Sylvester Stallone as John Rambo is perhaps the most famous person to use one of these 'Survival Knives' but are they any good?
By Yoni S.Hamenahem - Yoni S.Hamenahem, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Generally I would say NO! the kind of survival kit that can be crammed into the handle of a knife is likely to be so small as to be fairly ineffective. It might have just enough in it to improvise a bit of fishing kit or make a single snare, light a fire (which may well be a life saver), contain a scalpel blade for skinning (although you already have a knife so why bother with a scalpel blade), or a single plaster dress a tiny wound. So while none of those things are useless you would be far better off having those things on your person because in my opinion you are just as likely to loose your knife in a survival situation as anything else. Really I suppose the kit in one of these knives is meant to be a last resort, you wouldn't willingly head off with nothing but what was contained in the handle of your knife (unless you really wanted to test your skills) and would probably have (SHOULD DEFINITELY HAVE) proper, full size, kit as well as what's in your knife should you choose a knife of this type.
These knives are generally weaker than I am comfortable with though, the handles of the knives you will often find on Amazon and Ebay will definitely break and realistically will probably be made of appalling steel that certainly won't arrive with a decent edge and probably won't ever take a decent edge either, these knives will DEFINITELY break even moderate use putting your main tool out of action and posing a significant risk of injury.
There are some that seem robust enough to use;
![]() |
The survival kit comes in this waterproof clear plastic case and contains matches, sharpening stone, plasters, fishing kit, magnifying glass and a few other odds and ends. However once you have removed it from the sheath the knife wont go back in and be held securely. But again everything in this kit is so small that it is of very limited use. |
TODAY'S LESSON; Forming Kydex
Kydex is a popular choice for knife sheath, I particularly like it because it won't ever soak up blood, grease or other contaminant and become a hygiene risk, this is particularly important for me as I often use my knives to process deer carcasses which will then be sold into the human food chain.
Chicago Screws |
Making your own kydex sheath is relatively simple with a heat gun, or even with the heat from the oven or toaster if you are careful. It is a thermo setting plastic so as you apply heat it can be shaped to your requirements. It doesn't take long to soften though so be careful not to ruin it by heating it for too long or burning it.
Once softened you have two basic options for a knife sheath, you can fold it and fasten it down one edge, this style of sheath is known as a pancake sheath. The other is to take two sheets of kydex and fasten them together, like the sheath I made for my British Army Survival Knife. The kydex can be fastened together with Chicago screws.
To form the kydex to your knife so you get a secure 'snap' fit you can press it onto the knife as it cools and regains it rigidity. I always wrap some cardboard around a knife when I do this and fasten it with tape otherwise the kydex will form so snugly around the knife that you wont be able to draw it again. Trying to press it with something solid like a book of plank of wood wont work you will need something soft which hugs the form you are trying to create, I use an old foam camping mat folded triple which I have stapled to a piece of plywood.
These sheaths can then be attached to belts or molle webbing. My British Army Survival Knife Sheath has two strips of Kydex along the back which I then attached to a Maxpedition drop leg panel with TacTies. Smaller sheath can be fitted with belt loops of clips to attach directly to a belt.
ON WITH THE REVIEW
If you are in a real survival situation you are just as likely to have access to the bigger kit than the smaller and by that I mean almost zero chance of having either. Choosing to go into the wilderness an use your skills is another matter though so you may as well use the kit you really want to rather than trying to find a knife that does (or contains) everything. So my personal choice would be not to take any of these things pictured above take a bushcraft knife, an axe a folding saw, a ferrocium rod, a full size first aid kit, if you want to go fishing take a rod and spinners, if you want to catch food using traps take some snares or a rifle.
![]() |
My current first pick for a main bushcraft/woods knife. The Eikhorn Nordik Bushcraft |
If you're really in a survival situation innovation is likely to be your best and only ally.
Take a look at what is in your pockets right now because if in the next ten second's you find yourselves in the middle of a zombie apocalypse that's all you're going to have.
![]() |
A typical EDC; watch, butane lighter wrapped in duck tape, wallet (inside the wallet is a Readyman survival card), pocket knife (a griplock by Boker plus), case of plasters. |
Or think of the cliche crashed plane survival scenario what have you got in your pockets, now deduct from that any pocket knives because you wouldn't have those on the plane add a slight chance that you will locate your hold luggage which may or may not contain some survival aids and your best chance is again innovation. Making something out of nothing and the most of what you've got.
So are 'survival' knives any good? if they are well made they may not be worse than any other knife but ultimately that's all they are; any other knife, the survival kits are fairly poor and need to be supplemented by primary gear. If you have one in a real survival situation then thats far better than nothing but if you are practising bushcraft recreationally they would be far from my first choice.
Great beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea webpage
ReplyDeleteLoved the post, especially the Rambo Image. It was a great survival movie. Also check this list of survival Fixed and folding blades, it's amazing.
ReplyDeleteWe keep your page. Watch it offline again soon. Very interesting article. site link
ReplyDeleteGreat website you got here! Please keep updating, I will def read more. It’ll be in my bookmarks so better update! site link
ReplyDeleteHmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. read review
ReplyDeletevery nice post, i actually love this web site, keep on it Read Full Article
ReplyDeleteFood dehydration or food drying for preserving purposes has been around in one way or another for centuries if not millennia. Food Dehydration
ReplyDeleteI admire what you have done here. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well. Food Dehydration
ReplyDeleteThis article is an appealing wealth of informative data that is interesting and well-written. I commend your hard work on this and thank you for this information. You’ve got what it takes to get attention. home invasion
ReplyDeleteSubsequent to tempting the homeowner to open the entryway, assistants will regularly rise up out of stowing away and race into the home, quelling and scaring the inhabitants.home invasion
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere are many different kinds of survival tools, and not just food. survival axe
ReplyDeleteI wish more authors of this type of content would take the time you did to research and write so well. I am very impressed with your vision and insight. Hiking El Chalten
ReplyDeletehi was just seeing if you minded a comment. i like your website and the thme you picked is super. I will be back. click here
ReplyDeleteEducation would differ according to culture, values, attitudes, social systems, mindset and all these factors are important in the study of education in psychology. https://www.vingle.net/posts/3055139
ReplyDeleteDebate of length still need to be strived before Indonesia public can look into formal education as not the only equipment to improve; Assignment Help repair its(the life. Public must realize formal education is not as of its (the pitch.
ReplyDeleteArchitectural Interiors is a Kitchen and Bath design firm specializing in the design-supply-install of cabinetry. Owner and Chief designer Marvin W. Towler has more than 25 yrs experience in residential design. https://smalldiner.com/
ReplyDeleteDuring the 1980s the Ordinary Education Activity (REI) appeared. Education
ReplyDeleteOther than the exercises and work of these customary social orders are not in educational program structure and archived. fun
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update, very nice site.. Sandy Hook Parent
ReplyDeleteKyocera knives were dispatched in Japan in 1984. Regardless of their exceptionally specialized creation, Kyocera accept nothing can supplant talented craftsmanship and numerous years experience, along these lines all Kyocera fired knives are exclusively ground by hand. buy best knives online
ReplyDeleteThe quality of life depends on the quality of who you are. What you actually become. It all boils down to how morally good and ethical a person is. english class for Japanese
ReplyDeleteEducation isn't referenced in the Constitution of the US, and all things considered. Science Hindi
ReplyDelete