One of the primary tools for the Survivalist is the Folding Knife. This is used for food preparation, as pry bar, screw driver, box opener and self-defense weapon. In most cases, the Urban Survivalist will use it to open mail, packages, and to cut twine. The country counterpart will use it to whittle, cut rope, prepare food, or even dress game. In a full on survival situation, a person could find themselves prying a screen off a window, or forcing a lock, cutting clothing from an injured person, or finishing off injured game. Possibly digging a hidden item out of the ground, using as a tool to make other tools or weapons, or using it as a last ditch defensive weapon. Definition of the “full on survival situation” would be any situation where the tool needed is critical; meaning that its failure would be devastating or catastrophic. To prevent this and to educate folks new to survival preparations as well as self-defense I would like to go over selection, materials, types, and carry of the survival folding knife.

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First, the knife must be of a legal to carry length. For instance in Colorado, the statewide legal length from guard to tip is 3.5 inches with a single edge. Ballisong, switchblades, gravity knives, double edged and ballistic knives are illegal weapons in Colorado. You do not want to get caught carrying an illegal knife period. You could end up in court with an illegal weapon charge, and if you have to actually use the knife in self-defense the first thing to be used against you would be that it is a illegal size or type. Also, if you have a job or are walking through a metal detector and accidentally forget it is there you won”t be arrested, fired, or at the least lose your survival tool to the authorities. Some states have laws regarding when, how, and where you carry and also rules regarding concealment. Keep this in mind as it is very important, especially in extreme circumstances as mentioned above or in cases of martial law, evacuation, or even during routine police stops.

Secondly, we need to consider type after we have established the legal guide lines. The most versatile types must be considered. It needs to be quick to access, easy to find in darkness, easy to identify by feel, and safe to carry. It also must not fall off, drop out of the pocket, or be too obvious or cumbersome. You want it to blend in, but not so much that you cannot get to it in an urgent moment of need. Most modern folding knives have some sort of clip that is mounted to the handle of the knife. They should be steel, and riveted or screwed to the knife. Glue will not do! Folding knives stored in a sheath are much slower to get to although you may want to carry a second one as back-up this way. The knife should be designed with your “handed-ness” in mind. Meaning if you are right hand dominant, it needs to be worn on the right and so on. Also most modern folding knives have legal thumb studs or other apparatus to thumb or finger the blade open. Go to a dealer and try as many as you can, do not just order the latest and greatest without trying it first. Narrow it down to 2-3 types you are comfortable and consistent with.

When you have established what types are easiest for you to access and open, then you need to consider the materials it is made from. If you are purchasing the knife from an established manufacturer, you should be able to go on-line or in a catalog and find the brand, model, and specifications. You will see specs for length, weight, blade material, handle material, lock type, and possibly Rockwell hardness and grind. If you are indeed buying from a well known manufacturer, basically you want to narrow the blade material down, as well as warranty. All the other details, while important, are lower priorities. Most blades are more or less rust resistant depending on grade, and are harder or softer so will be harder or easier to sharpen and hold an edge. The harder steel is not necessarily the better grade however! If you are really hung up on this, educate yourself on knife steel grades at the library with books written in 2005 and up. Ideally you will want to know if it is rust resistant, rust proof, or if you will need to oil it regularly. This is important for those who will use it hunting, preparing food, boating, in wet climates, and such on a regular day-to-day basis. This may also affect the handle material choices.

Once you have analyzed your needs based on use, climate and personal preferences you want to consider your budget. This is where people really blow it. I managed two knife stores for a total of 11 years, and also collect and work gun shows time to time. I have seen so many people get fixated on price, then go for a “cheap” knife. A really good dependable knife will cost you between $80 and $350 dollars with most being about $150 USD (2008). If you plan, and only purchase one good folder this cost will be mitigated. For the Survivalist this budget is important as you have many other needs and equipment to purchase. The wise minded survivalist will get the best he can afford. You will want to consider the warranty again, and the history of reliability from this manufacturer. Go on-line to various knife forums and see what people say. Also, talk to local vendors and emergency personnel including police, military and fire rescue. They usually get the good gear and have experience using it.

Lastly, when looking at knives for your personal survival tool, consider how it will be used. It must be thick, strong, sturdy, have a safe locking mechanism, sharp, easy to sharpen, easy to safely grip, and designed with function in mind. Do not get side-tracked about how it looks or how cool it is. Also, it must be able to perform many tasks. Do not forget that this may be the last ditch defensive weapon or the ONLY weapon you have to defend yourself from attack. It may be multiple two-legged assailants or a dog, or possibly it will be used to fight your way to your firearm or other defensive tool. It may be used to skin and dress game, dispatch wounded animals, make a temporary wilderness shelter, used to make other tools and weapons, and so on. This is really the crux of a survival knife, let alone a folding pocket knife. Ideally you will have a bigger fixed bladed knife, but on a day-to-day basis will you really carry a 6 inch fixed blade to work in your briefcase or purse? Most of us will say no. Also, in step with preparedness in general it is important to have equipment on you while you do your daily travels, work, and leisure activities. We really cannot predict when something bad will happen so we must always be ready.

After you have purchased your knife, make sure the screws on the clip are tight but don”t over tighten. Also you will want to practice drawing and opening your knife. Do not rely on “flicking” or using gravity or centrifugal force to open your blade. You want to use the factory apparatus or thumb stud to open the blade. It is easy to drop or toss your knife while flicking it open, and this also creates wasted movement. It may also telegraph your intent, your weapon, and make more sound. You want to practice the art of subtlety, more like a samurai or medieval duelist than a barbarian or movie hero. After you have mastered the draw, work on speed and economy of motion. Less is better! Once your draw is fluid, then practice opening in the dark. You will find that with enough practice you can keep your eyes on the task or threat without having to look down at your knife. Finally, when you can draw in the dark by feel go to practicing in a lighted room but practice drawing while tying your shoe, bending, getting a wallet with the other hand, while stepping forward, back or sideways, and while issuing verbal commands like “Stop!” You may also want to transition to a defensive stance and be aware that you usually want the knife in a forward dominant hand.

This brings us to grip. How you hold and use the knife is just as important as the knife. You want to cut away from yourself when opening packages, or mail. Same when you are dressing game, whittling a arrow, or prying something. You always want the point and sharp edge to point away from you so that if you slip it will not cut or stab you.

Also, just as important you want the actual grip to be strong and secure so that the knife does not slip away or slip out of your hand completely. When a person is in an emergency, their focus can be easily distracted. Also, adrenaline, sweat, blood, water, oil or physical obstructions could impair or destabilize the grip. Make sure you practice using your knife safely and if you practice using it defensively make sure your grip is secure. One fun thing to do is to gently stab a card board box, then shave the box, then cut the box into pieces. You will see how different jobs and forces will affect grip. Be careful as you can easily get cut during this process.

Grip is also very important during a defensive counter attack. As mentioned above, you want the knife in your dominant hand, lead leg forward. This gives you maximum reach or range to stab or slash at a attacker. Keep the knife in a point forward grip like you would a razor knife to cut drywall for instance. Not like a hammer, or reverse like a ice pick. People with professional knife fighting training will sometimes use a reverse grip, but that requires training and is beyond the scope of this article. Basically you want as much room as you can get between you and the attacker, and you want to be able to cut without exposing your vital areas to the attacker. The most basic way to do this is as mentioned dominant hand forward, lead leg forward. You can also lunge forward this way or spring backward and still be able to counter attack.

Some tips in general for the folding knife and the survivalist:

• Carry the longest blade you can legally carry in your state. Be reasonable on this! There are unusual 6 inch folders, but why not get a fixed blade at that point?

• The knife should blend or be concealable, and should be easily accessed.

• Get brand name knives including custom folders from well known makers.

• Key chain or other gimmick knives do not fit the bill of the robust folding survival knife. These might work as a secondary or tertiary knife however.

• Consider your secondary knife to work weak handed as a back-up.

• Also consider a multi-tool as back up. They usually have locking blades with a variety of designs.

• Make sure the handle is not too slippery or too shiny. You want a secure grip and something that blends in with your wardrobe.

• Learn to disassemble, clean, sharpen, and oil your knife. Look at a small sharpener for your key chain, pocket or survival kit.

• Although double edged folders are out there remember to be reasonable and to keep it legal. Also, single edged knives are more utilitarian in nature.

• Make sure the knife stays on your belt or in your pocket.

• Carry it every day everywhere you go, including in your robe, underwear or sleep garments, exercise clothes, or business suit. Take it off when you are actually sleeping or bathing.

• Be careful carrying other gear in the same area. Sometimes the knife may open in your pocket and you could get a nasty cut. Make sure the knife blade is not too loose, and this is also another good reason to buy a quality knife design.

• Use your knife! Don”t be afraid to dull it or scratch it. It is a tool for one, and also it is a survival item that must be tested and proven.

• Practice the draw regularly as mentioned above.

• Consider this a “Every Day Carry” item. Do not get into the habit of taking it off, or throwing it on the table or in the car. Would a samurai throw his sword away to go to the bathroom, read, or train? No way and neither should you.

Copyright 2008 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

Modern arena matches exhibit the current perception of the “Warrior Class”.  But there is a dramatic difference between this and the Soldier in Afghanistan.  There is a difference in the Mindset and to an extent the Attitude, not so much in the training.  This can be easily viewed by watching the UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championship, or other exhibition fights.

Warrior:  a man engaged or experienced in warfare; broadly: a person engaged in some struggle or conflict.

Soldier: one engaged in military service and especially in the armyb: an enlisted man or womanc: a skilled warrior.

Merriam Webster’s’ Dictionary is little help in understanding the difference between a warrior and a soldier.  Society and pop culture interpretation also is of little assistance.  It takes a deeper understanding and some analysis.

The modern Mixed Martial Arts practitioner goes into the ring to fight his opponent based on rules set by a governing body.  They assign a referee to interact in the bout, and enforce the rulings of the judges.  So called “fighting fair”.

The soldier is trained to kill, then sent away from judges and referee’s to enforce the dictum of his national leader.  On the battlefield he must engage and defeat the enemy, as well as do his best to stay alive and keep his team mates alive.

Although both could be classified as warriors, one is trying to win an organized match: while the other is trying to defeat an enemy, and also stay alive.  He is putting his life on the line, while the other is putting his health at risk.

The MMA practitioner receives excellent training in hand-to-hand combat, and receives some of the best physical conditioning from top notch trainers and medical people.  He can indeed stop an attack, incapacitate an opponent, and even take a life.  BUT he is trained not to.

He knows that he can “tap out” or surrender with only momentary shame.  His team can throw in the towel, ending the match.  A ringside Doctor can also call the fight if there is the threat of injury beyond the confines of the match.  An unethical fighter could even feign a knockout and throw the fight for money or other reason.

The soldier can fight to the death or surrender.  No other choice exists. Surrender does not guarantee fair treatment, medical help, or life.  It could be a shortcut to torture and death.  There is no referee or team to throw in the towel when things get hairy.

Although both the soldier and the MMA “warrior” strive to win, they strive for different things entirely.  One fights for life, the other for glory.

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What does this have to do with Self-Defense and Survival?

We must adapt the mindset and attitude to win like a soldier when confronted on the street.  There is no referee, no judges, no doctor, and no team to throw in the towel.  A ring match and a fight for your wallet, family member, or even your life is going to be on the same playing field as the soldier.  This means the victor will have his life, not a trophy and bragging rights.

Although many of the MMA fighters receive excellent training, I have watched many “Tap out” when the going gets tough.  We don’t have that choice when we are fighting to survive… regardless of the situation.  You never give up for any reason.

MMA matches are a good motivator for the preparedness minded individual.  You get to see fighters slugging it out, their top conditioning, strategies, and excellent fighting technique.  It’s very good to watch, and heck, great entertainment.  But it stops there.

Many MMA fighters go on to join the Armed Forces or Law Enforcement and advance their mindset.  Some are even former soldiers who can participate in the match for the athletic competition.  We just must be careful to not confuse the Soldier and the MMA “Warrior”.  They are two completely different creatures with different mindsets. They both may have winning attitudes, but in reality only the living survivor truly has won.

Copyright 2009 by duracles.  Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

Survival fitness: this is by far the most overlooked and undervalued area in survival training and preparedness… not to mention plain self-defense. Basically, we need to be in relatively good shape to be better able to handle situations life may throw at us.

• Can you roll a jack under your car and put the spare tire on?
• Can you climb a fence to avoid an attacking vicious dog?
• Can you run a half block to catch a wayward toddler about to cross the street?
• Can you carry a 40 lb. backpack all day, walking across town?

These are a few examples of everyday occurrences that can happen to anyone at anytime. Notice that none of these examples are extreme unlikely instances. Every one of these things has happened to me, and I don”t live in an action movie type of lifestyle!

Therefore the question remains…… what if? What if I have to chase a man abducting my child? Can I do it? What if I have to run ten blocks to avoid a dangerous chemical spill? What if I have to live out of my backpack for 3 days? These things are more extreme; but as a person interested in survival we should be prepared physically to meet the challenge. Training, attitude, and survival gear aren”t the only things keeping us alive out there. It is also the ability to run, jump, crawl, swim, and get back up that could determine the outcome of an extreme situation.

Fitness Basics

There are some basics we all learned in gym class that still apply today. Here they are in random order:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Endurance
• Speed

Remember we are talking basics! I am not saying you have to out lunge an Olympic Fencer, or outrun a Grizzly Bear. Fitness basics are designed to be easy to improve, attainable by your average person, and show results quickly.

Strength training may include push-ups, weight lifting, resistance training or even dynamic tension. Flexibility is obviously stretching, toning and full normal range of motion. Pilates or Yoga can greatly improve your flexibility, but also may improve your strength and balance.

Endurance is a general term but refers here to the ability to perform sustained exercise like running, swimming, jogging and fast walking. This can be improved in a number of ways from stationary bicycling, walking, and jogging to rollerblading and dancing. Exercise can and should be fun otherwise you will not do it. Speed can also be improved by the above exercises; but also by playing tennis, racquetball, and other sports. Speed is the most difficult attribute to measure, but is the easiest to see improvements in.

Please consult your family physician before attempting ANY exercise program. Start gradually, and be sure to note the details in a training notebook or journal. The simplest exercise program is walking. You can do it in a large indoor mall, in the park, or just in your neighborhood. It is free and you don”t need any fancy equipment besides comfortable shoes. Swimming is considered by many to be the best single exercise program to improve all of your basic fitness attributes. Swimming is easy to do, inexpensive, and can be learned quickly.

http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/fs_prof.pdf Basic fitness guidelines from health.gov website.

http://www.fitness.gov/resources/organizations/index.html Fitness resources, websites, and organizations.

Advanced Physical Fitness and Training

Once you have started a fitness program, you may want to focus on more specific areas of improvement. This can be the most rewarding and fun area in your fitness program. You may want to join a competitive shooting organization, or go on an extended hike in the wilderness. You might decide to join a martial arts program, join a weekly fitness class, or advance your current regimen to the next level.

Whatever you decide it will be an expression of you and your interests. You might be surprised at how beneficial and empowering this can actually be! Your survival fitness program could spill over into other areas of your life and improve the overall quality of living in general. It is worth the risk…. You can feel better and be prepared for what life throws your way.

Motivation

At the end of the day, we all need to monitor our health and get some exercise. To stay motivated we need to think beyond “what is best for us”. Personally my family is a reason for me to stay in shape. I want to be able to protect my family, and also be able to work hard to support them.

Friends are good motivators. They may give an encouraging work, chide or shame us when needed, or even present a friendly competitive aspect to working out. If they want to jump in and start an exercise program with you go for it!

An exercise journal can also motivate. Once you see the results on paper, it can really encourage one to continue the program. Also, you may feel the need to fill up the volume with achievements and measurements. Usually it can take up to 3 months to see dramatic changes, but you will notice results after your first week!

Lastly, avoid being derailed completely. Don”t allow set backs to make you feel like giving up. Some of these could be minor illnesses, busy work schedules, holidays, or even short breaks. Allow yourself room to be flexible with set backs, and realize they are common for all people. Friends not showing up to work out? Flu symptoms playing havoc with you? Sleep poorly or too much work? Make note of the break in your diary and begin anew without self-recriminations.

Staying motivated can be difficult, but in time you will figure out what works best for you. Compliments from friends and family (or jealousy!) can be very motivating. Fitting into old clothes or having to buy new ones is also motivating. Even just feeling better can be a huge boost in your motivational battery.

Conclusion

Your level of survival fitness is not determined by outside factors or environment. Your level of fitness is determined by you. If you allow yourself to watch television or eat candy all day; who is to blame? Get off the couch and go for a walk or park far away from the grocery store and carry the groceries rather than use a cart. Ride a bike or walk to events close by. Make exercise dates for yourself where you do something fun, unusual or exciting.

Things like river rafting, rock climbing, or horseback riding aren’t out of the realm of possibilities for most and these types of things can be fun! Reward yourself for exercising by buying a nice gift for yourself, or going to a favorite restaurant or event. In the end, the ability to run, jump, swim and climb will be a reward unto itself. You will feel more confident, and definitely be able to meet life”s challenges whether they are mundane or extraordinary.

Fitness is definitely an important part of survival, preparedness and self-defense training. Like a survival kit, or a concealed carry permit it can mean the difference in walking away from an emergency…. Or being carried away.

Copyright 2010 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.