John Watson

I began my journey into the woods at a young age, about 14 -15. My mother did our genealogy and found out we had a little bit of Blackfoot or fox Indian in us. It intrigued me and made me want to do cool Indian stuff. Got a book on wilderness survival and started learning and never really came back out of the woods. I'm no expert, and I'll never call myself one. I do have a passion for learning and a a passion for teaching and consider it an honor to work with Guy Cain and the rest of the Zasc crew to bring you the best instruction and information we can.

Name and or Alias or both: Razor Sharp

How did you get your nickname? I'm a dyed in the wool knife nut/junkie. A friend finally talked me into joining a survival forum so I did. I was trying to come up with an avatar name. I happened to be sharpening a knife at the time. I keep all my knives, tomahawks axes and hatchets sharp enough to shave with so I chose Razor Sharp...guess I could have went with Bic. lol

Family Situation (Married, Kids, Pets, etc): Divorced father of one teen age boy

Day job (Or regular occupation) outside of ZASC: I currently work in a machine shop operating a 20 ton press break.

Past / current occupations and how they contribute to your current position with ZASC: I've done everything from dishwasher in a restaurant to a foreman for 20 laborers and operated a 7 million dollar rolling mill. I adapt fast, learn new skills in a short time but mostly I am great at teaching what I know. I've trained alot of people at different jobs. I have a way of breaking things down and making it easy to follow.

Hobbies: It would be easier to list the stuff that hasn't been a hobby of mine at one time. lol Well to start with almost anything outdoors. Hunting, fishing, shooting (competed at a high level for 4 years), cycling (3 time state champion), rock climbing, backpacking, hiking, camping, tracking, guitar and water hobbies like canoeing. But basic primitive bush craft and shooting have always been my greatest passion since about 14 years old.

How did you become a part of ZASC?: Was asked by the man himself, Guy Cain. I was one of the original group when it all started.

What past training and certifications have you received that aids in your role with ZASC?: They don't hand out certificates for the training I've done. It's been 30 years of hands on. I am the scoutmaster for our local Boy Scout troop. A lot of theory behind ZASC comes from the basic principles of the boy scouts. The founder, Guy Cane is an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the scouts. Since I work closely with young men to help build them into well prepared adults, it passes over well and fits in the ZASC curriculum.

What are your 3 top skill sets?

1. Teaching

2. Fire... I learned the bow drill many years ago and have made fire by friction with a variety of methods and am confident in my skills to make fire in any situation.

3. Firearms. I can shoot a variety of firearms (Shotgun, rifle and pistol) quite well, I've studied shooting, tactics, defense and equipment its self for around 25 years.

What are your 3 worst skills that you are currently working on improving?

1. Computers

2. Public speaking... I have a serious fear of public speaking but I'm slowly getting over it

3. Hand drill friction fire. Although I have successfully made fire with this method, I have never mastered it like the bow drill. I have a goal to own this skill by spring.

What are your 3 favorite web sites for preparedness information?

YouTube and Google

Wild Survive Forum

Backyard Outdoors FB page

Are you part of any SAR/CERT teams in your area? No real need for one in my local area, but if they ever form one, I would join in a heartbeat.

What's your favorite End of the World or Apocalyptic Film and why? Road warrior... why? Just because it's the road warrior.

What's your favorite non-apocalyptic film and why? Jerimiah Johnson. I wanted to be him when I was a kid and it helped push me toward my mountain man ways.

What 4 items (1 Firearm, 1 Blade, 2 other objects) would you choose to have on you when the Defecation hits the Oscillator?

1. Rock River AR-15

2. Cold Steel Recon scout bowie knife

3. Kimber 1911

4. Salt... anyone that's ever truly tried living off the land will understand this one.

What is your favorite method of starting fire. Phosphorus grenade... lol just kidding, it's the bow drill

What is your weapon of choice (not necessarily for Zombies). Mossberg 590 shotgun. Powerful, solid and reliable, holds lots of shot shells, can shoot a variety of ammo that's readily available, even during the ammo shortage. Extremely versatile firearm.