What do you store that you don't actually use for bribe or barter ?

Oh welding electrodes.
The ones I use normally use only come in 50 pound cans so I can spare a few.

 

I think money during SHTF/WROL will be silver/junk silver, gold, and ammunition once cash becomes worthles. Since most people won't be able to test precious metals ammunition is the easiest. Some of the .22LR I have purchased will likely be used this way once my reserves start to get low. I don't intend to trade more powerful ammunition that could be used against me. I also plan on making up sealed bags of rice, beans, and bullion for barter. At some point salt will become gold if there aren't natural deposits close by.

 

I have a theory concerning knowing or getting full volumes of /gold /silver.
If one were to take a known sample of the metal, say one .OZ of silver, and have a container that just held it, and a little water . and mark the level the water is at .
Then take a suspicious piece, proposing it to be equal to your sample, and weigh, and put it though the volume test as you did with your known sample, chances are that if the volume remind the same it is genuine , however if the volume differs even slightly ,it is misrepresented .
One OZ of pure silver is going to occupy exactly the same volume no matter what shape it is in, jewlery, bullion or coin.
Water may not be the best media but I am sure there is some media that would suit the need for this.

Bartering for skills and needed materials keeps one some what indispensable, much like a black smith during the dark ages. worth more than gold.

 

The Archemedes method only works if the weights are exactly equal and there are no alloys or other metals with the same densities. In the case of gold, tungsten has the exact same density, and is frequently hidden inside gold to trick purchasers.

 

I do buy Bourbon and a variety of wines, but I don't drink. I cook with them occasionally....but I do have a stash. The Bourbon could be used medicinally. Bourbon and honey is great for a cold with cough. But I figure they get better with age and will be barter type items. Every thing else I stock we use.... Except the suture/surgical kit.

 

coffee

 

I tend to hold on to guns, ammo, reloading components, parts and accessories that I really don't use or need, just in case someone else has a need for it.

I'm surprised that nobody has invoked Henny Youngman yet in this thread.

 

That would be Henny "Take my wife...please" Youngman, no? You're a bad man chimo...I like you.

 

You betcha!

 

I have become over stocked on candles and beauty products. Since I am a coupon'er, I am always picking up soap, body wash, razors, toothbrushes etc. for next to nothing. I know that stuff doesn't seem real important but during a collapse of society, something as simple as smelling good could really add comfort and be of value.

 

Knowing how to make soap might be a valuable trade, being able to add fragrances using existing soaps, might be an edge up. Good idea.

 

Booze and If I have some odd caliber gun I make sure to have 100 rounds for it to trade the pair for something very valuable, you know like 20 something females or other necessities.

 

Black Pepper

 

What is the longest enduring alcoholic beverage ?

 

Sealed, clear, grain alcohol without additives/flavors. Highest proof you can find short of moonshine. Unless you can vouch for the distilling process, commercial moonshine can have a bunch of crap that causes it to turn after a couple of years.