8 Tactical Uses for Your Knife in an Emergency Situation

Since man began to use tools, he has employed sharp objects. Eventually simple sharp objects developed into knives, which became the tool of choice for survival and a practical option for everyday tasks. Today, knives are still widely used. However, instead of needing them to hunt game and make yourself shelter, today you are more likely to use your knife as an outdoorsman in the field or to prepare your food in the kitchen.

In fact, EDC knives (everyday knives) have a wide range of uses. They are coveted as collector’s items, they are useful for household chores such as opening boxes and letters, they can perform pure survival functions when in need, and they are also valuable to have around should you need to defend yourself. Regardless of why you choose to own a knife, looking at the many ways they can be used will give you a greater appreciation for their versatility.

Survival Tool

Should you ever find yourself in an outdoor emergency situation, it is best to be prepared.  Whether you are camping, hiking, skiing, hunting, boating, or fishing, a knife can be your best friend. A knife is a key component of basic survival. As a tool, it can free you from entanglements, help you hunt for sustenance, allow you to start a fire, perform first aid, build a shelter, and protect you should the situation require.  Even in more urban environments, if you are in a motor vehicle accident, a knife can be the key that unlocks the door to your safety – literally.

Freeing Entanglements

No matter what situation your find yourself tangled in, a knife is the ideal tool to free yourself. Whether you have a jammed seatbelt, are forging through underbrush, or need to cut through a net, having a knife available is the quickest way to remove obstructions and continue on.

An everyday knife can also come in handy in more mundane situations. If you need to cut fishing line, remove hooks, or cut some rope, a knife is ideal there, too.

Food

As one of the first uses for knives, food acquisition never goes out of style. If you hunt or fish, you already know the benefit of having a knife to skin animals and gut your catch. However, a knife is also a great tool for cracking open acorns and pecans, as well as cutting down berries and fruit in the wilderness.

Water

In case of dehydration, a knife can be used to dig a hole or chip ice for water. It can also be used to cut open cacti, trees, and other plants that contain liquid.

Fire

Although a knife cannot build a fire for you, it can be used to shave and cut kindling wood should you need to create a blaze for food, warmth, or a rescue signal.

Rescue

Although it is probably not the first use you think of when you purchase a knife, its shiny blade can be used as a makeshift rescue signal. If you aim the steel toward the sun, you can easily reflect a beam of light for a long distance.

Additionally, just like Hansel and Gretel, you can use a knife to carve your mark into trees to both alert rescue workers and help prevent yourself from getting lost.

First Aid

A sharp knife can be used in first aid emergencies to cut bandages for tourniquets, remove splinters, and also be heated to seal open wounds. In more extreme cases, it can even be used in emergency amputations or to help a woman in labor give birth.

Shelter

Need somewhere to stay the night? If you have a knife on you, you can dig out burrows or cut down limbs down to build yourself a safe shelter for the evening. A knife can even double as a hammer or screwdriver should you want to reinforce your shelter for a several-night stay.

 Protection and Self-Defense

You never know what you’ll encounter when you’re out in the world, so it’s always better to be prepared. Whether you need to protect yourself against a wild boar or you find yourself in a back alley, having a knife means having the ability to defend yourself.

Don’t wait until you have an emergency situation to become acquainted with your knife. Carry it with you on a regular basis and learn how to use it for a variety of purposes. Remember, owning and using a knife is very personal, so make sure you select one that is a comfortable fit, and which can complete the tasks you require of it.