The Awesome IMCO lighter

Everyone is familiar with the beloved Zippo lighter but drop the name “IMCO” and you’ll get a confused face and a “whut??”

It’s a shame though. IMCO started as a company in Austria in 1907 and made the first “trench” lighters in 1918. These were the first true commercial lighters ever made.


IMCO closed as a company in Austria in 2012. They sold the rights to a company in China and the famous lighter is still available at a fraction of the price. If you want the original Made in Austria ones though you’ll have to buy on the used market, with prices already pretty high.

Classics Imco Triplex Super 6700 Stainless Steel

IMCO lighters have several advantages.
1)They are sturdy as hell. People think Zippos are tough. They are ok but the lid hinge is a natural weak spot and the large metal surfaces can be bent. On the other hand the IMCO is made of folder or rounded metal which gives it much greater structural integrity and takes abuse better.

2)Opens and Lights on one flick of the finger. Its simply faster as it opens and strikes the flint at the same time unlike the two separate operations needed for the Zippo.
3)More reliable ignition. In a Zippo you move the wheel directly with your finger. On the IMCO you have greater leverage and sparks are clearly larger. This causes the IMCO to go through flints a bit faster, but then again it requires less attempts to lit.
4)Easy to replace flints. Just open the compartment and drop it there. Close it and you’re done.
5)Storage compartment for a spare flint.

6)Can be used as a candle by removing the fuel tank. This can be very handy at times and extends the utility off the lighter to be used as a candle or small torch.
7)Much better fuel run. A Zippo dries up in about a week or two while an IMCO with its smaller wick lid can keep running for about a month.

8)Adjustable flame. On Super Triplex models, the wind shield allows you to adjust the flame.
If you like traditional lighters, give the IMCO a try.

FerFAL

Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Clipper Lighters: 7 reasons why they are one of the Best Survival Lighters

“FerFAL, what are good barter items to stock up on?”


That’s a question I get asked a lot. Barter became very popular in Argentina when the economy crashed. Still, for a number of reasons, I don’t believe that in general it’s much of a good idea to stock up items and supplies specifically for barter after SHTF. Most people that ended up bartering to make it through did it because they had no other choice.

But while I don’t believe much in stocking up barter items, I do believe in stocking up items that are:
1) Consumables that are going to be used eventually, SHTF or not
2)  Affordable
3) Compact and light weight
4) Have proven to be in high demand during past SHTF events
5) And yes, could potentially be used as valuable barter items, if such a scenario ever plays out.
Lighters and matches definitely score high on all of the above so I keep plenty of those. As for matches, hands down my favourite ones are strike-anywhere Swan Vesta matches. Keep them nice and dry in a match box or small Ziploc bag and you're good to go.

When it comes to lighters, I favor Clipper lighters. Now, you can just stock up on some generic brand (not a good idea, quality is mostly poor) or a trusted brand  (usually Bic) But Clippers have a few advantages.

1) They are made in Spain under rather strict safety and quality control standards. Unlike Bics, Clippers are made of Nylon which is much harder to break on impact and more fire resistant.

2)The pentagon shaped wheel is easier to strike, especially when compared to the silly child proof wheel in current Bics.

3)They are affordable, just a few cents more than disposable Bic lighters.

4)They are refillable lighters. Yes, you can refill disposable ones as well but they aren’t intended for that and the Clipper has a proper valve at the bottom for refiling.

5)The flint striker can be removed and the flint replaced.

6)The flame adjusts automatically, increasing in size when turned sideways for pipes.

7)They come in a variety of designs, colors and materials. From utilitarian see-through plastic to know how much fuel you have left, to bright colored ones for easy location when dropped, ideal for survival kits, or classy metal version both in chrome and gun metal, suited for EDC carry.

FerFAL

Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

My favorite: Easy Improvised Fire Starter

Funny thing is, I use this fire starter all the time yet never thought about bringing it up here. I suppose it’s so simple and obvious I thought everyone did it (or some variation) but apparently that’s not the case.
This is by far the most common fire starter I use. I have more commercial stuff for kits but for a BBQ or to start a fire around home, start the fireplace or during a picnic this is what I do. Whenever there’s a BBQ party this is very convenient because the materials needed are already handy. People often act completely surprised as if you’re McGyver or something.
I bet there’s several variations but what I do is press one paper napkin into a ball and wrap it with the other, making somewhat of a cup.

Then I simply pour some vegetable oil inside. The paper ball absorbs most of the oil and the paper napkin acting as a cup keeps it from pouring out.

Place it in the fireplace or grill with the wood piled around it and light it up.

That’s it. It burns for a good few minutes, the more oil it has the more it burns, and it burns very hot too.
Give it a try next time!
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Deus Vult!: Zippo Crusade Victory

Advantages of Plasma/Tesla Coil Lighters?

Skysaver: Escaping from high-rise buildings

SkySaver 80 - Building Escape Backpack, Up to 80 Feet  $819

Some people commented regarding my post about escaping a building during a fire with traditional climbing gear and noted that the rope can burn.
Of course this is a possibility. The fire on some of the lower floors may even burn yourself as you rappel down. The point is we’re talking about a desperate, last resort situation here. During the London tower fire some people climbed down using tied bed sheets to make a rope. I’ll take an actual harness and rope over sheets any day.
But I did look into it a bit more and there is a product specifically designed to escape high rise buildings during fires, terrorist attacks or other emergencies.
As strange as it looks, it does seem serious and apparently it works as intended.

On the down side it is very expensive at 800 bucks or more depending on how many feet you need.
On the up side, it requires no rappel knowledge, no particular physical strength or dexterity and allows you to safely jump off the window and safely reach the floor. The cord seems to be steel, which is of course safer and less likely to be destroyed by fire and debris.
Happy 4^th of July everyone!
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Fire in Portugal: More than 60 Dead, some trapped in their Cars while Escaping

Hi there Fernando
while some people are still recovering from the aftermath of the London fire, we have witnessed right next door, the devastating effects of another terrible fire this time in Portugal.
According to the news at least 30 people died in their cars while trying to escape from the flames (probably too late).
I think this reinforces the message of how important it is to read the (get out of dodge) situation, and is better to leave and come back during a false alarm than to lose your life...
I enclose a link (in spanish) La carretera de la muerte
Thoughts?
-Antonio
.
Hello Antonio.
Sorry for the delay in replying.
Yes, I saw the news. It’s just terrible.  This yet again goes to show: living in more isolated areas does not mean you’ll never have to bug out.
Also, know your threats. Some areas are known to be affected by wildfires, if it happened once, you can be sure it will happen again. Especially in wooded or grassy areas you have to role play the situation and imagine what you would do if it catches fire.
Watch the clip below, its just terrible.

You need a bug out plan, and a good strategy with alternative routes is crucial here.
Also car selection. I would want a truck or at least and SUV, something with AWD or 4WD so as to go off road if needed when escaping. Also a good car kit, with food, water and clothes, especially good shoes for walking.
Above all, staying informed and taking action. I believe that in this case reacting in time would have been the difference between life and death.
Yet again it’s always easy when you’re not the one trapped in that inferno and you only read the news after it happened.
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

So whats a traditional Match Lighter?

Inferno in London Tower Building: Some survival related thoughts

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4605360/Cladding-turned-tiny-fire-hell.html
You probably read the news already but in case you didn’t a 24-storey building, Grenfell Tower, turned into an inferno last night. At around 1AM the fire started in the 4^th floor and spread all over the building in 15 minutes. This morning, firemen were still struggling to put out the fire. So far there are 12 confirmed dead victims but there are dozens missing still.
According to witnesses, there was a baby dropped from the 10^th floor that was caught by someone below and managed to survive. Ropes were made with sheets to climb down, children in flames simply jumping from the building. It must have been a terrible scene to witness.
But then we think of it from the preparedness point of view. I never felt comfortable in high-rise buildings and have avoided them all my life. When in hotels, I try to be as close to the ground floor as possible, which is actually a good habit to incorporate when booking a room.
If I had to live in one, I would get climbing gear and enough rope to rappel down. Oh sure, it sounds silly, that is until you jump out of your window to avoid burning to death. Its not just fires. I know of several cases in Argentina in which people panicked during home invasions in buildings and jumped out of the windows several floors high. What about working in one? Yes, I’d like a way out as well. Fires, earthquakes, even active shooters this is the kind of thing that can save your life in a worst case scenario. Rappelling is simple enough it can be done by people of all ages and the equipment isnt that expensive either unless you want some high end gear.
Of course you have a number of other preparedness related topics involved here.
What have I said a million times about bugging out? Its not a choice, when you have to leave maybe you do it with nothing but your underwear. Many people learned that last night. Have a plan, have a place to go if your home is no longer an option. Have a VIP bag to grab and go if you only have seconds, have a bug out bag if you can carry it.
If you read my book “Bugging Out and Relocating” you know that a small satchel with your very important papers and documents (VIP bag) is important in case you can’t carry an actual BOB because you needs to help yourself or help others evacuated. Well, last night a woman evacuated from one of the higher floors with her six children… by the time she made it outside she only had four kids left. This is EXACTLY what I mean when I say sometimes even a backpack impairs your ability and needs to be left behind, so only a small satchel can be taken.
How about having a bug out plan, having prearranged place you know you can go to and have some clothes and supplies already there? Another point I made in “Bugging Out and Relocating”, you don’t need a cabin in the middle of nowhere, sometimes all you need is to crash in your parent’s house or your sister in laws just a few blocks away. In fact being near by makes life easier for kids going back to school, going to work, etc.
These are just a few of the thoughts that crossed my mind today as I watched the news.
What we do here is important. Preparedness is important. Of course it makes life easier and better regarding the little things in life, or even some habits that have lifelong repercussions like staying in shape and eating healthy, but it also means that preparing properly makes all the difference in the world when the unexpected happens and your home literally burns to the ground in front of you.
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”

Great Forest Fire article

This is a great article about first-hand experience with forest fires.
It’s a two part article. Here are the links.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/off-grid-and-freethe-terror-of-forest-fires-part-1-zbcz1605.aspx
http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/off-grid-and-free-the-terror-of-forest-fires-part-2-zbcz1606.aspx
Many times people move to a house in the sticks and think that’s it. They’ll never have to worry about anything because they “already bugged out”. Wrong. First, wherever it is that you live, that place can no longer be your bug out location. By definition a bug out location is the place where you go when your main place of residence is compromised, so it can’t be both at the same time. Second, living in the sticks doesn’t mean bad things can’t happen. There’s a number of things that can go wrong forcing you to either evacuate or rearrange your lifestyle due to personal circumstances like sickness, family, employment, etc. Forest fires are a good example, and these affect a lot of people every year. As always, a bit of preparation goes a long way.
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”.

Wildfire Rages in Canada: Largest Evacuation in Alberta’s History

Subject:
SHTF in Northern Canada
Message:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/alberta/fort-mcmurray-alta-residents-ordered-out-as-wildfire-threatens-city/article29839263/?utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_source=Morning%20News%20Update&utm_type=text&utm_content=MorningNewsUpdate&utm_campaign=135376706
An entire city of 80,000 forced to evacuate due to fires.
Note that this is near the tar sands so I can't help but wonder what
industrial facilities might burn, and what the long-term impact will
be of toxins released in the vicinity.
-Pete
...
Fernando,
I don't know if you heard this, but the entire city of Fort McMurray, Alberta was ordered to evacuate as a massive wildfire breached the city limits.
http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/fort-mcmurray-wildfire-pushed-back-even-as-temperatures-climb
The scale of this inconceivable. We hear for wildfires taking forests and a measurable number homes, but not entire cities of 80,000 people. The scale is massive. The report tells of evacuees being stranded because their vehicles could not get enough air to keep the engines running.
Keep the people of Fort McMurray and Alberta in your prayers.
Deen
......
Thanks for the heads up guys. The environmental and economic loss is already terrible, people are losing everything and the damage to the forests is terrible. I haven’t read of any fatalities yet but I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some given the magnitude of this wildfire and how it spread into a large urban area.
Let’s keep them in our prayers and help those we can.
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”.

The EDC of 1800s: Pocket carry of the Victorian and Edwardian Era

One of the aspects I enjoy the most about survival and preparedness is research. I’ve always enjoyed reading and learning, especially when it comes to topics that fascinate me.
Sometimes the study of survival takes you to some very dark places. Human nature can be benevolent and magnanimous, but also cruel and evil. Shootings, massacres, genocide, large scale disasters, it can get depressing. Sometimes my wife walks by, catches a glimpse of a video or a photo and as she keeps walking she says “I don’t know how you can do this all day long, every day”.
Maybe this is why I like learning about interesting gear so as to catch a break. Knives, guns and lights are maybe the most popular category, but for me the true gems are learning what other people carry, and most of all, what others USED. I find it interesting to learn about trinkets and possessions carried by historical figures as well as what was used and carried by previous generations, from prehistoric times to more recent ones. History is just full of lessons, with the added value of being actual empirical, time-proven ones.

Some time ago I found myself looking for information regarding my favourite type of strike-anywhere matches, Swan Vestas. Back in the day, Vesta meant matches. You didn’t have a match box in the late 1800 or early 1900s, you had a Vesta case. If you had a few bucks and good taste, you had a sterling silver Vesta case with you initials engraved on it. These would have some kind of striking surface, usually in the bottom of the case. You see, matches were used constantly, every day. You used them to start fires in the kitchen, to turn on lamps, lanterns, candles and heaters. Every household would have a table top or countertop box of matches, but you also carried around some yourself. Certain models also included a retractable wick cord wick could be used to light lanterns or start fires when the match alone wasn’t enough.
And cash was King… even +100 years ago.
Another interesting trinket was the Sovereign holder.

This was kept in a pocket, sometimes as a pendant or at the end of an Albert chain, along with keys or a pocket watch. The sovereign holder was used to carry sovereign gold coins. Some models had two compartments, one for a full sovereign and another for a half sovereign coin. The Sovereign holder was more of a luxury item. Silver coins which were more commonly used were carried in coin purses or ordinary pouches.

This vesta case includes a sovereign holder as well as a stamp holder
Whistles and other Fobs.
Another favourite item to have was a whistle. Used for everything from signalling workers to calling for help when a crime was begin committed, a whistle was another popular keychain fob of the period. This was about the same time when whistles gained popularity among law enforcement so having a whistle was somewhat of a self-defense item as well.

Sometimes cases combined different uses. A Vesta box could have a compartment for coins, or stamps or snuff (tobacco). Albert chains could also include a few silver coins as a fob, but also as a way of carrying some valuables without risking losing them.
In the case of women, the Chatelaine chain was where all the important house keys were kept, doors, trunks, pantry, etc, but also attached to it where sewing kits, scissors, vesta cases, pens, whistles and other utensils.
Of course people carried other important items as well. No self-respecting man would be without a pocket knife of some sort, maybe a pipe and a tobacco pouch. Pocket pistols, canes, pocket watches, hats, glasses, handkerchiefs and pill boxes, EDC has always existed in one form or another.I find it interesting how many of the priorities still remain: A knife of course, but also the ability to start fires and even a good amount of cash was as important to have back in those days as it is today.
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”.

Re: Oregon, Idaho, Washington and California: Over a million Acres burned

Hi Fernando. The reason for these massive fires is three fold. The first reason has to do with the US Federal government's policy of fire suppression in our back country which has allowed the vegetation to grow in an unnatural and unhealthy thick way. This has been going on for decades. The second reason is due to the precipitation becoming less in the Western US throughout the 20th century which has been on going into the 21st century. This includes both the summer and winter precipitation. However the winter precipitation is the most important precipitation for the forested mountains and plateaus where the majority of these massive fires are occurring. The snow pack has become less and less every passing decade. The third reason is due to the ever increasing amount of irresponsible people that are using these lands. They are not making sure their camp fires are dead out before leaving camp or they are intentionally setting them for various reasons.

This year Arizona has not had any major fires and here is the reason for that. For about the past 8 months, the Federal government has been conducting massive amounts of controlled burns throughout the state. Basically they are just ground fires that are set in a forested area that consumes most of the small vegetation and blackens the tree trunks. They have also conducted some of these types of burns in our desert and grassland areas as well to remove some of the vegetation. The idea behind these controlled burns is to mimic nature's lightning set fires in order to remove the vegetation that fuels these massive fires. Prior to this year, controlled burns were practiced in only a handful of Arizona's back country on a regular basis. Those areas had only small fires occur there. While the areas with little to no controlled burns, which was the majority of Arizona's back country, had some of the worst fires occur. Hopefully, the Federal government will start conducting controlled burns in these other states where the fires are burning this year.

Eric

Oregon, Idaho, Washington and California: Over a million Acres burned

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/08/17/us/western-states-wildfires/index.html
Wildfires have devastated hundreds of thousands of acres across the Northwest.
One of the States that was hit the hardest was Idaho with over a quarter million acres. In the southeast corner of the state, the fire has razed more than 265,000 acres in Owyhee County. In northwest Idaho, the fire affected around 21,000 acres including the Old Greer, Kamiah Gulch, Lawyer 6 and Adams Grade. Nearly 53,000 acres burning in Clearwater Complex. A 70 year old woman died in Kamiah when escaping the flames. Mandatory Evacuations and closures are in place.
The high temperatures combined with the draught has become a cocktail for disaster regarding wildfires.
It is worth noticing that many of these areas are often specifically selected by preppers and survivalists who believe that seclusion provides a greater degree of safety and is a strategically wise decision.
http://www.kxly.com/news/north-idaho-news/nearly-53000-acres-burning-in-clearwater-complex-fire-in-idaho/34747772
Important Lessons that must be learned
1) I’ve said it before many times and I’ve written about it in my second book, “Bugging Out & Relocating”: You can’t live in your Bug Out Location. The minute you live there it is no longer an alternative place of residence for when your main place of residence is compromised because such a place just became just that when you moved to live there. The “We moved to out BOL” mentality is critically flawed and it is in moments like these when it becomes obvious why such an attitude can be dangerous. Thinking you already live in an alternative place often means little or no thought is given to a true BOL and Bug Out plan.
2) Selective risk assessment. It often happens that people only focus on the things they do enjoy and overlook the ones they would notice if they were capable of a more objective analysis. Thinking that living away from cities means you’re safe from all dangers of society while overlooking more likely threats such as these means that risk threat analysis wasn’t very accurate or objective. Floods, storms, fires, earthquakes, draughts, all potential emergencies must be taken into account and estimated how likely they are of happening again.
3) If you must go, go.
Fire can move at incredibly fast speeds due to wind. Personal possessions sure aren’t worth dying for. If mandatory evacuations are in place its probably because of a good reason. Don’t hesitate or overestimate your capacity of fighting a fire and find safe shelter. Make sure you have a bug out plan in place, with the needed Go bags and a strategy around which the entire family is organized.
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”.

Firesteels & Ferrocerium Rods: Gear Check Alert!

This is from a member over at ar15.com

Something similar over at EDCforums.


A number or reasons can cause your ferrocerium rod to decay/oxidize. It can be related to humidity, salty environment, even the gases produced by batteries kept in your kit. The results vary from pitting to complete rods turned to dust, leaving you without your trusty firestarter. This can happen both in generic ferrocerium rods and well-known brands. Cheaper rods may have a greater amount of iron, which rusts easily and may degrade the rod quicker and more extensively.
What can you do? Check periodically, keep it in a sealed bag. If your rod has been used and the protective layer removed, you may want to add a layer of paint to protect the exposed surface. Buy a thick rod and buy quality, something like the Light My Fire Original Swedish FireSteel.
Above all, have a backup! I know that for a lot of people their firesteel IS their backup, but don’t forget a Bic lighter and some strike anywhere matches in a ziplock bag just in case.
FerFAL
Fernando “FerFAL” Aguirre is the author of “The Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse” and “Bugging Out and Relocating: When Staying is not an Option”.

Best Survival Matches, Cases and Firestarters?

Best Fire starter - Hammarö Lighting Paper
 

Hammarö Tinder Cards   $10.95   (the best, most practical fire starter)

 

 

OD Green Waterproof MatchBox + 30 UCO "Strike Anywhere" matches  $5.49

Diamond GreenLightTM KitchenMatches - 3 Pack $9.45

 

UCO Stormproof Match Kitwith Waterproof Case, 25 Stormproof Matches and 3 Strikers $6.95