Decided against KMnO4.... what next?

**rimmini** · 05-17-2013, 12:34 PM

I went looking for Potassium Permanganate for field sanitation a few weeks ago... The stuff is a real scavenger hunt item. Can't find it anywhere. I have asked pharmacists and hardware stores and come to find out it is illegal to sell because when mixed with fertilizer it goes boom. (As if there aren't a million other ways to make explosives) After reading about how close effective doses are to toxic doses I decided against KMnO4 in my first aid kit. Still I would like to have a good oxidizer for water treatment. Any sugestions?

**Sarge47** · 05-17-2013, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by rimmini

I went looking for Potassium Permanganate for field sanitation a few weeks ago... The stuff is a real scavenger hunt item. Can't find it anywhere. I have asked pharmacists and hardware stores and come to find out it is illegal to sell because when mixed with fertilizer it goes boom. (As if there aren't a million other ways to make explosives) After reading about how close effective doses are to toxic doses I decided against KMnO4 in my first aid kit. Still I would like to have a good oxidizer for water treatment. Any sugestions?

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

**greatgoogamooga** · 05-17-2013, 10:36 PM

You can also check pool supply stores. It is used for water conditioning.

Goog

**Winnie** · 05-18-2013, 10:53 AM

Also animal feed stores carry it

Edit: You could always use Iodine.

**Delta 5168** · 05-19-2013, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by rimmini

I went looking for Potassium Permanganate for field sanitation a few weeks ago... The stuff is a real scavenger hunt item. Can't find it anywhere. I have asked pharmacists and hardware stores and come to find out it is illegal to sell because when mixed with fertilizer it goes boom. (As if there aren't a million other ways to make explosives) After reading about how close effective doses are to toxic doses I decided against KMnO4 in my first aid kit. Still I would like to have a good oxidizer for water treatment. Any sugestions?

ChemicalStore.com. Two bottles cost me about $15 as I recall. MSDS DOT Class 5.1 Oxidizer. For fire, go to your local drug store and buy a box of Fleet Liquid Glycerin Suppositories (4-7.5ml) in the laxative section. Keep these two items well separated from each other until you need to start a fire. Obviously, the KMnO4 can be used for several other sanitary and medicinal purposes, too. These two chemicals, mixed, cause a reaction that looks like a road flare. Be very careful!

**Delta 5168** · 05-19-2013, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by rimmini

I went looking for Potassium Permanganate for field sanitation a few weeks ago... The stuff is a real scavenger hunt item. Can't find it anywhere. I have asked pharmacists and hardware stores and come to find out it is illegal to sell because when mixed with fertilizer it goes boom. (As if there aren't a million other ways to make explosives) After reading about how close effective doses are to toxic doses I decided against KMnO4 in my first aid kit. Still I would like to have a good oxidizer for water treatment. Any sugestions?

For water treatment, you might want to use Chlor-Floc. It is G. I. issue and floculates (precipitates) suspended particles in the water while the chlorine part disinfects the water. It comes in small packets like fast food restaurant salt. I bought mine at the local military surplus store..or you can try Google.

**randyt** · 05-19-2013, 04:36 PM

I've used potassium permanganate to colour muzzleloader stocks. I have a bit that I use for this purpose, I had bought it years ago when times were different. Perhaps though it could be acquired through stockmaker source.

**Rick** · 05-20-2013, 08:13 AM

Why use it for water purification when there are so many commercial alternatives that won't permanently stain everything it touches including glass and won't serve as an oxidizer to other chemicals it might come in contact with?

**Phaedrus** · 05-24-2013, 03:52 AM

Because it works very well as a firestarter, too! Multitasker, it is!

**Rick** · 05-24-2013, 09:04 AM

There are matches you know. They don't stain either and won't blow you up the next you happen to be carrying some sulfuric acid around in your pack or gas you if you are prone to carrying hydrochloric acid in your pack.

**hunter63** · 05-24-2013, 10:31 AM

I guess I am completely missing the point on using something that is getting hard to get, can be dangerous, need special handling....when substutes are available.

Seems like a " I'm cool as I use "potassium permanganate" (what?)...thing......Y'all can have mine.

**Rick** · 05-24-2013, 02:43 PM

'Zactly. Look what happened to "cool" for those folks that just had to be on the Hindenburg or the Titanic.

**Delta 5168** · 05-24-2013, 03:05 PM

I thought the prevailing theory around here was to carry multiple ways to make fire (and multi-purpose). KMnO4 is my last ditch effort before I try to get a fire started with a wet bow drill. Just my 2 cents worth. First choice? Bic..don't leave home without 3 of them! Hey, I'm as lazy as anybody!

**hunter63** · 05-24-2013, 05:09 PM

Road flares........last ditch....when somethine really need to burn...

**Rick** · 05-24-2013, 06:30 PM

Gasoline......3.69 per gallon.
Magnesium......$8.00 per bar.
Road Flares......Priceless.

Road flares. When you absolutely, positively need that fire overnight.