Hello my friend and welcome back! In today’s post we are going to look at some of those hard to find items that all Preppers look for and take a look at places where you might be able to find them. Grab a cup of coffee and have a seat while we visit today.
I get asked quite a bit about hard to find items for SHTF, such as what did my Grandparents use to solve certain challenges. I have to tell you that on some of these, I have no idea! Many times I wish I had them here to ask, but they are long gone and all I have are my memories to guide me. I am sure many of you have the same issue and are faced with the challenge of figuring it out yourself. Fortunately however, there are books and the internet that can assist you in figuring out how pioneers did things. The challenge is however that once you figure out that they used a specific tool or device, where do you find one today?
In today’s throwaway world, things just are not built at all or the ones that are made require modern electrical outlets to work. In a post SHTF world, that simply won’t do. So what is a Prepper to do? Answer: Go hunting! I search yard sales, old junk yards, old Barns and yes, Flea Markets. All of these are great places to find things that were used in the past. Someone I once met said they would shop at antique stores for these items. Apparently they have a lot more money that I do! Items found in Antique stores are always way over priced for someone who wants it just to put back for a rainy day. That’s been my experience at least. Flea Markets are my favorite, because the people selling them usually not looking to get rich on any one item and will usually part with them for a really great price. In fact, most people look at these items as junk and not as something that could be used in a survival situation. Things like old hand cranked meat grinders and corn grinders. Other items I look for are old sharpening stones, the kind that look like a big round wheel and can be mounted and spun by hand or foot for sharpening garden tools.
There are tons of old hand tools out there, that are just waiting for someone to find them that will give them new life. If you see something old and you’re not sure what it was used for, ask the seller. If they know, they will usually be more than happy to tell you. Another good place is estate sales. Many times the people selling the items have no idea what they are selling and don’t want to know. Something I often here at these when asked what something “I don’t know, just give me something for it and it is yours!” This is typical of any Estate Sale, and believe me when I say there are tons of bargains to be had for the taking. You just need to get out and look for them. All of the items you are looking for are just waiting for you to find them. To me it is kind of like a treasure hunt and the idea is to find as many of the items used by settlers as you can. When SHTF hits, these very items that you paid so little for will be the ones that will help you survive when other can’t.
Well I guess that is it for today and I hope you have enjoyed today’s post. I know that it is short, but today is Friday and I really want to get out and do a little treasure hunting of my own. Until next time, stay safe, stay strong, and stay prepared!
-The Sargent-
