Conference repair::reserve_forces

207.0. "Survival knives" by SUBURB::FRENCHS (Semper in excernere) Wed Jan 05 1994 12:44

    I picked up a copy of a pictorial Survival book. It is built up from
    lots of official survival manuals. Whilst flicking throught it I came
    across the chapter on survival knives. How about this for an accolade,
    The knife they chose to demonstrate techniques of use and how to butcher
    a dear was the Wilkinson Sword Survival Knife. Thsi please me no end as
    this is the knife (one of many) that I have. The bad news is that they
    cost about �180. The good news is that I was given mine.
    
    What do look for in a survival knife and what would recomend and why.
    
    In the Wilkinson, affectinately known as the tooth pick to my Scouts!,
    there are several nice features.
    
    Blade:
    
    Complete one piece tang,
    
    Saw back leading to bottle opener, and kife edge top to point (not
    sharpened on mine)
    
    Side of blade can be used as a hammer as it is very strong and quite
    wide.
         
    Cutting blade starts with a small grissle or sinew saw and then
    proceedes with a long cover blade to point.
    
    The handle is designed to be held in several ways so that slashing,
    chopping, and a normal grasp can be used.
    
    The handle is removeable and contains a tube. The tube has all the
    usual survivale bits eg fish line, weights and hooks, snare wire,
    needles (for sewing) and a fire starter magnesium bar..
    
    The sheaf is made of plastic and in my opinion lets the knife down but
    is only a very minor point.
    
    To do the knife justice you really have to see and use it.
    
    Simon