The mind is the sharpest blade

by S. Jones
(Arkansas)

I have read countless blogs,articles,web sites,etc..., all claiming one knife to be better than the others. Whether to carry a hatchet or machete, how many knives to carry. And how big a knife blade to have,4",6",8",10".

In all truth and I'm speaking from experience that I won't get into, so as not to boast. But those who have spent enough time in the great outdoors will understand me. The only thing that really matters is the design of a knife, that will make it good enough for wilderness use.

Is the steel, good old fashioned carbon steel like the old hickory butcher knives is good enough. Easy to sharpen, holds an edge and is strong. And a full tang construction for strength.

The size is really a matter of what you can handle and be productive with. In my experience one starts small and gets bigger with practice. Learning technique, what works the best in bushcraft, eventually understanding how to use a bigger blade for smaller tasks, and having the benefit of the large blade for chopping, batoning, skinning game, and defense. But this comes only through experience.

Ultimately the knife itself is just a prop, and the master woodsman can walk into the wilds with nothing. And once there fashion his own blades, whether from flint, chert, bone, antler, or scrap steel scavenged. This is the accumulation of knowledge, and real selfconfidence. Nowing no matter what you can survive.

The mind is the real knife, and how you sharpen it with knowledge will determine how well it cuts. The more you know the less you have to carry.

And the only benefit of carrying a knife into the woods is the added advantage of saving time not having to make one. And finding other ways to accomplish knife oriented tasks.

In the end it will always come down to what is between your ears, and how you apply what you know to your situation. Sometimes the strongest, sharpest blade isn't enough, survival lies in the will. The will to act,to think things through,to control your own mind,and take the right action to keep yourself alive.


Prepare to be a wilderness survivor.