2025 Survival weekend this fall!

Fiddleback

Fiddleback

Knifemaker
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Oct 19, 2005
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Early heads up. The details aren't hashed out yet, cost, date, etc, but the next survival weekend will be in the fall and we're planning an epic one.



The weekend will be focused on game processing. AND of course cooking eating and libation!
 
First of all, notajerryskid notajerryskid , thanks for the seed money.

Now, I need to hone my kit for the upcoming virtual survival weekend (Date TBD, but October 24-26 looks like a great option). Sure, it'd be great if we could all get together in person, but let's not let that stop us.

So what knife would you propose for a survival weekend that involved a deer, duck, and fish as well as all the other associated tasks of surviving.

I’d think something kephart like. But I do like the toboggan. IMO, it's a sleeper in the line up.


IMG_6783-L.jpg


In reality, it'd be kinda cool to post a series of tasks, like (1) buy a roaster chicken at Walmart (Just to keep it "fair") and make a survival meal using only your knife. Some could take it all the way, and others - like me- who lives in an apartment complex- could bake it in the oven. The real challenge is can your knife dice an onion. (2) Obtain a fish and eat it. (Some may work the local pond, others the frozen foods section). (3) Make a fire using your knife. - Extra points if you make it hard on yourself. (4) Dull your knife by cutting a brick and sharpen it using your "survival kit" and on and on.

Maybe each participant gets to make up a challenge.

Obviously pictures are required.
 
Last edited:

The Fiddleback Fanatic Survival Gauntlet​


A community-run series of practical, skill-based knife challenges that test:
  • Edge geometry
  • Heat treat
  • Ergonomics
  • Field utility
  • And the user’s skill
Every task is something a knife should be good at — not dumb abuse.

Rules​

  1. No blade-destroying stunts
    No bricks, nails, glass, concrete, or steel. If it wouldn’t happen in real bushcraft or camp use, it’s out.
  2. One knife per challenge
    Pick your blade. No switching mid-task.
  3. No powered tools
    Knife, hands, maybe a stick or stone. That’s it.
  4. Show your work
    Photo or short clip of:
  • The knife
  • The task
  • The result
  1. Hard Mode always allowed
    Anyone can do it harder — smaller knife, off-hand, etc.

Scoring​

Simple and friendly:
  • Completed – 1
  • Cleanliness (cuts, finish) – 1–3
  • Difficulty chosen – 1–2
  • Creativity or style – 1
Winner of the round picks the next challenge.

One challenge per week, new challenge each Monday to give everyone a chance to complete. ​

Some Ideas thanks to swonut swonut

1) The Rotisserie Field Dress​

Buy a rotisserie chicken (Walmart = level playing field).

Your knife must:
  • Quarter it
  • Remove one leg cleanly
  • Dice an onion
  • Produce a plated meal

Hard Mode:
  • Fully debone it
  • Make broth from scraps
This tests edge geometry, food release, and control.



2) Fish Processing​

Any whole fish (fresh or frozen).
Your knife must:
  • Descale (if needed)
  • Fillet
  • Portion into servings
Hard Mode:
  • Skin off, no tearing
  • No wasted meat


3) Featherstick Ladder​

From a stick or dowel:​

  • Produce 5 feather sticks
  • Each must have 10 curls
Hard Mode:
  • One continuous stick
  • Thinner curls score higher
This is where grind and sharpness show.



4) Notch & Trap​

Carve:
  • A pot hanger notch
  • A toggle
  • A tent stake

Hard Mode:
  • Use a stick under 1” thick
  • No saw cuts

This is real bushcraft geometry.



5) Cardboard Edge Retention​


Cut:
  • 20 linear cuts through corrugated cardboard
    Then test:
  • Paper slice
  • Tomato slice
Post before/after results.



6) Rope & Fiber​

Cut:
  • Paracord
  • Sisal or jute
  • Heavy cardboard

Hard Mode:
  • One clean push cut per material


7) The Survival Meal​


Using only your knife:
  • One protein
  • One veg
  • One carb
Prepare and plate.

Hard Mode:
  • No utensils
  • Fireless cooking (stove or oven allowed for apartment folks)


8) Wood Processing Test​

Using wrist-thick wood:
  • Baton 10 pieces
  • Make one feather stick from each
Hard Mode:
  • No baton — carve instead
 
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