----------------------------------------------------------- ETS Survival News Equipped To Survive Issue 1, Volume 9 March 32, 2011 ----------------------------------------------------------- *********************************************************** ETS Survival News is an irregularly published compendium of news related to survival, survival gear and search and rescue. Published with support from the Equipped To Survive Foundation. Please visit us at: http://www.equipped.org *********************************************************** RETAIL VENTURE TO SUPPORT ETS FOUNDATION Doug Ritter, founder of Equipped to Survive, today announced a partnership with General Growth Properties, Inc., the nation’s largest owner and operator of commercial retail property, to create and franchise a chain of retail stores focused on emergency preparedness. To be known as "Doug Stores," they will offer the consumer a full range of items to prepare for any emergency, and will also sell and service knives, multi-tools, axes, and machetes. A joint venture between Ritter, the ETS Foundation and GGP, incorporated as Equipped To Profit, Inc., has been formed with each entity having a one-third share. "This will be a real shot in the arm for the ETS Foundation which has struggled to make ends meet and continue its consumer advocacy in the down economy," said Ritter. Initial plans are for 15 Doug Stores in 11 major markets by the end of 2011, and up to 173 franchised Doug Stores in the US and overseas by 2015. "We would love to see one on every corner." Ritter noted that the demand is there today for such a store at the direct, face-to-face retail level. "Ever since 2001, there has been a heightened awareness about planning for emergencies especially since Katrina and the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, but this is the first nationwide retail venture focused to meet that demand," explained Ritter. Most outdoors retailers and big box outlets handle emergency items almost as an afterthought, and people have real questions. At a Doug Store, the customer will find trained and knowledgeable staff, and a special area where patrons can make appointments to discuss with experts specific issues about preparedness and edged tools. Patterned after the successful Genius Bar in Apple Stores, at the Doug Store they will be known as the "Sharp Pry Bar," and the preparedness experts will wear brilliant fluorescent orange utility vests with a built-in LED strobe for easy identification. Ritter said Doug Stores will offer special training seminars both in stores and online by noted individuals in the field, on such topics as preparing for a hurricane or earthquake, handling and maintaining of edged tools or growing your own crop of survival vegitables, indoors or out. Nation-wide advertising to build name recognition for Doug Stores will begin this summer, starting with the "Just Say Yes To Doug’s" campaign on radio, TV, and the Internet. Franchisees for Doug Stores are currently being offered for $123,000.00. Persons or organizations who want to know more about becoming a Doug Dealer should contact Doug Ritter or Clifford Grout at the address below. ETS THINKING OUTSIDE THE SHEATH PROJECT Doug Ritter, Chairman of the Equipped to Survive Foundation, has announced the initial results of his recent Thinking Outside the Sheath Project to promote innovative new sheaths to protect your favorite blade. Ritter, an experienced knife designer himself, knows too well the problems of getting just the right sheath for just the right knife. "People often don't give the sheath that comes with their knife a second thought," said Ritter, "but in many cases a good, functional sheath is more difficult than the knife itself to design and produce." He notes that the sheath is critical to safely carry a fixed blade knife. So, in January Ritter issued a quiet call for designers to come up with innovative ideas for safely carrying a knife. However, instead of asking people in the industry, Ritter tried a different approach; he issued his call to designers outside of the knife world, calling it his "Thinking Outside the Sheath Project." Ritter said the responses have certainly represented the out of the box and unconventional thinking he was aiming for, but some have been more so than others. As an example Ritter showed one from Apple Computer, the iSheath. It is just gorgeous, clearly influenced by Apple's experience with electronics. The iSheath is made of brushed titanium and magnesium with Pyrex glass and includes integrated electronics. A few issues were noted, not the least of which was the $199.00 price. Apple's iSheath is also restricted to working only with knives from one company, as yet unnamed and apparently subject to a secret bidding war, through use of a proprietary patent pending locking mechanism. Apple did indicate they might add a second company within four years or may just come out with their own line of iKnives. A built-in 2 GB iPod is a nice feature, though the wire for the earphones looks like it could be a bit of an issue in the wilderness. Ritter noted the requirement to access iTunes to use the built-in iSharpener was not very practical for use in the field, where such access may be impossible. Amazon's entry was called "Sheathdle," which Amazon claims will fit all knives sold by them. At $129.00 each (free shipping if bought with more than $25 in other items) the Sheathdle seems to be a direct competitor to Apple's iSheath, but clearly is designed to be more inclusive of a widerr variety of knives. Amazon is promoting the fact that you can see the Sheathdle in direct sunlight better than the iSheath. While good in theory, none of the ETS staff found it improved chances of being seen by aircraft. Ritter said software giant Microsoft submitted a sheath design, but it was initially rejected as too complicated and prone to locking up the knife in the sheath. "A sheath should not need a "Task Manager" to use it," said Ritter. Microsoft promised to make improvements and resubmitted a second design called "Sheath 7." To the disappointment of the ETS staff, the new entry turned out to be virtually the same sheath in a new package. It still has the issue with locking up of the knife. "Adding little 7's on the box isn't really an improvement," noted Ritter. He also took strong issue with Microsoft's contention that "Sheath 7" was Ritter's idea. Victoria's Secret's WonderSheath design was one that the ETS staff found most intriguing, though perhaps not the most practical for the majority of men who represent the biggest market for sheath knives, though it would certainly appeal to many women. That seems to make sense, considering their perspective on the world. Victoria's Secret is reportedly working with ESEE Knives on an ultra-lightweight version of their wildly popular pink Izula with lace in the handle to match up with their sheath and to be offered exclusively by Victoria's Secret. Jeff Randall, of ESSE, said, "we are honored to be invited into Victoria's Secret's boudoir. It represents a new wilderness adventure for ESEE Knives." The WonderSheath, trimmed in Kydex lace produced by a proprietary process, covers only the barest part of the cutting edge necessary to keep the user safe. It wasn't entirely clear how that thin strip of Kydex was being held on; it just seems to hold on somehow. "Quite honestly," noted Ritter, "you got to give them kudos for the engineering. I didn't know you could successfully work such small amounts of Kydex." Ritter expressed some concern that a "wardrobe malfunction" might expose the edge, and hanging where it would normally, that could cause real serious problems. The long leather sharpening strap/thong on the end of the sheath looked good aesthetically, but, noted Ritter, was really too thin to use for that purpose. And, talk about unconventional, despite the fact they were not invited to provide a design, the Transportation Safety Administration entered a sheath concept, though Ritter seems convinced that, as is TSA's reputation, they really were unclear on the concept. Ritter showed off the 2 ft. by 2 ft. by 4 ft. tall, clear Plexiglass box with a 3.5-inch hole in the top submitted by TSA. Emblazoned on the side in big bold red letters was the text: "PUT ALL KNIVES HERE – THIS MEANS YOU!" Besides being utterly impractical (though it came with industrial grade belt loops), the ETS staff found out that once you put your knife in the TSA's sheath you couldn't get it out again. Did we mention they were unclear on the concept? Also, it appears that by putting your knife in their sheath, you consented to a strip search and to naked pictures of yourself being posted on the Internet. TSA spokesperson, Will G. Rope, noted that they "only spent $1,535,000 on the prototype, a very low cost project for TSA in keeping with (their) efforts to economize in these difficult times." They deemed it a morale-building exercise for their screeners who participated in developing the design. The final unusual design Ritter showed also came from a company he had not solicited. Trojan, makers of a rather different kind of sheath, sent in a unique design. It came in under wraps in a plain brown package. "We have no idea how they found out about the project," said a surprised Ritter. The Kevlar fabric impregnated latex used for the sheath was very innovative, Ritter and the ETS staff admitted, and the one size fit all worked on all but the most diminutive blades. It was somewhat confusing that Trojan submitted a number of sheaths in packages labeled by size, from "regular" through "humongous," but the sheaths inside were all identical as best could be ascertained. The ribbing on the sheath, however, pleased no one, and the location of the sharpening stone was, according to Ritter, pretty suggestive. Said a member of the ETS staff, "we're a family-friendly organization. We're not going there." The Trojan sheath was also offered in both dry and lubricated versions, though it wasn't clear whether the lubrication used would be a help or a hindrance to a knife. It did make holding onto the sheath pretty messy. Ritter says the Thinking Outside the Sheath Project is still open, and the Equipped to Survive Foundation continues to accept design ideas. Note that the rights to all ideas submitted to the Equipped to Survive Foundation become the property of the Equipped to Survive Foundation, including television and movie rights. BECKER DESIGNS POLITICAL BAGGAGE With recent events unfolding at state-houses around the nation, high-end luggage maker Tumi has teamed with Ethan Becker, designer of the famous Becker Patrol Pack that has been used by Special Forces all over the world, to create a bug-out bag especially for politicians. Called the "Flee-Bag" (trademark pending), it's a grab and go bag for the elected official who has to hightail it over the state line to avoid fulfilling their responsibilities to their constituents. Said Becker, not one to mince words, "I'm particularly happy to make something off those bloodsucking politicians for a change." The Flee-Bag gives a state legislator a handy way to carry all they need in one place while they rough it on the lam. Included are press release templates, makeup for TV appearances, and a main compartment big enough to hold campaign contributions for at least three days of travel/hiding from bloggers. (10 days if the user doesn't stay at a Ritz-Carlton or in Aruba.) A front pouch (called the Kennedy Pocket) contains a fully stocked mini-bar, while the handy hydration bladder in the back pocket will accept all varieties of single-malt Scotch. A set of contact numbers for mainstream media outlets and email addresses for leading political bloggers is conveniently printed on the inside the main flap for quick reference, and there are two secret pockets for keeping lobbyist cash discretely tucked away. An optional rubber Becker Knife & Tool BK-2 is available for committing political suicide. A rubber blade was specified by Becker because he noted that political death is usually only a temporary condition, unlike real suicide, "unfortunately they just keep coming back, so clearly they didn't really commit political hari kari, even when it looks like they did." The Flee-Bag is completely non-partisan it will securely hold soft money from Big Business, Big Labor, or both, if necessary, and is easily carried or pulled by a politician's aide, girlfriend or mistress with a minimum of training. Equipped with a retractable handle and large wheels for easy rolling, it is made from Tumi's signature ballistic nylon. Tumi does note that while the ballistic nylon may help deflect potshots from political commentators, it is not bullet-proof. The Flee-Bag comes in two colors; black and digital Politi-Cam (seersucker). The Flee-Bag retails for $25,000 and the White House has approved the purchase of the Flee-Bag with Federal Stimulus Funds. 127 SECONDS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT The Equipped to Survive Foundation is airing a new PSA, or public service announcement, that stresses the importance of a primary rule of the outdoors - letting people know where you will be and when you will be back. It is what Doug Ritter, founder of Equipped to Survive and a licensed pilot, calls "a flight plan for the ground;" you never leave without filing one. Ritter stressed that the first part to being rescued is somebody figuring out you need rescuing, and where to look. If no one knows you're missing, no one will come looking. If that happens, you're between a rock and a hard place. The PSA, starring Betty White (the earlier version starring Charlie Sheen has been withdrawn), reminds hunters, fisherman, hikers, mountain bikers and others who venture into the wilds that it takes a little more than two minutes, 127 seconds to be exact, to let someone else know where you are going, when you expect to be back, and who to call if you don't return on time. If you don't file, Ritter suggests you carry a very sharp knife, you might need it. THE RSP MK.22 - THE CURIOUSLY STRONG SURVIVAL TOOL Doug Ritter is pleased to announced the development of the RSP (Ritter Survival Pistol) Mk.22, a new, multi-purpose survival firearm designed from the outset to fit in the ever-popular Altoids tin survival kit. "There has been a lot of controversy about whether a firearm should be a basic survival item," explained Ritter, "and we aren't saying you should or shouldn't, but we think the option for a quality solution should be there if you choose to go the firearm route." According to Ritter, the inspiration for the RSP Mk.22 came from his very successful RSK Mk5 knife, which was designed from the start to fit into an Altoids tin. "It seemed the logical next step," said Ritter, who noted he is working with some of the foremost names in the industry in bringing the RSP Mk.22 to reality. The firearm is designed to handle a number of survival situations, from bringing down small game to personal protection. Therefore, Ritter is working with Taurus International for the base weapon platform, as Taurus has extensive experience in multi-ammunition weapons. A 4-shot revolver, the RSP Mk.22 will accept all kinds of .22 ammunition, from .22 short and long rifle to the .22 Winchester Magnum, including .22 shot-shells. An optional second cylinder and barrel will hold three FN 5.7 rounds for taking down ill-tempered armadillos or rampaging zombies. A special signal flare cartridge is also being designed by Orion Safety Products for the RSP MK.22. Taurus will be selling the revolver portion of the RSP Mk.22 separately, without the ETS accessories, as part of their popular Judge series. It will be known as the Taurus "Para-Legal." Because one shot may make the difference between life and death in a survival situation, Ritter has collaborated with Laser-Lyte to integrate one of their micro-laser sights onto the RSP Mk.22. "With a firearm this small a laser sight is a big advantage," declared Ritter. "Just put the red dot on the target, you may not get another chance." Laser-Lyte was also the inspiration for the RSP Mk.22's attached folding bayonet/knife. Because the Mk.22 takes up most of the Altoids tin, a separate knife, such as the Ritter RSK Mk5, will not fit. Working with Laser-Lyte, KA-BAR Knives (the makers of Laser-Lyte's extraordinarily popular Pistol Bayonet), and noted knife designer Ethan Becker, developed an innovative, multi-purpose, 1.125-inch blade that folds in order to allow it to fit inside the Altoids tin. Still in design, the final version will have both edges sharpened, one edge serrated and once straight. One side of the knife will be rough for striking matches while the other side will receive a high polish for use as a signal mirror. When folded, the knife will form part of the trigger guard for the RSP Mk.22. "Multi-function is the key," said Ritter. The Mk.22 is planned for introduction at SHOT Show 2012. Price is still undetermined, "but what's your life worth," asked Ritter. A secret spy photo of an early concept mockup of the RSP MK.22 that was shown to select persons at SHOT Show 2011 (Camera angle from the briefcase spy camera makes the RSP Mk.22 appear larger than the Altoids tin, but it really isn't.): http://www.equipped.org/graphics/RSP22.jpg MAN vs. BBQ Gerber Knives recently announced an expansion of their Bear Grylls endorsed line of cutlery with a new Bear Grylls Grill Set designed for the rugged survivor - whether cooking burgers in the backyard, on a hotel balconey or filleting capybara in the Amazon. The six-piece set includes two knives: an 18-inch Ghurka style "kukri" for chopping logs or making elephant steaks, and a 12-inch bowie style knife with a saw blade top edge for finer work, such as trimming fillet mignons, skinning dead seals for a wetsuit, or limb amputations. There is a grilling fork, perfect for turning Australian giant maggots for that just right juicy doneness, or keeping dung beetles in place on the fire (they tend to run off). The tines are barbed so the fork can double as a trident spear head for gigging frogs or elephant seals. There is also a Grylls spatula, large enoughfor flipping Indonesian Vampire Rats (best eaten whole for what Grylls calls "Jakarta haggis") or chopping down yew trees up to 6-inches in diameter. The spatula can also be used as an antenna to boost cell phone reception. The Grylls tongs will open wide enough to accommodate a full zebra leg/thigh on the grill and also has special hooks to allow it to be thrown over the skid of a helicopter to pull oneself to safety. The final item is a Grylls special and unique in BBQ sets as best we can tell, the Grylls Pee Bucket. No Grylls adventure is truly complete without using your own urine in some interesting fashion, so a 16-ounce collection bucket is included, with uses limited only by the user's imagination. The Bear Grylls BBQ set will retail for $99.95, and be available at most Gerber retailers in June 2011. Stay tuned for the companion Bear Grylls brand Weber Survival Gas Gryll, coming in 2012 _______________________________________ ETS Survival News is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without permission. Permission is granted to share this newsletter in its entirety with friends and associates via email or it can be found on the Web at . ETS Survival News is published irregularly when we damn well feel like it, most often on March 32nd. We welcome submittal of news items, but reserve the right to disregard most anything we don't feel like publishing. Letters to the editor are generally ignored unless they are complimentary. Contributing to this issue were Clifford Grout and Doug Ritter. Edited by Doug Ritter. Now you know who to blame. We hope you have enjoyed this attempt at some April Fools humor. If we have inadvertently offended anyone, well, you really need to get a life. "The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter." - Mark Twain If you enjoyed this newsletter, prior issues of ETS Survival News can be found at . _______________________________________ Copyright (c) 2011 Equipped To Survive Foundation All rights reserved - www.equipped.org