Hi all
Fairly new on here, and just want feedback on 2 issues:

1) I've got 2 fixed blades, and I'm considering tossing one into my car kit. Which would be preferable: the SOG Seal Pup, or a Kabar (5" version)? I'm in the middle of Missouri, so I don't expect a lot of sea water...

2) Just want opinions on a very small kit I put together about 10 years ago, during scouts. Keep in mind that, as an Eagle, I had the 10 essentials with me (a very full LC-2 first aid kit, and multi-blade SAK were part of this). this all fit in a 35mm film canister:
-razor blade -about 10ft of 20lb test fishing line
-several hooks (about 3/4 inches) -4 1/4 inch lead weights
-about 10 ft of "trip wire" (off a surplus site)
-5 strike anywhere matches 2 cotton balls (with the intention of using them as tinder)
-Morse code and aerial signs taped around the canister (2" clear packing tape, fairly water tight)

Thoughts? I never had to open this little guy up, but it served me well during 8 years. Trying to scrounge supplies for an "Altoid can" kit, and thinking of leaving out such basics as knife (maybe use a scalpel, since I'm in med school?), since I carry that daily anyway. assuming I keep the 10 essentials, any bright ideas to put in with it? Just got a new flashlight and small compass.

Thanks.

More matches, a lighter, and a spark based ignition system.

Oh, and no doubt about it, keep the Ka-bar where you can put it on your belt. Particularly if has the leather handle. But I'm not known for my bias in that area or anythign.

Remember the priorities of Living: SHELTER, WATER, WARMTH, and FOOD

Decide on what you need to satisfy those requirements for your location and then don't forget to throw in a roll of toilet paper, unless you prefer leaves!

SHELTER: Tent, 55gal polypropylene garbage bag, tarp, etc.

WATER: Bottles of water, water purification system (filter),
water purification tablets (chemical), etc.

WARMTH: Clothing, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, blankets, etc
Fire starters (magnesium, matches, triox tablets, etc.)

FOOD: civilian canned rations (beef stew, spaghettios, chicken & dumplings, chili, etc)
MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat),
freeze-dried (wide range of dishes available),
D Rations (chocolate bars of all types),
dried foods (pemmican, beef jerky, buffalo jerky, dried fish, etc)

Items that contribute to the above requirements: Axe, Fixed blade knife, folding lock blade knife, cord (550 paracord, 3 strand cotton cord, shotline, nylon sewing thread, etc), folding shovel, compass, maps/charts, 50-60ft of 3/8" nylon rope, ziplock and garbage bags, flashlight, multitool, candles, sewing kit, First Aid Kit, mess kit, Hobo knife or knife, fork, & spoon kit, cook stove (alcohol, propane, sterno, etc), Medicine Bag (if a Native American), and the list goes on and on, more than my archive data banks can spit out while sitting here.

One must search through the possibilities based on their own financial situation and get or make the gear that will help them Pull Through whatever the threats are that they face (senility sucks!).

You know, one thing I did this year was an overnight when it was 15 degrees out. I can tell you that I put SHELTER & WARMTH ahead of WATER & FOOD as a result. One thing I did learn in the 15 degree overnight (with my 7 year old son) was that those "hot hands" hand warmers and an insulated lunch bag will keep water from freezing.

1. Take the knife that you would instinctively grab when trying to build a fire, a shelter, or skin your favorite or probable wild game.

2. I would add (without making it bigger):
More cordage: thread, unwaxed and unscented floss, mason's line wrapped around outside
Magnetized, assorted needles
Safety pins
Galvanized nail (use as awl)

Given that you're in med school, I'd add exam gloves in a small container and a CPR one way barrier mask for your key chain.

TRO