When emergencies hit, having the right tools can make all the difference. Bladed tools, in particular, are incredibly versatile for tasks like chopping wood, clearing paths, or even self-defense.
Here are 25 bladed tools you should consider keeping in your emergency kit or survival setup. Some of these tools can be used for a variety of tasks, others perform better for specific use cases – so having multiple axe-type tools is highly recommended. Of course, you do not need them all – so just pick a couple and stick with them!
Felling Axe
The felling axe is your go-to tool for chopping down trees. Its long handle and sharp blade are designed to cut across the grain of wood, making it perfect for creating firewood or clearing obstacles.
It’s not the lightest tool, so carrying it might be tricky in a bug-out situation. However, its efficiency in handling large logs makes it indispensable for building shelter or fueling a campfire.
Hatchet
A hatchet is like the felling axe’s younger sibling. Compact and lightweight, it’s great for splitting small logs and even crafting wood for tools or traps.
It’s easy to pack and versatile enough for camping or emergency scenarios. A good hatchet can also double as a hammer thanks to its flat back.
Broad Axe
The broad axe stands out with its wide blade, making it ideal for shaping large pieces of wood. It’s a traditional tool for woodworking and can help create planks for shelters.
While it requires skill to use effectively, the broad axe is a powerhouse for more advanced tasks. Keep this tool handy if you plan to build or repair structures in a survival situation.
Splitting Axe
Specifically designed for splitting logs, this tool has a sharp, wedge-shaped head that easily separates wood fibers. If you’re preparing a fire, this axe can save time and energy.
It’s less useful for cutting down trees, but its efficiency in splitting makes it a must-have for cold-weather emergencies.
Splitting Maul
A splitting maul combines an axe with a sledgehammer. Its blunt edge and heavy head are perfect for splitting large logs without getting stuck.
Though bulky, it’s a reliable tool for processing firewood. You’ll want this beast on your side during long-term survival situations.
Pulaski
The Pulaski is a multi-functional tool with an axe head on one side and a digging hoe on the other. It’s a favorite for firefighting and clearing brush.
This versatility makes it invaluable in emergencies, especially if you need to dig, chop, or clear debris in a hurry.
Adze
An adze looks like a hoe with a curved blade and is primarily used for shaping wood. It can be a lifesaver when crafting tools, furniture, or other wooden structures.
While it’s not meant for heavy chopping, the adze is excellent for precision work, making it a unique addition to your toolkit.
Paring Chisel
This small, sharp chisel is excellent for detailed woodworking. In emergencies, it can be used for crafting intricate parts or repairing tools.
It’s not a primary tool for heavy-duty tasks, but its precision can come in handy when creating something from scratch.
Mortise Chisel
Designed for cutting square holes in wood, the mortise chisel is a great tool for joinery. It’s useful for building wooden structures or assembling makeshift tools.
This chisel adds a layer of creativity to your survival toolkit, allowing you to create more complex constructions.
Cold Chisel
Unlike woodworking chisels, the cold chisel is made for metal. It’s essential for breaking bolts, chains, or metal objects in emergencies.
This tool is perfect for urban survival situations where metal barriers might block your path.
Masonry and Brick Chisels
If you need to break concrete, brick, or stone, these chisels will do the trick. They’re built tough to withstand heavy impacts.
They’re most useful in urban environments where you might need to break through walls or create pathways.
Crosscut Saw
This saw is designed for cutting across the grain of wood, making it excellent for felling trees or preparing lumber.
Though slower than axes, crosscut saws are easier to control and leave cleaner cuts, which can be crucial for building projects.
Rip Saw
The rip saw is a wood-cutting tool designed to cut along the grain. It’s useful for crafting planks or beams from logs.
It’s more specialized than a crosscut saw but equally valuable for precise woodworking in emergencies.
Machete
The machete is a survivalist’s best friend. It’s perfect for clearing brush, chopping wood, or even self-defense.
Lightweight and versatile, the machete is a must-have for any emergency, especially in dense or tropical environments.
Scythe
With its long, curved blade, the scythe is great for cutting grass or clearing fields. It’s an old-school tool but incredibly effective. This could be good for clearing an area on your land where you might want to grow some food!
In emergencies, it can be used to gather hay for insulation or animal feed, making it more than just a farming implement.
Ditch Bank Blade
This tool is similar to a machete but with a longer blade, making it ideal for clearing heavy brush or small trees.
It’s a bit harder to wield, but its power and reach make it invaluable for managing overgrown areas quickly.
Kukri
The kukri is a unique blade with a distinctive curved shape, originally from Nepal. It serves as both a chopping tool and a weapon, making it highly versatile.
In emergencies, the kukri can chop firewood, clear brush, or even act as a self-defense tool. Its compact size and multipurpose nature make it a practical choice for survival kits.
Drawknife
A drawknife features a straight blade with handles on both ends, making it perfect for shaving wood into smooth surfaces. It’s primarily used for crafting or thinning down materials.
In a survival situation, this tool is great for shaping wooden poles or beams for shelters. While it requires a bit of skill, its precision can help you create sturdy and reliable structures.
Pocket Knife
Small and portable, the pocket knife is a staple for any emergency kit. It’s excellent for tasks like cutting rope, opening packages, or even first aid applications.
Its compact design means you can carry it everywhere. A good-quality pocket knife is reliable for quick fixes and minor cutting tasks when larger tools aren’t practical.
Survival Knife
A survival knife is larger and more robust than a pocket knife. It’s built to handle heavy-duty tasks like batoning wood, digging, or even self-defense.
This blade is a versatile lifesaver, especially in the wilderness. A sharp, durable survival knife can be the cornerstone of your emergency toolset.
Froe
A froe is a long blade with a perpendicular handle, used for splitting wood by striking it with a mallet. It’s ideal for creating shingles, kindling, or wooden planks.
In an emergency, the froe is a specialized but effective tool for precise wood-splitting tasks. It’s particularly useful if you’re crafting or repairing structures.
Bolo Knife
The bolo knife is a heavy-duty blade, similar to a machete but with a wider tip. It’s excellent for clearing vegetation, chopping wood, or agricultural tasks.
Its sturdy build makes it a reliable option for survivalists, especially in areas with thick underbrush or jungle terrain.
Pruning Saw
A pruning saw is designed for cutting smaller branches and shaping plants. Its curved blade and sharp teeth make it effective in tight spaces.
This tool is perfect for maintaining trails, gathering firewood, or even building small structures. Its compact size makes it easy to carry and use.
Bow Saw
The bow saw is a lightweight, portable tool designed for cutting logs or branches. Its frame holds a replaceable blade, making it a great choice for repeated use.
In emergencies, the bow saw is perfect for processing firewood or clearing paths. Its efficiency and simplicity make it a survival essential.
Bushcraft Knife
A bushcraft knife is built for outdoor survival tasks, such as carving, slicing, or even preparing food. Its sharp, durable blade is designed for versatility and reliability.
Whether you’re crafting tools, processing food, or handling delicate tasks, this knife is a must-have. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and dependable in almost any scenario.
Bladed tools are invaluable during emergencies, offering a range of functions from chopping and clearing to precision crafting. The 25 tools listed above ensure you’re ready for whatever challenges come your way. Take time to select the ones that suit your environment and skill level, and remember to maintain them for peak performance. When you’re prepared, these blades won’t just serve you well—they might just save your life.
25 Preparedness Items to Get at the Dollar Store
While you may not get great bladed tools, the Dollar Store has many great emergency preparedness products. But, we would not recommend buying everything there. Check out our guide and see what makes a good investment and what you should probably spend a bit more on.
Trash Bag Uses in Emergency Situations
Trash bags are an underestimated tool that you can use in emergency situations for so many things! Check out all the ways you can use trash bags in an emergency. It is definitely a product you want to keep on hand at all times.