must-have knife skills

GarnetandBlack

GarnetandBlack

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Dec 1, 2012
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So the contest thread above (showing off your best knife skill http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1035052-Show-off-your-best-knife-skill) kicked off a very interesting conversation between a friend and me.

We were discussion what knife skills are must-haves for anyone, bushcrafter, knife enthusiast, etc.

Our list included;

1.) Tinder Prep - a bit broad, but just the ability to create something ignitable with firesteels, etc.

2.) Trap work - i.e. making the cuts and knifework needed for setting a variety of traps.

3.) implicit in #1, starting a fire with a knife and firesteel

4.) carve some sort of eating utensil - spoon, etc.

So what do yall think? What would your list include for knife skills that everyone should work on perfecting. Weather it be for the knife enthusiast, the couch surfer, the outdoorsman.

Chime in, id be interested to hear your responses.
 
I think if you include #2, you should also include skinning. Cause trapping an animal won't do any good if you can't eat it.
 
We also kicked around the ability to process large chunks of wood with small knives. i.e. Carving wedges or wooden froes to effectively split wood rather than simple batoning.
 
I always enjoyed seeing everyone's skills with feather sticks as well. Wouldn't mind seeing some techniques used. Looking forward to seeing some carving techniques as well
 
Being able to open a tin can and then make a billy can can be pretty useful too I'd say. We use our tin bean cans over and over out in the bush.

I think carving a walking stick is good, same with just general whittling.

Kabarcamper said:
I always enjoyed seeing everyone's skills with feather sticks as well. Wouldn't mind seeing some techniques used. Looking forward to seeing some carving techniques as well
Click to expand...

Oh yea, we need a feather stick competition, I've seen some pretty slick stuff.
 
Granted, all of these are skills you perform with your knife, bit they aren't necessarily knife skills.

First thing to do, is learn your type of cuts and holds, understand when to use what hold and what cut to get the most work with the least amount of effort.

Then, you need to learn to use addendums along with your knife. I prefer a baton or club of wood. Then, learn how to use it safely and effectively, without damaging the knife, your work, and yourself.

Then, you need to learn to maintain you blade. Sharpen it on just about anything, make it comfortable for YOU. Keep it clean, and keep it on you.

Once you reach a certain point, you will no longer have to think "I need a knife for this....", you'll just see what needs to be done, and the knife will be in your hand.

Find a place to carry thats comfortable, easy to get to, and someplace you can "feel" it when its on you. That way, you will know instantly, when you don't have it.

Always have it with you. And always think before you cut, "Whats gonna happen if this let's go....."

In other words, you can't take back a cut and a simple cut to you, can be devastating.

Moose
 
+1 on the field dressing. Much more important than carving utensils, IMO.
First aid!
 
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