Hello. Welcome to Survival On Purpose. We are a family operation made up of Bryan, Ruby(Jenny), Eric, Luke, Todd and Josh Stevens. Our goal is to share over 40 years of accumulated survival and outdoor knowledge. Our slogan is “Survival Is Not An Accident”. We believe the Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared”.
Survival On Purpose
We decided on the name “Survival On Purpose” for two main reasons.
First, we believe in any “survival” situation the key to making it through healthy and alive is preparation. Preparation happens on purpose. It really isn’t an accident. Those who are prepared with the proper skills, knowledge and mindset have the best chance of survival in any critical situation.
Second, we believe the only way to really gain the skill, knowledge and mindset you will need if faced with a true survival situation is to practice them frequently. Some folks call that “dirt time”. Whatever you call it, it’s a crucial component of being prepared. You can read all the right books and watch videos until your eyes hurt. If you never actually get your hands dirty practicing the skills you may need, you could very likely find out they aren’t as easy as they looked on TV if you ever really need to use them
One thing we want to accomplish is to show that regular ordinary folks with full time family and career obligations can still practice and learn survival type skills and have a good time while doing so. Through simple videos and articles, we hope to demonstrate some basic techniques and skills that are easy to learn yet very helpful if you need them.
Along the same lines, we think it is important to have the right equipment for both planned activities and unplanned circumstances. We know how hard it can be sorting through all the marketing hype so we try to help by testing and reviewing quality camping, bushcraft and survival gear. From survival and bushcraft knives to cooking and shelter gear, we do our best to give you honest, unbiased information to help you make informed decisions about what to buy.
We freely admit that we are still learning new ways of doing things every day and we don’t claim to be experts in anything. We hope you will join us here at Survival On Purpose in improving our skills and learning new ones together so we can both become more prepared for whatever comes our way. Because we really do believe that “Survival Is Not An Accident”.
Thanks,
Bryan
P.S. Become a Survival On Purpose “Wannabe” on SubscribeStar and get access to exclusive content and members-only giveaways. Here’s the link: https://www.subscribestar.com/SOP
Also, we invite you to check out our YouTube channel. Here’s a sample:
14 comments
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Hey man,
I really liked your review of the MSS, very well done. Did you ever get to try it out in a hammock this winter yet? My buddies and I do a winter camping trip with hammocks and its always tricky staying warm and not breaking the bank on an under or top quilt. We use ENO hammocks, sleeping inside a 20F bag with a SOL Escape Bivvy around that bag. We then run our hammocks through a 0F bag and use that has a DYI under quilt. I would really like to know if that MSS unit can keep you warm in cold weather without having to do anything crazy. Keep me updated.
Thanks,
Steve
Author
Hey Steve,
I’ve not used it in my hammock yet. I did sleep on the ground in the mid 20s and was toasty. I will do may best to try it out with my hammock soon.
Bryan
Brian,
I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that I appreciate all the videos you have put out on Youtube. Your attention to detail and the way you deliver the information is fresh and precise. I am new to survival but I have spent a lot of time in the woods since I was a young boy. I look forward to your new videos whether they be reviews or tutorials. In just the last few weeks I have learned so much from you and your channel. I also appreciate the fact that there is no filthy language. I can listen with my son and not worry about having to explain why someone is using that kind of language. Feel free to email me anytime as I would love to hear more about you.
Have a great day!
Joey Cogdell
Author
Hi Joey,
I really appreciate your taking time to let me know you are enjoying my silly little videos. We’re probably a lot alike. Yeah, I guess I was raised differently than a lot of folks because I still think it’s just plain bad manners to cuss. It’s also very unimaginative and intellectually lazy, at least in my opinion.
Bryan
i REALLY LIKE YOUR KNIFE AND GEAR REVIEWS. i AM LOOKING TO PURCHASE A SURVIVAL KNIFE TO BE PART OF MY EMERGENCY KITS. i AM NOT EXPERIENCED WITH KNIVES BUT I AM LEANING TOWARDS THE
SCHRADE SCHF 36,36M AND THE 40. I HAVE WATCHED YOUR REVIEWS AND THEY ALL SEEM TO BE VERY CAPABLE KNIVES. CAN YOU RECOMMEND ONE OVER THE OTHERS AND EXPLAIN WHY? ALSO
WILL I BE ABLE TO PURCHASE ON FROM YOUR AMAZON STORE ?
MIKE
Author
Hey Mike,
I think they are all good knives but I’m partial to the “Frontier” line (the SCHF36, 36M,37,37M and 38. I actually really like the SCHF37M the best, but I like big knives. It’s stainless but I like the Micarta handles. I really wish Schrade offered the 1095 with Micarta but so far they have no plans to do so as far as I know.
Oh, as for why, I guess it’s just personal preference. I just like the blade shape and balance of the Frontier models.
I hope this helps.
Bryan
I hope this helps.
Hey Bryan. You seem to be one of the select few whom Schrade favors. Please do your magic to get ahold of the SCHF42 knife.
Taylor Brands has been teasing me for a couple weeks by having it on their site, but no ‘real’ info can be found on it anywhere!!!
Cheers!
Author
Hey Spike,
I actually have one coming as soon as Schrade gets some review stick in. I’m pretty interested in checking it out too. Stay tuned.
Thanks, Bryan
Brian, I purchased the schf 36m and like the knife a lot. Any ideas on an easy way to remove the black coating?
Mike
Brian,
I was able to remove the black power coating off the SCHF36M knife. I looks much better with a stainless finish!!!
Mike
Great website, I am in the middle Tennessee area if I can assist you in any way.
Love your youtube videos. One quibble about the schf27 review. Every review points out the 1/4 hex driver on the removeable “tool”. Except the one I’ve had my hands on is 5/16 inch. Just my 2 cents.
Sam
Hi Bryan,
First, I think your show is very good. You’refriendly, clear spoken, informative, and the video info makes sense.
I like the fact that you share knowledge and experience without trying to be an expert.
I teach tai chi now and then as i have for 25 yrs. And am simply, plainly,honestly, Just A Beginner.
A buddy of mine is a doc of 40 years and practices a difficult specialty. He does HOURS of learning and review Weekly.
Some things I’d like to see.
•Edible/ medicinal plant identification.
• moving through terrain safely r/to critters, incline, speed, endurance.
• simple shelter creation.
• how to be found. When and how not to be
Practical firearms choices for humble budgets in ctr fire, rimfire, bow, pellet gun, and sling shot.
Back to my favorite area. Of knives,
Which blades tolerate hard use in cold Figuring a practical ratio between blade length, and wood width.
Bow / arrow making.
In my front room, I’ve got some extra supplies put away accessibly. Were not always where we can access them.
Adaptability.
I hope my note finds you and your family keeping well as we all hunker down a bit.
Mike T
Bryan
while checking into holsters, especially Hawg Holsters, I had the chance to watch a few of your videos.
Yes, I enjoyed them, especially the common sense approach without the gung ho attitude sometimes seen.
But, I do have a comment, and I also have to assume I’m not the only one who has ever said this?
In a couple of your videos, I have watched three so far, the target tree is directly in the background AND there’s a HOUSE behind that???? What gives? At least add a disclaimer that the house was built well after the old target tree was used, or something to that effect.
Other than that, I’ll continue to check out your videos, and I subscribed.
Thank You
Jim