This is from an old blog of mine that I abandoned for a variety of reasons. I kept this post and several others, and decided to post this one here to 'test the waters', so to speak. I plan to post more information on urban SERE - depending on whether or not the mods take exception to this kind of knowledge. So, without further ado, here is the post:
While researching survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) in an urban context (i.e. counter kidnapping tactics, techniques, and procedures) I came across a remarkable invention by SnakeDr – the Advanced Personal Escape Kit. This is a wearable escape kit ensures that you have the tools you need to escape from handcuffs and non-magnetic restraints (such as zip ties and duct tape) at your disposal. It can be worn around the neck, ankle, or even the waist.
It has been through various forms, but I personally feel that the newer forms like the following are not as good as the original form. This is because the newer ones have a plastic barrel break away connector. While this is a good feature (it stops you from being strangled with our own APEK in a struggle), when the two halves of the break away are pulled apart they make a loud POP! Kidnappers may not notice the noise, but they probably would and would investigate what the noise was. If you are found with an escape kit you will be beaten at the very least, and they will keep a closer eye on you from then on.
So how do we avoid making a loud noise with our personal counter custody kits? We make them like the original SnakeDr APEK kit!
We will make it out of technora cord, an advanced handcuff key with a split ring (which can be purchased from OscarDelta), a handcuff shim, and some black silicone tubing.
Get 120cm of technora cord and fold it in half, thread the bight through the hole in your handcuff shim and then thread the loose ends through the bight. Pull it tight. Next, thread the two loose ends of the technora cord through two lengths of silicone tubing and tie an overhand knot using both ends. Don’t even try melting the ends together! Technora doesn’t melt!
Shove the handcuff shim through one of the silicone tubes. This is your breakaway connector, and its silent when you pull it apart. Shove the advanced handcuff key though the other silicone tube, and shove the split key though the silicone tube with the handcuff shim. That’s all there is to it.
See the following pictures to see what I am describing:
How do you use the counter custody kit?
You can saw your way out of non metallic restraints (including police plastic handcuffs) using the technora cord as a fiction saw. To see how its done, watch this video:
You won’t have to tie knots using your counter custody kit for obvious reasons. You can also use the cord and the handcuff shim to escape some types of darby handcuffs as shown here:
The cord can also be used as a garrote.
The split ring can be used with the advanced handcuff key to open double locked handcuffs.
The shim can be used to open handcuffs that haven’t been double locked.