The 12 C's of Survival Blog Series - Cutting Tools

When it comes to survival, few tools are as fundamental as something with an edge. Cutting tools—whether knives, saws, or axes—aren’t just about convenience. They’re about transforming raw materials into shelter, fire, food, and safety. Under the 12 C’s of Survival, this principle is represented by Cutting.

Why Cutting Matters in Survival

A sharp edge is a force multiplier. With the right tool, you can:

1. Prepare Shelter – shaping poles, carving notches, or splitting wood.

2. Make Fire Possible – feather-sticks, tinder, and batoning fuel.

3. Process Food – cleaning game, slicing, or prepping plants.

4. Repair & Build – cutting cordage, crafting tools, or modifying gear.

Without cutting tools, every other survival task becomes harder, slower, and riskier.

Tools of Cutting

Like all of the 12 C’s, this category covers both tools and skills. Here are the key options to consider:

1. Fixed-Blade Knife

A full-tang survival knife is the cornerstone. Strong, simple, and reliable for batoning, carving, or food prep.

2. Folding Knife

Compact and easy to carry. Perfect as a backup or for fine work.

3. Multi-Tool

Adds pliers, screwdrivers, and wire cutters alongside knife blades—making it indispensable in both wilderness and urban survival.

4. Saw

Folding or bow saws handle firewood and structural shelter tasks far more efficiently than hacking with a knife.

5. Axe or Hatchet

For splitting, chopping, and heavy-duty work. A pack hatchet offers mobility, while a full axe shines at basecamp.

Practical Survival Applications

Cutting connects directly to other C’s:

• Combustion (Fire): preparing kindling and tinder.

• Cover (Shelter): shaping framework and stakes.

• Cordage: trimming and splicing rope for secure lashings.

• Calories (Food): cleaning fish or game.

In every survival scenario, the ability to cut cleanly determines how efficiently you can adapt.

Recommended Gear

For your survival kit, consider:

• Basic Kit: Folding knife + small multi-tool.

• Intermediate Kit: Full-tang survival knife, folding saw, compact sharpener.

• Advanced Kit: Knife, hatchet, folding bow saw, sharpening kit, and multi-tool.

Whatever you carry, make sure you can sharpen it in the field and that it’s suited to your environment. If you can afford it get something better than the gas station special. I personally prefer Benchmade, Buck and Montana Knife Company for knifes. For hatchets I like Adler German Axes. Leatherman in my opinion has the best inventory for multitools out there.

The Real Edge: Confidence

Ultimately, cutting isn’t just about steel. It’s about skill. The ability to safely use and maintain sharp tools transforms you from dependent to prepared. With practice, a single good blade becomes more than a tool—it becomes the edge that keeps you alive.

Stay tuned for the next installment of the 12 C’s of Survival series, where we’ll cover Candle (Illumination)—shedding light when darkness falls.

If you missed the last installments Click Here!