Knives to keep you alive
by Tim "Nomad" Piper
(Louisville)
I had a WESTERN bowie knife years ago, and it failed where the blade meets the handle. They did replace it but stated that it was a show knife and very brittle. I have used the replacement blade for many years without a second failure. Ontario Knife makes a SURVIVAL BOWIE which is identical except it has a CRATON handle and is powder coated. I believe it is made of better steel also.
I did retire the WESTERN 8 years ago and bought an Ontario SP-5 knife. I have been very pleased with it and it can handle the abuse. Both knives have been driven into wood with another piece of wood to split it. They both have dents in the back side of the blade and can hold an edge equally well.
The SP-5 is a lot lighter than the larger bowie and still performs just as good. I would definitely choose the SP-5 again given the choice. I now have a GERBER sliding bone saw and a wood saw. These require a lot less energy and do a better job of cutting poles, firewood and deer pelvic bones. That is why I am looking for a smaller "BIG KNIFE". One with a 6/7 inch blade instead of 10"+. Possibly a RAT-7.
I know it seems like a lot of gadgets but these saws are light and a pleasure to use. They save a lot of calories also and remove the possibility for chopping accidents to your hands and legs.
I also carry a CROOKED CREEK neck knife for camp work and butchering deer/game. It has cut up 17 deer and is still going strong. I paid $9.00 for it at a flea mkt.
I recently purchased a COLD STEEL bird and trout knife to take care of my butchering chores. I paid $20.00 for it at the same flea-mkt booth.
The last two do not have handle scales, so they are clean up easily and can be boiled or hung over a fire to sterilize them. This would be a great asset if you needed to do surgery or anything requiring a sterile blade.
I do not carry a folder. I feel that if it was used for food items it would be difficult to keep bacteria free. Just as important is a way to sharpen your knives. I carry a pencil sized sharpening steel that unscrews and fits into its own handle. I also carry a small ceramic stone and a Arkansas wet stone.
"SAFE JOURNEY'S"
Make sure you have the basic wilderness skills to safely enjoy your trip.
