Spend a few minutes on line searching survival sites, walk through one of the large retail outdoor stores, or read survival literature and you will find thousands of pieces of survival kit that that are recommended to have in your kit. When push comes to shove however, only one piece of kit stands out above all the rest in its potential survival role for you. It is the one piece of kit, the one tool, that you need to secure, have in your possession at all times, and know how to use, to accomplish multiple tasks.
What is that tool? It comes in all sizes and shapes. I carry one with me 24/7. The only time I am without one on my physical person is when I am on an airplane due to carry-on restrictions. I possess multiples of this tool. I always have several back-ups and I know where those back-ups are located. I have one in my vehicle, one in my bug-out-bag, one in my every day carry survival kit. Some of you may know what I am talking about.
The most critical survival tool is the simple knife. But it is not that simple. I carry a strong folding knife in my pocket. I keep it very sharp.
My primary survival knife, attached to my belt of utility belt, is not too small and not too large. The tine of the knife extends through the entire length of the handle for strength. It does not have a serrated top, that only weakens the spine of the knife. It is very sharp. I carry a small whetstone with me whenever possible. I know how to sharpen all of my blades using common rocks and stones that can be found anywhere.
Why is the knife so important? It can be used as a weapon, a tool to kill small critters for food, to cut small logs and branches to build other tools, to build your primary survival shelter, to cut most materials you need to build other survival supplies. It is the universal tool.
Find yourself in a survival situation without a knife and you will have a tough time. Any knife that you manufacture from natures materials, a stone, a bone, a piece of wood, a shell, all can be functional, but all will need to be replaced repeatedly.
Spend the time shopping for the right kind of survival blade. Practice using it. Never be without it. Your knife will make your survival journey much easier. It can make the difference between surviving or meeting your maker. Choose wisely! Practice using it! Never be too far from it! Choose to Survive!