BladeForums.com Survival Knife & Kit project

I really like this idea bu it seems that everybody is going in different directions. I htink it would be better to set a general size the kit is going to be, then set an estimated dollar amount to limit. This way I think it would be easier to settle on some of the details.

Me personally I would make the kit smaller in order to keep it more ultilitarian, cheaper and more applicable a wider array of people(people in the south dont needs some of the stuff people in the north need).

Oh and count me in if its not crazy expensive.
 
I'm in too depending on the size of the kit. I think that something small and compact is better. If people want a large kit then they can throw the compact sheath kit in with their larger one.
 
You might want to read the First Aid content of the site I linked to a bit more- We've looked at AMK and the kits that make the most sense are color-coded and labeled by emergency type. A book is not training- but rather 'class literature'. Also, in emergencies, having read a book does not mean you'll be able to administer First Aid effectively- only automatic reflexive behavior can accomplish that- and only real training can accomplish that. Of course, at a basic level, everyone knows how to apply a self adhesive bandage over a small cut. What gets me is that several of the kits are packed with Meds, which are labeled with muniscule typography, making them impossible to read without a magnifying glass. :thumbdn: I grumble because we practice EPSS and the same 'just-in-time' learning needs to be applied in the use of emergency response gear. I've only seen one First Aid kit that includes a viable EPSS component. Basically the computer talks you through the injury diagnosis and administration of First Aid.

billym said:
You might want to examine AMK's products a bit more. This kit;
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/kit_detail.asp?series=200&seriesNav=Dom&kit=202&kitNO=0125-0295
comes with a very in depth book ( http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/kit_detail.asp?series=200&seriesNav=Dom&kit=202&kitNO=0125-0295 ) as well as an "Easy Care" system that organizes the kit and supplies Easy Care cards to make getting to the info faster.
Now the smaller kits may not have all the same info but AMK certainly puts a lot of training/info in their kits.
The kit above may be a bit big for a small survival kit but it is pretty comprehensive.
Click to expand...
 
I have another veiw on this. If I carry the kit and somebody else happens to walk up and find me unconscious they would be able to help me even if they dont know exactly what to do. It would not take the place of classes and experience but in a heated situation any litle bit could help to either tell what to do or jog the memory. As to the little type, I agree with you on this, unless you deal with some of the meds on a daily basis they all look the same.
 
Sounds like a great idea. The thing to consider is everybody is in different geographic locations, so it would be a good idea to keep it simple and basic. Having the options of a knife is a good idea, but as mentioned earlier a SAK might be better. One with the large and small blade, scissors, saw, etc. This way it can literally be taken almost anywhere and wouldn't be prone to questions by cops or anybody.
Besides who says the kits have to be strickly for the bush. Haven't you all noticed all the snow storms up in the northern half of the country (I am originally from Ohio). If someone is stranded in their car during a blizzard, a small kit might help them out because who says their cell phone will work, or help is on its way right then?
Granted in the end it is everybodies job to finalize the kit to their specific needs, but a good basic kit to start with is always welcome.;)
 
I haven't kept up with this thread, but I asked a SERE Instructor who we're working on a joint project with what some of their kits contain and here's the response. (Of course some of this is for a pilot's vest)

E & E Kit Contents SERE

Strobe light
Radio
Day/Night smoke and flare. One end produces orange smoke and the other works like a road flare
Signal Mirror
Pencil flares
Water
Compass
Flashlight
Knife

Survival Kit Contents

Packet 1 Medical Instruction card
Various Bandages
Wound Closure Strips
Sunscreen/Insect Repellent
Burn cream
Water purification tablets (iodine)
Chapstick
Medical tape
Soap

Packet 2 General Instruction card
Fire starter
1 quart water bag
Wire saw
Fishing Kit (A couple of hooks and some line)
Camouflage face paint
Razor blade (folds into a hard plastic cover)
Space blanket (thin mylar type)
Wrist compass
Mosquito head net and mittens
Tourniquet
 
Depending on where you are and when, that head net could be a sanity saver.:D also repellent. Any rough price estimates yet?
 
This kit isn't going to be the kitchen sink. I'd love pen flares and radios, but that'd put it outside the price options of most people, so I'd rather stick with simple. As is, there will be the following:

  • Knife (RC-6 or RC-4) with Spec Ops Brand Survival Sheath - Knife group ;)
  • TOPS Firestarting kit and folding saw (all will fit in pouch of the survival sheath with room) - Fire group 1, Signal Group 1 (whistle), Knife Group 2
  • 550 Cord, 50-100 feet. - Cord group 1
  • Adventure Medical Kits Ritter PSP and AMK Emergency Bivvy - Signal Group 2, Fire Group 2, Shelter group 1

Still needed: Water collection & preparation. Can be Nalgene or Camelbak style bottle, preferably with some sort of metal cup. I still need to find a wholesaler for Nalgene cups. Pocket or pouch to carry same, and additional pocket for PSP & bivvy. Perhaps a bandoleer style carrier that can carry the sheath, PSP & bivvy pocket, and the Nalgene pouch.
 
I'm a lot more down with the setup listed. So many name brands were getting thrown around that the estimated price was skyrocketing quickly. I like the basics.

I'd still have to suggest keeping a simple GI canteen/cup/couch for the main bottle (which I already have so would opt out of likely). They are cheap, effective, and carry better.

(PS to Spark- Is your shop in Louisville open for visits? I'm in Lexington and it would be a nice way to check things out.)
 
I like the looks of the list as well. I'd be happy to get it without the water bottle type things 'cause I have plenty of those and that would just make the price go up more. I'd actually just be happy with the knife :D.
 
Spark said:
This kit isn't going to be the kitchen sink. I'd love pen flares and radios, but that'd put it outside the price options of most people, so I'd rather stick with simple. As is, there will be the following:

  • Knife (RC-6 or RC-4) with Spec Ops Brand Survival Sheath - Knife group ;)
  • TOPS Firestarting kit and folding saw (all will fit in pouch of the survival sheath with room) - Fire group 1, Signal Group 1 (whistle), Knife Group 2
  • 550 Cord, 50-100 feet. - Cord group 1
  • Adventure Medical Kits Ritter PSP and AMK Emergency Bivvy - Signal Group 2, Fire Group 2, Shelter group 1
Click to expand...

Looks great as is to me as is. I'd add some aqua tabs, some jelly balls;) and call er good. :cool:
 
tarmix101 said:
Looks great as is to me as is. I'd add some aqua tabs, some jelly balls;) and call er good. :cool:
Click to expand...

I'm with tarmix on this one, pack it up and ship it off, with a good wholesale price of course :D....at least maybe a little discount for your loyal paying members ;).
 
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