The knife is the big no go for me, the thing is so flimsy I am surprised they can even sell it. Still seems quite a few people buy these to stash "just in case" or give them as gifts not knowing better. They are junk.

Bow saw might be the best way to use the saw, it sure likes to jam up, might keep it from breaking. $20 is no doubt a real challenge to put a useful kit together but might have to see what I can work out.

@@Scablands_Scavenger When I went through military survival school, many many moons ago, we were taught to use it as a bow saw. The USMC saw is the best as it has thumb screws on each end so if the wire breaks you can loosen one thumb screw, re-insert the wire and get back to task. It is also issued with a spare wire and I have used them to cut wood, plastic and light gaga metal without an issue. However, I will opt for a bahco or silky because I have them.

I appreciate the sentiment, but disagree 100%. I was way too nice in my video, these are not beginner friendly or worth buying. Most of the items in this kit are made like children's toys... or worse. An honest look shows that at first glance. The "knife object" will fail if cutting more than paper... not an opinion, it is junk. It bends under lightest force and the "lock" wedges under the blade creating a danger to the user. Or it misses the lock and folds shut on my hand. You may have to use this in a situation that involves stress, anxiety, injury or other situational conditions and "rough housing" may be required to survive. The worst part about these kits is people defend them being dangerously cheap ... because they are cheap OR it makes them money making videos using them to "survive" overnight in the back yard OR they are paid to sponsor the kits... and pretend they are good. I know this because I turn down offers weekly because I will NOT promote junk. This is incredibly misleading to those who are looking for real advice from people who should know better. How often will people be able to dictate the parameters and severity of an emergency they may find themselves in? Having a box full of trinkets that you have to fix, replace, or use as if they are made of glass is not a good plan for survival. Many people that purchase these items are exactly what you describe "don't know what's going on around you in time to use your gear to help you" you are correct, most people who buy or are given these kits as gifts will be genuinely ignorant of survival skills and proper tool use and this "survival kit" will do little good or possibly make their situation worse; imagine not knowing how to use a knife properly and getting one with a non functioning lock and bendy handle?... it would be like handing an infant a running chainsaw. I am genuinely surprised these companies have not been sued for faulty items leading to injury and misleading advertising. I am also surprised so many people defend these "kits" as anything more than novelty junk aimed to take money from people who do not know any better. If you have one and found use for it, so much the better. I will salvage a few items from mine, but stand by them being junk overall and not worth buying for their advertised use.

Not a bad choice at all!

Honestly I think some of the items would be a liability, the knife for instance is so cheap it will break when used and could cause injury. I tested both of the compass against each other and they did not agree on north, I suppose if it was all a person had you would technically be better off... sort of, depending on your skill level. But I would not encourage anyone to purchase one of these over 3-4 good quality pieces of gear. If you lose a finger or fold your hand in the knife like object and bleed out or get an infection.... not good. some of the other items just plain do not work. These companies are selling junk and taking money.

I agree!