knife>gun in survival situation?

Ron53 was right on - a pawn shop 'rookie' gun - a S&W Model 10 (.38 Spec) - could save your bacon. Not the best defender against a wild boar - or black bear - they would be better than a pointed stick. I know, Les Stroud of 'Survivorman' hardly ever has a firearm - even in his Canadian north - in real bear country. Still, I EDC an Airweight or Airlite in the urban jungle now - I'd expect to at least continue that!

Stainz
 
I just realized this thread is 5 years old. Oops.
Sorry, not sure how that happened...


I think the most important thing to remember here is Humans.
If we're talking survival, he's probably not already bunkered down.
It's more likely that some bigger issue has occurred and he will need to get
away from people before the campfires and animal snares can even begin.
If it's bad enough that you know it, and are leaving home, then others
probably will know as well. The more desperate people get, the worse
they will be. People may help you change a flat on the side of the road
and smile that they got to help someone, in an ideal situation. But if they're
scared and desperate don't doubt that they'll do ANYTHING if they think
it will benefit their situation. It would really suck to spend hundreds, even
thousands on survival gear, only to have some punk teen, who stole his
grandmothers cheap .38 pistol, mug you for all of your gear before you get
out of your own neighborhood. We're all human, and thus mortal, but
I'd at least like to try and fight back. Besides, if you're a member here,
I'm gonna step out on a limb and say that you probably already have a
knife or ten. It did sound in your op that you implied you already have
at least one "hard use" knife.
Anyway, just my $.02. Take what you will.
 
Last edited:
Don't know what your budget is, but quality used firearms can be had for fairly cheap. Throw in a SAK like the OHT, and an inexpensive folding saw, and you're ahead of the game.
 
My second string setup that's in my truck at all times is a small Kabar USMC stacked leather, 17" Gerber axe, and a 100 year old Remington model 22 single shot .22 rimfire. The rifle weights nil and breaks down to around 18" in 2 pieces for storage. You could easily purchase a .22 in single bolt or other bolt action configuration for less than 200 $ from a Mart store. Hell, I got a 10/22 for 189 $ on sale 2 years ago! That was a decent buy! And a full tang production knife capable of executing the requirements of survival situations can be had for 60 $ and less. Happy gear hunting, and may your new stuff serve you well!
 
I guess it depends on the "survival situation".

1. Zombies.

Guns and lots of ammo.

2. Fake BG ordeal.

Neither as the camera man will toss you a soda.

3. Lost in the woods.

Knife or maybe a map/compass with GPS. Also telling other people your plans before hand might help.

4. Lost on an Island.

Knife again.

5. Bear attack.

Big gun. Unlike a zombie attack reloading might not be needed.

6. Chicago.

Both are probably illegal so avoid it all together. Ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
 
Since the thread has been re-animated.....

It depends on what you are surviving, and your environment.

I do set out to survive in the woods, I go to have fun. However, I always have a gun. The gun I have depends on what I am doing. Sometimes I am hunting, sometimes plinking, sometimes I just have a gun to protect from the feral dogs who used to be some scumbag's pet before they ditched it in the middle of nowhere.

I can't think of a situation where I'd be surviving that would not have a high probability of being life-threatening not only from the environment, but from other self-propelled threats. In this case a gun is just as necessary a part of my gear as knives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top