A properly sharpened tool will make using it easier and more effective.

Practising survival techniques in safety will make using them for real easier.

Three simple knots are useful: one for joining cordage (e.g. a Fisherman’s Knot); A releasable friction knot (e.g. a Killick Hitch); A releasable securing knot (e.g. a Ground Line Hitch).

No matter how small, always have a knife with you – you never know when you might need it.