Edge of Survival: Hunting with a Knife

When you find yourself on the Edge of Survival, the only tool that stands between you and your survival is your knife. Yes, that knife that you always remember to carry — now you can withstand almost any dire situation.

You never know when your ability to survive will be tested. Especially for those of you who enjoy the outdoors, there is always a chance you will get lost or a catastrophe may strike. Survival is tough because all of your previous certainties are now unknown. You don’t know where your next meal is coming from, you need to figure out shelter and staying warm. Fortunately for you though, you did not forget to bring the ultimate asset, your knife.

The frame of the SXS, minus the paracord wrap. EJ will lash this into a spear. Perfect for hunting.

Always travel with your knife, it could be the difference between eating and starving

If you ask me if I would rather have a gun or knife, I’m choosing a knife every time. Even in modern-day hunting with guns and bows, the knife is the most important tool you will need to survive.

Here, EJ takes the knife and fits it into the stick he’s prepared.

A gun can only kill your game, it will not be useful in skinning or cleaning any game you catch. You need something that won’t run out of ammo, something that will help you for more than killing. The keys to survival hunting are maximizing your resources and person. A gun needs bullets, a knife just needs you.

Active and Passive Hunting

Hunting with a knife is always going to be a challenge. A spear knife gives you an advantage because it extends your reach and also gives you more distance between you and game. Having a sharp blade at the end of the spear means your weapon is more efficient, this is vital for survival — you have to eat.

EJ lashes it with the paracord from the handle to secure it in place.

A knife is a perfect tool to help prepare traps for hunting small game.

Passive hunting is also an effective way to catch some dinner when you’re out in the wild. When you’re in a survival situation, having traps is like having another person work for you and the more “people” working, the better. You’ll need a knife to construct your deadfall traps, especially with the wedging and sharpening.

Without a knife, you don’t have the ability to make a good feather stick, which could mean no fire in wet weather.

After the Hunt

Having a good knife also helps with cooking the game you caught. Once you catch your dinner, you’ll need to start a fire to cook it. Starting a fire is not always easy, even in the best weather conditions, and even harder in damp areas that make it difficult for wood to light. Knives are great at making feather sticks to help you start a fire in not-ideal conditions. It’s simple: You can’t eat your food without a fire. Remember folks, when you are on The Edge of Survival, you better have a sharp knife.