I often inspect the huge bin of glass for potential resources. I have recovered soup bowls, floral vases, thick bottom bottles that I use for flint knapping, and recently I spotted a sphere shaped bottle that I removed it’s label and filled it with water to become a solar lens with which to create fire.

In a previous article “Optical Fire Method Using A Vinegar Bottle” my optical fire tool came from a shopping trip, but this glass bottle originally came from a liquor store.

It may not be a practical tool for hiking but a fun part of firecraft and could actually save the day in an emergency. In any case, be aware of possible resources when you travel out and about.

I wrote an article called “Crossover Tools And Applications” where I described my experience of shopping in a beauty supply store and found resources that worked well as survival tools. Similarly I stopped in a pet store and was surprised to find items that could be used for primitive tools and associated projects.

There were elk antler pieces stocked for prairie dog chews that I could use for flint knapping billets and points for pressure flaking. Short to long tendons were stocked as dog chews that could be hydrated and stripped for binding cordage or for stitching thread. Different sized bones were stocked that could be used as tools for digging or as a weapon such as a club or broken into shards for use as projectile points or as a fish gorge. There were also cattle and sheep hooves meant as dog chews that could be used for primitive ornamentation or made into a bell for ceremonies or as a trip line motion alarm. Raw hide sticks (not shown) can be re-hydrated and cut into strips for lashing or for forming knife sheaths.

These are a few suggestions for resource applications. I would love to hear about your applications for these resources or suggestions for other similar resources not mentioned.