solar power is a technology that helps make society more resilient and less fragile.

    Solar provides more personal freedoms, liberties, and independence.

    That’s why it’s time to embrace and support the solar revolution.

    And solar power water pumps are a wise way to get started.

    So today, I will use my Mechanical Engineering Degree, Gear Testing & Preparedness background to cover the following:

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Best Solar Powered Water Pumps

    What’s A Solar Powered Pump?

    Best Solar Water Pump Uses

    Types Of Solar Water Pumps

    Solar Water Pump Pros & Cons

    Are You Ready For The Tough Times Ahead? Take My 60 Sec Quiz To See If You’re Part Of ‘The Fragile Masses’ Or Not… Start Quiz Now!

    Solar Panel & Pump Near Waterway

    Best Solar Powered Water Pumps On The Market Today

    1.


    PWS Solar Water Pump Kit

    This PSW Solar Water Pump Kit is a rugged deep-well solar pump, perfect for your home and farm.

    This stainless steel model is ideal for moving a large volume of water.

    And it’s possible to combine it with batteries for on-demand pumping needs.

    And it includes a controller to drive the DC pump motor.

    This solar pump setup gives maximum flow under all light conditions.

    And it also protects the submersible pump from running dry or overheating.

    Included in the package is:

    • A 210watt pump with a 6′ cable
    • MPPT controller
    • waterproof wiring
    • 2 water level sensors
    • there’s also a 20′ cable for solar panel hookup

    You DON’T get solar panels, which require 4 – 100-watt panels.

    But overall, it’s an excellent solution for irrigation and off-grid water needs.

    Plus, they have a 100% guarantee and fast customer service.


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    2.


    Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit

    This solar water pump is great for many applications.

    You can operate a simple fountain or scale up to water for animal troughs and greenhouses.

    Its design makes it easy to use because there are no wiring or connection hassles.

    All you have to do is submerge it in water, plug in the solar panels, and the water starts pumping.

    The kit includes 2 aluminum-framed, 35-watt solar panels, which you can locate up to 16 feet from the pump.

    You can also get an additional 16′ cord for further placement.

    And there’s 16′ tubing to give you a max lift of 10′.

    But it only operates when the sun is out.

    Water flow depends on the sunlight that hits the solar panels.

    That’s because it doesn’t have any battery backup.

    You get a 1-year warranty with a 100% money-back guarantee, and the pump has a 20,000+ hour life.


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    ↓ Solariver Solar Water Pump and Panel Kit ↓

    3.


    ECO-WORTHY Solar Well Pump with 100W Solar Panel

    This submersible solar water pump with a 3-chamber positive displacement diaphragm.

    It has a great flow rate and is immersable up to 50 ft.

    This setup provides you a total lift of 100 ft, so you’ll get all the water you need for:

    All cable connections are waterproof with high-strength, engineered plastic.

    And a corrosive-resistant housing and stainless steel fasteners.

    It also sports a thermally protected permanent magnet motor.

    The maximum flow rate is fantastic at 1.6 gallons per minute.

    Plus, this kit comes with a Lithium battery controller and 100W solar panel.

    So this is the solar-powered water pump you need to get the job done at your remote location.


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    4.


    BACOENG DC 12V Farm & Ranch Submersible Well Pump

    Another great submersible solar water pump is from BACOENG.

    With its large flow capacity, this unit works well for drainage needs, agriculture, and livestock.

    It features either a zinc-plated housing or upgraded stainless steel. These options give you a choice depending on your budget.

    It has a filter screen on the base to stop debris from clogging up the system. You can drop it into a well with a water depth of less than 20ft.

    You can use a 20A controller and a 70AH battery to store power and extend your watering into the evening.

    BACOENG also has 4 sizes to choose from depending on your needs.

    This solar-powered water pump provides stable performance with a large max flow rate.


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    ↓ Solar 12V Submersible Well Pump Installation ↓

    5.


    Amarine Made DC 12V Farm & Ranch Solar Water Pump

    Here’s a DC solar water pump from Amarine that solves all your farm and ranch water issues.

    The pump features a waterproof, stainless steel 12V DC electric motor. That means it’s highly corrosive-resistant.

    It’s also a simple build with few components, so repair and maintenance are easy.

    This solar water pump is super quiet too.

    So there’s little noise pollution while having a large flow capacity.

    You can hook it up to a series of 4 100W 12V solar panels to get maximum AMP power for solar power.

    The more solar panels, the more water pressure you’ll get as the rotor spins faster.


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    6.


    10W Solar Water Pump KIT For Small Ponds

    The solar water pump kit from AEO is an easy-to-use solution for small water pumping needs.

    Since there’s no wiring, it’s easy to put together.

    This will do it if you want to sustainably power your water fountain, aquarium, or fish pond.

    It comes with a 10W polycrystalline solar panel in a strong aluminum frame, so you know it will be durable.

    The brushless motor can run for over 20,000 hours. And it has a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

    If you are into hydroponics, then this solar kit is for you.

    The same goes for aquaponics.

    The AEO filter system can safely care for your fish pond with clean water and great nutrients.

    There are 4 models to give you the water pump flow you need.


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    ↓ How To Setup AEO Solar Water Pump ↓

    7.


    Amarine-made 24V DC Submersible Deep Well Water Pump

    This solar-powered water pump is the perfect solution for your remote watering needs.

    It operates with solar panels and batteries, so you don’t have to worry about running out of water.

    It is designed to work in a deep well and is submersible to 100ft with a maximum lift of 230ft.

    The stainless steel housing keeps an airtight seal. So if you accidentally run it dry, you won’t damage it.

    These solar water well pumps are ideal for crop irrigation and livestock watering.

    They also work well to supply water to your remote cabin or off-grid homestead.


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    Solar Water Pump On A Remote Pond

    What Is A Solar Powered Pump?

    Honestly, the name explains it all.

    But we still need to understand exactly what a solar pump is and why you need one.

    We all know it takes a pump to get water from the ground.

    Solar-powered pumps are essentially pumps that generate power by using photovoltaic panels.

    These panels capture the sun’s renewable energy and convert it into either:

    This power then rotates the motor to produce the pumping action.

    And the radiated thermal energy from the sun is free and abundant (when the sun is shining).

    Hence, a solar panel water pump runs independently of grid or diesel power.

    And that’s a BIG DEAL in a remote location.

    Now, most solar power pump kits have several parts, including:

    • Solar panel
    • Charge controller
    • Water pump
    • Water storage tank
    • Fuse box
    ↓ How To Install A Solar Off-Grid Well Pump System ↓

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    cows drinking with sun energy pannels for heating

    Best Uses & Benefits Of A Solar Water Pump

    Your survival skillset should include way more than just combat and medical training.

    It also should consist of your ability to supply your family with food and water.

    Here on Earth, historically, we’ve had an abundance of water.

    That fact may be in jeopardy soon, and we need it to live.

    If trends continue, things are looking bleak.

    Why? Because without it, we’re toast.

    Still, for many of us today, accessing water is relatively easy; turn the tap, and it pours out.

    You don’t have to think about it in a public system, but it’s a different story in rural areas.

    There is no infrastructure outside of cities, so families dig wells on their properties.

    You must use a pump to bring the water to the surface.

    If you have electricity, then you use an electric pump.

    You may have a large homestead or farm connected to the grid where you need water in a remote area on the acreage.

    However, you need something for those areas so remote electric power doesn’t reach.

    Your solar water pumping system will give you access to your water.

    It can pump water anywhere on Earth where the sun is shining without external power.

    You can extract water from wells, rivers, ponds, streams, or any other available water source.

    Then you can:

    Farm Anywhere

    As long as the sun is out, you can access water without worrying about electricity.

    Even if you have power on your homestead, you may need to pump water to the back 40 without electricity.

    Get Off The Grid

    Often municipalities add chemicals to tap water.

    So if you don’t want to drink it or feed it to your plants, you’ll have to:

    Solar pumps can help you leave chlorine and fluoride behind.

    Be Portable

    Relocating one of these pumps is fairly easy because it’s not hard-wired.

    Take it with you from farm to cabin to camping and back.

    It Keeps Working When The Power Goes Out

    You don’t have to worry about a power failure with these water pumps.

    With the right solar pump and setup, your water will keep flowing.

    You can even store power in batteries if the sun isn’t shining.

    Operating a solar-powered pump is economical too.

    Why? Because of its low maintenance and operating costs.

    And since there’s no internal combustion engine, there’s less environmental impact.

    They are clean and quiet and deliver water when you most need it.

    If you want some inspiration – check out the excellent video below:

    ↓ Two Simple SOLAR Powered Irrigation System For Off Grid ↓

    4 Types Of Solar Water Pumps & Pros/Cons Of Each

    Depending on your needs, options vary.

    You can get small units for running a birdbath or a larger unit for farm irrigation.

    So let’s cover the 4 main types of solar-powered water pumps:

    1. Surface Pump

    These solar pumps are ideal for shallow water in streams, ponds, or storage tanks.

    The pump will sit out of the water and lift water, providing irrigation pressure.

    These are useful for moving large quantities of water at slow speeds.

    PROS

    • Work best with large amounts of surface water
    • They are easy to maintain and move around

    CONS

    • Will not function in deep water

    2. Submersible Pumps

    A solar-powered submersible water pump can stay submerged below ground level.

    They work great in wells, lakes, rivers, cisterns, and tanks.

    They’re for continuous OR intermittent operation.

    And you can use a gravity-fed holding tank to access water at night.

    Submersible pumps work well for larger applications and are scalable.

    So they can provide water to farms for crop irrigation and livestock.

    PROS

    • Can maintain water at higher levels for more extensive water needs
    • Can use multiple pumps to supply farms and buildings

    CONS

    • Installation and maintenance costs are higher

    3. DC Pump

    A solar-powered DC pump has a motor that runs on direct current, so there are no batteries and no need for an inverter.

    This type of pump works well in small to medium applications.

    They run on smaller solar panels than AC pumps because of their higher efficiency levels.

    PROS

    • It uses half the energy as an AC pump
    • More cost-effective for deep wells as it doesn’t need large bursts of power

    CONS

    • They’re usually more expensive than an AC pump

    4. AC Pump

    You will get decreased efficiency when you use an AC pump.

    Why? Because the inverter takes direct current produced by the solar panels and converts it to AC.

    They’re more complex systems in general.

    But they’re also more affordable than DC pumps because they’re produced in larger quantities.

    PROS

    • It is less expensive to buy an AC solar pump
    • Has higher pumping output

    CONS

    • They use more energy because of the inverter

    Watch this video to learn more about the pros/cons of AC vs. DC solar-powered water pumps:

    ↓ How To Run A Well Pump On Solar ↓

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    Solar Water Pump Advantages & Disadvantages

    Operating a water pump using the sun’s power seems like a no-brainer.

    Why wouldn’t you want to use renewable energy?

    Full disclosure:

    We generally love off-grid applications for surviving and thriving.

    And we want to bring the best solutions to your prepping plan.

    But ALL equipment has its advantages and disadvantages:

    Advantages

    1. No Fuel Costs

    Your solar panel water pump uses available sunlight to power it.

    All you need are solar panels, and the energy falls out of the sky.

    Fuel adds cost to your homestead operation, and you don’t want to buy fossil fuel.

    2. Less Labor

    With an automated system, there is no manual irrigation needed.

    You can hook up a watering system without electricity.

    There is also less maintenance, especially with solar surface pumps.

    You can often fix them with standard tools you already own.

    3. Easy On The Environment

    A solar water pump produces no pollutants because it uses renewable energy.

    There is no fuel to transport and spill either.

    These pollutants affect not only the air but also your soil.

    Solar irrigation can solve the problem of dry spells and droughts when rain is scarce.

    Solar pumps are the solution to reduce environmental damage to your homestead.

    Disadvantages

    1. Water Won’t Pump In The Dark

    Solar panels are excellent when the sun is shining.

    Those rays convert into electricity, but not when it’s cloudy or at night.

    When the sun isn’t available, it can be a problem, but you can get around this in a few ways.

    First, you can store energy in batteries.

    It’s more expensive, and they usually don’t hold much lasting power.

    Secondly, you can use a water catchment system. It can be a pond or a water storage tank, but it is important to store water when needed.

    Plan your water needs around your solar water system’s limitations.

    A good plan can help minimize or eliminate these problems.

    2. It’s Expensive To Get Started

    There are significant upfront costs to set up a solar pump system.

    You need everything from the pump to the solar panels (and wiring).

    In time, it will balance out and become cheaper to move water.

    When you sit down and put paper to pen, you’ll see how fast a system like this will pay for itself over time.

    Fuel costs rise while solar prices fall, so it pays to use solar-powered water well pumps over time.

    Again, this solution is a game-changer for off-grid locations.

    ↓ Installing Off-Grid Submersible Solar Water Pumps ↓

    As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

    Final Thoughts

    We all know access to water is essential for life. We need it to survive, and plants need it to grow.

    Plus, if you have livestock, they need a reliable supply of abundant water.

    Pumping water from rivers, streams, and wells without electricity is vital for survival.

    Your off-grid camp or homestead should utilize as much solar power as possible.

    Prepare, Adapt & Overcome,

  • Cofounder Of Skilledsurvival.com & TheResilientLife.com
  • Born & Raised On A Rural Farm In The Midwest
  • Mechanical Engineering Grad From A Major University
  • Engineer With A Major Food Manufacturing Company
  • 10+ Years Researching, Writing, & Teaching Preparedness
  • Mission: Help Folks Stop Living A Life Fragile To The Future
  • P.s. Are you ready for the tough times ahead?

    Find out now by taking my short Readiness Score Quiz – it’s absolutely free.
    Once complete, you’ll know exactly where you stand on the “fragile” vs.” resilient” spectrum.

    The post Best Solar Powered Water Pumps For Deep Wells appeared first on Skilled Survival.

    U.S. Warns North Korea Over Spy Satellite

    The US State Department has warned that Pyongyang will be in violation of international law if it launches a military spy satellite, the State Department says. The U.S. says that a potential North Korean satellite launch would violate international restrictions placed on the DPRK.

    The statement came after North Korean media revealed that Kim Jong-un had visited a facility where a spacecraft is being developed. During a press briefing on Wednesday, State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said the launch would breach “multiple UN Security Council resolutions” on North Korea’s ballistic missile program, which also cover rockets used for spacecraft.

    On Tuesday, Kim met with scientists, technicians, and senior officials as he inspected the country’s first military reconnaissance satellite. The North Korean leader approved an unspecified “future action plan” in preparation for the launch, according to the Korean Central News Agency. “The successful launch of a military reconnaissance satellite is an urgent request… and the government’s top policy priority to strengthen our national defense capabilities,” Kim said after the inspection, adding that North Korea would continue to advance its space program.

    The U.S. ruling class is very unhappy that North Korea continues to ignore them.

    “We have been very clear that we urge the DPRK to refrain from further threatening activity and call on Pyongyang to engage in serious and sustained diplomacy,” Patel was quoted according to RT. “In terms of actions, we of course continue to have a number of tools at our disposal to hold the DPRK accountable. You have seen us take those steps and we will continue to do so.”

    Pyongyang has insisted on its right to develop its military capabilities while the U.S. claims it has the right to sanction the regime. North Koren argues that its weapons, which include its nuclear arsenal, are solely for defensive purposes, and it has cited what it sees as an aggressive U.S. military posture on its border.

    Tensions between Washington and Pyongyang have soared in recent months, with the DPRK carrying out a flurry of weapons in a tit-for-tat retaliation for several rounds of joint U.S.-South Korean wargames

    The Middle Class Is Being Systematically Destroyed

    If you wanted to destroy the middle class, one way that you could accomplish that goal would be to flood the system with money.  Of course that is precisely what we have witnessed over the past few years.  Our leaders have pumped trillions of new dollars into the system, and the wealthy have gotten much, much wealthier.  But meanwhile, the rest of us have seen the cost of living rise much faster than our paychecks have.  As a result, we are getting poorer and the middle class is shrinking.

    Over time, our capitalist economy has steadily evolved into a system where almost all of the wealth and almost all of the power are concentrated in the hands of giant institutions.

    Collectively, big government and big corporations run virtually everything, and this system of “corporate socialism” funnels tremendous amount of wealth into the pockets of a very small minority of the population.

    If you are in that club, life is good.

    But if you are not in that club, life can be a struggle.

    The gap between the rich and the poor has steadily grown, and now it is larger than it has ever been before.  Even U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders acknowledges that we have a massive problem on our hands

    Today, half of our people are living paycheck to paycheck, 500,000 of the very poorest among us are homeless, millions are worried about evictions, 92 million are uninsured or underinsured, and families all across the country are worried about how they are going to feed their kids. Today, an entire generation of young people carry an outrageous level of student debt and face the reality that their standard of living will be lower than their parents’. And, most obscenely, low-income Americans now have a life expectancy that is about 15 years lower than the wealthy. Poverty in America has become a death sentence.

    Meanwhile, the people on top have never had it so good. The top 1% now own more wealth than the bottom 92%, and the 50 wealthiest Americans own more wealth than the bottom half of American society – 165 million people.

    Of course Sanders believes that even more socialism is the answer, but more socialism is never the answer.

    Centralizing wealth and power leads to widespread poverty.  We have seen this same pattern over and over again all over the globe.

    Decentralizing wealth and power leads to boundless prosperity like we saw in early America.

    Unfortunately, our current system is what it is, and the middle class is being absolutely crushed.

    Earlier today, I came across a tweet from Mike Cernovich that really resonated with me…

    I made $10 an hour as a part timer worker in Home Depot style store. $12.50 on weekends. This was 1990’s in small town. Would be $19 an hour today and $24 on weekends.

    I checked and same job TODAY is $12.50 an hour.

    This is what inflation has done to the working class.

    This is what so many of the “working poor” are facing today.

    Wages for many jobs have not moved much at all over the years, but the cost of living has been absolutely soaring.

    Cernovich also pointed out that a couple of decades ago hardly anything that we bought on a regular basis “felt expensive”

    Gas was often 99 cents / gallon. Gallon milk was 99 cents to $1.29.

    This was in 1997-2000 era.

    Nothing felt expensive other than “nice stuff,” luxuries.

    Daily living, groceries, sure you had to budget but it didn’t feel like it does now.

    Isn’t that so true?

    I remember that time well.  I could fill up an entire grocery cart for just 25 dollars, and that even included an entire cake.

    Yes, I really liked to eat cake in those days.

    But now if you fill up an entire cart with food, you will feel like you are making a house payment when you get to the register.

    Needless to say, house payments are also much higher than they used to be.  In fact, it is being reported that the average existing home actually costs approximately 93,000 dollars more than it did in 2020…

    You read that right—existing homes cost around $93,000 more than they did in 2020. No wonder so many people feel like they can’t afford a house!

    And newly built homes are even more expensive. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates new homes will cost around $425,786 in 2023. Out of 132.5 million American households, 96.5 million of them won’t be able to afford that median price.6 So even if we see a ton of new houses being built, 7 out of 10 households will have a tough time paying for one.

    93,000 dollars!

    In the old days, you could get a really nice home for 93,000 dollars.

    But now the American Dream is out of reach for millions upon millions of families.

    At this stage, many hard working families don’t even make enough money “to cover their most basic needs”

    More than a third of US families that work full-time do not earn enough money to cover their most basic needs, including housing, food and child care, a new study shows.

    Researchers at Brandeis University found 35% of American families do not meet the “basic family needs budget” — the amount needed to afford rent, food, transportation, medical care and minimal household expenses — despite working full-time year-round.

    And thanks to inflation, it is getting worse with each passing month.

    According to one recent survey, approximately 70 percent of all Americans openly admit “to being stressed about their personal finances”

    Some 70% of Americans admit to being stressed about their personal finances these days and a majority — 52% — of U.S. adults said their financial stress has increased since before the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020, according to a new CNBC Your Money Financial Confidence Survey conducted in partnership with Momentive.

    A lot of you out there are in the same boat.

    You are working as hard as you can, but it seems like there is never enough money at the end of the month.

    That is because the game is rigged.

    Our system has been so corrupted that now almost all of the economic rewards are being funneled to those at the very top of the food chain.

    Meanwhile, the middle class is being absolutely eviscerated, and poverty is spreading like wildfire all over the nation.

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

    About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “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 these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends.  Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.  I have also started a brand new Substack newsletter, and I encourage you to subscribe so that you won’t miss any of my articles.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others 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, I strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

    The post The Middle Class Is Being Systematically Destroyed appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

    S&W M&P M2.0 10mm Performance Center Model Joins M&P Line

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    Diehard Smith & Wesson fans waited a long time for the 10mm cartridge to ever join the M&P line, as it did a couple of years ago in the M&P M2.0. But those same lovers of the 10mm don’t have to wait nearly as long for an upgrade. Today Smith & Wesson announced the release of the S&W M&P M2.0 10mm Performance Center.

    S&W M&P M2.0 10mm Adds Performance Center Model

    The M&P M2.0 Performance Center 10mm features a ported 5.6-inch barrel, reducing muzzle rise. It comes optics-ready and includes optic-height tritium night sights. A M2.0 trigger, C.O.R.E plate system, interchangeable palm swells and two, 15-round magazines round out this impressive package.

    The new Performance Center 10mm was conceived with both the hunter and target shooter in mind,” said John Myles, Senior Manager of New Products, Smith & Wesson. “The goal was to build upon the M2.0 10mm series, with the intention of having reduced felt recoil and quicker follow-up shots. Popular features previously seen on other 5.6-inch PC pistols are present in this design and, when paired with the flat-shooting 10mm Auto cartridge, provide the end user a total package for hunting, self-defense, or at the range.”

    Smith & Wesson adds 10mm M&P M2.0 to Performance Center line.

    The S&W M&P M2.0 10mm Performance Center retails for $749. For even more info, please visit smith-wesson.com.

    S&W M&P M2.0 10mm Perfomance Center Specs

    • Caliber: 10mm
    • Overall Width: 1.3 inches
    • Overall Length: 8.6 inches
    • Height: 5.6 inches
    • Overall Weight: 31.4 ounces
    • Magazines: 2
    • Overall Capacity: 15+1
    • Sights: Night Sights
    • Grip: Polymer
    • Optic-Ready: Yes
    • Size: Full-Size
    • Safety: Thumb Safety
    • Color/Finish: Black
    • Barrel Length: 5.6 inches
    • Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
    • MSRP: $749

    On November 16, 2021, Ballistic reported:

    Smith & Wesson finally dropped the big news many have been waiting for. The new S&W M&P M2.0 now adds the vaunted 10mm cartridge, delivering an enhanced platform and hard-hitting cartridge in one package.

    Smith & Wesson releases M&P M2.0 in 10mm.
    (Photo by Alex Landeen)

    S&W M&P M2.0 10mm

    The new 10mm comes with enhanced features, including an optics cut slide with the C.O.R.E. system. It enables users to mount a variety of popular optics. The pistol also delivers a 15+1 overall capacity, shipping with two magazines. A new flat face trigger helps optimize trigger finger placement for more consistent and accurate shooting, according to S&W.

    “Having not made a 10mm semi-automatic hand gun since the 1990’s, it’s a pleasure to re-enter that space with the M&P10mm M2.0 pistol,” said Joh Myles, Senior New Product Manager, Smith & Wesson. “The 10mm caliber has its own following, and our customers have been asking us to bring one back.  We are excited to launch this product using the M&P45 M2.0 as a building block to support existing aftermarket accessories that are readily available, as well as adding new enhanced features like the optics ready slide and the new M2.0 flat face trigger.”

    The new 10mm M&Ps come purpose-built, with the user in mind, according to S&W. They include M2.0 features and come with or without an ambidextrous thumb safety. Smith & Wesson will offer a shorter 4-inch configuration, allowing for quicker clearance of the holster. Meanwhile, a slightly longer 4.6-inch 10mm M2.0 delivers an 18-degree grip angle. It comes with four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts and enhanced grip texture for recoil management.

    The new 10mm M&P M2.0 comes well apppointed.

    The M&P M2.0 10mm retails from $654 to $685. For even more info, please visit smith-wesson.com. Look for a full review of the new M&P 10mm in the March/April 2021 issue of Combat Handguns.

    S&W M&P M2.0 10mm Specs

    • Caliber: 10mm
    • Capacity: 15+1
    • Front Sight: Optic Height White Dot
    • Rear Sight: Optic Height White 2-Dot
    • Action: Striker Fire
    • Grip: Polymer
    • Barrel Material: Stainless Steel with Armornite Finish
    • Slide Material: Stainless Steel with Armornite Finish
    • Frame Material: Polymer
    • Slide Finish: Matte Black
    • Finish: Matte Black
    • Barrel Twist: 1:10″ 5 RH
    • MSRP: $654-$685

    Didn’t find what you were looking for?

    The post S&W M&P M2.0 10mm Performance Center Model Joins M&P Line appeared first on Ballistic Magazine.

    The Probability Of A Recession Happening In The Next 12 Months Is The Highest In More Than 40 Years!

    If they are actually telling us that a recession is coming this time around, how bad is it going to be?  In 2008, officials kept assuring us over and over again that there wouldn’t be a recession, and then we plunged into the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s.  But here in 2023, what is coming is so obvious that nobody can deny what is happening.  The economy is already starting to come apart at the seams all around us, and the “experts” at the Federal Reserve openly acknowledge that they are making things even worse by hiking interest rates.  Pretty much everyone agrees that rougher times are ahead of us, and “a probability model from the New York Federal Reserve” is now projecting that there is a 68.2 percent chance that there will be a recession within the next 12 months

    The odds that the United States will fall into a recession at some point over the next 12 months have risen to a 40-year high, according to a probability model from the New York Federal Reserve.

    The probability that the country will enter a recession within the next year has risen to 68.2 percent, according to the New York Fed, which is the highest level since 1982.

    The Fed’s recession risk indicator is now greater than it was in November 2007, not long before the subprime crisis, when it stood at 40 percent.

    This is the highest that figure has been in more than 40 years.

    Just think about that for a moment.

    The recession of the early 1980s was a real whopper, and if you were alive at that time you probably still have very painful memories of it.

    Are we about to experience something similar?

    Larry Summers says that he also believes that we probably have about a 70 percent chance of a recession within the next 12 months…

    Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has also expressed his view that the odds of a downturn are “probably about 70 percent.”

    “The chance that a recession will have begun this year in the U.S. over the next 12 months is probably about 70 percent,” Summers said in a recent interview with Foreign Policy. “As I put together the lags associated with monetary policy, the credit crunch risks, the need for continuing action around inflation, the risk of geopolitical or other shocks affecting commodities, 70 percent would be the range that I would be in.”

    So many pundits are very negative about the next 12 months, but we certainly don’t have to wait for bad economic news, because it is happening all around us right now.

    In fact, the New York Fed’s Empire State business conditions index just fell more than 42 points in a single month…

    After an unexpected surge into growth territory in April, the New York Fed’s Empire State business conditions index plunged 42.6 points in May to minus 31.8.

    Economists had forecast a milder slump to negative two.

    Readings below zero indicate worsening conditions. The May decline is the sharpest on record apart from the initial lockdown months of the pandemic.

    Read that last sentence again.

    Not even when nearly the entire country was locked down did we see a drop of this magnitude.

    And this comes at a time when consumers, small businesses, and large businesses are all struggling.

    On Monday, we learned that total consumer debt in the U.S. has just reached a brand new all-time record high

    Total consumer debt hit a fresh new high in the first quarter of 2023, pushing past $17 trillion even amid a sharp pullback in home borrowing.

    The total for borrowing across all categories hit $17.05 trillion, an increase of nearly $150 billion, or 0.9% during the January-to-March period, the New York Federal Reserve reported Monday. That took total indebtedness up about $2.9 trillion from the pre-Covid period ended in 2019.

    Of course interest rates are moving higher at the same time.

    If you can believe it, the average rate of interest on credit card balances is now over 20 percent

    The rise in credit card usage and debt is particularly concerning because interest rates are astronomically high right now. The average credit card annual percentage rate, or APR, hit a new record of 20.33% last week, according to a Bankrate database that goes back to 1985.

    Carrying credit card balances in this environment is financial suicide, but many Americans find themselves forced to charge food and other basic supplies these days because they don’t have any other options.

    Millions upon millions of people are barely scraping by from month to month, and delinquency rates just continue to move higher

    Delinquency rates for all debt increased, up 0.6 percentage point for credit cards to 6.5% and 0.2 percentage point for auto loans to 6.9%. Total delinquency rates moved up 0.2 percentage point to 3%, the highest since the third quarter of 2020.

    Meanwhile, here in the early stages of 2023 small businesses are “filing for bankruptcy at a record pace”

    Small businesses throughout the United States are currently filing for bankruptcy at a record pace, exceeding the levels observed in 2020 at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

    According to a UBS Evidence Lab note reviewed by The Epoch Times, the four-week moving average for private filings was 73 percent higher than it was in June 2020. They also warned the situation may worsen as the repercussions of the recent banking crises start to manifest.

    “[We] believe one of the more underappreciated signs of distress in U.S. corporate credit is already emanating from the small- and mid-size enterprises sector,” Matthew Mish, head of credit strategy at UBS, wrote in the recently published research memo. “[The] smallest of firms [are] facing the most severe pressure from rising rates, persistent inflation and slowing growth.”

    Things weren’t even this bad during the extended lockdowns during the early stages of the COVID pandemic.

    And many more small businesses will inevitably fail in the weeks and months to come.

    Large businesses are faring relatively better, but right now we are witnessing “the most prolonged corporate profits downturn in seven years”

    As the US economy teeters on the brink of recession, Wall Street is already enduring what could turn out to be the most prolonged corporate profits downturn in seven years.

    With the first-quarter earnings season drawing to a close, the profits of S&P 500 companies are estimated to have dropped 3.7% on average, compared to a year ago.

    And as I have detailed extensively in previous articles, large companies all over the U.S. have already started conducting mass layoffs.

    Needless to say, they aren’t letting people go because they think the economy is about to turn around.

    They can see what is coming, and they are trying to get ready in advance.

    Before I end this article, let me give you one more very troubling sign.

    In April, the federal government brought in 26.1 percent less tax revenue than it did in April 2022…

    The Treasury took in $638.52 billion in April. That was more than double the receipts in March. This is to be expected as the government collects a large amount of tax revenue in April. But compared to April 2022, tax receipts were down 26.1%.

    This is one number that the federal government cannot doctor, and it is absolutely horrible.

    We really are heading into an economic nightmare, and of course the economy is just one element of the “perfect storm” that we are now facing.

    So what should you do?

    I would encourage you to do whatever you need to do in order to get prepared for very rough times.

    Our system is in the process of melting down, and the government is not going to come riding to your rescue when everything finally hits the fan.

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

    About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “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 these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends.  Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.  I have also started a brand new Substack newsletter, and I encourage you to subscribe so that you won’t miss any of my articles.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others 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, I strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

    The post The Probability Of A Recession Happening In The Next 12 Months Is The Highest In More Than 40 Years! appeared first on The Economic Collapse.

    Best Solar Radios For Uninterrupted Info & Intel

    Everything You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Solar Radio!

    Best Solar Radio

    In a fast-paced, ever-changing crisis, you cannot make wise survival decisions without accurate intelligence.

    For example, you need to know the exact location of the emergency (riots, wildfires, roadblocks, etc.) to avoid them.

    But nowadays, most assume we can find such info quickly using smartphones or laptops.

    But that’s a flawed assumption.

    You see, the networks that support these powerful devices are fragile.

    They’re susceptible to both physical attacks and hacks.

    That’s why you need a more reliable means of tapping into critical emergency information.

    That’s why EVERYONE should own at least one survival radio!

    Today I’ll use my Engineering, Gear Testing, & Mountain SAR background to cover the following:

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Best Solar Radios For Sale

    What Is A Solar Radio?

    Why You Should Get A One

    Pros & Cons Of Solar Radios

    Best Solar-Powered Radio Features

    Are You Ready For The Tough Times Ahead? Take My 60 Sec Quiz To See If You’re Part Of ‘The Fragile Masses’ Or Not… Start Quiz Now!

    Best Solar Radios On The Market Today

    1. Top Recommendation


    Eton – Scorpion II Rugged Multipowered Portable Emergency Radio

    The Eton Scorpion II Multi-Powered Weather Radio is perfect for your off-the-grid needs.

    You can stay updated on weather and emergencies with AM/FM/NOAA weather bands.

    It even has a bottle opener for different types of emergencies.

    Equipped with solar and hand-crank power options, you’ll never have to go without a flashlight, news updates, or the ability to charge your cell phone.

    This rugged and compact radio is the one tool for outdoor adventures and potential disasters.

    PROS

    • Extremely Rugged – All-Weather Ready
    • It has several frequency bands, including NOAA Weather
    • Clips easily to a belt loop or pack with a built-in carabiner
    • Digital tuner / digital display
    • Hand crank, solar, and grid power options

    CONS

    • No Replaceable Battery Option


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    ↓ Cool SHTF Item, But Will It Last? Eton Scorpion ↓

    2.


    Midland ER40 Weather Radio With A Solar Panel

    Midland is a common sight at the small electronics counter of many outdoor stores. One of their most popular units is their 2-way FRS communication radios.

    This emergency radio is a little heftier than competitors. But it features a 2600mAh internal battery which can be charged via USB, solar, or hand crank.

    In turn, this large battery can also charge any small USB device.

    It also comes with an ultrasonic dog whistle mode and a LED flashlight with an SOS beacon.

    Note: many users replace the provided internal battery with the second-generation E310. This upgraded battery has a higher capacity 18650 Lithium battery for extended use.

    PROS

    • It has several frequency bands, including NOAA Weather
    • NOAA Weather Alert mode scans for and sounds an alarm automatically
    • Digital tuner
    • Hand crank, solar, and AA battery options

    CONS

    • Expensive


    Check Today’s Price

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    ↓ Unboxing | Setup Of The Midland ER40 ↓

    3.


    FosPower 4000mAh NOAA Emergency Solar Radio

    FosPower is a familiar electronic brand, and its gear gets many favorable ratings across many sites.

    Their small electronics are well-built and feature most of the add-ons consumers want.

    The name says it all in the FosPower Emergency Solar Portable Radio case.

    The FosPower is a compact radio with solar and hand crank charging capabilities. It also features several LED lights for close-in tasks (reading, etc.) or on the go.

    It includes several radio bands, including the NOAA weather channels.

    Some users have had issues with the quality of the factory. But most have exchanged them for working units quickly via FosPower’s warranty.

    My one big gripe is that the NOAA weather radio lacks standby mode.

    This mode helps to conserve power yet announces NOAA warning and watch conditions.

    Growing up in “tornado country,” this was a crucial feature for my battery-operated weather radios.

    PROS

    • LED Flashlight
    • Hand Crank for alternative charging
    • USB Power Port

    CONS

    • Some Amazon users report durability issues
    • The weather radio must be ON to receive, with no standby mode.


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    ↓ FosPower Solar Crank Radio Charger! Emergency Preparedness! ↓

    4.


    Kaito KA500 Emergency AM/FM/SW/NOAA Weather Alert Radio

    We’ve reviewed several small Kaito emergency radios over the years.

    And they’re always a contender on our survival electronics lists.

    The KA500 is a reliable emergency radio with a well-thought-out set of features.

    First off, it has several charging options, including:

    • Solar
    • Hand crank
    • USB
    • DC wall plug
    • Internal AA batteries

    The antenna and solar cell fold away to remain protected in transit. But the hand crank could use a little more protection.

    The analog tuner is decent but requires a delicate touch to dial in a faint station.

    A digital tuner would be a good upgrade for this model.

    As with many inexpensive options, there are reports of quality control issues online.

    So be sure to check all the features of your device on arrival to ensure they work.

    PROS

    • MANY charging options
    • USB charging for devices
    • A more comprehensive range of frequencies supported (AM/FM/NOAA/SW/PEAS)

    CONS

    • Analog tuner
    • Quality control issues at the factory


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    ↓ A Must-Have Prepping | Survival Item – Solar Crank Shortwave Radio ↓

    5.


    RunningSnail Emergency Hand Crank Radio with Solar

    Running Snail has recently improved its compact hand crank and solar charging radio.

    It now includes a better solar cell and larger battery capacity.

    The RunningSnail is a good emergency radio in a pinch.

    But the battery life (even with the upgrade) makes them a little unreliable for long-term use (say, in a home/cabin).

    They’re designed to be lightweight and small for use as a portable radio.

    As with many smaller USB chargers, voltage regulation is lacking. That’s why you may find your smartphone won’t “recognize” the device.

    This issue is partially true, but the phone will usually continue charging slower than expected.

    PROS

    • Compact
    • USB, solar, and hand-crank charging

    CONS

    • Radio reception is not great
    • USB charging of other devices is spotty


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    ↓ RunningSnail Hand Crank Radio Review ↓

    6.


    DaringSnail 4000mAh Emergency NOAA Weather Alert Radio

    This NOAA Weather Radio is a better option if you’re looking for a more extensive solar-powered radio for a cabin.

    We always had one in the kitchen above the fridge growing up.

    You can charge it via any one of four options:

    • Solar
    • Hand crank
    • USB
    • AAA batteries

    And it can act as a 4000mAh USB battery bank for other devices.

    It’s an LED flashlight, a reading lamp, and an SOS strobe.

    These are all welcome emergency features.

    It has a sturdy triangular design that keeps it from tipping or rolling.

    A digital tuner helps with dialing in faint stations.

    And the AM/FM/NOAA frequency range keeps you well connected.

    PROS

    • Stable design
    • Solid construction

    CONS

    • Slow to charge via solar due to large battery
    • No preset weather stations


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    ↓ Multi-Purpose Flashlight Emergency Radio Review ↓

    7.


    Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio

    This Aiworth Emergency radio is a new product on the market.

    But it has many of the same features as other more expensive models.

    It’s very compact and lightweight.

    Yet it sports a solar cell, hand crank charger, and USB charger and can use AAA batteries.

    It has various frequencies, including the 7 NOAA weather presets.

    These will help keep you up to date on emergencies.

    The AUX input, phone charger, and LED flashlight features make it a great multitool of a radio.

    PROS

    • Compact and lightweight
    • All 7 NOAA presets included
    • Several charging options

    CONS

    • 2000mAh battery bank will only charge smartphones ~1 time
    • Instructions not well translated into English


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    8.


    Emergency Weather Radio 4000mAh Solar or Battery Powered

    This solar radio looks like a miniature boombox straight out of the ’90s.

    The Wayl Buzz4000 Emergency Weather radio is an excellent addition to any emergency cache.

    It’s a full-featured AM/FM radio with 24/7 NOAA weather coverage.

    It’s easily powered via USB, hand crank, solar, or AAA batteries.

    This flexibility provides max charging options for any emergency.

    The internal 4000mAh battery bank can power the radio – or charge your other devices via USB.

    It’s both water-resistant and sports stereo speakers.

    Heck, the Buzz4000 is even able to play audio files from an external USB drive!

    PROS

    • Stereo speakers
    • 4000mAh battery bank
    • Can play audio files via USB

    CONS

    • Bulky
    • Heavy


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    ↓ Wayl’s Buzz 4000 AM FM NOAA Emergency Radio Review ↓

    9.


    Tenergy Multifunctional Hand Crank Weather Radio

    Tenergy is another new company, and I have limited experience with their products.

    But this radio is well-rated online and has earned several “best new radio…” rankings.

    It’s an inexpensive solar radio with features you’d expect on more expensive models.

    The hand crank and solar cell allow you to charge without using either AAA batteries or the wall charger.

    Unlike most radios, you can charge the internal lithium battery from AAA batteries.

    This feature allows you to consolidate partial batteries into one charged device.

    Also, it’s one of the few devices on this list to use USB-C connections.

    The Tenergy can charge most devices, including new smartphones and watches.

    The radio functions work well, as do the LED flashlights.

    It also includes an unexpected plus, the well-padded case, protecting the radio from abuse.

    PROS

    • Well designed functions
    • Great power options
    • USB-C compatible
    • Padded case

    CONS

    • Bulky
    • Slow to charge via solar or hand crank


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    ↓ Tenergy MultiFunctional Hand Crank Emergency Radio ↓

    Solar Radio With Antenna Out

    What Is A Solar Powered Radio?

    A solar-powered radio is a hand-held or stationary radio that includes a solar cell.

    This radio design lets you charge an internal battery directly from the sun.

    Most solar radios are smaller portable models with moderately sized solar cells.

    These smaller units are ideal for camping, survival, and emergency use.

    Solar radios also come with other charging means and give users a wide range of options.

    The internal battery, charged by solar energy or other routes, provides stored power.

    That way, the radio can be used later, even after dark, when the solar cell is not producing power.

    It’s also nice that solar charging is a passive task.

    Passive charging means letting your solar-powered radio charge while focusing on other tasks.

    This feature is a huge advantage when hiking, driving, cooking, or doing other camp chores.

    It only requires occasional re-positioning, so the solar cell receives direct sunlight.

    These two features (“free” power and passive charging) are why most people invest in a solar-powered radio.

    As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

    Hand Crank Solar Radio In The Sun

    Why You Should Invest In A Solar Radio

    Sometimes, older technologies are better than new ones.

    Sure, while old technologies may not be as “cool” as new technologies, what they lack in appeal – they make up for in reliability!

    Radio signals transmit for very long distances Over-The-Air, meaning without any physical wires.

    And these signals are known to distribute critical emergency information in real-time (think “weather radios”).

    Plus, it’s far easier to listen to this information while still performing other tasks.

    That’s why every vehicle still has a radio instead of a TV on the dashboard!

    Now, it’s true that most commercial radio stations rely on expensive antennas and transmitters.

    But all it takes to receive a signal is a small device that easily fits in the palm of your hand.

    Of course, if the internet and TV go out, chances are your electricity isn’t far behind.

    And ALL radios run on some form of electricity.

    That’s why having a secondary power source for your emergency radio is critical.

    Fortunately, several methods exist to power a radio besides just plugging it into the wall.

    Popular alternative power options range from batteries to hand-crank generators.

    But one of the best and most convenient options is SOLAR POWER!

    Finally, a solar radio is a perfect device to add to a Faraday cage or faraday bag to ensure you still have a means of receiving intel after an EMP attack.

    Close Up On Solar Panel On Radio

    Advantages & Disadvantages

    As with any new technology, there are advantages and disadvantages.

    That’s why it’s essential to weigh both the Pros and Cons when deciding which solar-powered radio best fits your needs.

    First up, solar power is considered a “free” energy source.

    I put the word “free” in quotes because nothing is truly free.

    In this case, you’ll need additional features on your radio to collect solar energy.

    And these extra features equate to more weight and bulk.

    Plus, added complexity, more pathways for error, and more cost.

    But these disadvantages are offset by an unlimited power source.

    It’s a power source capable of charging even in remote locations and with minimal effort by the user.

    Of course, all this free energy depends on ACCESS to sunlight.

    The amount of power a solar cell produces depends on the intensity of the sunlight it receives.

    It may take days to partially charge a radio battery in a foggy forest (especially in the US Pacific Northwest).

    Yet, just a few hours of direct, high-intensity sunlight in the desert may charge it completely.

    So, you must be aware of the environment in which you plan to use your solar-powered radio.

    ADVANTAGES

    • “Free energy” from the sun!
    • Great for remote locations and off-grid areas
    • An eco-friendly method of charging the battery
    • Will charge (slowly) even on a cloudy day

    DISADVANTAGES

    • More bulk/weight/parts than similar non-solar radio
    • More costly than similar non-solar radio
    • Need consistent access to direct sunlight
    • Smaller solar cells take longer to charge a battery
    • It depends on direct sunlight to charge efficiently

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    Best Solar Radio Features To Look For

    NOAA Capable

    No emergency radio is worthy of purchase if it doesn’t tap into the national weather service updates.

    NOAA weather stations continuously broadcast weather information.

    Now, you may be thinking, EVERY emergency radio would include this feature.

    And you’d be wrong.

    The cheapest ones will leave off the weather band radio frequencies and only give you AM/FM.

    This is not good enough – spend more dollars on critical weather intel.

    Durability

    In the case of small electronics, the idea of durability comes down to a couple of basic questions.

    First, is the device water-resistant?

    It’s a fact – survival gear used will eventually get wet.

    Even in the desert, someone will inevitably spill water on your electronics.

    Or a surprise desert storm will pop up when you least expect it.

    So, look for a radio with an IP rating for water resistance – and then treat it as if it’s still not water resistant!

    Secondly, can the device handle rough use?

    Your radio will get dropped, sat on, and shoved into a cramped pack.

    If delicate parts like the antenna are exposed, they can easily break.

    Shock and dust ratings are an excellent way to find devices built for rugged outdoor life.

    Size/Weight

    Size and weight are prime considerations when carrying your radio in a pack or vehicle.

    A smaller radio is more likely to find its way into your pack.  And a radio left on a shelf at home does you no good when you’re out and about.

    So, look for something that can fit easily into a bug-out bag, survival pack, tactical backpack, get-home bag, or go-bag.

    Cost

    Cost is always a factor, and you get what you pay for (to some extent).

    The cheapest radios are often built with less reliable parts.

    They also tend to lack features that may make your life easier.

    Be sure to read reviews (like ours) and do your homework before deciding which radio to buy.

    Power Bank Capability

    Power bank flexibility is a great bonus feature on most small solar radios.

    This option allows you to tap the internal battery as a charging device for other small electronics.

    Look for a radio with a USB outlet, and you’ll always have a spare battery for your smartphone, camera, or GPS.

    Built-In Flashlight

    Another common bonus feature, an LED flashlight is often integrated into solar-powered radios.

    It’s an excellent way to add a backup light if your headlamp goes out.

    Other Charging Routes

    The rate of solar charging is variable based on sun conditions.

    That’s why it’s also best to have other ways to charge your radio.

    First off, look for a plug-in charging port to take advantage of standard grid power.

    Next, get a radio with a hand-crank generator that allows you to convert a quick arm workout into a charge.

    Having replaceable (usually AA or AAA) batteries is also helpful.

    If all else fails, this feature lets you swap out dead batteries for fresh ones.

    Headphone Port

    You should NEVER underestimate the ability to use headphones with a solar radio.

    Why? Because headphones (mono or stereo) make it much easier to listen to faint signals.

    Most portable solar-powered radios have small antennas. Small antennas can struggle to pick up faint signals.

    But headphones or earbuds allow you to hear even the weakest signals.

    Also, headphone speakers are much smaller than those built into the radio.

    That means headphones take less power to create the sound. This feature equates to small power savings over time.

    But it can add up to precious minutes or hours of use compared to the built-in speaker.

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    Final Thoughts

    Now that you’ve seen the best solar-powered radios add one to your supplies.

    They’re compact enough for a pack, but I like to keep one in each vehicle and my house/garage for emergencies.

    They open your world to an unlimited supply of energy from the sun.

    They often come with an ideal backup power source, like a hand crank for cloudy days and nighttime use.

    The bottom line is:

    Solar Radios are a vital connection to intelligence when you need it most.

    Jason K.

  • Born & Raised In The Remote Woods Of Michigan
  • Engineering Degree From A Major University
  • Long Standing Member Of Mountain Search & Rescue
  • Offical Gear Tester For Several Outdoor Companies
  • Avid Outdoorsman: Backpacking, Camping, Fishing
  • Years Researching & Writing About Surival & Gear
  • P.s. Are you ready for the tough times ahead?

    Find out now by taking my short Readiness Score Quiz – it’s absolutely free.
    Once complete, you’ll know exactly where you stand on the “fragile” vs.” resilient” spectrum.

    The post Best Solar Radios For Uninterrupted Info & Intel appeared first on Skilled Survival.

    Even The Federal Reserve Is Admitting That More Than A Million Americans Could Soon Lose Their Jobs

    How would you feel if a million Americans lost their jobs?  Would you consider that to be a pretty catastrophic event for the economy?  Well, as you will see below, even the Federal Reserve is projecting that more than a million Americans could lose their jobs in the months ahead.  Needless to say, Fed projections are usually wildly optimistic.  So what will the real number be?  Ultimately, I think that things are going to be far worse than most of the experts would dare to imagine right now.  According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the number of layoffs during the first three months of this year was 396 percent higher than the number of layoffs during the same period in 2022.  A tremendous amount of negative momentum has been building up, and there is a whole lot of fear out there.

    Fear of what could happen to PacWest drove their stock price 22 percent lower on Thursday.  Overall, PacWest is now down close to 80 percent so far in 2023…

    Shares of PacWest were under pressure once again Thursday after the struggling regional bank said that deposit outflows resumed in the first week of May.

    The stock dropped 22.7%, further extending its recent declines. PacWest’s shares have now fallen more than 50% this month and nearly 80% for the year.

    The only reason why PacWest’s stock price is falling so rapidly is because it is getting a lot of media attention.

    If you look closely at the numbers, PacWest really isn’t that much different from hundreds of other regional banks that are essentially insolvent at this point.

    As I keep telling my readers, when banks get into trouble they start getting really tight with their money, and this is already happening all over the country

    It was already difficult for businesses and households to borrow money earlier this year — but after the collapse of three US regional banks and a cascade of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, getting money has become a little harder.

    More lenders have stiffened their standards in the wake of increasing turmoil within the banking sector, according to the Federal Reserve’s quarterly Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS) released Monday.

    Survey respondents attributed the changes in lending standards to economic uncertainty, a reduced appetite for risk, deterioration in collateral values and broader concerns about banks’ funding costs and liquidity positions, according to the Fed report. Additionally, lenders reported that they expect to tighten standards across all loan categories for the remainder of this year, citing the above concerns as well as customer withdrawals.

    If businesses and consumers have access to less credit, economic activity will slow down.

    And as economic activity slows down, more businesses will get into trouble or fail completely.

    And that is going to mean more layoffs.

    In fact, initial claims for unemployment benefits just jumped to the highest level in nearly two years

    The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits last week jumped to the highest level since 2021, the latest sign the historically tight labor market is cooling off in the face of rising interest rates.

    Figures released Thursday by the Labor Department show initial claims for the week ended May 6 surged by 22,000 to 264,000, well above the 2019 pre-pandemic average of 218,000 claims. It marks the steepest level for jobless claims since October 2021.

    This was a very sharp rise.

    According to Zero Hedge, it was actually “a 4-sigma miss to expectations”…

    The print was a 4-sigma miss to expectations, and was above the highest forecast made by the 45 economists participating in the survey.

    Ouch.

    But this is just the beginning.

    According to Fox Business, if current Fed projections are accurate more than a million Americans will soon lose their jobs…

    The most recent projections from the Fed show that officials expect unemployment to rise to 4.6% by the end of next year, up from the current rate of 3.5%.

    That could mean more than 1 million Americans lose their jobs between now and the end of the year.

    Of course many of us do not believe that the Fed’s projections will be accurate.

    Personally, I expect to see absolutely massive job losses over the next couple of years.

    And as the economy steadily deteriorates, the condition of our society will get even worse than it is right now.

    For many of you, that may be hard to believe, because things have already deteriorated quite dramatically.

    In San Francisco and other cities around the nation, organized retail looting now happens on an industrial scale.  For example, just check out what is going on at a Target near San Francisco’s Union Square

    “I’d say 10 thefts a day,” said one worker at the Target inside the Metreon, a mall near San Francisco’s Union Square. The worker spoke on the condition of anonymity because they did not have permission from a supervisor to talk to the press.

    “Every 10 minutes you see it,” another worker said who also did not wish to be named. “Look in some corner of the store, and you’ll see people shoveling stuff into a bag—food, cosmetics.”

    We have never seen anything like this before, and this is why countless businesses have already left the city.

    Another worker that was interviewed noted that lipstick and nail polish had just been stocked that morning “and now they’re empty”

    A third worker who also spoke on the condition they not be named said lipstick and nail polish, which are not locked behind plastic, are regularly stolen in handfuls.

    “They were stocked this morning, and now they’re empty,” the worker said, pointing to an empty shelf reserved for lipstick.

    Another worker said food and diapers are commonly stolen.

    If this is how Americans are behaving now, while economic conditions are still at least somewhat stable, how will they behave when we are in the midst of a full-blown economic nightmare?

    Our relatively strong economy has been the only thing that has kept our nation from descending into complete and utter chaos.

    Once our economic strength is crippled, things are going to get really frightening.

    So let us hope for the best, but let us also get prepared for the worst.

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

    About the Author: My name is Michael and my brand new book entitled “End Times” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book I have written six other books that are available on Amazon.com including “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 these books you help to support the work that I am doing, and one way that you can really help is by sending copies as gifts to family and friends.  Time is short, and I need help getting these warnings into the hands of as many people as possible.  I have also started a brand new Substack newsletter, and I encourage you to subscribe so that you won’t miss any of my articles.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others 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, I strongly urge you to invite Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior today.

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