Fantastic as always !! 2 bonus tools: shovel & tin snips (or heavy sheers) Roman Legion has shovels. Lewis & Clark carried shovels, too. Midwest pioneers & Vikings made "grass/ sod" dwellings. The spade was key to American development in the 1800s. *Tin snips allow for the modern scavenging of thin sheet metal from a modern environment.
A very useful tool that not many consider is a medium sized cooking pot. A good cooking pot can be used for preparing meals, sanitizing water, digging, carrying water etc. And it will last practically forever. I could live comfortably in a temperate wooded zone for a very long time with only a knife, an axe and a cooking pot. And greetings from Norway.
This has nothing to do with anything beyond tools, you as well as many are confused, you should look at my videos on the 10 C's, this about the first C only Cutting tools
Surprised you didn't mention a folding shovel, especially the army type that can lock at 90 degrees. An invaluable tool for digging rocks, edible roots, holes for shelter/traps, dirt/moss for improving shelter, moving coals/ hot rocks from the fire.
When I was in scouts we were taught a similar thing. 1. Spade shovel/ folding spade 2. Axe 3. Bow saw wood frame or metal 4. scout knife (the most important in my opinion) it has a knife blade, awl,can opener, and bottle opener/ flat head screw driver We would always have a file and sharpening stone in our patrol box.. To maintain your tools
Dave, thank you for this video. It validates, what I have learned from you over the years. These are the tools that I, have pre-packed into my kits. Again, thanks for all the great videos you make... I most certainly appreciate them. 1, 26" Single pole "Camp Axe" 2, Single pole "Gerber Hatchet" 3, Tops "Tahoma Field Knife" 4, Bacho "Laplander" saw 5, Leatherman Multi tool
I love Dave's videos! They are incredibly educational and full of priceless information. Thank you so much for what you do Dave! You are an awesome example. God bless you & yours!!!
Great information. I live in the Pacific Northwest so it's an axe, hip knife, awl, carving knife and a bucking saw. The first five items you mentioned is what I have.
Reporting in from Florida. In regards to your regional large cutting tool topic. I own and use: Long Collins Legitimus latin machete Sugar Cane knife Vintage W. BINGHAM CO. Rigging hatchet. Vintage 1.5lb 16-inch pack ax. Collins No. 1005 Bolo machete. IMO the Bolo is the only machete even worth trying to use on the pines and hardwood here. Latin style and cane knife are to thin and lack the weight. I reach for my pack ax all day when it comes to chopping and splitting. The machetes are for trail clearing and dealing with our saw palmettos. I find a good saw and ax are still necessary here in the swamps for wood processing. Keep up the great content. Can't get enough!
A very good and informative video, thank you this. One thing I did learn from an old documentary that was made - Alone in The Wilderness, which is a true story - is to take the tool heads that you are going to use - such as an Ax or tomahawk head - and then make the handles when you get to where you are going - not an emergency, just a long term camping - so the weight will be much less than with the tools complete. One other thing you could do, you may have suggested it about the bow saw, would be to make it out of PCV pipe and have all the parts stored in the long pipe with the two ends capped off. Again, thank you for a great video and all the information you have given us over the years.
LOVE IT, subscribed, really dig the no nonsense, tell it like it is discussion on tools, really appreciate it! Hope this doesn't sound bad, but you remind me of my my grandfather, WWII vet who did NOT have time to beat around the bush and told you exactly what you needed to know, no BS and right to the point! I grew up in the woods of Louisiana and we never went out into the woods without a backpack or saddlebags on our hose and most of those tools in tow, you CAN get any job done while out there, just depends on what you needed to do, small lean-to's, hatchet and small ax to cut small trees for cover, etc. Always take care of your tools and they will take care of you!
Hey Dave this may be a dumb suggestion, but for a long term tool, how about a decent size drawknife? Stripping logs for a long term shelter, making larger wooden tools, bows etc. As for Saws Silky saws are by far the best I have seen.
A drawknife is a good choice if you feel that it would be useful and worth the weight. A Froe is another choice for long term survival, but both are limited when it comes to multi-functionality.
What I enjoyed/appreciated most about this video was the regional distinctions. I live in the se part of florida and my gf teases me quite a bit about my wool socks and constant search for wool shirts. I dont know where you live, and I admit to having an unhealthy relationship with hand forged steel, but depending on your enviroment a kukri (phone keeps changing my spelling). Not the fancy high polished versions, the village style with black sides. They come in all different weights, blade shapes and handle style depending on your needs. A bit unwieldy for fine tasks, but still doable in a pinch. They are a decent draw knife and most importantly the blade has different angles alone its length for different tasks. Down here a small light version (replacing a hatchet) is the most handy. Similar size and weight to my 9"bowie, but far more versatile and it performs most tasks easier and better......of course with practise. The icing on the cake is its still made over a small fire by four men squatting on a dirt floor. Its been quite awhile since we've lost those type of blades around me and I appreciate the sweat and craftsmanship involved. Im a firm believer that hammering steel improves its.........???well, hard to put in one word. I wont give the name, probably not appropriate, but on bladeforums you can find people who go home and collect real village kukuri's, not tourist crap. They're not pretty, but you can be sure some farmer has the same blade in his hand doing his daily chores. Even the small ones are thick enough to be used as a prybar. Sorry its so long, I have a problem with brevity. Im pretty severely disabled and need to carry the least amount of weight possible. So every item needs to be as versatile as possible. I dont know if these will be practical for your enviroment, but its worth looking into. Best luck
Thanks for doing this video, Dave. I like how you show how an axe is not necessary in places that get 3 or fewer months of 32 degree weather. I'm a big fan of having and using the right tool for the job, but we can't bring our entire tool shed with us to the woods. In a longer term self-reliant/homesteading scenario I would have a couple hundred tools, vehicles, machinery, animals, etc. But for the woods I usually just bring my carpenter's axe, a belt knife, a multitool and SAK (always in my pocket), a folding saw, an E-tool, and 2 light sources. One other tool I always bring is a Lansky's diamond sharpening rod, you got me on that kick about 3 years ago and I can never thank you enough. And I always have at least 1 firearm on me, I EDC my Glock and sometimes take whatever long gun (12ga, 10/22, etc.) for hunting and/or a fishing pole. My belt knife has different criteria than yours, it needs to be a fighting knife primarily, a bushcraft knife secondarily, but it can do everything you require in a pinch. I EDC a push dagger in my normal daily carry, but when I go to the woods I swap it out for a large fighting knife since getting to anything inside your waistband is nearly impossible when you are wearing a pack and a battle belt (holds my knife, sidearm, carpenter's axe, canteen, and survival asspack). But I tend to bring with me whatever other knives I need for specific tasks (i.e. a fillet knife if I am going to be fishing, or a skinning knife if I am going hunting, etc.) so that I never have to use my belt knife for anything but a defensive tool. I don't carry a lot of things "I might need" with me, so the extra weight of another tool or two doesn't figure into my thinking. I'd really like to see you work with your knife maker friends to get a tomahawk made with splitting wedges on either side of the blade from the eye tapering toward to the blade. Would make for a better splitting tool while keeping all the advantages that a tomahawk has for utility, easily replaceable handle, axe poll, light weight, removable handle for delicate carving tasks and skinning, etc. Semper Fi
Why would you need your knife to be a 'fighting' knife for it's primary function, and as a bushcraft/woodcraft knife secondary when you go to the woods? Unless you live in Poppy growing country in South America you cannot tell me that when you go for a recreational weekend in the woods you end up fighting other people with your knife more than you cut wood for your fire or manufacture a buck saw or make stakes for your tarp or a rest for your fishing rod, or a pot hanger etc etc? If so I hope I never end up in the same woods as you!!
ShelsleySpecial Somewon Yuno The reason being is that I don't use my belt knife for splitting logs, skinning game, carving bowls and spoons, etc. My belt knife is a defensive tool, just like my sidearm, and its with me in case I need to protect myself. It is capable of doing those things as a last resort, but that is not its intended purpose. I rarely, if ever, take my belt knife out when I'm in the woods other than if I am bored and feel like sharpening it. I live in an area with black bears and cougars, not to mention the crazy two legged predators that abound in our world, so self preservation is my primary concern. I carry other cutting tools for specific cutting tasks; folding saw, carpenter's axe, multitool, SAK, and usually either a filet knife or skinning knife. I'm not going out into the wilderness with just a belt knife and trying to live off the land, so there is absolutely no reason for me to need my knife to be a bushcraft knife as its primary intended function. I do not buy the premise that if I lost everything else then I would still have my belt knife on me, because everything else is just as securely attached to my body as is my knife, and my pack is moreso because it has 3-4 straps (depending on if I have the padded waist belt connected) securing it to me, or its in a pocket. Semper Fi
Papa Bravo Fair comment Papa, it's a sad world we live in though when you cannot go to the woods without self defence still being your primary concern, particularly from the two legged animals! To be honest if that were the same here where I am I think I would stay in doors!! Peace bro and stay safe.
ShelsleySpecial Self Defense is my main concern wherever I happen to be, even indoors. There is nothing more important than keeping myself and my loved ones safe. Just because some people still see this world filled with unicorns and rainbows doesn't mean I have to intentionally blind myself to the dangers as well. Also, just because I have a firearm and defensive blade on me does not mean I am expecting to use them. Like any of my gear it is there in case I need it. I always have my AAA card in my wallet, but in the 5+ years I've been a member I've only needed it once. I don't bring Advil into the woods with me in the hope that I am going to get a headache or pull a muscle, I bring it just in case. Chances are, I won't need my firearm, defensive blade, or my Advil, but if I do, I'll be glad I brought them along. Semper Fi
Thanks Dave.....nice vid. Just starting out my bushcraft / outdoors / camping journey ----> 47 yr old I.T. geek here who has spent too much of his life in a concrete jungle. Better late then never.
I just finished the SAN shoot: Extreme camp makeover. We were allowed to utilize the 5 tools listed here. Each was used, and there was not really a need for anything else. It works.
Dave, you still amaze me after all these years. You continue to bring us knowledge that is useable and real world stuff. I love learning something new all the time. You present things so us common men can understand and apply them in our adventures. Thanks again for showing us how it's done!!
Thanks David, I just bought your 101 book and looking forward to practicing some of your techniques. More for hobby and to develop skills and reconnect with nature as I explore the Catskills :)
Hello Dave! Thank you for so many great and informative videos. It's very inspiring to listen and watch to people who can teach you a lot and give answers or at least an inspiration for questions i ask myself since long time. For those who are thinking about long term sheltering in wilderness i would also suggest to take a log hook with them. Even better when your big axe have a hook extension. If you know the techniques you can easily move big logs (25+cm diameter) anywhere you want, even on the top of your shelter to build a stable roof!
Add a military style entrenching tool ( E-tool ) with one side sharpened to an axe like edge and a canteen cup for a 7 tool rule. Now you can do anything from cook your meals/purify water, dig in posts for a shelter, and chop your light wood and brush. Along with a knife, an axe, and a small saw, those two have always been part of my 5 tool rule but now I'm going to add a small hatchet, a bow saw, and an awl to my pack. Thanks for the great ideas.
very concise video,Dave is presenting to us about the different tools to use depending on our environment.Lots of options,so that we do not carry useless tools,simple.
you are awesome brother. My son and I have been watching your stuff together the last couple of days. we live in Africa and have been exposed a little bit to bush craft. I will be buying your books locally / online (at least Bushcraft 101 in the next couple of weeks). Thank again for good quality counsel and teaching ...
I have found as a good combination a Leatherman Signal modified by me with a little bit bigger blade and I also put a longer saw because it is still enough space. This multitool combined with a Fiskars XX5 weight togheter about 750 grams.
Dave, some great information! Your covering a lot of options, that apply to many situations. Awl is for sure an important item. I carry a Leatherman Tool daily just to go anywhere I go. For sure outdoors those others in some form are essential. Great video. Thanks for all your doing.
Thanks for more good tips Dave. My little girl and I learn a lot from you, like the 5 Cs and will be reviewing this with the Girl Scout Troop next meeting. Most of her troop can now feel more confident in these types of situations and are way more eager to explore our great wildernesses. Keep em coming brother.
Good short video to help set up a basic long term kit, even some items to use in other areas. I need to see this type of vid for fire making and wet start kits. Your build from tulip poplar is great little thing to carry for rainy day, I need a Southeast twist to the base wood?
Nice video, picked up a few things I never would have thought about. Would be cool to see a similar video on how to take a minimal amount of tools & hardware that you could then use to make other tools when needed. For example, maybe you keep a ax head and band saw blades in your go bag, then be able to crate crude but usable ax handles and frame for the saw, etc.
Great video, clear reasoning on the need to chose wisely depending on need and tool use to carry one through the challenge of trek life with intelligence and common sense.
Big Axe, small axe, a good whetstone, a sturdy pot and binoculars(you can’t make this). If I really needed to limit it to five tools. You can make the other tools, like a Knife, bow, shovel, fishing equipment, etc.
Schrade makes a hatchet with a pommel and a stow-away limb saw. Great for camping, but, as a hatchet, it'd cost ya more time at the wood pile if you're going to be out long during the winter.
I really like your show and as to this episode, what, if anything, do you think is a good carry for sharpening those blades. I prefer a two sided round sharpening stone with one side coarse and one side fine. I also am always looking for a stone in nature that I can carry in a pocket and use to sharpen.
How about switching that hatchet out for a crate hammer. Its a hatchet, hammer, and pry bar in one. The pry bar can be used as a digging stick or bark remover for shingles , a hammer and of course a hatchet. Include a few nails or galvanized staples in your kit and you can hang things or secure noose hangers. Its also the perfect tool for urban survival. Combine that with a sawback machete and your carrying more than the 5 tools in 2 tools. Add a good multi-tool that includes an awl type tool. The leatherman wave can use the scissors as an awl. Lastly the full tang fixed blade knife and thats your tool kit. Ide like to see you do a review of a good crate hammer/hatchet. Also called a roofing hammer/hatchet also a riggers hatchet but it doesnt have a crow bar. It would allow you to carry both the roofing hatchet and sawback machete instead of choosing between the two.
will you be doing another series this winter. i know im not the only one who would love to see another journal of the yurt / cabin fever type series again this hunting and trapping season. thumbs up if you agree. thanks again Dave you are an inspiration to thousands of people young and old.
learned much here , Dave , but as you have said many times , I find what I enjoy or prefer by getting out and "playing in the woods" and even at home . some woodcraft knives and such make butchering easier , cooking simpler .
thank you brother Dave. I always learn so much from you. plus you confirm things I already knew. my hatchet needed serious sharpening and only a fine file would do the job in short order. so I would add a file to my kit. be blessed
I have a question I hope you can help with. My work will not allow us to carry a large fixed blade on our belts. So in a short term emergency I'm much more likely to have a folder knife or a multi tool with me for my EDC. What would be my best option for my EDC with a 3 inch blade restriction and must be concieled for a 3 day survival senerio in KY?
Jerry Ohmer With a 3" limit on the blade length, and a 3-day scenario, I would go with a multi-tool (Leatherman Wave-ish) or a Swiss army knife. In addition to the blade, a small saw, scissors, and the other tools are very useful for EDC tasks. The Buck 112 has a 3" blade. This is a smaller version of the 110, with the same lockback design. This is a very capable EDC knife, but it can be a bit heavy in the pocket.
I saw this video when it first came out years ago, before I knew much about survival and back then I said "ok, well what about a pot?" You know, for safe drinking water, eating things like acorns which are inedible without boiling, being able to sterilize other tools like carved wooden spoons, or boil down urine to make a wound antiseptic, or even distill very poor quality water, aa pot makes a lot possible, and now that i know more, im amazed it isnt meantioned
understanding is in the PLANNING process of the trip , work to be done each time out . pertty simple . thanx Dave . i'm a gearhead type so perusing tools is like a walk thru candy store
Great video Dave, ive been waiting for you to put a video out like this for awhile. My 5 tools are a Old Hickory Butchers Knife on my belt, a high carbon paring knife as a back up blade, a scheffield swiss army style knife, a fiskars folding saw & a old timer hatchet. The first three are always on my person. The other two are in my pack.
Would you consider a hand drill and some big drill bits in a long term scenario? Would be very handy for building a cabin or something especially since it weighs less then 2000000 nails lol, you can carve dowels and hammer them into holes with the axe, this was done for centuries.
It would be really smart to have that if you planned on building a permanent or semi-permanent structure. If you are planning on moving around a lot, it's probably better to save the weight for something more multipurpose.
I have often wondered if other people carry nails with them I have a dozen or so taped up in my bag for various tasks and remove them and pack them back up when I'm done using them.
Good idea! You know, you might go with one that doesn't even have wheels & gears. It could be the kind of thing where there's a hole for a cross-handle & have whatever kind of head shape at the end (it would seem to make sense for it to be something along the lines of an arrowhead, for ease of sharpening). Maybe not as smooth of an operation, but it would be very reliable & could be used for bigger projects than what you can use the tip of a knife for.
That says it all. What a fantastic video of the tools to stay in the wilds of the North to the South. Dave is alway right to the point. Thanks for the taste of what it takes to be tooled up. It is my opinion that Dave has brought us all the perfect balance of survival and frugal preparedness like not other. Keep safe and see you in the new year.
What Heavy cutter would you recommend for Central Texas? It's a combination of piney woods, oak forests, and Mesquite flats. Along with parts of Mountain juniper/cedar.
Love your videos. I have a question. Why do you think axe heads aren't like a tomahawk? You put the handle of a tomahawk in from the top and with use it gets tighter. Axe heads are put in from the bottom and gets looser with time and use. Replacement in the field would be easier also. Any thoughts? Thanks. Bruce
It might be very subjective thing to carry, but i also pack some sort of a file, usually it is 10 inch double sided rasp/bastard file. is a great thing to have in the woods for more or less prolonged time. ton of use
Personally I think as a break down in conceptual terms you need a durable chopping, cutting, piercing, sawing and crafting tools but of course what each tool is depends on you and your surroundings. Although it's like what you said "the tools you carry with you aren't ones you can easily make or find without specialist materials and knowledge."
What do you think about alternative sawing options like machetes with saw backs or those wire and thumb bail saws? Personally I've not used one of those wire saws. Where it regards machetes that are jimped to have a built in saw. I've not used any that I thought were very good at sawing.
Iv seen some sailor knives with marlin spikes and have been thinking about adding one for rope work but maybe a large awl wood work for rope if its not sharp
Hey Dave I know you would not consider it one of the top 5 but where would a draw knife fall?? Also you had one set for Ohio north and then jumped to Everglades and South America. What about KY, TENN, NC, SC, and AL??
I have that same SAK and it is has the best saw blade of any pocket knife I've ever seen. The only thing I wish was better on it was that goofy dull point on the knife blade.
Dave, you should sell those awls on your site! I'd really like to get one & don't have the means to forge one myself. Another thing that you could add as an option is a sharpened shovel (like a Spetsnaz shovel)- or better yet, a flat version of that smaller shovel with three sharpened edges. It can chop, carve, clear brush, dig, and hammer things. If it's flat, the edges will line up much better for chopping, carving, etc... . If you put a hole in each corner of the head, you can now lash it to things- making a longer shovel or a pickaxe. This might be something of a custom design, but it shouldn't be that hard to forge. If you did, you could carry it with or without the handle (like the tomahawk), make a new handle of whatever length you might need (also like the tomahawk), and use it for various long & short term purposes. This same tool that you can use to clear brush, can also shovel snow. This same thing you use like a hatchet, you can use to cut fruit out of trees or to cut vines higher up so you can have more of it for cordage. This same thing you can use as a ferro striker (the edge would be useable, but you could also have crisp edges on the underside of the bent-back areas on the corners of the shovel- the "foot ledge"). You can make coyote holes for gathering water, fire pits, food pits, places to go to the bathroom, various traps, various shelters (including emergency snow shelters or trenches to lay in when in a barren area)... so many things. I'm a bit suprised you didn't do something on this particular piece of gear (maybe because the blades aren't always that easy to use), but if it was flattened- it would be a beast. This thing would do damn near anything & wouldn't be much different than carrying a hatchet or large knife.
CLureCo No, it's not like the folding shovels. It's like a miniature regular one, but with three sharp edges. The main difference between the one I'm talking about & the Cold Steel Spetsnaz Shovel is that mine's not curved & has holes for lashing.
CLureCo Got your other message on g-Mail, but not on TH-cam. Been happening somewhat frequently, don't know why. Anyway, I DO remember something about that "shove axe," but I can't find it on TH-cam. If it's what I'm thinking of, it's fairly similar. Maybe the guy took it down or closed his account or something. One thing I rmember as a difference is the metal handle on the shove axe, where the idea I came up with would have a removable wooden one & could be lashed to a stick to make a longer shovel or a pickaxe-type of thing.
Atkrdu & +CLureCo Hey guys, if you are looking for the video on the shovel / ax tool that you seeing made in the video, check out Dave at reallybigmonky1. I think the rest of his channel name is Fun in the woods. He has lots of great bush craft / hiking / survival type. videos and he makes (as well as shows you how to make) much of what he uses. I hope that's what you are looking for.
Bruce Barlow Yeah, think I have his channel on my subscription list. Good channel, lots of different info- instead just repeating the basics OVER & OVER like so many of these channels.
thanks dave for covering what i do and ideas for less weight options you missed pocket chain saw mine has not failed me when I use it pocket chain saw is my belt carry as back to these tools
Nothing but respect for you sir....my question is related to a previous video I watched but the comments were disabled. as for the sling bow mod including the golf tee in the knock slot....would the weight difference in the tee affect the arrows trajectory if by chance your target was at a greater distance. Please continue with the fantastic videos and superb advice, God bless and cheers
Geez…… how often have I forgotten an awl? If I ever left the house without the SAK, that's how many times. There are not many folders out there that have one. I usually pack the carpenter's awl with the bulky round handle on it; but I like your flat doo-hickey there, it's a great space saver.
Dave quick question in this video you say from Ohio to Canada on tool options in the front of the video would those options be the same for the foothills of North Carolina to Tennessee ?
Multi tool leatherman juice(pillars, wire cutters, saw, blade, all, screwdrivers, cork puller, can opener, bottle opener), axe head, machete, Laplander, sharpener. Replace Laplander with green wood buck saw blade for less weight if you're skilled enough to make your buck saw handle. You carve your axe handle. Skinning small game and fine carving is done by the juice, so if you need a comfortable knife, you may have to ditch the sharpener for your knife preference. I wouldn't ditch the juice though, lots of redundancy, multi use, and needle nose pliers for pulling teeth, opening shell fish, fish hook removal, suturing, the list is limited to your imagination. I'm not contradicting Dave by any means, just mentioning my set up. It's the same tools mostly, just a different configuration.
I have quite a weird style when it comes to wilderness skills, i hunt with a primitive bow, but i carry a lot of 1700-1800's style gear, flint and steal fire kits, old axes etc, do you think it is a good idea to carry a quality hatchet in conjunction with an opinel number 8? ( the hatchet is a very old roofing hatchet that holds an edge like none other, it has a 17" handle) I never liked big fixed blade knives for some reason, and i can accomplish all the necessary tasks with what i have. In the long term, would this work effectively? Thanks
Think I may have finally dinged Mr Canterbury on something. Of course it only took 9 years! Wouldn’t a file with a tang sharpened to double as an awl be better? How else does one sharpen the first four implements? I would go: belt knife, axe, buck saw, curved knife & file. And if we can add a sixth, a spade. Now Dave’s going to read this & if I ever get out to the Pathfinder School I will wind up having to reach my hand, forearm deep up a billie goats backside in front of the class. Not for any survival reason but just because I suspect Dave knows a thousand ways to tune a smart ass youtube commenter up once he’s got you on home turf. 😉 In all seriousness God bless Dave. He’s an American treasure 👊🏼💥
Interesting that saw is very often overlooked or completely forgotten in survival, trekking, wilderness youtubers reviews. Usually they seem to prefer fancy looking folding knives and shiny machetes.
Fantastic as always !!
2 bonus tools: shovel & tin snips (or heavy sheers)
Roman Legion has shovels. Lewis & Clark carried shovels, too. Midwest pioneers & Vikings made "grass/ sod" dwellings. The spade was key to American development in the 1800s. *Tin snips allow for the modern scavenging of thin sheet metal from a modern environment.
A very useful tool that not many consider is a medium sized cooking pot. A good cooking pot can be used for preparing meals, sanitizing water, digging, carrying water etc. And it will last practically forever. I could live comfortably in a temperate wooded zone for a very long time with only a knife, an axe and a cooking pot.
And greetings from Norway.
This has nothing to do with anything beyond tools, you as well as many are confused, you should look at my videos on the 10 C's, this about the first C only Cutting tools
Surprised you didn't mention a folding shovel, especially the army type that can lock at 90 degrees. An invaluable tool for digging rocks, edible roots, holes for shelter/traps, dirt/moss for improving shelter, moving coals/ hot rocks from the fire.
The awl was really interesting, when stone age tool finds are told about there are always an awl found. I have to consider that in future.
When I was in scouts we were taught a similar thing.
1. Spade shovel/ folding spade
2. Axe
3. Bow saw wood frame or metal
4. scout knife (the most important in my opinion) it has a knife blade, awl,can opener, and bottle opener/ flat head screw driver
We would always have a file and sharpening stone in our patrol box.. To maintain your tools
Dave, thank you for this video. It validates, what I have learned from you over the years.
These are the tools that I, have pre-packed into my kits. Again, thanks for all the great
videos you make... I most certainly appreciate them.
1, 26" Single pole "Camp Axe"
2, Single pole "Gerber Hatchet"
3, Tops "Tahoma Field Knife"
4, Bacho "Laplander" saw
5, Leatherman Multi tool
No bs. Only solid information. Good to watch your videos Dave!
Your tool choice's are perfect for each area of the environment that your in Dave Canterbury.👍☘️😎
I love Dave's videos! They are incredibly educational and full of priceless information. Thank you so much for what you do Dave! You are an awesome example. God bless you & yours!!!
Great information. I live in the Pacific Northwest so it's an axe, hip knife, awl, carving knife and a bucking saw. The first five items you mentioned is what I have.
Reporting in from Florida. In regards to your regional large cutting tool topic.
I own and use:
Long Collins Legitimus latin machete
Sugar Cane knife
Vintage W. BINGHAM CO. Rigging hatchet.
Vintage 1.5lb 16-inch pack ax.
Collins No. 1005 Bolo machete.
IMO the Bolo is the only machete even worth trying to use on the pines and hardwood here.
Latin style and cane knife are to thin and lack the weight.
I reach for my pack ax all day when it comes to chopping and splitting. The machetes are for trail clearing and dealing with our saw palmettos.
I find a good saw and ax are still necessary here in the swamps for wood processing.
Keep up the great content. Can't get enough!
A very good and informative video, thank you this. One thing I did learn from an old documentary that was made - Alone in The Wilderness, which is a true story - is to take the tool heads that you are going to use - such as an Ax or tomahawk head - and then make the handles when you get to where you are going - not an emergency, just a long term camping - so the weight will be much less than with the tools complete. One other thing you could do, you may have suggested it about the bow saw, would be to make it out of PCV pipe and have all the parts stored in the long pipe with the two ends capped off. Again, thank you for a great video and all the information you have given us over the years.
LOVE IT, subscribed, really dig the no nonsense, tell it like it is discussion on tools, really appreciate it! Hope this doesn't sound bad, but you remind me of my my grandfather, WWII vet who did NOT have time to beat around the bush and told you exactly what you needed to know, no BS and right to the point! I grew up in the woods of Louisiana and we never went out into the woods without a backpack or saddlebags on our hose and most of those tools in tow, you CAN get any job done while out there, just depends on what you needed to do, small lean-to's, hatchet and small ax to cut small trees for cover, etc. Always take care of your tools and they will take care of you!
Hey Dave this may be a dumb suggestion, but for a long term tool, how about a decent size drawknife? Stripping logs for a long term shelter, making larger wooden tools, bows etc. As for Saws Silky saws are by far the best I have seen.
A drawknife is a good choice if you feel that it would be useful and worth the weight. A Froe is another choice for long term survival, but both are limited when it comes to multi-functionality.
CLureCo Good points! If I could only bring 1 tool it would definitely be an axe.
And Silky Saws blades use High Carbon Steel- I use mine to throw a spark from Flint/ churt. Dual Usage :)
What I enjoyed/appreciated most about this video was the regional distinctions. I live in the se part of florida and my gf teases me quite a bit about my wool socks and constant search for wool shirts. I dont know where you live, and I admit to having an unhealthy relationship with hand forged steel, but depending on your enviroment a kukri (phone keeps changing my spelling). Not the fancy high polished versions, the village style with black sides. They come in all different weights, blade shapes and handle style depending on your needs. A bit unwieldy for fine tasks, but still doable in a pinch. They are a decent draw knife and most importantly the blade has different angles alone its length for different tasks. Down here a small light version (replacing a hatchet) is the most handy. Similar size and weight to my 9"bowie, but far more versatile and it performs most tasks easier and better......of course with practise.
The icing on the cake is its still made over a small fire by four men squatting on a dirt floor. Its been quite awhile since we've lost those type of blades around me and I appreciate the sweat and craftsmanship involved. Im a firm believer that hammering steel improves its.........???well, hard to put in one word. I wont give the name, probably not appropriate, but on bladeforums you can find people who go home and collect real village kukuri's, not tourist crap. They're not pretty, but you can be sure some farmer has the same blade in his hand doing his daily chores. Even the small ones are thick enough to be used as a prybar.
Sorry its so long, I have a problem with brevity. Im pretty severely disabled and need to carry the least amount of weight possible. So every item needs to be as versatile as possible. I dont know if these will be practical for your enviroment, but its worth looking into. Best luck
A nice versatile backup knife is the Victorinox Farmer, which includes a nice Blade, a Saw and Awl.
Thank you Dave...
Thanks for doing this video, Dave. I like how you show how an axe is not necessary in places that get 3 or fewer months of 32 degree weather. I'm a big fan of having and using the right tool for the job, but we can't bring our entire tool shed with us to the woods. In a longer term self-reliant/homesteading scenario I would have a couple hundred tools, vehicles, machinery, animals, etc. But for the woods I usually just bring my carpenter's axe, a belt knife, a multitool and SAK (always in my pocket), a folding saw, an E-tool, and 2 light sources. One other tool I always bring is a Lansky's diamond sharpening rod, you got me on that kick about 3 years ago and I can never thank you enough. And I always have at least 1 firearm on me, I EDC my Glock and sometimes take whatever long gun (12ga, 10/22, etc.) for hunting and/or a fishing pole.
My belt knife has different criteria than yours, it needs to be a fighting knife primarily, a bushcraft knife secondarily, but it can do everything you require in a pinch. I EDC a push dagger in my normal daily carry, but when I go to the woods I swap it out for a large fighting knife since getting to anything inside your waistband is nearly impossible when you are wearing a pack and a battle belt (holds my knife, sidearm, carpenter's axe, canteen, and survival asspack). But I tend to bring with me whatever other knives I need for specific tasks (i.e. a fillet knife if I am going to be fishing, or a skinning knife if I am going hunting, etc.) so that I never have to use my belt knife for anything but a defensive tool. I don't carry a lot of things "I might need" with me, so the extra weight of another tool or two doesn't figure into my thinking.
I'd really like to see you work with your knife maker friends to get a tomahawk made with splitting wedges on either side of the blade from the eye tapering toward to the blade. Would make for a better splitting tool while keeping all the advantages that a tomahawk has for utility, easily replaceable handle, axe poll, light weight, removable handle for delicate carving tasks and skinning, etc.
Semper Fi
Why would you need your knife to be a 'fighting' knife for it's primary function, and as a bushcraft/woodcraft knife secondary when you go to the woods? Unless you live in Poppy growing country in South America you cannot tell me that when you go for a recreational weekend in the woods you end up fighting other people with your knife more than you cut wood for your fire or manufacture a buck saw or make stakes for your tarp or a rest for your fishing rod, or a pot hanger etc etc?
If so I hope I never end up in the same woods as you!!
ShelsleySpecial
Somewon Yuno The reason being is that I don't use my belt knife for splitting logs, skinning game, carving bowls and spoons, etc. My belt knife is a defensive tool, just like my sidearm, and its with me in case I need to protect myself. It is capable of doing those things as a last resort, but that is not its intended purpose. I rarely, if ever, take my belt knife out when I'm in the woods other than if I am bored and feel like sharpening it. I live in an area with black bears and cougars, not to mention the crazy two legged predators that abound in our world, so self preservation is my primary concern.
I carry other cutting tools for specific cutting tasks; folding saw, carpenter's axe, multitool, SAK, and usually either a filet knife or skinning knife. I'm not going out into the wilderness with just a belt knife and trying to live off the land, so there is absolutely no reason for me to need my knife to be a bushcraft knife as its primary intended function. I do not buy the premise that if I lost everything else then I would still have my belt knife on me, because everything else is just as securely attached to my body as is my knife, and my pack is moreso because it has 3-4 straps (depending on if I have the padded waist belt connected) securing it to me, or its in a pocket.
Semper Fi
Papa Bravo Fair comment Papa, it's a sad world we live in though when you cannot go to the woods without self defence still being your primary concern, particularly from the two legged animals! To be honest if that were the same here where I am I think I would stay in doors!! Peace bro and stay safe.
ShelsleySpecial
Self Defense is my main concern wherever I happen to be, even indoors. There is nothing more important than keeping myself and my loved ones safe. Just because some people still see this world filled with unicorns and rainbows doesn't mean I have to intentionally blind myself to the dangers as well. Also, just because I have a firearm and defensive blade on me does not mean I am expecting to use them. Like any of my gear it is there in case I need it. I always have my AAA card in my wallet, but in the 5+ years I've been a member I've only needed it once. I don't bring Advil into the woods with me in the hope that I am going to get a headache or pull a muscle, I bring it just in case. Chances are, I won't need my firearm, defensive blade, or my Advil, but if I do, I'll be glad I brought them along.
Semper Fi
Papa Bravo
Where I live Self defense from animals and reptiles is a major concern
Thanks again Dave! I'm saving up to go to some of your classes next year.
Awesome intel! Thanks for sharing Dave!
Thanks Dave.....nice vid. Just starting out my bushcraft / outdoors / camping journey ----> 47 yr old I.T. geek here who has spent too much of his life in a concrete jungle. Better late then never.
I just finished the SAN shoot: Extreme camp makeover. We were allowed to utilize the 5 tools listed here. Each was used, and there was not really a need for anything else. It works.
So, Chop, Saw, Cut, Carve and Punch. I like it, easy to remember.
Dave, you still amaze me after all these years. You continue to bring us knowledge that is useable and real world stuff. I love learning something new all the time. You present things so us common men can understand and apply them in our adventures. Thanks again for showing us how it's done!!
Hey Jeff, did you close up your blog?
Thanks David, I just bought your 101 book and looking forward to practicing some of your techniques. More for hobby and to develop skills and reconnect with nature as I explore the Catskills :)
Might be a good idea to add a pair of pliers and a small prybar as tools #6 and #7 (you usually have those on any multitool).
Hello Dave!
Thank you for so many great and informative videos. It's very inspiring to listen and watch to people who can teach you a lot and give answers or at least an inspiration for questions i ask myself since long time.
For those who are thinking about long term sheltering in wilderness i would also suggest to take a log hook with them. Even better when your big axe have a hook extension. If you know the techniques you can easily move big logs (25+cm diameter) anywhere you want, even on the top of your shelter to build a stable roof!
Add a military style entrenching tool ( E-tool ) with one side sharpened to an axe like edge and a canteen cup for a 7 tool rule. Now you can do anything from cook your meals/purify water, dig in posts for a shelter, and chop your light wood and brush. Along with a knife, an axe, and a small saw, those two have always been part of my 5 tool rule but now I'm going to add a small hatchet, a bow saw, and an awl to my pack. Thanks for the great ideas.
very concise video,Dave is presenting to us about the different tools to use depending on our environment.Lots of options,so that we do not carry useless tools,simple.
Thank You, for passing on the knowledge. Reading your new book now, and find it enjoyable and a must have in my collection. God Bless
Thanks Dave,
I used to live in the desert and an axe just bounced off of Mesquite trees, however the bow saw was perfect
you are awesome brother. My son and I have been watching your stuff together the last couple of days. we live in Africa and have been exposed a little bit to bush craft. I will be buying your books locally / online (at least Bushcraft 101 in the next couple of weeks). Thank again for good quality counsel and teaching ...
Fencing pliers another overlooked multi tool.
I guess you don't consider a file or whetstone as a tool, but the others begin to be worthless pretty quick unless you have some means to sharpen them
You are a humble man. Sharing this expertise and informative video is kindly. Gracias y Muchas bendiciones Buen amigo...
Congrats on the DVD series Dave, looking forward to watching it. Appreciate your knowledge and willingness to share it!
I have found as a good combination a Leatherman Signal modified by me with a little bit bigger blade and I also put a longer saw because it is still enough space. This multitool combined with a Fiskars XX5 weight togheter about 750 grams.
Dave, some great information! Your covering a lot of options, that apply to many situations. Awl is for sure an important item. I carry a Leatherman Tool daily just to go anywhere I go. For sure outdoors those others in some form are essential. Great video. Thanks for all your doing.
Thanks for more good tips Dave. My little girl and I learn a lot from you, like the 5 Cs and will be reviewing this with the Girl Scout Troop next meeting. Most of her troop can now feel more confident in these types of situations and are way more eager to explore our great wildernesses.
Keep em coming brother.
Good video. I always figured the need for needle nose pliers could come up.
Good short video to help set up a basic long term kit, even some items to use in other areas. I need to see this type of vid for fire making and wet start kits. Your build from tulip poplar is great little thing to carry for rainy day, I need a Southeast twist to the base wood?
Nice video, picked up a few things I never would have thought about. Would be cool to see a similar video on how to take a minimal amount of tools & hardware that you could then use to make other tools when needed. For example, maybe you keep a ax head and band saw blades in your go bag, then be able to crate crude but usable ax handles and frame for the saw, etc.
Great video, clear reasoning on the need to chose wisely depending on need and tool use to carry one through the challenge of trek life with intelligence and common sense.
I miss this guys from Dual S.Good to see you Dave
Big Axe, small axe, a good whetstone, a sturdy pot and binoculars(you can’t make this). If I really needed to limit it to five tools. You can make the other tools, like a Knife, bow, shovel, fishing equipment, etc.
Great video Dave! I remember from the Dual Survival show how much you suggested a multi-tool.
Schrade makes a hatchet with a pommel and a stow-away limb saw. Great for camping, but, as a hatchet, it'd cost ya more time at the wood pile if you're going to be out long during the winter.
I really like your show and as to this episode, what, if anything, do you think is a good carry for sharpening those blades. I prefer a two sided round sharpening stone with one side coarse and one side fine. I also am always looking for a stone in nature that I can carry in a pocket and use to sharpen.
Pretty much covers it all. One tool I would add, for me personally, would be a sharpening implement. Thanks again, Dave.
Great video, I like how you break it all down and explain each thing in depth.
How about switching that hatchet out for a crate hammer. Its a hatchet, hammer, and pry bar in one. The pry bar can be used as a digging stick or bark remover for shingles , a hammer and of course a hatchet. Include a few nails or galvanized staples in your kit and you can hang things or secure noose hangers. Its also the perfect tool for urban survival. Combine that with a sawback machete and your carrying more than the 5 tools in 2 tools. Add a good multi-tool that includes an awl type tool. The leatherman wave can use the scissors as an awl. Lastly the full tang fixed blade knife and thats your tool kit. Ide like to see you do a review of a good crate hammer/hatchet. Also called a roofing hammer/hatchet also a riggers hatchet but it doesnt have a crow bar. It would allow you to carry both the roofing hatchet and sawback machete instead of choosing between the two.
Sounds like a good overview of the subject. Can do a lot with those tools.
will you be doing another series this winter. i know im not the only one who would love to see another journal of the yurt / cabin fever type series again this hunting and trapping season. thumbs up if you agree.
thanks again Dave you are an inspiration to thousands of people young and old.
Very nice video! The bowsaw is my favorite. could you show how you have built it?
learned much here , Dave , but as you have said many times , I find what I enjoy or prefer by getting out and "playing in the woods" and even at home . some woodcraft knives and such make butchering easier , cooking simpler .
thank you brother Dave. I always learn so much from you. plus you confirm things I already knew. my hatchet needed serious sharpening and only a fine file would do the job in short order. so I would add a file to my kit. be blessed
I have a question I hope you can help with. My work will not allow us to carry a large fixed blade on our belts. So in a short term emergency I'm much more likely to have a folder knife or a multi tool with me for my EDC. What would be my best option for my EDC with a 3 inch blade restriction and must be concieled for a 3 day survival senerio in KY?
Jerry Ohmer With a 3" limit on the blade length, and a 3-day scenario, I would go with a multi-tool (Leatherman Wave-ish) or a Swiss army knife. In addition to the blade, a small saw, scissors, and the other tools are very useful for EDC tasks.
The Buck 112 has a 3" blade. This is a smaller version of the 110, with the same lockback design. This is a very capable EDC knife, but it can be a bit heavy in the pocket.
I saw this video when it first came out years ago, before I knew much about survival and back then I said "ok, well what about a pot?" You know, for safe drinking water, eating things like acorns which are inedible without boiling, being able to sterilize other tools like carved wooden spoons, or boil down urine to make a wound antiseptic, or even distill very poor quality water, aa pot makes a lot possible, and now that i know more, im amazed it isnt meantioned
Videos like this are beneficial for those who are wanting to build a survival kit or bug out bag.
With a love for the outdoors and a nomad-born Tapletop game character, this video is extremely helpful.
Lots of good if not great information. I'm new to the survival aspect of prepping, but I'm getting there. Thanks so much!
Amen dave thank u for this video I would have liked you to talk about knives or tool maintance along with this vid. Great work mate
Thanks for doing these videos. Huge info for those willing to learn.
understanding is in the PLANNING process of the trip , work to be done each time out . pertty simple . thanx Dave . i'm a gearhead type so perusing tools is like a walk thru candy store
Great video Dave, ive been waiting for you to put a video out like this for awhile. My 5 tools are a Old Hickory Butchers Knife on my belt, a high carbon paring knife as a back up blade, a scheffield swiss army style knife, a fiskars folding saw & a old timer hatchet. The first three are always on my person. The other two are in my pack.
what this reiterates to me is how difficult it is to choose what i would take out of my collection if i had to leave the rest behind...
Would you consider a hand drill and some big drill bits in a long term scenario? Would be very handy for building a cabin or something especially since it weighs less then 2000000 nails lol, you can carve dowels and hammer them into holes with the axe, this was done for centuries.
It would be really smart to have that if you planned on building a permanent or semi-permanent structure. If you are planning on moving around a lot, it's probably better to save the weight for something more multipurpose.
I have often wondered if other people carry nails with them I have a dozen or so taped up in my bag for various tasks and remove them and pack them back up when I'm done using them.
If you mean a brace and bit then, yeah, those are damned handy.
Good idea!
You know, you might go with one that doesn't even have wheels & gears. It could be the kind of thing where there's a hole for a cross-handle & have whatever kind of head shape at the end (it would seem to make sense for it to be something along the lines of an arrowhead, for ease of sharpening). Maybe not as smooth of an operation, but it would be very reliable & could be used for bigger projects than what you can use the tip of a knife for.
Hand drills and a brace n bit set are on my must buy list for the off grid homestead.
Great video
What tools would you use in the great plains or western dessert area like Texas?
That says it all. What a fantastic video of the tools to stay in the wilds of the North to the South. Dave is alway right to the point. Thanks for the taste of what it takes to be tooled up. It is my opinion that Dave has brought us all the perfect balance of survival and frugal preparedness like not other. Keep safe and see you in the new year.
Good video,I think you'd still want an ax down here in Florida,for building a shelter,or for firewood,it does get chilly at night in the winter
What Heavy cutter would you recommend for Central Texas? It's a combination of piney woods, oak forests, and Mesquite flats. Along with parts of Mountain juniper/cedar.
Love your videos. I have a question. Why do you think axe heads aren't like a tomahawk? You put the handle of a tomahawk in from the top and with use it gets tighter. Axe heads are put in from the bottom and gets looser with time and use. Replacement in the field would be easier also. Any thoughts? Thanks. Bruce
It might be very subjective thing to carry, but i also pack some sort of a file, usually it is 10 inch double sided rasp/bastard file. is a great thing to have in the woods for more or less prolonged time. ton of use
At least a great video about tools and not about brandsb and names. Those are the kind of info we need.
Personally I think as a break down in conceptual terms you need a durable chopping, cutting, piercing, sawing and crafting tools but of course what each tool is depends on you and your surroundings. Although it's like what you said "the tools you carry with you aren't ones you can easily make or find without specialist materials and knowledge."
Great video & very informative. Thanks for sharing ur tips & techniques.
What do you think about alternative sawing options like machetes with saw backs or those wire and thumb bail saws? Personally I've not used one of those wire saws. Where it regards machetes that are jimped to have a built in saw. I've not used any that I thought were very good at sawing.
Iv seen some sailor knives with marlin spikes and have been thinking about adding one for rope work but maybe a large awl wood work for rope if its not sharp
How often would you include a shovel in your kit and what locations? Thanks
Hey Dave I know you would not consider it one of the top 5 but where would a draw knife fall??
Also you had one set for Ohio north and then jumped to Everglades and South America. What about KY, TENN, NC, SC, and AL??
I have that same SAK and it is has the best saw blade of any pocket knife I've ever seen. The only thing I wish was better on it was that goofy dull point on the knife blade.
Still a great video
GREAT video Dave. Thank you for sharing.
Great video. A good rigging knife will give you a good blade and a good awl Ive found bush uses for the shackle key as well
Your videos are the best on this subject!!!
Dave, you should sell those awls on your site! I'd really like to get one & don't have the means to forge one myself.
Another thing that you could add as an option is a sharpened shovel (like a Spetsnaz shovel)- or better yet, a flat version of that smaller shovel with three sharpened edges. It can chop, carve, clear brush, dig, and hammer things. If it's flat, the edges will line up much better for chopping, carving, etc... . If you put a hole in each corner of the head, you can now lash it to things- making a longer shovel or a pickaxe. This might be something of a custom design, but it shouldn't be that hard to forge.
If you did, you could carry it with or without the handle (like the tomahawk), make a new handle of whatever length you might need (also like the tomahawk), and use it for various long & short term purposes. This same tool that you can use to clear brush, can also shovel snow. This same thing you use like a hatchet, you can use to cut fruit out of trees or to cut vines higher up so you can have more of it for cordage. This same thing you can use as a ferro striker (the edge would be useable, but you could also have crisp edges on the underside of the bent-back areas on the corners of the shovel- the "foot ledge").
You can make coyote holes for gathering water, fire pits, food pits, places to go to the bathroom, various traps, various shelters (including emergency snow shelters or trenches to lay in when in a barren area)... so many things. I'm a bit suprised you didn't do something on this particular piece of gear (maybe because the blades aren't always that easy to use), but if it was flattened- it would be a beast. This thing would do damn near anything & wouldn't be much different than carrying a hatchet or large knife.
CLureCo No, it's not like the folding shovels. It's like a miniature regular one, but with three sharp edges. The main difference between the one I'm talking about & the Cold Steel Spetsnaz Shovel is that mine's not curved & has holes for lashing.
CLureCo Got your other message on g-Mail, but not on TH-cam. Been happening somewhat frequently, don't know why.
Anyway, I DO remember something about that "shove axe," but I can't find it on TH-cam. If it's what I'm thinking of, it's fairly similar. Maybe the guy took it down or closed his account or something. One thing I rmember as a difference is the metal handle on the shove axe, where the idea I came up with would have a removable wooden one & could be lashed to a stick to make a longer shovel or a pickaxe-type of thing.
Atkrdu & +CLureCo Hey guys, if you are looking for the video on the shovel / ax tool that you seeing made in the video, check out Dave at reallybigmonky1. I think the rest of his channel name is Fun in the woods. He has lots of great bush craft / hiking / survival type. videos and he makes (as well as shows you how to make) much of what he uses. I hope that's what you are looking for.
CLureCo All right, thanks.
Bruce Barlow Yeah, think I have his channel on my subscription list. Good channel, lots of different info- instead just repeating the basics OVER & OVER like so many of these channels.
thanks dave for covering what i do and ideas for less weight options you missed pocket chain saw mine has not failed me when I use it pocket chain saw is my belt carry as back to these tools
Do you have a video on how you made your leather sheaf. Would like to make one
Nothing but respect for you sir....my question is related to a previous video I watched but the comments were disabled. as for the sling bow mod including the golf tee in the knock slot....would the weight difference in the tee affect the arrows trajectory if by chance your target was at a greater distance. Please continue with the fantastic videos and superb advice, God bless and cheers
Knife , hatchet , folding saw , Havalon Hydra , And Multi Tool stay in my go pack
Geez…… how often have I forgotten an awl? If I ever left the house without the SAK, that's how many times. There are not many folders out there that have one. I usually pack the carpenter's awl with the bulky round handle on it; but I like your flat doo-hickey there, it's a great space saver.
Dave quick question in this video you say from Ohio to Canada on tool options in the front of the video would those options be the same for the foothills of North Carolina to Tennessee ?
Multi tool leatherman juice(pillars, wire cutters, saw, blade, all, screwdrivers, cork puller, can opener, bottle opener), axe head, machete, Laplander, sharpener. Replace Laplander with green wood buck saw blade for less weight if you're skilled enough to make your buck saw handle. You carve your axe handle.
Skinning small game and fine carving is done by the juice, so if you need a comfortable knife, you may have to ditch the sharpener for your knife preference. I wouldn't ditch the juice though, lots of redundancy, multi use, and needle nose pliers for pulling teeth, opening shell fish, fish hook removal, suturing, the list is limited to your imagination.
I'm not contradicting Dave by any means, just mentioning my set up. It's the same tools mostly, just a different configuration.
I have quite a weird style when it comes to wilderness skills, i hunt with a primitive bow, but i carry a lot of 1700-1800's style gear, flint and steal fire kits, old axes etc, do you think it is a good idea to carry a quality hatchet in conjunction with an opinel number 8? ( the hatchet is a very old roofing hatchet that holds an edge like none other, it has a 17" handle) I never liked big fixed blade knives for some reason, and i can accomplish all the necessary tasks with what i have. In the long term, would this work effectively? Thanks
I wish i knew how many lives were saved cause of his videos
You know Dave, I haven't said it in a while, You make some great videos man.
Think I may have finally dinged Mr Canterbury on something. Of course it only took 9 years! Wouldn’t a file with a tang sharpened to double as an awl be better? How else does one sharpen the first four implements? I would go:
belt knife, axe, buck saw, curved knife & file. And if we can add a sixth, a spade. Now Dave’s going to read this & if I ever get out to the Pathfinder School I will wind up having to reach my hand, forearm deep up a billie goats backside in front of the class. Not for any survival reason but just because I suspect Dave knows a thousand ways to tune a smart ass youtube commenter up once he’s got you on home turf. 😉 In all seriousness God bless Dave. He’s an American treasure 👊🏼💥
I liked your using the fish scaler tool as a second saw.
You have any suggestions for us old folks that can't carry all that stuff?
Interesting that saw is very often overlooked or completely forgotten in survival, trekking, wilderness youtubers reviews. Usually they seem to prefer fancy looking folding knives and shiny machetes.