Altoids Tin Survival Kit
The RSK Mk5 Survival Tin Knife
RSK Mk5 Packed in a Survival Tin
The RSK Mk5 was designed to fit into mini survival tins like an Altoids Tin. It even comes packaged in a survival tin when you buy it. This knife has a Kydex Sheath and a very functional lanyard that acts as an extension of the handle for stability when using the knife for more rigorous tasks. The overall length is 2 1/4″ and the blade length is 1 3/4″. It’s small but mighty and makes a PERFECT additional to a Survival Tin Project. Thus, the base of my Candy Tin Survival Kit is the RSK Mk5. For about $20 or so, it is worth the investment. However, you can always substitute a razor blade or a couple exacto blades for cutting tools. Either way, the first item in your Candy Tin needs to be a cutting tool. Now… let’s get started…
Below is a step by step photo gallery and ‘ingredients list’ for a sample Candy Tin Survival Kit. I would expect that the contents of your own kit will vary depending upon your priorities and lifestyle. That’s OK.
2 Waterproof matches, 1 Cotton Firestarter, 20″ Trip Wire, 1 Pencil, 10 ft Duct Tape, 1 Fire Sparker1 Needle, 2 Safety Pins, 4 Iodine Tablets, 1 Water Proof Bag, 1 Paperclip, 1 Compass, 1 Fire Block, 1 Spool Thread1 RSK Mk5 Knife w/ Lanyard & Sheath1 Salt Pack, 1 Sugar Pack, 2 Pain Reliever Pills, 1 Antibiotic Ointment3 Adhesive Bandages, 1 Alcohol Prep Pad, 2 Sheets Waterproof NotepaperCandy Survival Kit: UnpackedAltoids Tin Survival KitRSK Mk5 Packed in a Survival TinThe RSK Mk5 Survival Tin Knife
Below are my general thoughts about the main contents of the kit:
Fire Starting:
I like to pack at least 2 methods for starting a fire. In this small kit I packed 2 waterproof matches (dipped in nail polish) and taped a match strike strip on the underside of the lid. I also packed a small flint fire striker and 2 different types of tinder – 1 cotton based and 1 wax/fiber based.
Cutting Tool:
Buy the RSK Mk5 Knife or use a razor blade or small exacto blades. I much prefer the RSK Mk5. For it’s size, it is a very solid and reliable knife. It’s perfect for cutting feather sticks and many other typical camp/survival/bushcraft chores.
Signaling:
In my opinion you can use the candy tin itself for signaling. It’s not quite as shiny as a mirror but should do just fine. Just buff up the inside silver a bit and you’re ready to go. Toothpaste or chocolate with work perfect to buff it so a glossy shine.
Whistle:
I intentionally did not pack a whistle. I can whistle nearly just as loud using my fingers. If you can’t, then pack a whistle. I will do a future video about how to whistle – survival style.
Compass:
This is important. Pack a button compass. You should be able to find one of these on a cheap keychain or something. They are hard to find by themselves so typically you will have to buy something else and pry it off.
Duct Tape:
Very useful survival tool for cordage or random repairs. You can tear it into strips to add length.
Needle & Thread:
Use these for clothing or gear repair. Pack a strong nylon thread – it can double as fishing line, snares or other cordage needs.
Wire:
You can use this for snares and many other fixes/needs
Safety Pins:
Can be used as a emergency suture (ouch) or for temporary clothing/gear mends
Fishing Hooks:
Self explanatory – you can a pack a few sizes for birds/fish, etc…
Flashlight:
A compact button LED light works great. These are bright and pretty cheap. They also last a LONG time. Some people prefer to pack small candles.
Water Purification:
You can boil water in the tin itself. I prefer to pack 4 Iodine tablets. It takes 2 tabs to purify 1 liter so 4 tabs can purify 2 liters of water.
Medical Supplies:
Adhesive bandages are small and easy to pack. I also packed 2 pain reliever pills and1 dose of an antibiotic cream. The alcohol prep pad is for disinfecting a cut/wound.
Note Paper & Pencil:
You never know when you need to leave a note. I bought a pad of waterproof paper at an Army/Navy Surplus for a few bucks.
Random Items:
Salt Pack – take with water to fight dehydration.
Sugar Pack – take for quick energy
Paper Clip – use a binding/button/etc…
Tootsie Roll – quick energy
Medication – Pack necessary medication
The Tin Container Itself:
– Use to make Char Cloth
– Use as a drinking/cooking/boiling container
– Use as a signal mirror
There are certainly countless other items to consider packing in a mini survival kit. I’m still surprised from time to time with great ideas from my students. As long as the key survival bases are covered, your creativity is the limit. So my challenge to you is this:
Go spend $2 on a box of Altoids or $20 on an RSK Mk5 Knife and put together a Mini Survival Tin that works for your lifestyle. Then… share it with someone else.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your pics. If you have any questions, feel free to post…