E&E pack: Recommended knives

steve-in-kville

steve-in-kville

Joined
Dec 25, 2001
Messages
1,139
With all the current local & world events (terrorists, snipers, etc) I have been putting together sorta my version of an Escape & Evasion pack. This world be in the event I'd have to quickly move my family to another location on the spur of the moment (like in the event of bio or chemical attack). The pack would contain obviously a sidearm, spare ammo, minor first aid stuff, some survival stuff (fire making, etc) tactical light(s), cell phone and so on.

At this point, you may all diagnose me as being paranoid, but better to be prepared.

Anyhow, I need some opinions on what type of knives would be most useful. I have a multi-tool and was considering a mid-size fixed blade and a smaller folder. Any suggestions appreciated - Thanks!!

P.S. This is strickly E&E. Get my family to a save place, while dealing with possible "disruptions" along the way. I won't be looking for any battles to fight, merely utility and defense.


steve
 
Reliability over functionality. = Tanto
Paranoia. = Stainless steel
Judging a blade by it's size. = 7.5" blade length

Does this sound right?
 
Originally posted by Schtik
Reliability over functionality. = Tanto
Paranoia. = Stainless steel
Judging a blade by it's size. = 7.5" blade length

Does this sound right?
Click to expand...

Getting close. Tanto blades are a tough design and would be open to that blade style. Have a certian make/model in mind?

steve
 
Soldiers depend on their blades all the time. But they often carry cheap KBars.
Most soldiers I talk to about their knives say that they trust their KBars because their grandfathers of WW2 used them and kicked Hitlers ass with them...
Point is, it's more important that you feel confident with your knife rather than what knife you're carrying.

For a superficial choice, I'd go with a Strider or a Busse.
 
Evasion is the name of the game. I forgot exactly where I was told this, but I was instructed that carrying a firearm will only draw attention to oneself especially if used. Generally, if you are in a foreign land and attempting to escape the authorities, your best bet is to look like the locals. If you do run into some trouble, using the firearm will not only draw more attention to yourself, but will probably bring down major repercussions if you're caught at a later moment.

If you're not running from the authorities, if you're stopped by them, you may be detained for having your firearm.

So thus, I have a few suggestions...
Keep in mind that the gun may be the first thing you have to ditch. If you've included a safe storage case, you might bury it and return for it if needed.

Food, money and spare ID should be added.

When I had need for one, we called it a "bugout" bag.
One bugout bag for each family member old enough to carry one.
Small duffel bag with supplies for young children that cannot carry one. You don't need to be redundant with certain materials because there will be an adult (thus an adult bugout bag) with the small children.

Custom tailor your bugout bag to possible scenarios, and then stock it accordingly. The same with any survival kit. The biggest mistake most people make is having one thing for every purpose.
 
Some good points, Mutt.

We live in a rural area. Our chances of such previously described attacks are less likey than a city.

However, there are cities close by that could be prone to civil unrest. I may need to drive through these cities for work.

This pack would be handy in the event a riot or unrest would break out during work hours, miles from home.

Thanks for the comments.

steve
 
if you're driving... always assume that you will have to abandon your vehicle, and have a contingency plan for that.

edited to add...
Also, have maps of your area, a compass, GPS if possible, and small AM/FM radio.
 
I carry a Buck/Strider large folder in my emergency pack. It's more convenient than carrying a fixed-blade, and it'll do pretty much anything that a medium sized fixed-blade could handle.
 
we live only blocks from the former WTC, and I was within a block when the first plane hit. My family grabbed the bags and the dogs and bugged out. in most urban areas, the new phenomenon will be that instead of anarchy and chaos, you will have neighbor helping neighbors. I saw deli's push cartons of potato chips and water into the street for people escaping the tragedy. Poland Spring Trucks rolled into ground zero and the surrounding area and handed out free water. The next morning, restaurants in the effected areas put out free food for the neighborhood. Able bodied people checked on their neighbors and made sure they had what they needed. In retrospect, my parents needed not bug out and actually had difficulty getting back in. I was working for the State Government at the time, so I had no problem, but you get the drift.

Yes, be prepared to bug out, but I think your chances of needing to bug out is minimal, especially if you're surroundings are rural.
 
Originally posted by im2smrt4u
What pack would be good for an E&E pack or bug-out bag?
Click to expand...

I prefer subdued commercial colors... black, dark blues and dark reds. Nothing high speed, nothing bright, nothing military. All these attract attention. A Daypack is best for urban areas. The bigger the bag gets, the more attention it grabs, the smaller the chance that you will have it when you need it. One may also tend to fill it to capacity and thus slow your "bugout". A pack running about 2000 cubic inches with several pockets for different things. Your pack shoud weigh no more than thirty pounds. Include a waterproofing cover to preserve your gear, as well as prevent having to carry a few pounds of useless water.

When using a bugout bag... grab bag and run away from danger... at your first safe rest period, remove the very important objects and place in secure pockets. Place knives in pockets and belt. ID,money, cellphone, firestarting stuff, and whatever you deem to be crucial to survival on your person, preferably in buttoned pockets.

At this point, identify a safe location you are trying to reach, and plan a route. If the route is long, including plans to obtain food. Obtain water and then set out on your route.
 
Originally posted by MelancholyMutt
...
When using a bugout bag... grab bag and run away from danger... at your first safe rest period, remove the very important objects and place in secure pockets. Place knives in pockets and belt. ID,money, cellphone, firestarting stuff, and whatever you deem to be crucial to survival on your person, preferably in buttoned pockets.
...
Click to expand...

That reminds me. The M-65 military Field Jacket is amazing for it's storage capacity, while still looking like a civilian jacket.
It looks like a winter jacket, but if you take out the liners it becomes a spring jacket; or becomes a winter jacket if you leave in the liners.
Either way, you have a LOT of storage capacity with that coat. As well as superb protection.

Added: The M-65 Field Jacket is around $70 USD w/ liners. $60 without liners.
 
Originally posted by MelancholyMutt
I prefer subdued commercial colors... black, dark blues and dark reds. Nothing high speed, nothing bright, nothing military. All these attract attention. A Daypack is best for urban areas. The bigger the bag gets, the more attention it grabs, the smaller the chance that you will have it when you need it. One may also tend to fill it to capacity and thus slow your "bugout". A pack running about 2000 cubic inches with several pockets for different things. Your pack shoud weigh no more than thirty pounds. Include a waterproofing cover to preserve your gear, as well as prevent having to carry a few pounds of useless water.
Click to expand...

I use a Jansport Classic "Big Student" as my book bag. Do you think it would make a nice bugout bag? Many other students in the area use the same pack, so it wouldn't look out of place. Do you think I should pick up another for this purpose?

EDIT: I would link you, but the jansport site uses a flash interface that masks the URL, so you'll have to check it out for yourself. :(
 
Either one of the above listed models are fine. Don't forget a nice sharpening kit.
 
:footinmou

Sorry for the thread hijack...but I still think the Swamp Rat would be a nice knife, or maybe a HI khukuri! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top