Articles | Page 57 of 264

27 Feb 2018

Techniques Of Medieval Armor Reproduction

I play around with hot metal, I am just piddling, and while workable, none of my creations would past the inspection of a real blacksmith. However, I do enjoy it, and would like have enough time to practice more.

When I saw Techniques Of Medieval Armor Reproduction on Paladin Press’s scruffy list, I figured that at 50% off I could afford to take a chance on it. When I got this book, I was impressed at how much information was backed into this book.

While this book is geared toward established blacksmiths that want to recreate authentic pieces for SCA and other reenactors and other recreational sword bashers, it has a little for everyone.

It has a section of shop setup and tools, as well as showing specific techniques.

If you are interested in metal working, or medieval life in general, then this is a book worth reading. Now that I have it in my library, I believe it is worth buying at full price…

Techniques Of Medieval Armor Reproduction is one of the favorite books in my library. I don’t have the skill to do anything in the book yet, but I am wanting to try my hand at chainmail at some point.

23 Feb 2018

Stressfire, Volume 1

Lets face it, practicing basic fundamentals is not sexy, it is necessary, but not every shooter will spend money on a school that teaches repetition of basic shooting skills.

Because of this, many firearm instructors will create new techniques so they can fill up classes. In my other site I have repeatedly said that I don’t believe in adding things to your gun without being able to articulate a need.

I feel the same way about training. Progress for the sake of progress complicates the situation, gives you too much to master without enough benefit.

Stressfire is not one of those books. Ayoob tells you the problems his techniques are designed to solve, and step by step explains how they do so. Synthesizing solutions to problems, based upon the entire body of knowledge of a field is the mark of an expert. Ayoob is such an expert. While I have not incorporated every aspect of stressfire into my normal shooting skill-set, I do think each technique has it’s place in the tool box.

By reading this book, you will gain a deeper understanding of your shooting technique by comparing yours to the skills Ayoob describes.

I have a great respect for Ayoob’s work, and along with reviewing many of his books, I also have links to several of his YouTube videos as well.

22 Feb 2018

The Modern Day Gunslinger

While my Understanding the Use of Handguns is a great beginner book, the Modern Day Gunslinger is a great advanced text. This book is designed for those that have mastered the basics and want more training to increase their skills.

Don Mann, the author of this book, is a former Navy SEAL, the foreword was by LT. COL. Grossman, and so I had high hopes for this book when I ordered it. Quite simply, it delivered.

The Modern Day Gunslinger is a large book, and it is filled with training drills, techniques, and explanations. It is copiously illustrated with photographs, and is a very valuable addition to a training library.

In my own opinion, The Modern Day Gunslinger is the ultimate handgun training manual, and I am glad it is in my library – I use it quite often in my own personal training, and I whole-heartedly endorse it for your training. Because it can make a difference if you actually follow the guidelines in the book, you should own it.

I recommend you not only read this book, but get out and practice what it says. Between it and the Home Schooled Shootist for Carbine and rifle work, you cannot go wrong.

21 Feb 2018

The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook

This is a good complement to a disaster medicine library. When I bought The Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook I thought it was a listing of medicinal plants. I was wrong.

While there are some listings of specific plants and their uses, this book deals with the mechanics of actually making medicine.

This book has very specific techniques to show you how to make tonics, poultices, creams, salves, and other preparations.

It also deals with harvesting, storage, and handling of medicinal plants.

While not what I was expecting, I am glad I purchased this book, as it gives information on the techniques of herbalism that is not easily found elsewhere.

If you are into bushcraft, herbalism, home healthcare, DIY, preparedness, or any other field where you may need herbal medicine you must have this book on your shelf.

Many older books on herbal medicine will tell you that a particular herb is good in a poultice or a tonic, or that it helps with a certain affliction. This book tells you how to make a tonic, or what a poultice actually it.

It teaches you how and when to harvest, as well as how to store your herbs and prepare them. As I said – this book is extremely useful as a preparation for hard times. (Especially with Obama care screwing up the medical system)

20 Feb 2018

Storey’s Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance

I am partial to Storey’s books, they are great all around reference books. While it is not as complete as a book dedicated to a single topic, Basic Country Skills gives basic information on a variety of topics. Which is great if either your knowledge is limited, and you need to know basics, or you space is limited. Either way, this is a great book to have in your prepper library.

Inside Storey’s Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance you will find illustrated instructions on topics such as:

Finding country land
Buying, building, and renovating a home
Developing water sources and systems
Understanding wiring, plumbing, and heating
Using alternative heating and energy sources
Vegetable, flower, and herb gardening
Traditional cooking skills such as baking bread and making maple syrup
Preparing and preserving meat, fruits, and vegetables
Building and maintaining barns, sheds, and outbuildings
Caring for common farm and ranch animals, and pets

As I said, I really like the Storey books, and I have several of them. This one and the guide to rabbits are two that I use most often though. I would recommend any prepper or homesteader look at Storey publishing as their titles are perfect for you.