You can only have ONE with you

XMP

XMP

Joined
Feb 9, 2007
Messages
1,655
I know this is a variation on a theme in this forum, but some of the recent discussion of toys and tools has me thinking. So here is my scenario/question: you are in a long term survival/bush-living situation. Imagine Robinson Crusoe or Paulsen's Hatchet story in a North American woodland setting. You aren't going to be rescued in 48 hours; in fact, it may be months or never. You'll need to construct shelter, prepare firewood, start fires, trap, fish, and do whatever else it takes to thrive in this situation. In other words it is a longterm, but unplanned wilderness living situation.

Given this scenario what is the ONE blade you'd want to have with you. LM and SAKs count as knives, as do axes and hatchets. This one blade will have to do everything from batoning to skinning to preparing kindling.

What would you choose? I'm interested to hear both general parameters (length, style, fixed, folding, etc.) to specfic brands and models.
 
I would pick something like a machete but thicker. 18" blade length, 4mm or 3/16 thick with a good belly. Maybe a large kukhri.

Since, we are in the NA woodlands, an axe is tempting but at the end of the day, I feel a large chopper is slightly more versatile.
 
this one is my only one if i had to pick in any situation , siegel camp knifeIMG_0254.JPGclick on the pick for bigger picture
 
If I could only have one, it would probably be my Leatherman Blast.

I can make a primitive stone ax, and I can even make a primitive knife, but it would be rather difficult to make a saw, metal file, pliers, and scissors.
And the screwdrivers could be useful for prying and prodding, thus saving the knife-edge from damage.

More tools and a little imagination equals more possibilities.
 
Only one?

Hard choice.

Does the Karda with the khukuri counts as a knife? :P

So probably a 15" BAS or a RD6. Or the 4.5" bladed knife I plan to make this summer.
 
No self respecting member here would ever be stuck with only one knife! :D
If I was in a heavily forested area, I'd probably choose my GB hunters axe. It's easy to choke up and use for all kinds of tasks. Anywhere else, I'd choose the knife in my sig. :thumbup:

As a side though, I bet you could get by even in that situation without needing to chop even one single time.
 
Finally a use for my Busse Fusion Steelheart!
 
Knowing that I would want shelter and a fire I probably would chose my gerber hatchet. I think I could do most tasks including skinning with it. If I wasn't in woods then I also would chose my NWA survival knife which I never go into the woods without now. :thumbup: :D Biggest small knife I own. It has replaced my becker necker and thats saying something.

KR
 
I'd say LM wave.. more versatility , but if this just happend unexpected any blade on you is a plus . :thumbup:
 
Good question.

I was just about to ask this forum if I need to get a RAT, be it RAT-3, RAT-5, RAT-7 or RTAK-II. I ran into a little $$ and have heard nothing but good things about all sizes. What say you?

Ordinarily I go packing fairly light, with a Reeves Double Bit Hatchet, and either a Spyderco Manix (folder) or a Buck Mini Alpha Hunter (fixed). There may also be another knife in my pack or on my person somewhere, a OHTrekker SAK, sometimes a Case Three Blade Sowbelly, or a Schrade Old Timer 123OT. If I could only have one?

Probably the Reeves Hatchet I can build shelter, get a fire going, even prep food with it in a pinch.

Although my answer may change if I do get a RAT.
 
Another vote for the LM wave. The versatility offered by a multi-tool would would be very handy when it came time to make bigger tools. It might take a little time and ingenuity, but I think the LM would be my best choice in the long run.
 
Jenner 515 said:
Ordinarily I go packing fairly light, with a Reeves Double Bit Hatchet, and either a Spyderco Manix (folder) or a Buck Mini Alpha Hunter (fixed). There may also be another knife in my pack or on my person somewhere, a OHTrekker SAK, sometimes a Case Three Blade Sowbelly, or a Schrade Old Timer 123OT.
Click to expand...
Wow!
If that's packing light, then I would hate to see HEAVY. :eek:
 
In my line of work I always have on my belt everyday M-F 8-5 is a LM wave & a pocket knife(Kershaw blur or scalion) or when not in the mood to sport a pocket knife I carry a RAT-3 .
 
the smaller Siegle will go with me(bottom one)

http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=4778871

Would be VERY HARD to construct a shelter,chop firewood,etc with a small knife and any game/fish I caught could be skinned with this knife(not effectively--but possible)

I have over 30 knives in the 4-7" range--but would not rely on them like I would this knife.

Just hope I'm never in a situation and have to rely on just one-- of anything
 
A small quality axe would have it's uses. A golok or khukri would work too. I agree on the Leatherman Wave for all-round utility. A Victorinox Trekker would be my next choice. A 4"-5" stout fixed blade would come next.

I'd rather have a small multi-tool, a 4" fixed blade and a folding saw if I was moving.
 
probably a double head axe keep 1 side duller for chopping one side really shapr fo finer tasks.....if I had to choose one knife fallkniven f-1
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top