We often use razors to keep facial hair manageable, but when SHTF, do you know what else you can use a razor for aside from shaving? (h/t to AmericanPreppersNetwork.com)

The following are some of the unusual ways you can use a good old razor.

• A camera tripod – If you’re camping and you find that you’d forgotten your camera tripod, it doesn’t mean you can’t take photos to commemorate your trip. If you have a pack of safety razors, some super glue, and the remains of a broken tripod, you can make a makeshift camera tripod. Just glue the razor heads to the old tripod head and fill in the joints with glue. Make sure the razors are stationary while you wait for the glue to set. Once it’s dry, you can start using your makeshift portable tripod.
• Preparing a surgical site – If you’re injured and you find yourself without access to medical care because of bad weather, you may need to learn how to perform basic surgery on yourself. When preparing a site for surgery, always disinfect the site to avoid postoperative infection. If there’s hair in the surgery site, you must cut it off and shave the site. If you don’t have a pair of scissors, use disposable razors to both cut and shave hair. When you’re cutting hair with a safety razor, create tension in the hair and scrape it until the hair breaks. Remember that you need to use a different razor for cutting and shaving. (Related: Build your own first aid kit with natural remedies.)
• A plant or seed marker for your survival garden – If you have extra safety razors and a marker, you can use razors as plant or seed markers. Carefully break a safety razor into pieces so you can use each blade as a marker. Write the name of the plant on the razor and stick it in the ground. If you have disposable safety razors, you can also use the handle as a plant/seed marker.
• A spoon – Take note that women’s safety razors will be more useful for this than men’s. With a sharp knife, you can carefully shape the wide end near the head of a women’s razor handle into a spoon.
• A surgical tool for snake bites – A lot of snake bite kits often include a razor. However, if your bug-out bag (BOB) doesn’t have one or if all you have with you is a shaving kit, you can still use a safety razor as a surgical tool. While you should always defer to professional medical care when it comes to rattlesnake bites, this isn’t always an option, especially if you’re out in the woods or if you’re alone. A complete snake bite kit must have antibiotic cream, disinfectant, gauze, a razor, and suction cups, along with instructions on how to cut around the bite so you can suck the coagulated and toxic blood out. Even if you have a snake bite kit with you, get medical help immediately so you can receive a dose of antivenom and antibiotics/steroids.

Make sure your BOB also has a pack of razors so you can try out some of the tips above. When SHTF, having the proper skills and gear can help you survive no matter what comes your way.

Other unusual first aid items

Aside from razors, here are other unusual items for your first aid kit:

• Floss – You can use plain and unflavored dental floss if you need to suture a wound. Additionally, floss can be used to make a tourniquet, as long as you ensure that you don’t cut the skin.
• Sanitary napkins – Unscented sanitary napkins can be used as a makeshift dressing for wounds. They can cover fairly large wounds. Sanitary napkins can also be used to cover deep wounds that might require a lot of gauze.
• Spirits – This includes bourbon, vodka, whiskey, or any other spirits that you have with you. The higher the alcohol content, the better. You can use spirits to sterilize medical instruments and the wound. Additionally, you can let the wounded person drink the spirits to dull the pain if you don’t have access to any anesthetic.

You can learn more about other multipurpose tools like safety razors and other survival gear at Gear.news.

Sources include:

AmericanPreppersNetwork.com

AskAPrepper.com