Looking for input about my "knife-based" kit -

[11x11x]

4/17/2010 - Starting over fresh after thinking about several good questions that were raised. I always alter kit per the situation, but right now I'm toying w/ the idea of a "Wilderness" knife-kit for woods bumming around my property.

The mini-altiods tin doesn't have to be used for this and may be removed.
I'm no longer going to carry a ferro rod because redundant firestarter can be better fufilled by adding a mini-BIC fitted w/ a rubber o-ring because I smoke mainly, and would still have flameage if needed if I wanted a fire (which is low to no priority on my day trips). I do like the general utility of the whistle and LED light so they will stay. The compass isn't propably needed, but its so small, why not pack it you know?

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Hello, I'm looking for input and ideas from others. I'm not big into a lot of the knife kit I see for various reasons. But I'm trying to build up mine to be simple and effective. I'm not sure what a "knife-based" kit is exactly or what I'd like to accomplish, but I'd like to kick around the idea w/ y'all. I'd love to hear any type of unconventional and/or unusal suggestions of small, useful items, etc.

I won't be adding any other cutting tools, and am not concerned about emergency shelter materials, tinder, fishing/trapping kits, etc. Not really trying to cover the Big 5 survival priorities. I mainly roam in the woods/creek by my property. This knife-kit isn't for SHTF survival. I just have some spare parts, and a desire to build myself something useful in the form of a knife-kit.

So far I have-

Small amount of cordage in the form of a lanyard, and lashing on the sheath. So been thinking, maybe a few wraps around the outside of the sheath for my 550?

And for edge maintence I have 3 pieces of abrasive paper going 220, 400 and 800. All kept inside a plastic bag, but can be used w/ the altiods tin for a expedient sharpner.

A fox 40 whistle

A LED light

A small ferro rod (tinder isn't of concern to me)

A small button compass.

And a small altiods tin for storage. I polished the bottom to be used an emergency signal mirror. It works too!

What might be a practical, non-traditional addition you'd make to this kit?

My last ideas were some pain meds, and a Aquamira filteration straw.









Thanks for looking. This post was edited to further clarify details. Serval members made excellent examples about how my topic could be confusing or taken slightly out of context.

 

[banana-clip]

Ferro rod, small bic lighter and some cotton balls soaked in petrolium jelly for fire starting.

 

[adaman04]

Tinder SHOULD be a concern to you. If you're wet and freezing plucking a piece of good tinder out of your tin and lighting it nearly instantly beats roaming around looking for something. It takes up no space and could be a lifesaver.

I'd add some extra cordage like you said and a heavy sewing needle for clothing/gear repair, picking splinters, etc.

Maybe a couple of water purification tabs, assorted meds and small bandages, etc.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I like the addition of beer, will that fit in the pouch? If not, maybe rig a beer pouch on the sheath.

Sounds good. I would add fatwood if it were me, and ditch the pain meds. I don't like the hassles that can bring from not-so-intelligent woods patrol.

I'm more of the mind (like you are it seems) that only a few frequently used essentials should be kept in these sorts of pockets, not everything and the kitchen sink. I don't need to duplicate in miniature the contents of my rucksack, in my sheath.

 

[11x11x]

Tinder SHOULD be a concern to you. If you're wet and freezing plucking a piece of good tinder out of your tin and lighting it nearly instantly beats roaming around looking for something. It takes up no space and could be a lifesaver.

I'd add some extra cordage like you said and a heavy sewing needle for clothing/gear repair, picking splinters, etc.

Maybe a couple of water purification tabs, assorted meds and small bandages, etc.

I keep the ferro rod purely for back-up. I'm not interested in tinder IN this kit for various reasons. And I also live and play in a tinder rich environment and know how to collect required materials and start a fire in my area from scratch in bad weather, although I'm not usually out in bad weather.

I do like the idea of keeping a couple of bandages, asprin, and water purifcation in this kit. I have just enough room in the pouch for an Aquamire filteration straw.

 

[11x11x]

I like the addition of beer, will that fit in the pouch? If not, maybe rig a beer pouch on the sheath.

Sounds good. I would add fatwood if it were me, and ditch the pain meds. I don't like the hassles that can bring from not-so-intelligent woods patrol.

I'm more of the mind (like you are it seems) that only a few frequently used essentials should be kept in these sorts of pockets, not everything and the kitchen sink. I don't need to duplicate in miniature the contents of my rucksack, in my sheath.

I gotta keep pain meds handy, I have chronic pain, moderate arthritis in my spinal columon and left ankle. I would feel comfortable knowing I have an extra set of napexron available ( I stash back-ups of that stuff everywhere)

I was considering tinder, but it would take up space. I can aquire it locally. Maybe, maybe some kind of compact tinder cubes, but I can talk myself out of that addition everytime as it ties in w/ your last paragraph.

I totally agree w/ you bro.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I gotta keep pain meds handy, I have chronic pain, moderate arthritis in my spinal columon and left ankle. I would feel comfortable knowing I have an extra set of napexron available ( I stash back-ups of that stuff everywhere)

I was considering tinder, but it would take up space. I can aquire it locally. Maybe, maybe some kind of compact tinder cubes, but I can talk myself out of that addition everytime as it ties in w/ your last paragraph.

I totally agree w/ you bro.

Certainly a different situation! Being a chronic medication changes things, as does the pain med being non-controlled. If space allows, I might suggest using individually packaged/labeled meds (for easy ID by the higher powers).

 

[OwenM]

But I'm trying to build up mine to be simple and effective.....I'd like just to keep it simple, and this kit is not designed to some kind super survival kit...am not concerned about emergency shelter materials, tinder, fishing/trapping kits, etc.

Have to ask, simple and effective at what?
What ARE you concerned about? Hard to comment on what could be in there without knowing. Maybe a flat pack of meds, or a spy capsule to keep them from getting crushed, based on that need...

I know what I'd get out of there to prioritize space, though.
That LED light is oversized compared to something like a Photon, and I'd ditch the tin and sandpaper. A lot of your available room is going toward a slow and inefficient method of edge maintenance(of a type you shouldn't even need short-term to begin with).

A flat striker is so much easier than using a knife blade with a firesteel, and could double for steeling the edge of your knife if it gets rolled.
For that matter, if you want a signal mirror, a flat panel polished and sized to fit the pouch would make a bigger, better mirror than the Altoids can, the edge could be a striker for the firesteel, steel for the knife edge, and it would take up almost no room.

Without more info, the only thing I'd suggest adding is a trioxane tab. If you've got chronic back and ankle pain, why would you want to scramble around "to collect required materials and start a fire..from scratch in bad weather"? In the event you have an emergency and need a fire, that would eliminate prepping the small stuff, which is what takes the most time.
I like screwing around with little fuzz sticks, too, but if you're hurt, wet, cold, etc. you're not looking to test fine motor skills or search for materials that will hopefully take a spark, you want to burn something right now.

Personally, I keep those kind of things separate, and don't usually carry a knife big enough to have storage on the sheath, anwyay. I figure other little stuff that instant access isn't needed to is better carried in pockets, and the only thing I'd put in a pouch like that is a couple bandages and a strip of gauze. If I somehow manage to cut myself badly with the knife or get otherwise injured, I don't want to go digging around for, and then in, the first aid kit while bleeding all over the place.

 

[11x11x]

Have to ask, simple and effective at what?
What ARE you concerned about? Hard to comment on what could be in there without knowing. Maybe a flat pack of meds, or a spy capsule to keep them from getting crushed, based on that need...

I know what I'd get out of there to prioritize space, though.
That LED light is oversized compared to something like a Photon, and I'd ditch the tin and sandpaper. A lot of your available room is going toward a slow and inefficient method of edge maintenance(of a type you shouldn't even need short-term to begin with).

A flat striker is so much easier than using a knife blade with a firesteel, and could double for steeling the edge of your knife if it gets rolled.
For that matter, if you want a signal mirror, a flat panel polished and sized to fit the pouch would make a bigger, better mirror than the Altoids can, the edge could be a striker for the firesteel, steel for the knife edge, and it would take up almost no room.

Without more info, the only thing I'd suggest adding is a trioxane tab. If you've got chronic back and ankle pain, why would you want to scramble around "to collect required materials and start a fire..from scratch in bad weather"? In the event you have an emergency and need a fire, that would eliminate prepping the small stuff, which is what takes the most time.
I like screwing around with little fuzz sticks, too, but if you're hurt, wet, cold, etc. you're not looking to test fine motor skills or search for materials that will hopefully take a spark, you want to burn something right now.

Personally, I keep those kind of things separate, and don't usually carry a knife big enough to have storage on the sheath, anwyay. I figure other little stuff that instant access isn't needed to is better carried in pockets, and the only thing I'd put in a pouch like that is a couple bandages and a strip of gauze. If I somehow manage to cut myself badly with the knife or get otherwise injured, I don't want to go digging around for, and then in, the first aid kit while bleeding all over the place.

I appericate the input, but you are taking this to the extreme opposite of what I'm endeavoring. I'm seeking input because I like collecting ideas from others. I know these gear threads can be generic due to differences climate, personal abilities, etc. But never hurts to get a different perspective on gear items. And if you read carefully, I sorta frame out my intentions in the first post. All the gear I using to, is excess from my kit so no buying new stuff.

Some of what you say I can agree w/ but a lot of it not. I don't need or want to carry tinder, yeah I have pain issues, old news, a trixone is going to help how? I'm still going to need to collect materials and maintain a fire regardless if I carry tinder or not. Does that not make sense? I live in an environment where natural materials of all types are over abundant. I don't buy into the whole "Your freezing and wet" arguement doesn't apply because I wouldn't be out in the cold or any potentially life threatening situation w/ only this kit or any other minimalist kit.

I think edge maintence is important for an O1 knife personally. The sandpaper takes up no room at all and is completey outta the way until I need it. Using it in conjunction w/ the mini altiods tin was pure coincendence.

My photon Freedom micro LED is on par size wise w/ that orange county comm LED.

Ferro rod= spare firestarter

Whistle, why not, I have an extra, plus I live in heavy timber.

The button compass is just cute, and it is suprisingly high quality.

And the mini-altiods siginal mirror is just one of those mods you do for phucks sake of doing it.

Again, I state what I'm not interested in adding certain thing because I have my own reasoning. I'm not concerned about using this knife-based kit to "survive" in the wild because I'm lost hiker near dead. My house is in the woods/boonies, and I usually "play" by the creek couple minute walk from my house. If I stated that I'm not concerned w/ a certain item, I have my reason.

 

[Joben]

I personally would put in a bit of tinder, a twist of jute twine doesn't take up any room to speak of...and it's cordage...either that of a mini-bic...having a second firestarter, and such a compact and light one isn't a bad idea.

 

[Pritch]

You're kind of playing hide the ball here. You don't indicate what geographic region you are in or under what circumstances this kit would come in to play.

Where do you plan on carrying this knife kit? What will you be doing? What time of year? What is your experience level? Do you venture out alone or are you in a group?

Absent some data the best I can do is to recommend you consider the survival priorities and how they would be arranged in your environment, then select gear accordingly. (Fire, hydration, shelter, first aid, signalling, etc.)

 

[11x11x]

You're kind of playing hide the ball here. You don't indicate what geographic region you are in or under what circumstances this kit would come in to play.

Where do you plan on carrying this knife kit? What will you be doing? What time of year? What is your experience level? Do you venture out alone or are you in a group?

Absent some data the best I can do is to recommend you consider the survival priorities and how they would be arranged in your environment, then select gear accordingly. (Fire, hydration, shelter, first aid, signalling, etc.)

No hide the ball here pal. Go back and read some of my other posts for most of the information you are missing.

I thought I was specific when I said this was just a knife-based kit, and NOT an survival kit.

I like to talk shop and tinker, and I love hearing others suggestions/ideas. I'm sorry if some of you want my explicate needs/wants. Just roll with it.

 

[Pritch]

I thought I was specific when I said this was just a knife-based kit, and NOT an survival kit.

That's the point right there. WTF is a "knife-based kit" in the context of WSS if not a "survival" kit? ?

I like to play around with various gear combinations and whatnot as well. When putting together a knife-based kit I usually assmble it around the concept of essential gear I'd want on my person if I got seperated from my pack or other gear. This assumes the knife would be worn on my person. If the knife and sheath are going in the pack then that doesn't make as much sense. Perhaps selecting gear that is used in conjunction with the knife would be more in order.

In respect to the filter straw, that answers the need for water purification, but only while you are at a water source. A small water bag, such as this one from John Mcann (bepreparedtosurvive.com) might be a positive addition.

 

[mtwarden]

my knife kits are pretty simple and as they are small knives- room is at a premium- I envy folks that are setting up big knives-especially when the have sheaths w/ pouches

I always add as much cordage as possible (usually in the 12-15' range) this means wrapping the sheath w/ it.
A fire steel is always added.
A couple of tinder tabs.
A whistle.
A photon light
A couple of Micro Pur tabs
A MRE hot beverage bag

IF I had a bigger knife w/ a pouch here's what I'd add to the above: a AMK heatsheet, a small compass, a heavy needle secreted in a coffee stirrer w/ the ends crimped- wrapped w/ ~ 50' of 20-40 # Spectra line, some duct tape folded up w/ a few safety pins under the last fold, a folded up aluminum small bread pan, a pack of Steri-strips

btw- like the Breedan

 

[11x11x]

That's the point right there. WTF is a "knife-based kit" in the context of WSS if not a "survival" kit? ?

WTF is a "survival" kit? Semantics can led us down a slippery slope. Some people just barely step into the woods and everything turns into "Survival" gear. There is no need to reframe the conversation so that it fits into your definition/perception of things. Make sense?

I do admit that I could have provided more information in my intial post. And I will edit it to expanded upon the topic.

BTW, those water bags look neat, thanks for the link, I'll have to check into those.


Check out woodsdrummers "SASS" kit-http://www.woodsdrummer.com/sass.html

I'm not judging its merits, it just an example of what I'd consider to be a "Survival knife-kit" and thats the area I'm trying to avoid...

 

[11x11x]

my knife kits are pretty simple and as they are small knives- room is at a premium- I envy folks that are setting up big knives-especially when the have sheaths w/ pouches

I always add as much cordage as possible (usually in the 12-15' range) this means wrapping the sheath w/ it.
A fire steel is always added.
A couple of tinder tabs.
A whistle.
A photon light
A couple of Micro Pur tabs
A MRE hot beverage bag

IF I had a bigger knife w/ a pouch here's what I'd add to the above: a AMK heatsheet, a small compass, a heavy needle secreted in a coffee stirrer w/ the ends crimped- wrapped w/ ~ 50' of 20-40 # Spectra line, some duct tape folded up w/ a few safety pins under the last fold, a folded up aluminum small bread pan, a pack of Steri-strips

btw- like the Breedan

Thats a nice spread! I like that idea of using a coffee stirrer as a storage device. Those things are thick! Can you expand on the MRE hot beverage bag? Are you refering to the chemical heating bags for the entry, or is this a new devolpment in the MRE world?

 

[mtwarden]

yeah- I simply used the firestraw idea w/ the coffee stirrer

many of the MRE's come w/ a one quart bag to heat a beverage in- you can source these by themselves w/o buying a MRE

they work nice because they fold so flat (and are relatively stout)- that's why they work so well w/ my small knife kits

if you have room the above posted bags are better yet- I have both and choose based on room available

 

[Preacher Man]

How about some heavy-duty aluminum foil? It can be used to make a makeshift cup, plate, pot, and frying pan. A small folded-up aluminum bread pan is much better, but would probably be impractical for an Altoids tin contained kit.

 

[mtwarden]

I don't have an altoids tin handy, but they pack up pretty small- would easily fit in the pouch if it didn't fit in the tin

 

[Preacher Man]

mtwarden,

Ussually I'll carry one of those and the next larger size with me in a backpack or daypack. But for a mini kit I prefer aluminum foil because it packs thinner. That been said, carrying one in the knife pouch may work for 11x11x.