Winter survival knife

A

acerpower

Joined
Apr 27, 2013
Messages
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Having recently relocating with my family to north central Minnesota, we purchased some used snowmobiles as a cure for winter boredom.
Since I'll mostly be riding in remote rural locations in harsh wintery conditions, any mishap on my sled can quickly turn into a true survival experience.
So my BK2 has been riding in my backpack along with my other winter survival gear.

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Up until now my 2 gets used less than most of my collection, but if I had to choose one knife and my life depended on it, my choice would be an unbreakable, sharpened pry bar of a knife.
The legendary BK2 companion is my choice for a fool proof winter survival knife.
I always have my BK11, and a leatherman multi tool with me as well, along with my other emergency gear, so I think I'll have a chance if I'm stranded in the middle of nowhere for a day or two, but since it can get down to -30°F up here, survival would definitely be a challenge.
 
BK2, BK11 and a Leatherman... that's a good team. :)

I lived in Central Wisconsin most of my life, and I don't miss the winters one bit. Be careful out there.
 
Nice choice of tools! I am using one as my "Last Resort" blade paired up with an 11 and a Gerber multi tool, and an altoids tin of goodies.
 
Yep, winter in this part of the country is brutal.
I don't tend to ride when it's below zero, but if I were to be stranded overnight sub zero temperature would likely be unavoidable.
I'm generally careful but accidents are sometimes unavoidable, and sleds break down.
I try not to ride alone, but sometimes cabin fever gets the best of me.
 
whereabouts in NC Mn?
I've got kinfolk in between Walker & Bemidji.
 
:thumbup: Maybe pack a large sandwich bag with Vaseline dipped cotton balls and some shaved fatwood. Really quick fire starts. I suppose a guy could use sled fuel, unless it is gone for any number of reasons. Tarp, folding saw ? I squared the spine on my 2 and it tosses a spark shower off a ferro rod.

 
Yes, always have my ferro rod, Zippo, Big lighter in my jacket pocket,Big in the sled, and Big in my backpack. Got tinder in my backpack, and pocket tin.
When it comes to fire I'm very redundant.
I did learn a new trick from a snowmobile forum though, tampons!
You hold the tampkn by the string and dip it in the tank. Instant firestarter.
But you could get separated from your sled, say if it was a the bottom of a lake or something.
My wife thinks I'm nuts with my.survival gear, but I'd rather be prepared for the worst.
 
add a "casualty blanket" to your kit -- poly tarp on one side, mylar on the other -- can get them in OD or blaze orange.
larger and more durable than a standard space blanket.
 
I'll look for the casualty blanket, I've been wanting one.
I already carry a tarp, and a 55 gallon trash can liner that I can use for shelter, or a bivy.
Also foldind saw, aluminum water bottle, canteen cup, spare compass, ect.
Not to mention tools for the sled, spare drive belt, plugs, duck tape, tow rope, ect.
And of course spare gloves and wool socks.
I have lots of other little odds and ends that aren't coming to mind right now.
Almost forgot about toilet paper, sometimes nature calls at inappropriate times, and there's not much for foliage this time of year.
 
Out of all the beckers the Machaxe would be my choice for a dedicated knife for snowmobile excursions along with any of the tweeners. That and a folding saw with all the goodies above.
If the snow was right the machaxe would be a passable snowknife for cutting and shaving blocks for shelter as well, or digging out a snowcave.

I would not want to have to chop and process frozen wood with a bk-2 with the sun going down
 
acerpower said:
so I think I'll have a chance if I'm stranded in the middle of nowhere for a day or two, but since it can get down to -30°F up here, survival would definitely be a challenge.
Click to expand...

Get a PLB or SEND! Surviving is nice, getting rescued is lots better™.
 
Brad "the butcher";13014452 said:
Out of all the beckers the Machaxe would be my choice for a dedicated knife for snowmobile excursions along with any of the tweeners. That and a folding saw with all the goodies above.
If the snow was right the machaxe would be a passable snowknife for cutting and shaving blocks for shelter as well, or digging out a snowcave.

I would not want to have to chop and process frozen wood with a bk-2 with the sun going down
Click to expand...

I figure between the folding saw and 2 for splitting I should be fine for firewood.
No shortage of smaller branches in these parts.
I usually have a small shovel too which would help with an emergency shelter.
 
Critter said:
Get a PLB or SEND! Surviving is nice, getting rescued is lots better™.
Click to expand...
A personal beacon is on my wish list for outdoor gadgetry.
I hunt alone, and often kayak alone in the summer too, so I'd be carrying it year round.
 
acerpower said:
A personal beacon is on my wish list for outdoor gadgetry.
I hunt alone, and often kayak alone in the summer too, so I'd be carrying it year round.
Click to expand...
Damn. I would maybe put that at the top of the "buy right now" list if you're spending that much time alone on the water and in the wilderness. As a friend of mine says, "better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it".
 
the knife you have is the knife you use...

so have a couple

if i had a sled, i'd want an axe
 
granitestateofmind said:
Damn. I would maybe put that at the top of the "buy right now" list if you're spending that much time alone on the water and in the wilderness. As a friend of mine says, "better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it".
Click to expand...


If I could afford it I'd get it, but Christmas left me short on funds
I try not to go out alone if I can, but when I can't get anyone to go with me I don't let it stop me from having fun.
I always let my wife know where I'm going so they'll know where to find my carcass if things go wrong.
Plus the cell gets reception most of the time.
I figure if something bad happened, it shouldn't take too long for someone to come looking.
I just like to be prepared to spend a few nights out in the woods just in case.
 
Bladite said:
the knife you have is the knife you use...

so have a couple

if i had a sled, i'd want an axe
Click to expand...

When I go hiking around my property, I usually take my Cold Steel Trail Hawk, mostly to throw at dead trees.
But I suppose I could stash it on my sled and it could make a decent chopper, and hammer.
And now I know not to use the back of a hatchet to baton my 2.;)
 
Buy an axe and an axe mate cover and mount it to the inside of your running board... You'll never notice it while skidooing but will come in handy... Other then that the bk2 and the folding saw should do you fine... However on my skidoo trips i like the machine to carry as much weight as possible rather then strapping it t my back. An extra 20 lbs on your back makes a big difference when your ditch banging and going through deep powder.... Just my 2 cents
 
I'd definitely carry the axe on the sled.
I try and keep the lighter necessities in my pack in case I get seperated from my sled, like it ends up on the bottom of a lake or something.
 
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