How the Right Knife Can Help You Survive

If you’ve ever been in a survival situation, you understand the importance of the right tools. In some cases, your equipment could be the difference between life and death.

With proper skills and training, you can survive using only your knife. However, this means that you need to make sure that you have the right knife for the job, ideally one that can handle a variety of situations.

Versatile and Convenient

If you are planning on going backpacking, then you can prepare yourself and pack what you need. However, many survival situations occur when you’re least expecting them. This means that you’re better off with a knife that you can easily carry around with you.

Double action oft knives are pocket knives with a deployable blade that you can use at the flip of a switch. You can access the blade quickly and reliably when you need it, and you can use it one-handed for more versatility.

Ideally, you should invest in an oft knife that’s reliable and sturdy enough to handle what you throw at it. Stainless steel blades are less likely to rust or chip than high-carbon steel, making them a great option for survival.

Knife Care

As well as investing in a knife that you can rely on, you also need to look after your blade. Your knife will need regular sharpening, especially if you do use it in a survival situation. A blunt knife isn’t just frustrating to use, it’s also more dangerous as it’s more likely to slip in your grip and cut you.

You should also keep your knife clean. Keep the folding mechanism clear of grit and dirt and oil it to keep the mechanism smooth. Clean the blade with alcohol to make sure that it doesn’t rust. If you look after your knife, it will last for far longer and look after you much better.

Using Your Knife

There are many different ways to use your knife in an emergency. A good knife should be able to process wood, which allows you to create more tools and light fires. True, you might need a more dedicated tool to chop logs and make firewood, but your oft knife is more than capable of most tasks you’ll encounter.

Being able to create fire can provide light, warmth, and potentially a signal for people to find you. You can use your knife to create wood shavings for kindling, which makes it far easier to light the fire.

You can also create walking sticks, spears, or even bowls for collecting and boiling water. The sharp point can drill holes in wood and even bone alike, which can help you to create different tools for hunting and fishing. You can then use the knife to gut and process anything you catch.

If you buff your knife, then you can use the shiny metal blade to reflect the sun and create a signal for help. Once you know how to use your knife, you will find that it’s the most versatile tool in your backpack or even your pocket.