What about general tools to take into serious situations?

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Wolfeye

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Apr 26, 2015
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Hey everyone. Was just looking at the "One Knife To War" thread & got to wondering about some general tools to add to things. I figure it might be more appropriate in a different thread or maybe even a different site, but I was wondering what other tools one might bring. The idea of the tools being something forged & non-mechanized. Like one of those ESEE Firesteels or a small crow bar, something like that. I'd probably throw both of those in & maybe something like a take-down blowgun or one of those SAS bows (for hunting things without making too much noise, with possible combative applications).
 
Wolfeye said:
Hey everyone. Was just looking at the "One Knife To War" thread & got to wondering about some general tools to add to things. I figure it might be more appropriate in a different thread or maybe even a different site, but I was wondering what other tools one might bring. The idea of the tools being something forged & non-mechanized. Like one of those ESEE Firesteels or a small crow bar, something like that. I'd probably throw both of those in & maybe something like a take-down blowgun or one of those SAS bows (for hunting things without making too much noise, with possible combative applications).
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Any time I step foot into the woods I have my Glock on me. Heck anytime I take a step outside I have it on me. Most used and trusted secondary tool I use hands down. Many random woodchucks and other vermin have met their end because of it.
 
Proper, ideally versatile, clothing and footwear would be a huge one for me. I'm no warfighter and the most threatening varmint I'm likely to run across here in Ohio is a rabid racoon, so heat exhaustion/stroke and hypothermia are the biggest threats I'm likely to run across.
 
The thing with tools is that, unless you go into a situation with some idea of tasks you may face (navigating locked doors, cutting cables, handling dangerous materials, dismantling equipment w/o damaging it, etc.) it's nigh impossible to carry every possible dedicated tool. In a get-home bag (GHB) or bug-out bag (BOB) it's common to have a dedicated pry bar, or a knife that can serve in that capacity. Same with seat belt cutters and glass breakers for exiting a vehicle or rescuing someone trapped in one. Some folks keep bolt cutters or a small shovel. Going into the woods, a hatchet or folding saw makes sense. But as far as other tools, well . . . that's where multi-tools really shine. I've read numerous posts on this and other forums about military personnel using their issued multi-tools in combination with some sort of knife for clearing IEDs, and I have often used that same combination for cutting cable and stripping equipment before extracting it from places where bringing in a proper tool kit wasn't feasible, eg. industrial computer systems mounted inside of cabinets or attached to machinery that wouldn't allow for room to maneuver "job appropriate" tools.

I have to be honest, I haven't needed a blowgun or bow, and without having practiced with either in advance of any situation calling for one, I sure wouldn't want to stake my survival on using one. Sort of like Boris74 said, I carry a handgun wherever my permit legally allows. I also carry a folding knife and a Leatherman everywhere, every day. I keep a Statgear T3 rescue tool in my vehicle's center console and a stocked GHB in back. If I found myself facing some sort of civil unrest or disaster preventing me from getting where I needed to go, those are the tools I would have at my disposal. If I was already at home, then I would have the luxury of picking whatever was appropriate for the situation. Combat? That's not something I have ANY training or experience in, so I would have no choice but to select equipment I was familiar with, could carry with minimal impact on my mobility, and could reasonably expect to need for the purpose of keeping myself alive.
 
A proper tool for your rifle/carbine just in case...

Real Avid has come put with some nice multitools directly geared with firearm maintenance in mind...

Standard issue e-tool is a must as well, nothing better for popping a squat in a corner somewhere and having the etool available for a one cheek iron throne to support your weight.
 
Other than a knife, I always have some basics in my bag: 18350 titanium Flashlight, batteries, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, shades, gloves, zip ties (small ones to medium), small 1/2 roll of Gorilla tape (crushed down to take up less room its the smaller width tape), few feet of para cord, titanium pry bar, camping mirror, nail clippers and a torch lighter.

Most of this stuff is fairly light weight, and takes up little room. Sometimes I have more, but this stuff is always with me. I can't count the times I have been able to help me and others.

Just the other day, a windshield wiper BROKE off in a heavy down poor. I removed the passenger side wiper, and zip tied it to broken drivers side arm. Used the tape to keep passenger arm from scratching windshield. Was able to finish my commute. Its nice to have a few basics.
 
Wolfeye said:
Hey everyone. Was just looking at the "One Knife To War" thread & got to wondering about some general tools to add to things. I figure it might be more appropriate in a different thread or maybe even a different site, ....
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...and, since this is General Knife discussion, I believe you would be right. Sounds Gadgets and Gear possibly.
 
Fun question / topic.

Sensible footwear and a leatherman PST. I also always have a folding knife within reach. Those are my main "tools" and they get used daily.

I'm fortunate. Unless I was specifically out hunting or fishing, I've never needed to kill anything in the wild. I do a lot of hiking and backpacking and I don't take my guns in those situations. For me it's wasted weight.
 
Quality leatherman multi tool for sure. I frequently carry one in a belt sheath. But going into an out door or urban high risk situation it's a must have.
 
sideways: RIGHT! I forgot about those small can openers. There's even some kinds of spoon/can opener combinations (I'm pretty sure Coleman has some like that). A regular kitchen spoon bent in half to save space & one or two of those P-51 can openers at the very least. Also a mirror made of polished metal somewhere in the kit (maybe the one in a K & R Alpine Compass- it seems like a good one). Tweezers, of course (it seems that the Swiss Army Knife style can be very good, as you can slide the edge of the tweezers ACROSS your skin to try & catch the end of whatever it is- same as like you would with a knife).
 
I think the more common pull tab cans become, the more critical a can opener becomes, because those that don't might end up being the only ones available to you.
As for general tools, dedicated pliers, vice-grips or adjustable wrenches work better than a multi, but at the cost of less adaptability and greater weight of multiple tools. small screwdrivers are also very important, and hard to improvise.
 
One thing to keep in mind, it's not the best thing for your edge, but almost any pocket knife (including most slipjoints) can open a can just fine in a pinch. It's great to have the right tool for the job, but I don't go out of my way to carry a can opener unless I know there are cans to be opened.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Proper, ideally versatile, clothing and footwear would be a huge one for me. I'm no warfighter and the most threatening varmint I'm likely to run across here in Ohio is a rabid racoon, so heat exhaustion/stroke and hypothermia are the biggest threats I'm likely to run across.
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That part about quality footwear is definitely not something to overlook!!! If you get in a situation where you're going to be on your feet for a long time and covering distance you REALLY want to have good boots. It is so important. Also you want something that is water resistant for sure. I mentioned this in another thread, but I got a pair of Salomon ultra mid GTX hiking boots that are freaking amazing. They would do the trick in any situation. Running, hiking, walking long distance, etc. So damn comfortable and lots of gortex water resistant material. They look pretty cool, definitely have more of an "urban" look compared to your typical brown hiking boot. Only negative thing was the price, but in this case the money really really counts.
 
Yes... Clothing really makes a big difference. In 99% of emergencies the elements are your true enemy. Your clothing is the first line of defense.

Depending on the conditions you'll either want to keep moisture in or to get it out as quickly as possible. In warm weather you want the evaporative cooling effect given by water trapped near your skin. In these conditions cotton is OK as long as you do not stay in wet clothes long enough to develop skin conditions (trench foot or chafing). As a side note about chafing you'll probably want to skip the cotton skivvies, especially ones that ride up and in a big bunch, and it's probably also worth lubing up the high friction areas with vaseline before setting out. In all other conditions I would avoid cotton.

In cold conditions you'll want to transport water away from your core to better keep warm. In extreme cold (-40C/-40F) it is easy to get dehydrated. You'll lose a boatload of water through your respiratory function and evaporation from the skin without feeling thirsty. So drink plenty of fluids. Also down at those temperatures the wind is often just as big a problem as the actual cold. Wind will cut right through your insulation layers unless you have a wind proof shell.

Wet and cold (around freezing) has its own set of challenges. You'll almost want a place to get out of the wet and a fire to dry your stuff. Clothing wise you'll want gear that dries fast. Normally I like wool mid and base layers because it takes them longer to develop unpleasant odors meaning I can carry fewer changes of clothing. However in cold wet conditions it's almost worth putting up with the smell of synthetics like polar fleece for the quicker drying and associated warmth.

Extreme heat is of course also dangerous. Without protection from the sun in extreme heat you will become dehydrated, sunburned and delirious in very short order. Light colored, long sleeved, UV resistant clothing is the name of the game. Big airy hats in light colors are awesome. 90 proof sun block. Gloves and UV resistant shoes (socks in sandles does not cover it) are also necessary since no part of your body should be uncovered. In terrible heat you'll want to go full arab and don the tradtional robes that block the sun and trap cool air near the skin.

Footwear is important. Ask any soldier or long distance hiker. It's one of the most important pieces of kit if you have to walk for any distance. Double up your socks to allow slippage, apply second skin bandages to blister areas and most importantly toughen up your feet and break in your shoes before you need them.
 
In extremely wet conditions all the "waterproof breathable" stuff is bullshit. You want rubber shell garments, a place to get out of the elements and dry off, and a supply of dry clothes.
 
sideways said:
In extremely wet conditions all the "waterproof breathable" stuff is bullshit. You want rubber shell garments, a place to get out of the elements and dry off, and a supply of dry clothes.
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Well yeah, water resistant is certainly different then water proof. If it's pouring rain or you submerge something then "water resistant" doesn't mean crap. It's definitely worth having though for conditions that aren't crazy like that. Having water resistant boots and walking through wet and muddy grounds can really help keep your feet dry when normally they wouldn't be. For complete water proofing having complete rubber shells would be optimal, but they're not always the most comfortable or capable in conditions other than water. I wouldn't want to hike in rubber boots for long. But in any case, yes water resistant and water proof are completely different of course.
 
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