Good morning—James here from SurvivalPunk.com. Today’s episode is all about the five preps I actually use every single week. Not the “someday when the world ends” gear collecting dust in a bin—these are the tools that pull their weight in everyday life. If they’re in my kit, it’s because they’ve proven themselves over and over again.

Can you even be a man without a pocket knife? (Kidding… mostly.) I use mine more than anything. The few days I misplaced my favorite were miserable—every task was “ugh, this would be 5 seconds with a blade.”

My go-to has been a Spyderco Tenacious for like 10–15 years. Before that I ran a Kershaw Skyline—good knife, just a bit small for big hands.

Pro tip: a dull blade is more dangerous—you push harder, slip more. Keep it sharp and use a knife you can hold securely.

I like the Spyderco hole for opening; never been a failure point for me. And no, don’t pry with your knife.

Side rant: yes, combat knives exist; no, a 1″ blade isn’t a fighter. Also, pretty sure some company (maybe Cold Steel) made a ridiculous giant folder. Am I intrigued? Maybe. Still ridiculous.

I don’t carry it every day because my sheath weaves through the belt and I forget in the morning. But on the days I do? I use it constantly—especially the screwdrivers (that star/Torx bit is clutch).

If I made it frictionless, I’d carry it daily. A clip-on carrier solves the belt-weaving nonsense—grab keys, grab multitool, clip, done.

Don’t go cheap/poorly made. I’ve used the Leatherman Wave and Leatherman Super Tool—both fantastic. Lifetime warranty has treated people very well. Gerber also makes solid stuff.

Random tip that paid off huge: an insulated cooler backpack for hikes, camping, and even Disney. Toss in ice packs, carry lunch/drinks, avoid park prices. One of our best buys.

Call this “everyday first aid.” I use bandages and medical tape constantly. I’ve got hand eczema—dry cracks are just little open doors for gunk (ask me how I know about MRSA).

I recently raked my elbow over an old nail—blood everywhere. First‑aid kit wasn’t in the car (because I forgot to put it back), but my work vest had medical tape, so: paper towels + tape = bleeding stopped.

Make a Level‑1 pocket kit: a few bandages, some tape, a couple alcohol pads—fits in your back pocket. Stash a few everywhere. You’ll use this stuff more than almost anything.

I don’t smoke (except meat), but a lighter gets used all the time.

I burn boxes and paper in a burn barrel on my days off. (Mine’s collapsing—time to replace it; safety first.)

Melt frayed paracord shoelaces, light things when the starter’s dead, and yeah—people still ask if you have a light. It’s tiny, cheap, and stupidly useful. Build it into the EDC.

This is the real force multiplier: situational awareness and the ability to adapt and overcome. Lots of people fall apart when the plan changes; your job is to pivot.

Example: mid‑recipe and out of eggs? Don’t meltdown—solve it. Three tablespoons of mayonnaise = 1 egg worked for my Jiffy cornbread. Not perfect, but it baked fine.

I use ChatGPT for quick substitutions/ideas, but the muscle is your mindset: see the snag, find the workaround, keep moving.

If I carried a dedicated flashlight every day, I’d use it every day. I forget… but I use my phone light pretty much daily. The plan: make it automatic.

I’m grabbing a slim, concealable fanny pack to standardize my carry. Knife still rides in the pocket (maybe stash a backup in the pouch). Shirt untucked = no one sees it, everything’s always on me. Consistency beats best intentions.

These aren’t fantasy preps—they’re weekly‑use tools that make normal life smoother and keep you ready when things go sideways. Use your gear, rotate it, and get good with it.

Spyderco Tenacious Folding Pocket Knife with 3.3″ 8Cr13MoV Steel Blade and FRN Handle – EDC Knife for Men and Women, Perfect for Hunting, Tactical, Camping, Survival, Hiking – PlainEdge – C122GBBKP

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