Back to Basics: The Survival Book We Keep Coming Back To

There is something calming about a good survival book. Not the panic-buying kind, but the slow, steady sort that teaches you how to do real things with your own two hands. That is exactly what Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills delivers, and it has earned a permanent spot on our shelf here at AXEMAN.ca.

Why we recommend Back to Basics

Edited by Abigail R. Gehring and rooted in the original Reader's Digest classic, Back to Basics is a big, friendly reference book of nearly 500 pages. With more than 250,000 copies sold, it has quietly become a trusted shelf staple for homesteaders, preppers, and weekend tinkerers alike. It is organized into clear sections covering shelter, energy, raising food, preserving food, home crafts, and outdoor recreation.

What makes it special is the format. Hundreds of projects are laid out with step-by-step photos, charts, and illustrations, so you are never left guessing. You can learn how to build a log cabin, raise chickens, make jam, sharpen old skills, or simply feel more capable when the power goes out. It is part survival guide, part homesteading manual, and part quiet daydream for anyone drawn to a simpler life.

It is honest to say this is a broad overview rather than a deep dive into any single skill. That is the point. It gives you the confidence to start, and a foundation to build on.

A book is only half the story

Reading about splitting firewood or clearing a trail is one thing. Doing it is another. The skills in Back to Basics come alive when you have tools you can trust, and that is where we can help. Below are a few favourites that pair naturally with the book.

Silky Outback saws for cutting and clearing

When a chapter calls for firewood, shelter poles, or clearing a fallen branch, a folding saw earns its keep fast. The Silky Outback Edition saws are a customer favourite for good reason. The black-plated, impulse-hardened blades stay sharp far longer than ordinary saws and resist corrosion in wet weather.

The Silky BigBoy 2000 Outback is our go-to for serious wood, with a 360mm blade and a two-handed grip. For your pack or emergency kit, the compact Silky Pocketboy Outback folds down small and cuts well above its size.

Hultafors axes for everyday outdoor work

For the chopping, limbing, and shelter work the book describes, a dependable axe is hard to beat. The Hultafors axes are Swedish-made, hand-forged, and built for real use. The Åby Forest Axe and the Ekelund Hunting Axe are steady performers that feel good in the hand and hold an edge through a long day.

Gränsfors Bruk axes for a lifetime tool

If you want an heirloom-quality axe to grow into, look at the Gränsfors Bruk axes. Each one is hand-forged in Sweden and carries the maker's initials, a quiet sign of pride in the work. The Gränsfors Hunter's Axe and the Small Forest Axe are wonderful all-rounders for camp, trail, and bushcraft. With light care, an axe like this will outlast you.

A simple starter kit

If you are pairing the book with your first proper kit, a comfortable place to begin is one folding saw, one general-purpose axe, and a way to keep both sharp. From there, Back to Basics will tell you what to reach for next. You can browse our best sellers at AXEMAN.ca to see what other outdoor folks trust most.

A few common questions

Is Back to Basics a survival book or a homesteading book? A bit of both. It leans toward traditional, self-sufficient living, which is exactly why it is so useful for survival and off-grid readers.

Do I need expensive tools to use it? No. Start with the basics and add quality pieces over time. A good saw and a good axe will carry you a long way.

Why buy tools from a Canadian shop? As a Canadian, family-owned and First Responder-owned business, we offer real customer service, fast shipping, and free Canadian shipping on orders over $95. Have a look around AXEMAN.ca anytime.

Slow down, learn a skill, and enjoy the work. The book will inspire you, and the right tools will be there when you are ready to begin.