The importance of metal in long term scenarios

**Mountaintrekker** · 12-15-2009, 03:23 AM

I just wanted to make a contribution to the board and the new folks whom have joined since I have been absent.
Lots of talk about long term and going off into the wild as usual, which is good. Nice to see the enthusiasm.

Some long term living in the wild things to ponder... things that we really used and wished we had more of.
Some of what I and my wife have experienced is the importance of metal... that's right, plain old metal. We were surprised at how much we relied on it. From having simple hinges and latches for doors etc. to our woodstove and stovepipe to cooking pots and pans to garden tools, not to mention saws,axes etc. It makes you more efficeint at your tasks, which saves calories and that is what it's all about!
If you go "out to the wild" for a long term scenario, think about what you will need in the metal department. It's not too easy to come upon in the wild unless you regularly forage on the outskirts of humanity. Make sure you have some quality tin snips and a punch. You can make lots of stuff with some basic tools and imagination.
On the same note... quality stainless steel stock pots. The bigger the better! We used our 5 gal stock pot (actually a turkey fryer) for cooking, doing laundry, purifying our water, canning, melting snow for water, bathing and a host of other uses. We tried aluminum because it was cheaper, but it developed really bad oxidation bumps and kept putting aluminum oxide powder into everything.
Some of the tools that were invaluable...
Bow saw, crosscut saw, rip saw, felling ax, splitting maul, froe, cant hook, splitting wedges, hatchet, carving knives, curved carving knives, brace and bit for augering holes, draw knife, skinning /hunting knife, machete, spoke shave and small hand plane, hammer and nails, screws and drivers, hoe and shovel and metal garden rake.
It sounds like alot, but it saves calories by making the job easier and allowing you to make better quality stuff.
Snare wire and fish hooks fall into this metal catagory as well, not to mention guns and ammo.
Just from our experience, your milage may vary.

**Rick** · 12-15-2009, 08:35 AM

What a great post. We take so much for granted. Just thinking about my urban home (wiring, duct work, hinges, nails, etc.) there's probably as much metal in my home as there is wood. Add in tools and cookware and I'm sure there is much more. Something I hadn't thought about. Hopefully, those wanting to tackle the great outdoors with only a knife will read and take heed. Again, great post!

**crashdive123** · 12-15-2009, 08:38 AM

Nice post MT. When are we going to see pics of the new place?

**your_comforting_company** · 12-15-2009, 08:43 AM

even with my primitive entheusiasm, I realize we, as a society, have moved beyond the stone age. I have actually come upon big piles of junk tossed out generations ago on the outskirts of humanity, and scavenged some nice tools, like my drawknife, old axe heads I use for splitting wood... metal is one of those resources that makes life much easier and more efficient.
I really enjoyed reading that post. It says things I haven't been able to find words for

Thanks for sharing!!

**Rick** · 12-15-2009, 08:49 AM

In his book, Guns, Germs and Steel, Jared Diamond talks about the importance of steel and how it has influenced civilization. He makes some compelling arguments about why certain civilizations flourished and why others did not. He also has a web site and discusses the importance of steel on it. Click on Variables and you'll find steel listed in bold text.

http://www.pbs.org/gunsgermssteel/

**rebel** · 12-15-2009, 08:36 PM

Steel can be used over and over into many items. I'm not saying all steel for all items so, don't get me wrong. (You have to use the right steel for the job). The pioneer blacksmiths would re-use steel from what was available. i.e. nails, screw driver, meat hook or pitch fork from a wagon wheel rim.