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Hardtack: The Timeless Survival Biscuit

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Hardtack

Hardtack is more than just a simple biscuit—it’s a steadfast companion that has traveled through the annals of history alongside humanity’s bravest explorers, seafarers, and soldiers. From the days of ancient Egypt, where it sustained sailors on the Nile, to the ranks of the Roman legions marching across vast empires, hardtack has been a reliable source of sustenance.

During the tumultuous Middle Ages, soldiers in battle relied on these resilient crackers, known by various names such as sea biscuit or ship’s biscuit, as their unyielding ally in the face of hunger. Hardtack’s legacy continued to expand, becoming a staple aboard naval vessels across the globe, ensuring that seafarers had a durable food supply on long voyages.

In the American Civil War, hardtack was indispensable for soldiers on both sides, often softened in coffee or soup to make it more palatable. Fast forward to the 20th and 21st centuries, this hardy bread earned the moniker “pilot bread” as it was carried by aviators, proving its worth in the skies.

In a world where modern conveniences might fail, hardtack shines as a beacon of survival. Its incredible durability allows it to last for years when kept dry, outlasting the need for electricity or refrigeration. With just a few simple ingredients—flour, water, and a pinch of salt—anyone can whip up this life-sustaining biscuit.

When you need to bug out, hardtack’s lightweight and compact nature makes it an ideal companion. You can carry enough to sustain yourself without being weighed down, and its versatility in use means you can turn it into a variety of meals.

This recipe makes approximately nine squares, each about 3″x3″. On average, one or two squares would be served per person, making this batch capable of feeding 4 to 9 people.

Recipe for nine squares:

  • 2 cups of flour (use white or whole wheat)
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ½ to ¾ cup of water

Instructions:

  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
  • Mix the flour and the salt up in a bowl or container
  • Mix water into the flour and salt until you make dough
  • Roll your dough onto a hard surface that has been pre-floured
  • Get the dough good and floury to where it won’t stick
  • Cut this dough into squares about 3”x3”
  • Use a chopstick or other similar object to poke holes in each of the nine squares
  • Poke anywhere from 9-15 holes in each 3”x3” square
  • Place the squares on a baking sheet, ungreased
  • Bake for a half hour at 375 degrees, turn it over and bake on the other side for a half hour
  • If it is not completely dry or hard, keep baking each side

Once your hardtack emerges from the oven, let it cool completely. If you store it in an airtight container, it can last for many months, even years, preserving its legacy as an enduring survival food. Transform your Hardtack into a culinary delight:

  • Soak and Savor: To enjoy hardtack without risking your dental health, soak it in water, coffee, broth, or soup until it softens up. This simple trick makes it much more palatable.
  • Fry for Flavor: For a delicious twist, pan fry your hardtack. Many people love frying it in bacon grease, adding a rich, savory taste.
  • Perfect Pairing: Hardtack pairs wonderfully with soups and stews, complementing the hearty flavors and providing a satisfying crunch.

When times are tough or you’re in an emergency or survival situation, hardtack stands as a reliable ration. While it may not earn a Michelin star, this humble bread will keep you alive and well when you need it most. Bon appétit, adventurer!

Cutting Edge: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Bushcraft Blade

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knife, hunting knife, hand

Embarking on an adventure in the wilderness requires the right tools, and the most important one is a good knife. When deciding on a bushcraft knife, you want to look at the following qualities: full-tang, preferably no coating, no serration (no saw teeth on the spine), 90-degree spine, 4.5-6” blade length, high-carbon steel, and a good Scandinavian or flat grind.
In the wild, a good knife becomes your best friend and sidekick, useful for numerous tasks that you will encounter. In my experience, the problem of knowing which bushcraft knife to buy always surfaces. There are endless options, and choosing the right bushcraft cutting tool can become daunting. In this article, we will cover some of the prominent knives out there and weigh their strengths and weaknesses. Whether you are a beginner or on par with Mors Kochanski himself, we’ve got the insights you need to make a wise decision when purchasing a blade and will have you wilderness-ready for your next adventure.
I will describe 10 knives that are among the best in the bushcraft world. As a survival instructor, I have noticed that, on numerous occasions, new students arrive at my school with a Gerber knife, either the Bear Grylls knife or the Ultimate Survivor knife. Sometimes students will spend another $40 and get the Gerber Gear Strongarm knife. Every time I cringe. These knives would be good if they were the ONLY thing I had in the wild, but apart from that, they are little more than a paperweight. I own the Bear Grylls knife, given to me one Christmas by a well-meaning in-law. The Bear Grylls and Ultimate Survivor are serrated knives that cannot throw a spark when partnered with a ferro rod (or at least not very well). The spine is next to useless, and I dislike the coating on the blades. I found carving to be difficult when using this blade. If I had another pair of hands, I would give Gerber knives four thumbs down, Dave Chappelle style when impersonating Rick James. I have now gotten in the habit of telling prospective students to not buy a Gerber knife! Save your money and buy one of the following. You are welcome!
I have found that some of the best things come from Sweden. Sweden has the best heavy metal music and some of the prettiest women on Earth. Not only that, but Sweden also makes some of the best knives, such as the Fallkniven F1. The F1 is the official survival knife of the Swedish Air Force, and for good reason. The knife is 8.3 inches long, and the blade length is 3.8 inches. My only complaint is that the blade is a little short, making batoning wood difficult. The knife is made of VG-10 stainless steel. It is a drop-point knife with a convex grind, making it good for splitting and easy to maintain. However, I prefer a Scandinavian or flat grind for finer cutting and carving. The knife is full tang and comes coated in a satin finish or black CeraKote if you request it. You can purchase an F1 on Amazon for around $171. The other Swedish knife on my list is the Mora Pathfinder. The Pathfinder is extremely durable with a practical design. I attended several survival schools with a Pathfinder on my hip. The overall length of the Pathfinder is a whopping 11.6 inches, and the blade length is 6.75 inches. I find this knife to be more useful than the shorter Mora knives, although they are good too. The Pathfinder is made of high-carbon steel, maintaining a sharp edge that has been easy to sharpen. It has one of the best 90-degree spines I have seen and shoots sparks from a ferro rod like it’s the Fourth of July. The blade is full tang and has a Scandinavian grind, making it an ideal carver and excellent for batoning. My only complaint with the Pathfinder is the black DLC coating. Even with the coating, if you neglect the knife (which I have been guilty of doing), it will rust. When you try to remove this rust, the black coating gets everywhere and makes a fine mess. Apart from that, I do recommend the Pathfinder. The Pathfinder is probably the best “bang for your buck”. You get upper level knife quality at more than half the price of the more high-end or custom knives. Amazon seems to have the best price for a Pathfinder at $68.99. I have also seen these knives in the $90-$120 range. 
The next knife is one I have played around with whenever it has been brought out to my primitive skills institute. The knife is the White River Ursus 45, and it’s a beauty. Surprisingly, I have yet to own one, considering how close the company is to my home. It is so close that my wife works in the same city, Fremont, Michigan, where the company is based. The company is White River Knives, most likely named after the nearby White River that weaves its way through West Michigan. This knife is currently priced at $249.95. Although it is a little pricey, it seems to be worth every penny. The overall length of the knife is 9.5 inches, and the blade itself is 4.5 inches and full tang. This puts it neatly in the 4.5-6 inch threshold and checks the boxes, making it an ideal bushcraft knife. The blade is made from CPM S35VN or CPM Magnacut steel, giving it excellent edge retention and resistance to corrosion. The knife is a drop-point style blade with a flat grind, making it ideal for all tasks around your campsite. This type of grind also makes it easy to sharpen in the wild.
The next great knife company that comes to mind is L.T. Wright. I have had the opportunity to try out their Genesis Scandi knife, and I must say I was impressed. My only critique was that I thought the blade was a touch too short. After trying out the Genesis Scandi, I accessed the L.T. Wright website and discovered their Larry Roberts Signature Edition Gen 6. The knife is full tang, made of A2 steel, and comes in at a whopping 11 inches. The blade itself is 6.125 inches and has a Scandinavian grind. While I have not gotten my hands on this knife yet, I already know I want one! The price tag for this fine knife is $269.95 but varies depending on where you are shopping. Although it is not cheap, I will say buying a bushcraft knife is a time when you do not want to cheap out.
The next company to discuss is the TOPS Knives Company, located in Ucon, Idaho. Their knives have been extensively tested and are able to take on the toughest tasks in the wild. TOPS knives are also used extensively by law enforcement agencies and the military. The TOPS knife that caught my eye was the B.O.B. or Brothers of Bushcraft knife. The blade of the knife is made from 1095 high carbon steel, is full tang, and is 4.75 inches long. It has a Scandinavian grind, which makes it good for cutting, carving, and sharpening. The knife also has an exposed tang at the pommel and is designed for striking ferro rods and other scraping tasks. This knife checks all the boxes for a good bushcraft knife. The B.O.B. can be found on Amazon at around $161.
Next is the Ontario Knife Company. This company was originally founded in Naples, New York, in 1889. For many years after, their manufacturing base was in Franklinville, New York. In modern times, the company was purchased and relocated to Marion, Virginia. The knife I own is the RAT-7. This knife is a popular choice among those in the bushcraft community. The RAT-7 has a whopping 7-inch blade made from 1095 carbon steel. It’s a beast! The knife is full tang and has a flat grind. I don’t care much for the black powder-coated finish, but such coatings are easy to remove. The RAT-7 reminds me of the Becker BK7, which is also extremely tough and rugged. I own the BK7 and a BK9; the BK9 reminds me of a small sword! I have two critiques that are similar for both the RAT-7 and BK7. First, I don’t care for fancy coatings; I would rather simply have the steel with a nice patina on it. Second, for cutting, carving, and finer knife work around the camp, I have found that when using these two knives, my hand gets fatigued very quickly. But if you need a knife that will pry open a door, these knives might be your best bet. Or if you need a Roman gladius, get the BK9! The RAT-7 is priced around $104-$135. The Becker BK7 is around $115 and the hefty BK9 is priced at about $127.99.
The next company is ESEE Knives, which is located in Gallant, Alabama. The company is known for making very tough and robust knives that can take all kinds of abuse in the wild. I also own some ESEEs and can honestly say I like them. However, I find myself returning to my Mora Pathfinder rather than using an ESEE knife. The knife in mind is the ESEE 6. The knife blade is 6.5 inches long, made from 1095 high carbon steel, full tang, has a flat grind and a drop point design. The two things I don’t like are the coating and the fact it is serrated along the spine. I will never understand why some companies love serrated blades, but they do! I suspect it is the Rambo movies of the 80s. There is nothing truly wrong with serration on the spine of a knife, it’s just not my preference. ESEE Knives is a great company, and you can’t go wrong with their products. The ESEE 6 ranges around $132-$146.
The next company is Cold Steel, Inc., founded in Ventura, California, in 1980. The company has since relocated to Irving, Texas, after being bought by GSM Outdoors in 2020. Cold Steel is known for producing a wide range of knives and other edged tools. The Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) is a tough and rugged blade. It is designed with survival and rescue operations in mind. The SRK is issued to SEAL candidates during BUD/S training. The blade is 6 inches long and made from SK-5 high carbon steel. The blade has a clip point design and a black Tuff-Ex finish. While this knife may be a good overall knife, there are other knives I prefer for survival. It is good, but not my first choice. If your budget is extremely low however, this may be the best one to buy while still getting a decent knife. They range in price from $53.99-69.99. At the time of this writing I found them on Amazon for $29.15, a price you can’t beat.
The next two are knives for a bargain. The first that caught my interest was the BeaverCraft BSH2 Glacier. BeaverCraft is a company located in Kyiv, Ukraine. The Glacier is full tang and made of 1066 carbon steel. The total length of the knife is 9.45 inches, and the blade is 4.13 inches long. While I prefer my Mora Pathfinder or the feel of the Ursus 45, I will say the Glacier is an awesome deal at only $45. If you can only spend $45, spend it on this knife and not on a Gerber!
The final company on this list is Condor Tool & Knife, Inc. and is located in Santa Ana, El Salvador. The company has been crafting high-quality knives and other tools since 1964. The knife I have in mind from the company is the Condor Bushlore Survival Knife. This knife is a popular choice among those in the world of bushcraft. The overall length of the knife is 9.3 inches, and the blade is 4.3 inches long. This full tang knife is made of 1075 high carbon steel with a Scandi grind. For around $85 it is a solid choice, without breaking the bank.
I will quickly add 5 custom made knife brands that are high-quality, but not cheap. Stephenson Knives are very fine blades that range in price around $300-400. Fiddleback Forge Knives are in the same price range, but also very nice. White River Knives are fine blades (previously mentioned) made locally in my area. These knives range in price around $250. Knives made by Adventure Sworn Bushcraft Co are very nice and range in price from around $250-300. Remember, very fine things come from Scandinavia (remember I mentioned Sweden earlier?). Another fine series of knives that come from the land of the ancient Vikings are the Helle Knives from Norway. This company makes knives that are very robust, beautiful, and highly customizable. They range in price from $159.50-$275.

What is your favorite go-to bushcraft knife? Is there a blade you would add to this list? Happy hunting!

Unleashing the Power of Yucca: Nature’s Secret Weapon for Survival and Sustainability

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Yucca (Adam’s Needle, Yucca filamentosa) is a plant that can be found from the South up to the eastern United States, as well as in northern regions like Michigan and Canada. The root contains saponin, which can be used to make soap for washing the body, hair, and clothing. The stalk produces edible white flowers that can be eaten raw or cooked and are said to taste like a bitter artichoke. The flowering stem can be cooked and eaten much like asparagus, but it should be harvested before it grows taller than asparagus. The leaves can serve as paintbrushes. When processed, they yield inner fibers that can be turned into cordage for binding, ropemaking, basket weaving, and even clothing. The dried stalk can be used for a hand drill or as a spindle for a bow drill. To make friction fires, cut the stalk near the base and hang it to dry.

Yucca is known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat conditions such as arthritis and joint pain. The root can be beaten into a salve or poultice and applied to sores, skin diseases, and sprains. It also has sedative effects that can aid sleep and antiviral qualities. The root has been used to treat gonorrhea and rheumatism. The saponins in the plant are toxic to fish; Native Americans once used large quantities of them in bodies of water to stupefy and kill fish, causing them to float to the surface. Adam’s Needle is a bushcrafter’s best friend in the wild!

 

Nuclear Survival 101: Essential Steps to Stay Alive and Survive the Aftermath of a Nuclear Detonation

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In a world where tensions are high and the threat of nuclear conflict looms large, being prepared for the unthinkable is more crucial than ever. Recent global events have shown us just how volatile our times are, with nations flexing their nuclear muscles and the specter of war casting a long shadow. This article is your no nonsense guide to surviving a nuclear bomb detonation in the U.S. We’ll cut through the noise and give you the hard facts and practical steps you need to protect yourself and your loved ones when the worst happens. Stay sharp, stay safe, and be ready for anything.

On Foot: Get behind cover and lay face down to protect yourself from thermal damage and projectiles. Do NOT look at the blast, doing so will blind you.

Driving: If you are driving when a nuke goes off but are not near ground zero, consider yourself fortunate that you did not get vaporized. Again, do NOT look at the blast as doing so can blind you. If you can help it, you want to be upwind or crosswind of the nuclear fallout. Downwind is the worst place to be because the fallout is coming your way. If you are downwind of the blast, you have approximately 15-20 minutes before the fallout starts raining down on top of you in the form of radioactive dust and particles. Shut off your air circulation system in your vehicle and close the vents. Seek shelter immediately.  

Seek Underground Shelter: Find a building made of dense material, like brick or concrete, preferably with a concrete basement. Situate yourself in an interior room away from windows and other walls. The deeper underground you get the better. Radiation levels significantly decrease the lower you go. Choose a corner of the basement that is most below ground level and away from outer walls and the roof. These spots are where radioactive material tends to collect the most. Increase shielding along walls and create a barrier wall in front of the door leading into the room, this can improve shielding from radiation. Think of the downstairs basement of an office with metal shelving and old books and manuals. Use all of this as shielding. Hunker in the basement for 72 hours, as the radiation levels will reduce until they are 1% of their initial value. Using plastic sheeting and duct tape, seal up all air vents, door cracks, etc. Another option for this type of shelter would be a homemade bunker made of sandbags. The sandbags must be at least 3 ft deep to stop radiation.

Decontaminate: Peel off the clothes you were wearing, they could be containing deadly radiation and fallout. Wash any exposed skin. Better yet, take a shower. Contaminated clothes need to go into a quarantined plastic bag and removed. If you must go outside again you PPE.

Supplies: Unfortunately, you were on the road for work and not at your survival retreat in Michigan’s U.P., stocked with 20 years’ worth of food and enough ammo to fight WW3. You will have to look around for what you can eat. Is there a refrigerator? Is there a nearby vending machine you could bust the glass out of? If you have them, take potassium iodide (KI) tablets to protect your thyroid. If you don’t have these tablets, rub a tincture of iodine on your stomach about the size of a basketball.

Communication: Find a radio if possible and listen for further instructions.

 

Top Ten Essential Medical Preparedness Books That Could Save Your Life!

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  1. The Ultimate Survival Medicine Handbook by Joseph Alton M.D. and his Nurse wife Amy Alton
  2. Living Ready Pocket Manuel: First Aid Fundamentals for Survival by James Hubbard
  3. The Complete Medicinal Herbal: A Practical Guide to the Healing Properties of Herbs by Penelope Ody
  4. Where There is No Doctor by David Werner
  5. Where There is No Dentist by Murray Dickson
  6. A Book for Midwives: Care for Pregnancy, Birth, and Women’s Health by Sheila Kitzinger
  7. Ditch Medicine: Advanced Field Procedures for Emergencies by Hugh Coffee
  8. Wilderness Medicine: Beyond First Aid by William W. Forgey
  9. The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is NOT On The Way by Joseph Alton M.D. and his Nurse wife Amy Alton
  10. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide for Herbalists by Thomas Easley and Steven Horne

***DON’T FORGET: Nurse’s PDFs; Wilderness First Responder manuals

Ready for Anything: The Top Ten Must-Read Books for Ultimate Preparedness

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Top Ten Preparedness Books: 

  1. The Disaster Preparedness Handbook-by Arthur T. Bradley 
  1. How to Survive The End of The World As We Know It-by James Wesley Rawles 
  1. Build the Perfect Bug Out Survival Skills-by Creek Stewart 
  1. The Prepper’s Blueprint-by Tess Pennington 
  1. Where There is No Doctor-by David Werner, Carol Thuman, Jane Maxwell 
  1. The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide-by Joseph Alton, MD 
  1. Emergency War Surgery-by the U.S. Department of the Army 
  1. The Ultimate Guide to Wilderness Living-by John McPherson and Geri McPherson 
  1. The Complete Guide to Emergency First Aid-by Paul McCarty 
  1. Nuclear War Survival Skills-by Cresson Kearney 

Honorable mentions and other books to have on hand:

Nurses PDFs 

Preparedness/Survival Fiction: Any books written by James Wesley Rawles 

Down and Dirty Old School Preparedness: Any old books by Ragnar Benson such as Survival Poaching 

Medical Information: Any material by Joseph Alton, MD and his wife; Where There is No Dentist-by Murray Dickson 

Homesteading/Long-Term Survival: The Encyclopedia of Country Living-by Carla Emery

Discover more survival and preparedness content at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute!

     

Extreme Wilderness Medicine: APSI Instructor Teaches Suturing Skills for Wilderness Survival

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Extreme Wilderness Medicine: APSI Instructor Teaches Suturing Skills for Wilderness Survival Using Fishing Line

In this video we show how to perform suturing using fishing line in an austere environment. #survivalskills #suturing #fishingline #wildernessmedicine #firstaid #survivalguide #outdoorsurvival #emergencypreparedness #survivaltactics #DIYfirstaid #survivaltraining #natureskills #bushcraft #selfsurgery #fieldmedicine #prepperskills #suturetechniques #survivalhacks #fishinglinesuture #wildernessfirstaid #wildernessfirstresponder 

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