Building a Survival Sheath (WIP)

Semper Praesidio

Semper Praesidio

Joined
Feb 19, 2014
Messages
1,184
Working on building a survival sheath, using my Ka-Bar Becker BK2 as a platform. First, the factory sheath just wasn't going to do, so I ordered a custom sheath from JD at 710 that included a mounting plate for an ESEE pouch on the front of it. As always, excellent craftsmanship and a great foundation on which to build my survival sheath.



I've already added a couple of items that I felt were going to be important. First, a ferro rod: I chose to go with one designed by Exotac and Habilis Bushtools. The top screws off for dry storage of tinder.



I also ordered a UST miniature folding saw with a folding razor blade as well. The intention would be to never use the razor blade except for medical purposes.



Also, planning to polish the bottom of the tin with sandpaper to try to get a decent signal mirror out of it.

I'm trying not to create a completely ridiculous rig that ends up weighing ten pounds hanging off my belt. But I'd like to have a few essentials that might help make a night in the woods a little more comfortable should the need arise. Using Dave Canterbury's C's of survival, here's a list of a few other items I'm sorting through adding:

  • Tinder
  • Fire starter (mini-Bic)
  • Companion blade
  • Thin cordage (approx. 20' of 50-lb test fishing line)
  • Thick cordage (paracord)
  • Sail needle
  • Light source
  • Coffee filter
  • Tweezers
  • Candle
  • Safety pins
  • Electrical or duct tape
  • "Boo boo" kit
  • Aluminum foil
  • Button compass
  • Cash
  • Whistle
  • Water purification tablets
  • Zip ties
  • Ranger bands
  • Emergency blanket

Anybody else use a Ka-Bar knife (BK2 or otherwise) to build a similar kit (let's see some pictures!)? What did you include? Any suggestions from or in addition to the list above?
 
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I built this for my son. It's a BK11 with a modified ESEE pouch on the front of the stock sheath. Has a TDI pocket clip on the back and Tommy the Who Ipe scales. I just made up a small 1st Aid kit for the tin with Alco swabs, assorted Band Aids, burn gel, antiseptic cream and some splinter probes. I also used double sided tape to stick some fine grit sand paper to the lid as a hone. I made it for him to use on the farm he works on. He's 14 and it's his first job.







ETA: The above list is great although you may have trouble getting it all inside the tin. I could only just fit the stuff I chose in. Another pouch that you can carry on your belt will help. Also, if you use something like a Leatherman for a companion, use the clip on it to attach it to the open side of the pouch.

Oh yeah, I really like the setup you have there Semper. I love how JD put the mounting plate in the front for the pouch. Really cool. Just off the track a little, couldn't find where to add that to a sheath on his site. Did you email him with that as a specific request?
 
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BeeKayNutCase said:
I built this for my son. It's a BK11 with a modified ESEE pouch on the front of the stock sheath. Has a TDI pocket clip on the back and Tommy the Who Ipe scales. I just made up a small 1st Aid kit for the tin with Alco swabs, assorted Band Aids, burn gel, antiseptic cream and some splinter probes. I also used double sided tape to stick some fine grit sand paper to the lid as a hone. I made it for him to use on the farm he works on. He's 14 and it's his first job.
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Nice kit, BeeKay! The fine grit sandpaper as a hone was a fantastic addition. That must be very useful for him in his job.
 
Semper Praesidio said:
Nice kit, BeeKay! The fine grit sandpaper as a hone was a fantastic addition. That must be very useful for him in his job.
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Thanks bro. In hindsight I should've used something a little more coarse. I used 1200 grit. Unfortunately the blade wasn't overly sharp to begin with. Once I get a Work Sharp I'll get it off him and convex it.

Do you guys have army disposal stores in the US? We have em here in Aus. That's where I get things like pouches and webbing belts etc. I have a dedicated survival tin in a pouch I carry on my belt that has all of the things you mentioned in your list. It's purely as a backup in case I lose all my other gear.
 
BeeKayNutCase said:
Do you guys have army disposal stores in the US? We have em here in Aus. That's where I get things like pouches and webbing belts etc. I have a dedicated survival tin in a pouch I carry on my belt that has all of the things you mentioned in your list. It's purely as a backup in case I lose all my other gear.
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We do. Most places they're called "Army-Navy surplus" stores. The one in my area seems to deal an awful lot in new gear though, so I'm not sure they can properly call themselves a "surplus" store. Unfortunately, with my job, carrying something in a pouch on my belt is not an option. That's why I keep a Condor G.P. pouch in my briefcase with a lot of the stuff I need. Means it isn't always within arms reach, but it is 85-90% of the time.
 
Semper Praesidio said:
We do. Most places they're called "Army-Navy surplus" stores. The one in my area seems to deal an awful lot in new gear though, so I'm not sure they can properly call themselves a "surplus" store. Unfortunately, with my job, carrying something in a pouch on my belt is not an option. That's why I keep a Condor G.P. pouch in my briefcase with a lot of the stuff I need. Means it isn't always within arms reach, but it is 85-90% of the time.
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Sweet. Yeah I don't carry my pouch unless I go bush. But when I do I've usually got HEAPS of stuff in my pack as well. I try to stash stuff all over my person so I'll always have things should the worst happen and I lose gear. Sorry for the thread derail bud. Back to your knife/kit..
 
BeeKayNutCase said:
Sweet. Yeah I don't carry my pouch unless I go bush. But when I do I've usually got HEAPS of stuff in my pack as well. I try to stash stuff all over my person so I'll always have things should the worst happen and I lose gear. Sorry for the thread derail bud. Back to your knife/kit..
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Wasn't too bad of a derail - actually kind goes into philosophy of these kinds of kits just a bit, really. Thanks for your input!
 
No worries. So, did you decide on a companion knife/tool? Mebbe if you have a kydex sheath for a BK14/11/24 it could bolt onto the back of your BK2 sheath if the eyelets line up a la Warrior/DerekH style. A few nylon washers should give it the extra clearance. The Kabar 1117 is a cool little knife but the handle leaves a bit to be desired for. The blade itself though is awesome.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/845352-BK2-Sheath-Mod-Extremely-Photo-Heavy
 
BeeKayNutCase said:
No worries. So, did you decide on a companion knife/tool? Mebbe if you have a kydex sheath for a BK14/11/24 it could bolt onto the back of your BK2 sheath if the eyelets line up a la Warrior/DerekH style. A few nylon washers should give it the extra clearance. The Kabar 1117 is a cool little knife but the handle leaves a bit to be desired for. The blade itself though is awesome.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/845352-BK2-Sheath-Mod-Extremely-Photo-Heavy
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I never get tired of seeing that sheath mod! It was what brought me to Bladeforums in the first place. Did a Google search for BK2 sheath and found that thread. [emoji2]

You're reading my mind on what to do by way of a companion knife. I was on 710's website last night pricing a sheath for my BK14. Also wondering if slipping a Victorinox Trekker or other bladed multitool in one of the molle straps on the ESEE pouch is enough for a BUK. Not a fixed blade, I know, but might be good for reducing the bulk/weight.
 
Semper Praesidio said:
I never get tired of seeing that sheath mod! It was what brought me to Bladeforums in the first place. Did a Google search for BK2 sheath and found that thread. [emoji2]

You're reading my mind on what to do by way of a companion knife. I was on 710's website last night pricing a sheath for my BK14. Also wondering if slipping a Victorinox Trekker or other bladed multitool in one of the molle straps on the ESEE pouch is enough for a BUK. Not a fixed blade, I know, but might be good for reducing the bulk/weight.
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Haha me too! Apparently we're not the only ones who got snared by Warriors honey-pot of doom!

My Leatherman (can't remember the model) would weigh only a few grams less than a BK11/14/24 with a kydex sheath. But in its favor though it has other nifty little tools that would be.. um.. nifty.

I'm a real sucker for setups like this that you've got going there Semper. I love the fact that, coupled with some good hearty skills, a set up like yours would be enough to allow you to survive some rather harsh situations. I'm sure Julio would have you rigged up quite well with another compatible sheath for your small BK. Speaking of which, did you email him in regards to the mounting plate? I ask as I couldn't find that as an option on his website.
 
I did an Altoids kit/ medical, fire, navigation etc on back and a Victorinox German Army on the front of my Kraton MKI
 
BeeKayNutCase said:
Speaking of which, did you email him in regards to the mounting plate? I ask as I couldn't find that as an option on his website.
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Yes, I did. I emailed him literally the night before he was going to start work on my sheath to ask about adding it, so I caught him just in time. I ordered the pouch on my own and the holes lined up perfectly on the plate. He does excellent work!
 
I did an Altoids kit/ medical, fire, navigation etc on back and a Victorinox German Army on the front of my Kraton MKI
 
Sweet work Cody! It's good to see some of the more conventional Kabars getting used as a survival/bushcraft blade. Whilst they don't appear to be orientated towards that style of usage, I reckon they would make an excellent outdoors survival knife. Which is why I'm going to gear my D2 Extreme FU in the same fashion..
 
Semper Praesidio said:
Yes, I did. I emailed him literally the night before he was going to start work on my sheath to ask about adding it, so I caught him just in time. I ordered the pouch on my own and the holes lined up perfectly on the plate. He does excellent work!
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Sweet. I thought you may have as I really couldn't find anything like that on his site. Good to know <Store File Click>..
 
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