The survival knife is used to ______ yourself if you become entangled.

• A. Bite
• B. Free yourself
• C. Cut through rope for fun
• D. Pry open a hatch

Answer: (B)

A survival knife is a tool for self-rescue when you become entangled. In urgent situations where lines, rope, or gear wrap around you, the knife is there to cut through the bindings so you can free yourself and reach safety. That’s why the intended use is to liberate you from entanglements, not to bite, not to cut rope for fun, and not to pry open hatches. Biting isn’t a function of a knife and can cause injury; cutting rope for amusement wastes valuable time and can create more hazards; prying a hatch with a knife is not its primary purpose and can damage the tool or the equipment. When using it to free yourself, work carefully and cut away from your body, keeping hands clear of the blade and ensuring others are safe.