The survival world is filled with gimmicky nonsense. But on occasion, something truly worthwhile rises to the top. Meet the Spark, a pretty cool survival and fire-making tool. Designed by well-respected survival instructor Craig Caudill and crafted by Rivers Edge Cutlery, the Spark is a one-piece multi-tool that’s easy to carry and very effective in the field.
Inspiration
Caudill is the Director of Nature Reliance School in Kentucky. He spends countless days a year out in the field. As a result, he knows what works and what doesn’t based on hard-won experience. When designing tools, Caudill often looks to the past. He’ll identify designs that have worked well and he’ll then add his own tweaks.
Some may recognize the kiridashi DNA present in the Spark right off the bat. The kiridashi is a traditional single-bevel utility knife that originated in Japan. It’s commonly used in woodworking, leatherworking, and cutting paper. In fact, many schoolchildren reportedly use them to sharpen pencils.
It’s a simple but effective design for a bladed tool.
Sharp Edge
Like the kiridashi, the Spark has a chisel-edged blade. It’s strong and durable, and holds a sharp edge quite well. It works great for cutting cordage as well as shaving wood to create tinder. The edge is about 1.75 inches across.
Fire Making
In designing the Spark, Caudill took the traditional kiridashi and added features to give it further functionality.
For those who are adept at making fire with a bow drill, or those who wish to pursue that skill set, there’s a handy divot on the Spark’s handle. It’s pretty smooth and allows the spindle to spin freely.
There are two curved sections of jimping on the Spark. These aren’t just for a secure grip, though they do serve that purpose quite well. If you’re using flint to get a fire going, those knurled surfaces are excellent for generating sparks when struck against the rocky surface.
Personally, I lean toward using a ferrocerium rod when I’m making fire in the field. Like any level-headed and responsible outdoorsperson, I carry a lighter with me. But I think throwing sparks from a ferro rod is a lot more fun. At the base of the Spark’s handle, two edges have been left sharp enough to scrape sparks from a ferro rod.
I recommend you keep the Spark sheathed any time that you’re not using the blade, just for safety. The last thing you want is to injure yourself while you’re trying to get your fire going.
What’s In the Box?
The Spark is a single piece of steel measuring 6.25 inches long and 1.25 inches across at its widest point. It weighs 6.0 ounces and comes with a formed Kydex sheath. There are several attachment points on the sheath. You can carry it on a lanyard as a neck knife or tie it to a pack strap or something similar so it is always close at hand.
Caudill has also created a special instructional video that details how to use all of the various features of the Spark. It’s available to anyone who purchases one.
The Spark is a handy tool that has multiple uses in the field. Unlike so many lesser-quality multi-tools, it performs all of its functions pretty darn well.
It retails for $65.00. Find it at Nature Reliance School.
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