With his backcountry experience and knowledge he was the
absolute right person to discuss wilderness survival.
Key to his discussion of SAR tools, fire starting and
building an emergency shelter was his selection of knives. He carried a full tang, fixed blade knife in
his SAR pack.
After his presentation I sat down with John to discuss
why his primary choice was a fixed blade rather than a folding knife. He told me that the hinge point of a folder
was its weakest point and not something he would compromise on.
This was a stout knife made by the Busse Combat Knife
Company. His knife’s blade body was
thick, just under a quarter inch; the tang itself was impressive. The knife had an approximately eight inch
blade. Sturdiness and versatility came to mind when looking at this tool. It’s not a fine bladed scalpel but rather a
strong knife that will do the job shaping boughs or batoning firewood. It is a utilitarian, multipurpose part of his
kit.
John’s is a quality knife and not a trendy looking bowie
knife with engraving and inscription.
The only designs etched onto the blade were the wear patterns from years
of hard and demanding work. His
selection of manufactures included the Busse Combat Knife Company, Swamp Rat
and Scrap Yard; all names new to me.
He did caution that using a large knife takes experience
and extra caution.
John’s choice may not be for everyone but is based on
years in the wilderness and experience.
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