knife use in wilderness

This may seem like a semi-dumb topic, but I figure it's worth a try. I myself love my knives, but sometimes I wish i knew of more ways to use them. Never be in the wilderness without your knife, right? Well, how about explaining why? (not just for me, but for anyone who may be wondering such a question) And then could you give a brief explanation of HOW to do each use? (To avoid the "Use your knife to make a anatomically verrigated see-saw sundial!" ideas without any explanation of what it is or how to do it)

Let's see what you can come up with....

Sharpen sticks to roast marshmallows on the end <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I like to use green or at least not totally rotten sticks, approx 1/4" in diameter. Starting about 3" from the tip, i use my knife to remove wood, creating a conical point. Spear marshmallow along it's major axis and roast till desired level of roastage is achieved.

Check out www.geocities.com/underwatersniper for a couple ideals. I will add more to this thread later (time permitting)as I dont have time to type now but knives are used for making traps, building fires, shelter,food prep, carving tools like spoons/forks/digging sticks, making walking sticks, building firebows, prying dead logs to harvest food, making weapons like spears, bows, arrows, throwing sticks, atlatls, they can be used for pealing bark off willow for medicine, skinning and tanning hides. Many, many uses for the knife. It could take weeks to explain their usefulness.

when I get to go to the "sticks", my knives get duty cleaning fish for lunch and dinner and splitting wood for the fire. I don't get to do near enough though, but it is fun when I do.

Cerberus

My average knife use in the woods?

A knife is used to split wood, make fuzz sticks for fire, slice food, open occasional wrappers, cut rope, and...


MOST IMPORTANTLY:

The big chopper (Battle Rat/Battle Scapper) is the perfect size to dig my lil single-use privy hole. Muy importante!!


Does PM _ _ _ _ in the woods?! Why, yes he does! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I hope PM remembered the TP ! Well said squirrel !

Pics! Oh wait....NO PICS! NO PICS!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Pics of Paddling_Man in the woods might be considered cruel and unusual punishment!

They used to tell us to dig holes while out in the field at Ft. HOOD, but noone ever did. You always had to watch out for human landmines! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/barf.gif" alt="" />

The problem is, if I don't dig a pile-hole, some varmint starts thinking my GI leftovers smell like food and they get curious.

Sorry, not me, but at least you get the visual. You can thank me later for the small resolution.

AARRRGGHHHH!!!! I can't believe I am seeing this!

Better than meeting up with whatever made those tracks!

Stacey, what to you eat that an animal would confuse with food!? Or what the hell do animals eat that they would confuse a turd for....delicious chocolate covered peanuts?
And I thought they could smell it even under a few inches of dirt!

Perhaps whatever made those tracks is hunting whatever left the scent in the air.

Stop trying to use reason and logic with me! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I am just giving Stacey a hard time! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Oh, the price of being a Vulcan-American!

You a Trekkie? I thought I saw you in that movie "trekkies" 1&2

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> GF - I admit that I watched the original series when it first appeared on television. However, I never really got into the devout following. I just appreciated the cool-headed, logical thinking of Spock. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Does this add to the lack of an avatar...the pointy elf like ears?

Well, I guess I just can't fool you now, can I ? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

No GF - the lack of an avatar is just one more example of my being "computer challenged". If I had an avatar it would probably be "Sad Sack", in keeping with my screen name. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Don't be so hard on yourself! Go out to your south 40 and show us what you do with a knife!

I don't want you to see my pointy elf-like ears!

If you decide you want one and need some help figuring out how, just lemme know. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Andy got me my avatar on Rat Chat!

Andy - what can you pull up on the Sad Sack ?

I think he posted a picture of a sad Uni-sack......if your interested!

Wise guy!

Well, I don't have anything myself. You might try a google image search and see if you find something you like.

Seriously...I am doubtful that any knife could preclude an attack by an angry bear. Yet a sharp tool would be better than nothing!

There was a posting about an old fellow who fought off a bear with his pocket knife! Anyone remember or have a link to that story?

didn't expect bear fighting to be a topic here! I usually make fuzz sticks, chop fire wood, etc.
Must have been one helluva pocket knife.

I don't know about the pocketknife story, but a couple of months ago at the Swamp someone posted a story of a man killing a black bear with his Buck Special. The bear had gotten a bite on his dog, so he came to the dog's rescue. It happened in Canada I believe.

That man indeed has the stones...and the knife.

Amen to that! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I guess the dog really was man's best friend. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Tom

I'm not familiar with Buck products, but still a fellow assaulted a BEAR with a knife...a set of stones on that one!

For sure! The Buck Special has a 6" blade, very sharp edge and point. Many years ago, it was my first "good" knife. It is actually a decent knife for the money, and available almost anywhere, including WalMart.

Uh huh. Not that it was hard to find. I just went to the Rat Chat search page and typed bear. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Here's the links to both the story, and the thread on Rat Chat. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1670661/posts

Bear attack article

And, while I'm at it, here's some pics too:

Thanks Andy!

No prob. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Every time I look at the muzzle of the bear, I think the man had "stones of steel"! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

He must have REALLY liked his dog....

Sure sounds like it!

I probably would have used the dog as my get away...I love my dogs, but when a bear is coming I am running!

GF - NO human can outrun a bear if it is intent on getting you. All the "experts" say that if you are attacked by a black bear - FIGHT BACK. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> If you try to "play dead" or curl up into a ball, you just make it easier for it to eat you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> Chances are, the dog would only distract it for a few moments. And remember, black bears are excellent climbers. I have read where a couple of backpacking type authors have defended themselves from black bears by smacking them in the snout with a good stiff branch. Bottom line - fight back! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

I would hope that the dog would be a distraction long enough for me to get the hell out of Dodge!

Maybe, maybe not..........

Reminds me of a shirt I saw once...it said." I don't hav eto out run the bear....Just you!"...I would hate to face on regardless!

Me too !

You sure don't want to get eaten by a bear. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

[color:"red"]Image removed. Trash. [/color]

Andy - you have done it again !!!!!

No matter how many times I see this one it still cracks me up!

Those bears sure look happy !

I don't think you would be as happy in either one of their positions!

You got that right !!!

What would you carry in the "wilderness"...? Large Chopper, skinner, utility.....

Large Bowie and my Cold Steel X-2 Voyager, along with one of my multi-tools.

I just got a deal on 3 leathermans for $25. I believe you can never have too many multi tools!...Gun bag, tackle box, each vehicle, book sack, work belt......they are just too friggan handy!

GF - that was a great deal on the Leatherman tools ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> I have a Leatherman, 1 SOG, and a few Gerber multi-tools. GREAT items to have! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I still have my gerber MT...I dropped it on the Humvee battery a few too many times...so now it has character! I have 2 sogs also....

I think my new wilderness carry is going to be a Busse HR and a folder with a saw blade. you can do almost anything with that combo.

My new Wilderness carry will be a Scrapper Bowie and INFI w/ mudder grips......when they come out of course!

Sounds like a great combo GF !

I hope so..I thought of all by my onesy.

Well, I'm proud of you ! Now, let's work on getting you to Junk Yard Dog status !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Oh, the dreaded 10!

Well, I'm glad to see you made it - congratulations!

I had a little knife use today......though not in the wilderness, I had to baton through a sheet of plywood to get it to fit in my truck...had to use the old RD9....sure wish it was a 10.5 Scrapper!

I hope Dan sees your post, so he can see just how badly we all need a Yard BOWIE ! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Really....I sure could use one in my work truck! At their price...I might get 2.....Ok you got me..I was gonna get 2 anyway!

Why am I not surprised ?!?

I gotcha beat. Last fall I bought a bunch of Leathermans on clearance at Walmart for $10 each! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

Howdy Ho Andy - great to see you again! I was afraid you got swallowed up by a big Indiana rattler.
I got a couple of those Leatherman pacs at WalMart as well, so now I have multi-tools in my bags, vehicles, and an extra for Christmas.
By the way, don't you think the next release should be the BOWIE ?!?

Wow, that vaction must have done something to you! 25 for 3 or 10 each.....these were 2 PST IIs and standard leatherman....I don't know the model of the other one. That still comes out to
8.33 with tax and shipped! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Oh, ok. I thought you meant you got 3 of them for $25 each. Yeah, that was a really good deal then, especially for those models. The ones I got were the Leatherman Kick...one of the crappy-est ones they make. I bought them to sell on eBay and only made like a $2 profit... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

The best deals are yet to come - after Christmas and New Year Day. Some of the stores have decent sales for 4 hours the day after Thanksgiving, and I have scored then as well.

Well, the WalMart near us has stopped selling firearms other than muzzle-loaders. When I asked the Sales-lady about it she said that only the top 100 stores would be selling firearms. Sounds kind of backward to me!

You are a brave soul to go out on Black Friday! I wouldn't face those crowds even if they were giving away leathermans!

In the rural areas, the farm supply stores will run a decent sale. The crowd is not anything like what you will run into at WalMart or any of the other big-name stores. People are actually civil to each other!

I manage fine in the woods without a knife, but it's sort of leaving home without wallet, keys and cell phone. Even if i don't need them all the time i feel naked without them. There is no real need for a knife when building a shelter, starting a fire, digging holes etc. The only time it's hard to manage without a knife is when detailed precision is needed or when what you can find in the woods isn't strong enough to pry, dig, poke etc.

That said, i love my knives and i carry at least one almost all the time. I jump at every opportunity to use them because most cutting-ish tasks are easier and more fun to do with a good knife than with something else.

I went shopping ONCE on Xmas Eve at the mall in Indy. It was HORRIBLE.


Well, it depends on what else you have with you and how long you’ll be in the woods. If you had a lighter or firestarter you could start a fire a make a debris shelter or whatever and spend a night somewhere. If you don’t have a firestarter, or will be in the woods longer, a knife is more important. You could not use a knife, and knapp tools out of flint, but that would just make your work harder. With a knife you could make a bow and drill to start a fire.

If you’re in the woods long term, food is important. You can use a knife to make traps to catch food. You can use a knife to make other tools and weapons. Bows & arrows, slings, atlatas, spears, clubs, bolos, etc. You can make tools like spoons and forks. You can make tools to help you cook your food (spits, holders, etc) . You can use a knife to skin and clean what you catch, fish & game. You can use a knife to split wood in wet or snowy weather to get to the dry heartwood to start a fire in poor weather.

It can also be used for defense in areas where there are large dangerous predatory animals in the woods. A knife is one of the most important, versatile tools you can have in the woods, and it is #1 on my list of most important things to carry in the field.

Peter - I believe most of us feel more comfortable having a knife in the woods, and state of mind is important (not just for survival). It adds to the enjoyment of being outdoors, for the chopping, cutting, prying, etc. opportunities that arise. And many of us subscribe to the adage: "it's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it". Tom <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Personally, I think skills are the most important thing that one can posess in the wilderness. They weigh nothing, are easy to transpost, and cost little to acquire.

I collect skills and knowledge about outdoor survival. I don't consider myself an expert, and I never will. I'm just a guy who like being outside whether it be hunting, fishing, kayaking, sailing etc... Still it's fun to know 6 different ways from sunday on starting a fire without matches. Or knowing a type of shelter for each finger you have etc....

Everytime I venure away from civilization I have some type of large fixed blade knife with me. In fact I keep a Ranger RD-7 in the trunk of my car at all times.

Here's the way I see it. In a true survival situation everything is going to have a cost. For the most part these cost are going to be either time, or calories. And if having a knife saves me time so I can collect, gather, or hunt for calories then so be it. If having a knive saves me time fashioning a shelter so I can have more time spent on something else detrimental to my survival then so be it as well.


That's just my two pennies worth.

Jerry

Jerry you sound like Ray Mears! (no bad thing). I am loathe to go hiking without a stout fixed blade as since I saw 'True Romance' the phrase 'it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it' has been my motto about such things. While if you travel too heavy it wrecks your day out a small strong fixed blade is just too critical a resource to be without (and I can't knap flints worth a [censored]!) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I think Ray Mears is better at this sort of thing than I am. However, I am better looking.









Peace
Jerry

Yep, Ray certainly makes sure he goes out into the wilds well upholstered so he can afford to burn some stored calories... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Having just received my Street Scrapper 4, I can tell you that it would be a GREAT knife to have with you in the woods/wilderness. It is stout enough to cut smaller branches, and agile enough to dress-out game from squirrels to deer. Although I prefer a larger knife such as my BattleRat, the SS4 is a great companion to have along. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Tom

I'm waiting for the bowie to show up. I'm thinking of maybe a dual sheath with the bowie and the street scrapper. It'd be a great combo to have in the woods.





Peace
Jerry

Jerrwhy - I totally agree with you! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> The Bowie/SS4 would be an ideal combination, and I might try to make a combo sheath for them once I get the Bowie. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Tom

They would be very good together!

It seems to me that "bushcraft" type knives have been making a buzz.

ie. the Ray Mears Woodlore Knife, Fallkniven, etc.

And i hear Spyderco is considering making a "bushcraft" knife out of 52100 steel!

..that should be interesting..