The Importance of Knives
If you are going into the bush and they allow you to bring only one tool, never leave your knife. It is one of those rare tools that you can use both indoors and outdoors. Some authorities consider knives as essential survival tools. Their versatility is among the top reasons you should always have a knife during outdoor activities. Here are 11 ways you can use your knife for survival.
(Guest Post by Josh Montgomery of Minutemanreview.com – an incredible site focusing on supporting the 2nd Amendment and promoting firearms safety and education)
1. Hunting and fishing
Whether you love fishing as a hobby or do it for your livelihood, having a survival knife is paramount. You can use it to cut a fishing line that is stuck on weeds or a rock. You may also use it to remove fish from the bait. As for hunting, you can also use a knife to carve out tree trucks for markings. That way, you can use the tree markings to trace your route back or attract attention if you are lost.
2. Setting up camp space
If you are a camping enthusiast, your knife will come in handy the moment you get to the camping site. You can use it to clear the ground before putting up the tent. Depending on its size, a knife can also help remove nearby shrubs and bushes if you require additional camping space.
3. First aid
Whether you are in outdoors or indoors, many hazards can hurt you. Unfortunately, there is no way you can carry a proper first aid kit everywhere you go. In that case, how would you cut your bandages? While a pair of scissors can serve this purpose, remember that it can only be used for one purpose while a knife is multipurpose. A survival knife will not only help you cut bandages, but it can also be used to wrap up a wood splint to your leg if you break it. You can also use a knife to create a tourniquet for severe injuries.
4. Preparing meals
Whether you choose to eat meat or vegetable while out in the wild, you will require a knife to prepare your ingredients. Just like you would need a sharp tool to slice your fish at home, the same applies when you are out camping, hunting, or fishing. Even if you brought canned food, you would require a sharp tool to open the tins. Otherwise, you won’t have any meal.
5. Self-defense
When you hit the woods, you have no zero ideas of what to expect. Anything could happen out there in the cold, including defending yourself from aggressive animals or thorny pathways. A knife is the most straightforward tool you can use to protect yourself. In case you are attacked by a dangerous animal, you can throw the knife at it to reduce its fierceness. If you are planning on using a knife for a shield, make sure you carry a sharp one that is of high quality.
6. Digging
Ideally, survival knives aren’t suited for proper digging. However, if you couldn’t bring a shovel and yet you must make a hole, your knife is your best bet. You can use it to excavate a root and dig up worms that you can use as bait. Depending on your knife’s strength, it can serve as a tool for unearthing tubers, making fire pits disposing of waste, and carving our distress signals in snow or dust. Therefore, why would you bother packing a huge shovel while a small blade can do all these things?
7. Start a fire
If you are ever in a situation where you don’t have a lighter or matches, your knife will save the day. Use it to strike for a shower of hot sparks. It is a good idea to practice this kind of fire starting method in a controlled environment before you try it in the woods. Although it is not as easy as using a match, eventually, you will start a fire, as long as proper timber is available. To ease the work, use some gasoline or small twigs to catch fire before lighting large pieces of firewood.
8. Making tools
You have read the many ways in which fire serves as a utility tool. The best part is that you can also use it to make other tools that you may require in the wilderness. For instance, your survival knife can easily carve the end of stakes or spears. You can also use it to make fish hooks. If you wish to modify your equipment or tools, your knife will help you to make them.
9. Hammering
Knives substitute for several tools, and the hammer is no exception. If you want to pitch your tent and you have to drive in some nails, your hammer will do you the favor you seek. You might also need to hammer other items at the campsite or otherwise. All you need is to use the blunt side of the knife in place of a hammer. You should, however, be cautious to avoid cutting your fingers.
10. Use it as a screwdriver
Many campers forget to carry their screwdriver because it is a small tool that you wouldn’t think you need until you do. In case you forget to pack one, all you’ve got to do is to pull out your knife, and that’s it. Use the sharp part for turning the screws and take care not to hurt your hand.
11. Tapping for sap
It is among the rare uses of knives that enthusiast campers can relate to. When you are out in the wild, some things come in handy, such as sap. Besides being an ideal food source, the fluid is also an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ointment that is ideal for cuts and wounds. It comes from some tree species, and you would need a sharp item to reach it. Other uses of sap include fire-starter, waterproofing items, and glue.