Greetings, fellow adventurers. Jack Morgan here, and today we’re going to dive into a skill that’s as old as civilization itself: soap making. Now, you might be wondering why a rugged outdoorsman like myself would bother with something as domestic as soap. The answer is simple: cleanliness is a crucial part of survival. In the wilderness, a minor cut can turn into a major problem if it gets infected. That’s where homemade soap comes in. It’s a simple, effective way to keep yourself clean and healthy, whether you’re at home or in the heart of the wilderness.

Basics

Let’s start with the basics. Soap is made from two main ingredients: fat and lye. Fat can be any type, from vegetable oils to animal fats. Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a caustic substance that, when mixed with fat, triggers a chemical reaction called saponification. This process transforms these two ingredients into soap and glycerin.

Lye

Now, lye might sound scary, but don’t worry. Once it reacts with the fat, there’s no lye left in the finished product. As for where to get it, you can buy lye online or at a local hardware store. But if you’re truly off-the-grid, you can make your own by leaching water through wood ashes. It’s a more complex process, but it’s doable with a little know-how.

Fat

Next, let’s talk about the fat. You can use just about any type you have on hand. Common choices include olive oil, coconut oil, or animal fats like lard or tallow. Each type of fat gives the soap different qualities. Olive oil makes a soft, moisturizing soap, while coconut oil produces a hard bar with a good lather. Animal fats also make a hard, long-lasting soap.

Process

Now, onto the soap making process. First, you need to measure your ingredients. The amount of lye and water you need will depend on the type and amount of fat you’re using. There are plenty of lye calculators online that can help you figure out the right proportions.

Once you’ve got your measurements, it’s time to mix the lye and water. Always add the lye to the water, not the other way around. This reaction will heat up the mixture, so be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling the fumes.

While the lye mixture cools down, you can start melting your fats. Once they’re liquid, you’ll add the lye mixture slowly, stirring constantly. This is where the saponification starts.

The next step is called ‘tracing’. You’ll know you’ve reached trace when your mixture thickens to the consistency of pudding. At this point, you can add any extras like essential oils or herbs, then pour the soap into a mold.

Now comes the hardest part: waiting. Your soap needs to rest for 24 hours until it hardens. After that, you can remove it from the mold and cut it into bars. But don’t use it just yet. Homemade soap needs to cure for about a month to allow any remaining water to evaporate.

Making soap at home is a rewarding skill that can serve you well in many situations. It’s a way to stay clean and healthy, no matter where you are. And in a survival situation, a bar of homemade soap can even be a valuable bartering item.

Remember, the wilderness is a demanding teacher, and survival is the test. But with knowledge as your compass and resourcefulness as your guide, you can face any challenge that comes your way. Until next time, stay prepared, stay vigilant, and as always, embrace the adventure.