Boatman
First, let me thank you for your service.
I certainly meant no offense. I myself wouldn't want to be playing around with a knife and risking a hand or wrist injury n the proposed situation is my position on the subject. While old tmey skills like flint/steel and charcloth, Bow/drill and other methods are good to know I would rather leave them to others and move forward. With our technology there is absolutely no reason modern man should not be able to light a roaring fire under even the worst conditions. Also the faster get a fre going the faster I can start on my shelter, and spend more time on insulating it, in a more relaxed state both mental and physical because of that cheery blaze. This is simply my humble opinion and I respect everyones personal preferences. I always carry extra matches and tinder for those may encounter in the wilderness.