Knives are an indispensable tool in the great outdoors—and not just for outdoor enthusiasts. Their uses are diverse, ranging from activities necessary for survival to small tasks during family outings. And since practice makes perfect, Mikov is convinced that even experienced campers can benefit from a few brief examples of how to use knives in the great outdoors.
- Food Preparation
Probably the most common use. Anyone who’s ever found themselves in the woods with a loaf of bread and some canned goods but no knife will make sure to avoid a similar situation next time. Of course, we don’t take specialized kitchen knives with us into the woods, but all folding and fixed-blade outdoor knives work well for slicing bread, peeling potatoes, or preparing meat . So-called EDC knives are a truly versatile group of knives . Mikov’s selection is simply vast for these uses.
- Building Shelters
Knives are useful for chopping branches, cutting twine, and working on structures. If you’re planning to build a shelter and it’s going to be a bit larger, Mikov recommends the Guruknife or a knife that can be expanded with a tool set, such as the UTON military knife . Among folding knives , hunting knives are a good choice , especially if they come with a saw, as are the Praktik or Hiker knives , which are similarly equipped .
- Safety
Knives are truly essential for our safety in the wilderness. They can be used to open emergency kits, cut through rope or cord, and create improvised tools or even a makeshift splint in the event of an injury. Rescueknives are, of course, ideal . However, we don’t usually take them with us into the woods; in an emergency, a knife from the Crocodile series, for example, can serve as an excellent substitute .
- Repairs and Maintenance
When something breaks, it usually happens at the worst possible moment. A torn backpack strap is one example, but absolutely anything can break. A knife may not be the ideal tool for specialized repairs, but since it’s often the only tool we have with us in the wilderness, it can serve us very well. That’s one reason why Mikov equipsits Stovkafolding knives with awls, screwdrivers, or scissors.
- Woodworking
We often build fires in the great outdoors. Sometimes for fun, but there can also be situations where a fire literally saves our lives. We don’t always carry an axe with us, which is why knives are an absolutely essential tool for preparing wood. They help with chopping, splitting, or making so-called “kindling” for a fire. In Mikov’s lineup, such knives include the Patron or any of the fixed-blade hunting knives—whether from the Special or Classic series .
- Opening Packaged Items
Sometimes, for example, the batteries in our flashlight run out. We have a spare with us, but the manufacturer has sealed it in a blister pack in such a way that we simply can’t get it out without a knife. This is just one example of how knives can become a literally indispensable practical tool. And it’s not just about opening packages; a knife also comes in handy for cutting rope or string, for example. As Mikov customers’ experiences show, sometimes all you need in such situations is asimple “Rybička” knifein your pocket .
Carrying a knife with you when you’re out in nature is simply important. A knife can not only save the day on a trip, but it can sometimes even save your life.