Dedication
To my parents, I can’t thank you enough for all that you did. I love and miss you both every day.
To my stunning wife, Nikki, who has never stopped believing in me, listening to me drone on daily about things I’m sure she has no interest in, and for making me smile and laugh every day. I love you with everything I have and always will for the rest of our days.
This book was created in collaboration with Victorinox AG, Switzerland, and Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc. US.
©2019 by Bryan Lynch and Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552.
Victorinox Official Swiss Army Knife Camping & Outdoor Survival Guide is an original work, first published in 2019 by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright holders.
Print ISBN 978-1-56523-995-1
eISBN 978-1-60765-644-9
The Cataloging in Publication Data is on file with the Library of Congress
To learn more about the other great books from Fox Chapel Publishing, or to find a retailer near you, call toll-free 1-800-457-9112 or visit us at www.FoxChapelPublishing.com.
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By their very nature, working with blades, saws, and other pocket knife tools entails a certain level of risk. The author of this book has tried, to the best of his knowledge and belief, to set out the safest techniques, and to point out all possible dangers to the reader. The author, the publisher, and the company (Victorinox AG) cannot guarantee that the techniques described will be safe for everyone to perform. As such, they assume no responsibility for losses or damages, nor any liability for claims that may be raised in direct or indirect connection with the contents of this book.
Note that for all outdoor activities, the respective regulations relating to the protection of nature, plants, and animals apply, as do the weapons legislations in force.
Acknowledgments
First I would like to thank my parents: Dad, for giving me my first knife, without which I would not have had the experiences I have had, and Mom, for letting me keep the knife and for always encouraging me in my writing journey! To my editor, Bud Sperry, thank you for bringing this opportunity to me and guiding me through the process of putting a book together. And thank you to everyone at Fox Chapel Publishing whose hand touched this book and helped to push it toward publication. To the Elsener family, thank you for creating a quality, everlasting product that I could write about. To Victorinox, thank you for providing information and resources that helped in the creation of this book. To my friends, Greg, David, and TJ, thank you for teaching me what you have and guiding me in this field. And to my wife, thank you for taking photos, for your artistic input, and for reading this book so much that you probably know it better than I do.
About the Author
Bryan Lynch grew up in the Midwest state of Iowa, where the state slogan is “Fields of Opportunity.” He spent most of his life walking those fields as an avid hunter and fisherman. It was there as a young boy that he learned the value of having a quality knife when his dad gave him a Swiss Army Knife. That first knife sparked a lifelong journey, although some might call it an obsession, into the world of knives, the outdoors, and the gear that is used. Now living in Illinois, he uses his experiences and interests to write about emergency preparedness techniques, survival situations, and gear reviews. Check out his survival blog at https://civilizedsurvival.blog/.
CONTENTS
History of the Swiss Army Knife
Choosing Your Swiss Army Knife
Cleaning, Sharpening, and Maintenance Tips
How to Use Your Swiss Army Knife
PART 3: USING YOUR KNIFE IN THE WILD
Intro to Bushcraft and Survival
Keeping Your Mind Busy and Your Morale Up
