Great review. I'm always curious about why people want to use a knife as a spear though. I'd just sharpen a stick and fire harden the tip. Pretty much as effective as a blade on the end and much better balanced. A big plus is you still have your knife for chores or emergencies without having to dismantle the spear every time.
If I'm missing an important aspect of using a knife as a spear, please let me know. I'm not picking on you, this has always made me curious and this just seemed like an opportunity to ask.
I agree with you, my first choice would be to fire harden the tip and save the knife. However, what happens when you're in a situation where you cannot fire harden the tip? This could be because of excessive rain fall, or you just got into the survival situation and your first order of business in the need for a weapon for protection, being stalked by a bear or some such thing.
You can also lash the knife to the end of a stick and use it to prune. I've done this before to cut down wasp nest. But it could also be used for bees nest if you want to get at the honey.
It's important to kepp in mind that survival is all about opportunities and options. The more you have the better you are.
I posted prior to seeing this post.
As I mentioned in my last post, I am not real sure of the values of hardening a spear tip with fire. I am sure it helps, but still not sure it is always needed. Depends on the wood I guess.
..... in the need for a weapon for protection, being stalked by a bear or some such thing.
For defense - bear or other - I agree with having "options". To me, options would be multiple weapons = Spear(s) AND knife seperately.
As opposed to only "A" spear.
I supposed a spear could be made in such a way that the knife at the tip could be used for slashing. This might be very good with say a pack of wolves where you don't want to let go of your spear and still like some extra length. But, I think my statistical probability way of thinking would keep my knife next to me for a back-up / plan-B type option.
I have to be honest. I hope like heck I never have to fend off something like a big brown or Grizzly bear with a stick! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
You can also lash the knife to the end of a stick and use it to prune.
It's important to keep in mind that survival is all about opportunities and options. The more you have the better you are.
Good and valid points!
Hollow rivets in my handles don't bother me. They feel about the same as solid pins with no compromises. So, I could argue the benifits of hollow rivets in the handles.
But, I still don't like the Talon Holes! Not that Talon Holes are being discussed here. But, in the case of the Talon Holes, I feel there are compromises every time I use a knife with Talon Holes that EASILY outweigh any possible benifits. Hollow rivets should be sufficient and Talon Holes don't buy you much of anything if you have hollow rivets. Just my opinion there. Sorry if side-tracked....
.
