Survival Knives
Survival knives, a friend in time of need!
Survival knives are designed for work such as setting traps, cutting branches and skinning animals. Most survival knives have blades that are 4 - 8 inches long with a full thick tang.
Before the late 19th century, outdoorsmen and military personnel used knives that were like the knives used by butchers. Blades were thin and the handles were often no more than two wooden slabs riveted to the tang.
Today survival knives are usually heavy duty knives built for specific a purpose.Some survival knives have hollow handles, which allow the user to store additional equipment in the handle such as matches or similar small items, began gaining popularity in the 1980s.
On some survival knives, the spine or back of the blade is flat; allowing it to make a good hitting platform when pounding it with a hard stick to aid in splitting wood. Serrations appeared on knives in the 19th century for use as a wood saw or fish scaler.
The handle material of survival knives differs from one to the next. These can be hardened rubber, wood, bone (horn), polymer like micarta.
If your life is going to depend on a survival knife; it should not be thin and weak.
During WWII, survival knives were issued to aircraft crew, as it was a real possibility that these personnel might be shot down over wilderness or behind enemy lines. The serrations seen on survival knives are intended to allow aircrewmen to cut their way free through the relatively thin metal skin of a crashed helicopter or airplane. Those knives that do include functional saw-teeth still suffer from lack of blade length limiting the thickness of what can be cut when used as a saw.
Lifeboats aboard naval vessels contained survival kits including knives. These knives varied in design from one branch of the service to another. From Vietnam to the present, purpose-built survival knives evolved.
Some military redesigned the bayonet used with their issued rifle to include survival knife features. Bayonets functioned poorly as field knives, due to being designed primarily to turn a rifle into a thrusting weapon and only secondarily (if at all) to work as a field knife. The newer models function more acceptably for survival while remaining capable of being attached to the muzzle of a rifle.
About the Author
Al is a collector of knives of all kinds.
Some survival knives may be found at:
Survival Knife Tests Series 2: Part 1, E2E - Equip 2 Endure
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11.5" SURVIVAL TOMAHAWK TACTICAL THROWING AXE + SHEATH BATTLE Hatchet Hawk Knife $0.99 |
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Gerber Bear Grylls Pocket Lockback Tactical Survival Folding Knife k126-cz $0.99 |
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7" BLACK cord Fire Starter Flint rod Survival fishing full tang Knife hunting $0.95 |
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BUCK Black Knife AA64 Oxide Portable Line Lock Small Folding Type For Survival $0.88 |
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7.5" HUNTING TANTO FIXED BLADE KNIFE w/ FIRE STARTER Tactical Survival Military $0.01 |
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11" CORD WRAP TACTICAL BLACK FIXED BLADE BOWIE KNIFE Throwing military survival $0.98 |
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GERBER Survival Camping Hunting Pocket Steel Saber Folding Knife (K44b) $0.98 |
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GERBER Pocket Folding Saber Knife Outdoor Survival camping Line Lock Knife lk134 $0.86 |
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Gerber Bear Grylls Saber Lockback Ultimate Tactical Survival Folding Knife 69 $0.99 |
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Smith Wesson Fixed Blade Knives Survival Tactical HRT3 Boot Knife 58 $0.78 |
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9" CAMO TACTICAL COMBAT HUNTING SURVIVAL KNIFE w/ SHEATH MILITARY Fixed Blade $0.01 |
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Knife A66 Quick Opening Aluminum Alloy With Clip & Cut Rope Folding Survival $0.88 |
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New Multi-function Portable Stainless Tool Saber Card Knife Emergency Survival $0.99 |
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7.5" TACTICAL COMBAT HUNTING FIXED BLADE BOWIE KNIFE Throwing Survival Military $0.01 |
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GERBER Survival Saber Camping Clip Pocket Steel Folding Knife (K45a) $0.88 |
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12" Dark Op TACTICAL COMBAT KNIFE Survival HUNTING Bowie Fixed Blade sheath ODG $4.98 |
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7" TACTICAL COMBAT FIXED BLADE MILITARY STILETTO KNIFE Throwing Survival Hunting $0.01 |
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GERBER Knife AA67 Quick Opening Tactical Saber Aluminum folding Sharp Survival $0.88 |
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11.75" DAMASCUS STYLE TACTICAL BOWIE HUNTING KNIFE w/ SHEATH Blade Survival $0.01 |
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CAMILLUS VIETNAM ERA PILOT SURVIVAL KNIFE $50.00 |
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7" TACTICAL COMBAT FIXED BLADE MILITARY STILETTO KNIFE Throwing Hunting Survival $0.01 |
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8.5" Military outdoor KNIFE Survival kit Compass HUNTING Bowie Fixed Blade P012 $0.98 |
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1 survival hunting fishing camping hiking silver full tang lightweight knife $8.50 |
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Knife A68 Tactical Saber Clip Aluminum Folding Survival Camping Hunting Knife $0.88 |
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12" TACTICAL COMBAT SURVIVAL HUNTING KNIFE w/ SHEATH MILITARY Bowie Fixed Blade $0.99 |
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FALLKNIVEN Knives F1 Swedish Military Survival Knife 8 1/4" Overall Drop FN2 $148.05 |
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1 survival hunting fishing camping emergency silver full tang lightweight knife $7.00 |
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MTECH SURVIVAL CAMP KNIFE W/ MAGNESIUM FIRE STARTER ROD $14.00 |
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FOX Black Knife A69 Aluminum Handle Clip Line Lock Folding Survival Camping $0.88 |
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US Vietnam Era MILPAR Jet Pilot Survival Fighting Knife $120.00 |
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BUG OUT BAG SURVIVAL KNIFE FIXED AGGRESSIVE BLADE W/ SHEATH & PARACORD HANDLE $7.99 |
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Gerber Bear Grylls Lockback Knives Ultimate Tactical Survival Folding Knife 69 $0.99 |
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9" TACTICAL STAINLESS STEEL MILITARY SURVIVAL KNIFE Hunting Bowie Fixed Blade $0.01 |
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1 survival hunting BOB SHTF camping emergency silver full tang lightweight knife $7.00 |
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BUCK Rescue Skidproof Handle Fixed Blade Saber Survival Camping Knife ty137 $0.91 |
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GERBER Folding Pocket Steel Saber Knife Clip Survival Knife ac130 $0.97 |
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Gerber Bell outdoor Knife Survival Camping Hunting knife 61 $0.99 |
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1 survival hunting EDC SHTF camp emergency silver full tang lightweight knife $7.00 |
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US Vietnam CAMILLUS Jet Pilot Survival Fighting Knife $95.00 |
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10.5" CAMO TACTICAL COMBAT BOWIE HUNTING KNIFE Survival Military Fixed Blade New $0.01 |
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US Vietnam ONTARIO Jet Pilot Survival Fighting Knife $150.00 |
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7" DOUBLE EDGE COMBAT FULL TANG FIGHTING THROWING KNIFE Survival Military 7521 $0.01 |
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11" CAMO TACTICAL COMBAT "THE HUNTED" TRACKER KNIFE Survival Hunting Fixed Blade $0.99 |
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BLACK FIGHTING-SURVIVAL KNIFE - GREAT CAMPING, EMERGENCY KIT, SURVIVAL GEAR - NR $0.99 |
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B133 Smith & Wesson Outdoor Survival Hunting Stainless Tactical Straight Knife $0.88 |
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Browning Small Folding Pocket Knife Outdoor Survival Camping Hunting knife 10 $0.99 |
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Gerber Blackie Collins Design dive river knife clip lock survival knife $85.00 |
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Pocket Survival Camping Super slim Lock clip knife Folding (k90m) $0.85 |
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SOG Assisted Open Small Folding Pocket Knife Survival Camping Hunting knife 57 $0.99 |
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CHIPAWAY CUTLERY BLUE BOWIE/SURVIVAL KNIFE 12" WITH LEATHER SHEATH $21.50 |
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11" Survival fillet dagger outdoor Bowie machete Hunting knife Fixed Blade K497 $4.98 |
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12" TACTICAL COMBAT KNIFE Survival HUNTING FISHING Bowie Fixed Blade Sheath BLK $4.95 |
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GERBER Camping Hunting Survival Steel Saber Pocket Folding Lock Knife (K44n) $0.89 |
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9" CAMO TACTICAL COMBAT SURVIVAL HUNTING KNIFE w/ SHEATH MILITARY Fixed Blade $0.01 |
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10.5" CAMO TACTICAL COMBAT BOWIE HUNTING KNIFE Survival Military Fixed Blade $0.99 |
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9" COMBAT TACTICAL SURVIVAL HUNTING KNIFE w/ SHEATH MILITARY Bowie Fixed Blade $0.01 |
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USA Hunting Survival Sawtooth Fixing knife Nylon Sheath camping knives $0.99 |
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7" BLACK cord FIRE STARTER Flint Survival Camping FULL TANG BLADE Knife hunting $4.50 |
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14" Large Military TACTICAL force KNIFE Survival HUNTING Bowie Fixed Blade 710 $0.99 |
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wolf Hunting Survival Fixing knife /Sheath white camping knives 56HRC $0.99 |
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Tiger Teeth Hunting Survival Sawtooth Fixing knife /Sheath camping knives $0.99 |
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Browning Folding Pocket Knife Survival Camping Hunting knife 10 $0.99 |
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12" TACTICAL COMBAT SURVIVAL HUNTING KNIFE w/ SHEATH MILITARY Fixed Blade Bowie $0.99 |
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United Cutlery Knives Bushmaster Survival Knife Kit 212 $36.62 |
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12" Seal Team Survival Hunting Knife - NIB $12.99 |
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Gerber Bear Grylls Folding Survival Camping Tactical Ultimate Knife (K136e) $0.84 |
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9" THROWING AXE TOMAHAWK w/ SHEATH SURVIVAL TACTICAL HATCHET Knife WOOD HANDLE $4.98 |
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GTC Folding Pocket Knife Linerlock Survival Camping Hunting knife Tools 70 $0.99 |
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8.5" SURVIVAL TOMAHAWK TACTICAL THROWING AXE w/ SHEATH BATTLE Hatchet Knife Hawk $0.99 |
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FROST CUTLERY COMBAT RAIDER BOWIE SURVIVAL KNIFE 12" W/ BLACK BLADE AND SHEATH $14.99 |
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FROST CUTLERY COMBAT DEFENCE SURVIVAL KNIFE 12" W/ BLACK BLADE AND SHEATH $15.99 |
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12" FULL TANG ARMY KNIFE Survival GEAR camping Bowie machete Fixed Blade SHARK-2 $0.95 |
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11" SURVIVAL CAMP FULL SIZE KNIFE W/ MAGNESIUM FIRE STARTER ROD FLINT $9.95 |
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11.75" DAMASCUS STYLE TACTICAL BOWIE HUNTING KNIFE w/ SHEATH Survival Blade $0.01 |
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GERBER Black Knife K43 Steel Saber Folding Type For Survival Camping Hunting $0.88 |
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9" TACTICAL STAINLESS STEEL MILITARY SURVIVAL KNIFE Bowie Hunting Fixed Blade $0.01 |
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SR Columbia Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knife 16 Sheath Outdoor Survival Tool $0.01 |
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GERBER Pocket Knife K44 Steel Saber Folding Type For Survival Camping Hunting $0.88 |
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7.5" MILITARY COMBAT TACTICAL KNIFE SURVIVAL Fixed Blade HUNTING bowie 1023 $0.01 |
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BUCK Survival Saber Fixed Blade Fishing Tool Camping Hunting Knife K132n $0.97 |
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FROST CUTLERY COMBAT RAIDER BOWIE SURVIVAL KNIFE 12" W/ BLACK BLADE AND SHEATH $14.99 |
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FROST CUTLERY SHADOW FIGHTER BOWIE SURVIVAL KNIFE 12" W/ BLACK BLADE AND SHEATH $14.99 |
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US Vietnam CAMILLUS Jet Pilot Survival Knife 6" Blade $160.00 |
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UNBRANDED 12" Rambo Style Survival Fixed Hunting Knife FK28 $24.98 |
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BUCK Saber Fixed Blade Fishing Tool Survival Camping Hunting Fixed knife F4 $0.88 |
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7" FULL TANG Fire Starter Flint Survival Camping Knife keychain outdoor $0.01 |
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Gerber Pocket Knife K55 Steel Saber Folding Type For Survival Camping $0.88 |
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Smith Wesson Fixed Blade Knives tool Survival Tactical HRT3 Boot Knife 58 $0.80 |
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7.5" MILITARY TACTICAL COMBAT KNIFE w/ SHEATH Survival HUNTING Bowie Fixed Blade $0.01 |
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Browning Knife B131 Small Pocket Folding Knife For Outdoor Survival Camping $0.88 |
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Tops Knives MINI HOFFMAN HARPOON Neck Survival Whistle $56.95 |
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GERBER Knife A53 Steel Saber Folding Type For Survival Camping Hunt $0.88 |
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7.5" TACTICAL COMBAT BOWIE FIXED BLADE HUNTING KNIFE Throwing Survival Military $0.01 |
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8.5" Military COMBAT KNIFE rescue Survival tool HUNTING Bowie Fixed Blade 690 $0.95 |
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7" DUAL EDGE FULL TANG BELT CORD THROWING KNIFE Survival Military 75-21 $0.01 |
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Gerber Bear Grylls Lockback Knives Ultimate Tactical Survival Folding Knife 69 $0.99 |
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12" FULL TANG combat KNIFE Survival HUNTING Bowie machete Fixed Blade 375 $0.98 |
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11.5" SURVIVAL TOMAHAWK TACTICAL THROWING AXE + SHEATH BATTLE Hatchet Hawk Knife $0.99 |
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9" CAMO TACTICAL HUNTING SURVIVAL COMBAT KNIFE w/ SHEATH MILITARY Fixed Blade $0.01 |
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SOG Assisted Open Small Folding Pocket Knife Survival Camping Hunting knife 57 $0.99 |
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Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone Sharpening System $29.71 Extra coarse coarse medium fine & ultra fine hones.FEATURES Patented precision-engineered multi-angle flip-over knife clamp: 1 Sharpening hones on color-coded finger-grooved safety holders: 2 One guide rod for each honing stone: 3 Specially formulated honing oil: 4 Extra long knife clamp screws: 5 Custom molded storage/carrying case to hold al... |
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G.I. Sharpening Stone $2.79 G.I. Sharpening Stone Comes With Key Ring Enclosed In Hard Plastic Case Perfect For Sharpening Kitchen Cutlery Great For Getting Those Hunting Knives Back To Par... |
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Swiss+Tech 61010 Gift Box Set of Micro Mini Tools (Pack of 2) $17.95 This gift pack comes with two gift sets of three Swiss+Tech tools eachSwiss+Tech represents a quantum leap in the art of micro-tool making. They're compact, easily transportable tools that combine craftsmanship and innovation to create a new category of patented consumer products--Key Ring Tools. Unlike all other multi-function tools, many Swiss+Tech tools have a patented, quick-release, integra... |
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Dog Tag Deluxe Survival Knife $23.95 Dog Tag Deluxe Survival Knife is perfect for camping, hiking, climbing, self defense and survival. Razor sharp hollow ground edge. Heat treated 440C stainless with reflective finish and sighting hole for signaling. Lash down point for attaching a handle, Notch for fire starting with Ferrocerium Rod, protective sheath slides over blade, Engravable, 27 inch chain and a button compass.... |
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Surviving a Street Knife Attack Learn moves that could save your life! $29.95 1995. VHS Color - 70 minutes.... |
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Smith's PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener $7.03 ATTRIBUTES Grit: Coarse/Medium Material: Carbide Ceramic & Diamond Special Features: Tapered Diamond Rod For Sharpening Serrated and Straight Edges Carbide Blades Quickly Set Your Edge Ceramic Stones Give You A Razor Sharp Edge Reversible and Replaceable Carbide Blades and Ceramic Stones Lanyard Hole Type: Hand Held... |
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Gerber 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife, Serrated Edge $79.99 From Gerber, the 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife is designed to help you endure in the toughest environments. It features an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling and a dependable stainless steel blade with a versatile serrated edge. Additionally, the knife and military-grade nylon sheath are packed with innovative survival tools, including a fire starter, a diamond blade sh... |
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Master Cutlery HK-106320 Outdoor Fixed Blade Knife, 7.5-Inch Overall $4.95 This is the Mini Full Tang Survival Knife Magnesium Fire Starter. The Blade of the knife has been constructed from 440 Stainless Steel with a tanto point. The sheath is tough green nylon with a belt loop. The knife includes a magnesium rod fire starter.... |
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Bitten $1.99 ... |
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Hippo Island $1.99 ... |
