Minimalist Survival.. YES It is Necessary

Minimalist Survival.. YES It is Necessary

The Marine Corps definition of a Survival Pack, is a knife. That is about as minimal as one can get, at least in my opinion

Funny, yet this concept has some merit

If one can survive with only their knife, then whatever one may have in a kit just adds comfort to the scenario

With my knife I can

Make cordage for shelter, fishing, traps and snakes
Make fire by making a Hand Drill, Bow Drill, 2 Man Friction Drill, Fire Plough, Pump Fire Drill and Flint and Steel Methods
Obtain Food
Obtain H2O
Protect Myself

Basically I can survive with only a knife

Now a pack does make things a lot easier and more comfortable.. Here I am talking about a Minimal Comfort Pack



I will be discussing and posting videos on making cordage, starting fires and other survival concepts as we proceed

Semper

I have 3(knives) in my bug out bag. One is specifically for my flint. I'm in the market for one that provides good protection though that I can keep concealed and yet easy for me to handle without being over powered. One must always not just carry a blade, but know how to use it and to keep it from being used against you.
S&F for a great topic choice.

reply to post by semperfortis


S&F great topic.

I am watching the video now.

I myself spent most of last year living in a tent, up until October when the cold started getting the better of me.


Knowing which tools to bring along and how to use them can be life saving.

Thanks.


SS

reply to post by semperfortis


If you don't have a knife,you make one by smashing a couple rocks together to get a sharp edge. (but i am sure you know that already)
I have been studying the cavemen and how they did things before we had all this stuff.....so I am a bit of a fundamentalist minimalist.

I have been saying it on here for quite awhile but will say it again.
Get all the gear you want and learn nothing,when the gear is gone,what will we do then??

There is a difference between sustaining oneself and surviving in a long term situation without gear.
I like good gear but when its all gone....what are we going to do now???
Knowledge is the easiest thing to carry without straining yourself.
THANK YOU FOR SAYING IT.
I get ignored.

reply to post by semperfortis


I watched the video and I love the pack, how small it is and the stuff you packed in there.

Do you mind if I ask how much this all cost, and is there anything else that you think you're lacking and would add to this pack?


Thanks for the great information Semp, I will be following this thread


SS

reply to post by semperfortis


Go on a trip with nothing.
A rock will be your cutting tool,an indian fishtrap can get easy food and cordage from roots or vines for snares.
A bow drill and charclothe for fire and we are set to go....providing you do it with me??

A good minimalist kit, but why nothing to carry water? What do you plan to boil your water in? A small stainless steel bottle would add almost no weight, but serve some very important functions.

reply to post by Spike Spiegle


The knives alone cost alot.
My kabar cost me 130 Bucks.

www.google.ca...:en-USfficial&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=IJ22UPyoF6Ke2AXd 34CoCA&ved=0CGYQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=894

I could as easily used a rock without spending a dime.
I will say though...I LOVE my kabar because i can chop a damn tree down if need be.

Also guys...please read the book Guns,Germs and Steel if you get the chance.

reply to post by DrumsRfun


Get yourself a Swedish Mora knife for $20.
Weighs a third of your big old kabar and will do nearly everything it can do.

I'll be watching with interest!
Thanks.

@ Spike Spiegle - I agree, a canteen and stainless steel canteen cup will give you something to carry and purify your water in.

reply to post by AccessDenied

This seems like it has stopping power.

YES to all of you!!!

Great input

Gear is important, but knowledge is the key to survival and the ability to sustain oneself with nothing but our bodies, what we find and our resolve

However we have to remember that not everyone is capable of survival without some assistance. Elderly, Medically Challenged, Young, ETC

With that in mind



More to come

Semper

reply to post by superman2012


Hell to the YES! If I ever get attacked by a watermelon
Seriously though..methinks that would hurt like snip.

reply to post by AccessDenied


Remember....

The absolute BEST knife in the world is.....

THE ONE YOU HAVE WITH YOU

A HUGE knife, which I prefer, is of no use if it is back home and you are stranded somewhere

Personally I prefer a knife larger that the Marine KaBar.. (Sacrilege I know!!! Being former USMC)

You can see some of my knives on the table in the video and I will be doing a video, in fact a whole thread, on Survival Knives soon

Semper

reply to post by semperfortis


Never leave home without one...
You'd be amazed what some women carry in their purse.

reply to post by DarthMuerte


That small kit is one I carry when carrying around a metal container is not doable..

As stated in the video, it makes H2O purification more difficult, but not impossible..

There are sources of water available that require NO purification.. I will be doing a Video on that this spring

Also we must learn to think outside the box.. I can almost always find an old soda can for instance. I can use H2O Purification Pills, Beach ETC I also have a wonderful filtration kit I normally carry. I did not put it in this video as I plan on doing a whole video on different filters

Semper

reply to post by semperfortis


While a good fixed blade knife is a must, nowadays, a good multi-tool is as well.

With a multi-tool you can dismantle assorted things that you find along your travels that will make your life easier as well. All without damaging your knife.

And both fit on your belt.

I don't leave home without my Gerber.

reply to post by Spike Spiegle


The Pack itself was 29 dollars at SMKW.. (Smoky Mountain Knife Works) BUT.....

You can use anything.. Next video on small packs I use an Old CD Case

The LB7 Knife is an inexpensive one from Cutlery Corner.. Around 20 Dollars

First Aid Kit was - 9.99
Ceramic Sharpener - 5.00
Firesteel - 10.00
Bic Lighter - 1.00
Magnesium - Made it myself
Poncho 3.00
Para-Cord 9.99
Flashlight - 12.00
H2O Pure - 7.00

As you can see, this pack was NOT free, but under $100.00 total

I will be doing a pack video for under 20 dollars soon

Again, Stay Tuned

Semper

reply to post by TDawgRex


A good Multi Tool is a nice thing to have.. I own several... HOWEVER.. Key word being "NICE" to have

I usually carry one in my packs as well although to be honest, I have almost quit

After YEARS of doing Survival Excursions and Teaching Survival and taking classes all over the world, I have never used a Multi Tool for anything other than a file to help keep a knife sharp

Hence for me.. MY OPINION FOLKS.. Unnecessary Weight in a small pack

Larger Packs? Sure why not

Semper

reply to post by semperfortis


But a multi-tool doesn't have to reside in the pack. It can be carried in your pocket or on a belt. In my opinion (not arguing here), a multi-tool coupled with a good fixed blade is not a option. They go hand in hand and compliment each other.

I may be stranded away from my BoB(s) for whatever reason, but I always have my blade and Gerber on me.

Originally posted by AccessDenied
reply to post by superman2012

 

Hell to the YES! If I ever get attacked by a watermelon

Seriously though..methinks that would hurt like snip.

I don't know where you are from, but watermelon attacks are HUGE in Canada! I took down 3 of them yesterday.