Improvising Challenge: Briefcase and contents

Greg Davenport

Greg Davenport

Joined
Nov 29, 1999
Messages
632
Note: Try to answer this before reading the responses of others.

You find yourself in a longterm survival situation (reasons unknown). You have limited resources...yet you still have to meet your "five survival needs".

Following my survival step by step process you:

1. Stop and recognize the situation for what it is.

2. Recognize and prioritize your "five survival essentials" (listed below) in order of importance.

3. Improvise to meet your needs ("five essentials").

while going through the steps of improvising you inventory your manmade and natural materials. One of the things in this inventory is a LEATHER BRIEFCASE that has the following contents (you may need to write these down and work through the five essentials while looking at it):

2 #2 pencils
Multiple pages of paper
1 Mechanical pencil
2 Ball point pens.
1 Small Gidian Bible
1 Small paperback book
1 Small tape recorder with 2 AA bateries
1 Silver money clip
1 Small sewing set (2 needles/thread)
1 Small finger nail clippers
1 Tooth brush
1 Small tube of crest tooth paste
1 Small travel alarm clock

Question:

List at least 1 improvised item for each of the "five survival essentials" and their sub-categories... using the various parts of the briefcase and its contents.

Five survival essentials"

1. Personal Protection (clothing, shelter, fire)
2. Siganling (manmade and improvised)
3. Sustenance (water and food)
4. Travel (with and without a map and compass)
5. Health (psychological stress, environmental injuries, traumatic injuries)

Good luck!

------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
Hmmmmm this one will take a bit of thought. At first blush here are a couple.

1. Toothpaste flavors leather for dinner.
2. The pages from the bible and book are sewn together to make a tent. Waterproofed with the ink from the pens.
3. Record scary noises on tape to scare away bad things at night.
4. Record Help screams so if you lose your voice you can yell for help.
5. Use lead pencil to kill animals thru lead poisoning, do not plan on this animal for imeadiate consumption.
6. Read the tent while praying for help.
7. Bribe the forest ranger who finds you with the money clip so he does not tell anyone about you making tent of books and eating breifcase.
8. Fingernail clippers will make sure you are groomed properly for interview with press when you are found.
9. #2 pencils are tied with sewing thread to long sticks for spears.
10. Alarm clock is used so you do not fall into bad habits while you are lost and can return to work after with a minimum of trouble.

WIll think this over and come up with more answers later.
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Lee

LIfe is too important to be taken seriously. Oscar Wilde
 
This one requires a little thought...

You guys are doing a great job on these improvising exercises....covering the "five essentials" well. You are learning from each other as you write your ideas and read what others thought of.

This exercise is though...Lots of small items that can be used. This one requires you to think...I have faith...walk though the "five essentials"....look at your supplies and think about how you could use each item in to meet your needs.

I am trying to be progressive with these exercises and each one will tend to be just a little harder....take the challenge.

------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
I'd take the alarm clock out, close the briefcase, set the clock's alarm for a minute or two later and set it back on the briefcase.

When the alarm goes off, I'll wake up screaming and look around. I'll be greatly relieved to see that I'm safely in my bed and that all this is just a BAD DREAM!!


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LOL
I just couldn't resist when I saw the alarm clock!
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I'll post my "real" response in a few minutes after I look at Greg's post, which I printed!
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Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com


 
Ok, I'm ready to be serious now!
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The paper can be used as cups by folding into a cone shape, hence they would be kept whole for that usage.-#3

The 2 AA batteries along with the silver money clip, some wire from the tape recorder and hopefully I can generate a spark to start a fire! #1

The tooth brush and tooth paste would be used to keep my mouth hygenic, but it could also be used to eat. I wouldn't eat much at a time, but rather a taste to dullen any hunger and add flavor to anything I can scrounge! So #5 and #3

Finger nail clippers can be used to cut small objects. If it has a fingernail file attachment that can be sharpened on one edge for a rudimentary knife. Multiple categories.

For travel I can fashion a compass from a needle and thread if I can get the needle magnetized. #4

The bible and paperback can be used as tinder. Remember, I want to keep that paper for cups for eating/drinking/water collection. #1

The bible and paperback can also keep one occupied if there is down time. This relieves stress. #5

Hopefully, the paperback is a SURVIVAL MANUAL. I find myself with two in mine right now! This can help with all FIVE catergories.

The alarm clock can also be used for determining direction if it is sunny. Build a shadow compass. #4

Sewing kit can be used for clothing repairs. #1

Sewing kit can be useful for splinters, the tape from the recorder can be used to tie up wounds and keep small bandages in place. #5

The tape could also be braided for cordage. (Just where does cordage and knives fit in the 5 essentials? ALL of them!?!?!)

The money clip could be polished and used as a crude signal mirror! #2

The briefcase can be used in many ways. I'd cut part of the top off in a circular shape and cut it into a long lace. HEnce cordage.

The case itself can hold water. Use hot rocks and you can boil the water. #3

Parts of the case can also be used to repair clothing and make "wear pads" for knees, elbows and mittens. #5

The pens and mechanical pencil can be taken apart and the parts used in many ways as discussed in a thread on said topic!
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Finally, LEAVE MESSAGES ALL OVER THE PLACE!!
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You have enough writing utensils and paper!
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Ok, that's long enough!
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Did I pass? I'm sure I missed a lot of good ideas!



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Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com


 
GEE, LEE!
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I thought I was being a smart aleck, THEN I read your post! I was ROTFLMAO!!
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------------------
Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com


 
i love these exercises too.
hmmm, ill give this one a try

1. possibly cut up the leather and use the tape from the recorder, and an awl modified from one of the pens, or the mechanical pencil to make a pair of moccasins(or maybe a fashionable leather cap?
1. paper should make good tinder, and the book pages, use pencil scrapings/shavings, fuzzed up thread from the sewing kit.
use batteries to start fire, possibly using mechanical pencil lead(heard that on here someplace) or maybe the thin piece of wire that is likely to be on the needle threader that is probabally in the sewing kit(lot of ifs there)
1. use sewing kit to repair tears and stuff in clothing(not really improvising, i guess)
1. possibly use tape(removed from cassette) to lash together poles and such for a shelter frame? tape seems to be plenty long, and fairly strong, and slightly stretchy too.
2.possibly use the silver moneyclip, or some part from the clock(is it wind up, battery, analog or digital?) as a reflective device for signalling.
2. maybe use the alarm as an audible signal if people are nearby(probabally not loud enough, though)
3. may be able use briefcase to carry water, or cut up and mold leather into bowl type shapes(i think leather gets kinda hard and stiff when boiled, so maybe mold leather around frame, fill with water, and heat to boil? might just end up scorching and ruining the leather)
3. possibly use toothpaste to bait a snare(not sure how well this would work, but im sure something out there would be attracted to the scent)
3. use pieces of mechanical pencil, pens, alarm clock(if mechanical)maybe tape recorder to make snare triggers(not sure exactly how to do this, but i could probabally figure something out after a little while of playing with stuff)
3. if there are any animals around using mating calls or somehting, maybe use tape recorder to record and playback? probabally wont work
3. fold paper into origami type cups or what not for holding water(may even be able to boil it ifcarefull) or berries/bugs what not
3. use tape from recorder, combined with hook either fabricated from ball point pen(using hollow tube carved to hook shape, or clip(if present) or metal piece from clock or tape player to make a fish hook, fold an origami ball/box as a bobber, or use a piece of pencil? use bits and pieces of clock/recorder as lures(shiny colorful things?)
4.take apart recorder, get at motor(should be a magnet in it) and magnetize a needle for an improvised compass(would have to figure out which way is north-south)
4. use alarmclock(if keeping accurate time) as sun-clock compass combo(only if analog, if digital, would have to draw out clock face(using pen and pencil and paper) and figure it out
4. use pens and pencils(maybe punched througha sheet of paper lying on ground?) as the stick-sun compass type thing.
4. use pencils/pens and papers to map out area, drawing landmarks and such, or write notes on edible plant locations/ game trails,etc(more suited under #3)
5.well, use the brush and paste to clean teeth and freshen breath
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5. use needles in sewing kit to remove splinters and such
5. read book and bible for entertainment, to allevieat boredom, spiritual support for christians, maybe even get a few ideas from things.
5. keep a diary on paper, sketch out plans for snares/traps, shelters and such before building so as to save energy and troubleshoot before actually building.
5. make origamy critters, paper planes, draw pretty pictures, etc to alieviate boredom.

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AKTI member #A000911

 
Since it is better than the 'rusty stove' I go ahead with that one.

Tape from tape recorder: cord if twisted for snare, fishing line

Ag money clip: sinaling mirror if polished (tooth paste+brush+buffing with leather), fishing lure, sharpened edge as cutting tool (might be a bit soft though), if ground to powder put onto wounds for antiseptic (Ag is strong antiseptic but don't know how well it is going to work)

Batteries: fire starter (with spark) with wire from tape recorder and alarm clock, to magnetize needle for compass using isolated wire coil, when depleted flatten metal cover into arrowhead

Sewing kit: thread as any other, needles as compass needle, fishing hook, stiching wounds, stiching up leather from briefcase into water container, pouch

Nail clipper: fishing lure, cutting tool(to dissect briefcase) and scisors, to clip wire too

Ball point pens: as awl, write message for SAR, cartridge as arrowhead (Parkers are strong enough, if a metal pen use to strike natural flint for spark

Automatic pencil: awl

Tooth brush: to keep teeth clean and use as general brush (smearing big signs with graphite powder on rocks for ex.), to polish metal surfaces (money clip) with the help of the tooth paste

Tooth paste: to polish, to grind with hard particles in it, to sharpen, to leave big sign on dark surfaces (smoked rock)

Alarm clock: luminescent fishing lure (in dusk?), short wire to magnetize, for spark

Paper back: tinder, paper for message, slot sunglasses from cover, reading for mental health, stuff cloths and boot for insulation, when nicely shredded use as fluffy tinder

Bible: great psychological support (hit it up randomly for message of the day), read what others did in need, the miracuolus survival of many, trim off margins for tinder

Office paper: fold few together (stitch if needed) for sunhat (balds like me can appreciate it+ it is very visible from far), leave messages, make notes, map, use as tinder, if starving might help to keep digestion busy, and less pain, to cover wounds, improvise land-air signals on ground, make 'flag' on top of your walking stick (2m) to make yourself visible when wondering, leave it behind on visible high points to keep right direction of your travel

Tape recorder: wire out, tape as cord, metal part as cutting tool, (do tape recorders work with a permanent magnet?-I do not think but check for magnet to magnetize needle), if has led light try to improvise a flash light kinda

Leather briefcase: cut out leather side, one side soak it in water for days (to dissolve heavy metal ions from processing) than wrap it around a hot stone and put next to fire, let it shrink and dry into a ball shape for eating ball, do it again and stretch an dry until you get an acceptable water container, with other half of briefcase fold and stich it into a pouch/bag, cut slots to put on belt, also can serve as leather hat, sunhat, leather socks, sole can be made if shrink into thick enough (natives made shields), gloves (sacks) if needed

Pencils: fire starter tinder, write message

That's it for now.
Best to all,

HM

 
RYK AND HM: Great ideas guys! I picked up a few new ideas and kicked myself for not thinking of some of them too!

I really like this forum for that aspect!
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Thanks everyone!



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Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com


 
Guys, yhere are a lot of great thoughts thrown in!

It just popped up in my mind last night when was too late to buzz around with modem:

On another thread, some were playing with the idea of shaping convex lens from ice to start fire. Though I am a bit sceptical about it and very curious to hear good news from them, I could imagine to try to get some kind of lens after using the alarm clock glass. If it has the right shape (shallow ball) it might be an option to fill it with water and leave it on a leveled spot for overnight to freeze. Next day, when sun is highest take it with frozen water in it, buff top surface up to flat and for better quality. Then take it by the glass edge to avoid melting with hand and give a shot.

Part of the scepticism is that you would need a perfect round shape for optical quality lens (based on my wage memories from physics).

Ideas about the briefcase:
Some items that 'could be there' and would serve further goals. Such as: small umbrella, cigarette lighter, small gentlemen's folder. probably even more...

Gotta go for Christmas shopping.
Best,

HM

 
Wow... What a bonanza!

First off, if I'm in a long term situation, I'd prefer to leave the writing implements, paper and books alone and use them for writing and reading, respectively. I'd save a pen and the pencils, but be willing to use the other pen and the mechanical pencil for toys. Given me, I'd be willing to read the paperback, and then use it, but I'd prefer to save the Bible were it possible.. Given that, I'll start improvising.

Most of the things here are so useful in a long term situation that I do not want to damage them in creating soemthing new to do.
The briefcase itself probably has an internal plastic frame that can be used as a water container, and the leather exterior can be used for footwear or other useful leather things.

The tapedeck probably has all sorts of great wire inside to make snares out of, and doubtless has some piece of plastic case that can be made into a water container.

The batteries in the tapedeck, with some small wire, might be used to start a fire. They'd be on the hard end though, with only 3 volts to play with.

Either book or paper could be used for tinder material, though as I mentioned, I'd prefer to save them.

The silver money clip could be easily fashioned into a fishing lure, with a hook made from some part of the tepe recorder, a metal piece from the briefcase fittings, or a needle from the sewing kit, though that would be a last resort.

The silver money clip could also be used for a signal mirror. Trivia Note: Silver is the most reflective metal when highly polished. SOmething like 98.5% reflectivity...


The mechanical pencil has a spring in it which could be fashioned into a small snare, or several small fishhooks.

The sewing kit could be used for fishline and hooks, though saving one needle and some thread for actual repairs would be smart...

The alarm clock I'm having a problem with... if it's one of the little folding ones the size of a credit card with innards on a circuit board, I can think of little to do other than plastic shavings for tinder. My travel clock is a large wind-up one (The box said loudest alarm, I need it). I could do much with it, but I'm at a loss for nifty things with them little silicon ones...


Stryver


Toothbrush/paste -- Dental hygiene. Keep intact. Were I to need it though, I could shave plastic off the toothbruch handle for tinder.


 
This was a tough exercise. I really liked the thought process you all went through. Great way of using your resources too meet your needs. The best part about these is the opportunity to see how others answered and what else you may have been able to do.

Kudos for a job well done...

------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
Ok, no clowning this time. Lets see what I can come up with.

1. Pencils can be shaved to make shavings for tinder.

2. Paper can be used for tinder and to write directional notes should I decide to move AO for any searchers.

3. the bateries in the recorder can be used with wire from the recorder to create sparks to ignite the tinder.

4. Nail clippers can be used as small cutters.

5.Using the clippers the leather in the case can be cut inot one long strip to make cordage.

6. Leather cord can be made into snares.

7. Money clip can be polished to be used as signal device.

8. Money clip can be used with a few dollars to distract would be muggers. Thorwn in one directiuon it will attract their attention to allow an escape avenue.

9.The bible and book can be used to keep morale up.

10. tooth paste and brush can be used to help keep morale up as well as to keep teeth healthy. When you are clean you feel better about yourself and situation.

11. Sewing needles and thread can be used for furst aid purposes and to mend clothing or to create clothign out of matierals scrounged.

13. Paper can be used to make improvised containers.

14. Tape from the tape recorder can be used as cordage, it has a fairly high tensile strength.

15. The briefcase could be left intact as a container to catch/store water.

16. I do not know but have heard , I will check this oput sometime for validity, ink makes a wterproofing and cold be used to coat paper to make it waterproof for containers.

That is about all I can think of right now.

------------------
Lee

LIfe is too important to be taken seriously. Oscar Wilde
 
BTTT.

Just wanted to give new board members a chance to challenge their improvising skills.

Best,

------------------
Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
Hmm,

I don't think anybody mentioned these:

Tearing out pages from the paperback and stuffing it into clothing for insulation.

Sharpening the end of the toothbrush (either with the above-mentioned moneyclip knife or by scraping it on a rough rock) for use as a piercing tool.

Cut the cover of the paperback book to make a pair of "eskimo-style" sunglasses. Cut a slit across the eyeline for viewing thru and fasten in the back with a piece of cassette tape.

The "several sheets of paper" which I presume are 8.5 x 11 could be mated together and folded into a hat to keep the sun off.

An old fasioned sling could be improvised by cutting a small pouch from the briefcase, as well as the cordage (as mentioned above).

Finally, I guess you could floss with cassette tape as well!
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