'Survival Knife' has Light, Blade and Whistle
October 6, 2011, 8:14 am / Categories: Camping
A blade, a light, and a whistle — that’s the formula for the Core Lite, a hybrid “survival tool” made by Adventure Medical Kits of Oakland, Calif. The company, known for its first-aid kits, also has a line of survival products, and the Core Lite is a new and unique addition for outdoors types looking to stay prepared for worst cases in the woods.
The Core Lite’s short steel blade comes sharp enough to razor off arm hair. Its edge, just over 2 inches long, is touted to be able to cut wet tree bark to “expose dry inner wood” as well as be used for “notching and grooving branches” if you need to construct a shelter.
In reality, your wooden wigwam would be a tough build with this little blade. It’s sharp and usable for any small task, though in my test the drop-point blade did not scream “durability” in use. Gripping the knife’s plastic handle and working the edge in wood I could see and feel the locked-off blade shifting subtly from side to side.
The whistle and the light, a small single L.E.D., are similarly mediocre. Touted to blast 100 decibels of sound, I found the whistle, which is integrated into the end of the handle, to be quieter than most of the standalone outdoors-oriented whistles on my gear shelf.
Need some light? A rubber button next to the blade turns the L.E.D. on. It shines a bluish cloud and can light up a camp kitchen for cooking or a trail during an easy hike. But if there’s a noisy bump outside the tent grab your real flashlight instead to cut a beam into the night.
All negatives aside, the Core Lite is fine for most tasks. Its integrated nature — blade, whistle, light — works fine, and the unit is lightweight enough to go unnoticed in a pocket or pack. It measures just 1.4 ounces on my scale.
For $25, Adventure Medical Kits’ knife is not a bad deal. Just know its limitations and don’t fool yourself with a feathery survival tool that may be too “lite” for the job.
—Stephen Regenold is founder and editor of www.gearjunkie.com. Connect with Regenold at Facebook.com/TheGearJunkie or on Twitter via @TheGearJunkie.
A similar, but probably more durable, tool is the ToolLogic SL Pro 2 (or SLP2). Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Logic-SLP2-Flashlight-Magnesium/dp/B00140QD38/
I was given one of these at SHOT Show this past year and while I like it, it’s not one I want to carry every day or in a true survival situation. Although, if this is the only knife you have then it’s totally fine.
I carry a Benchmade Mini Griptilian in my pocket every day and a SureFire G2X Pro in my bag every day.
You said it best in this writeup when you said ‘Just know its limitations and don’t fool yourself…’ That’s the key.
But hey, it makes a good stocking stuffer and would go well in the glove box or office desk drawer. After all, the best knife is the one that’s on you.
This site has been around for a while but they just overhauled. Good gear at great prices.
Gobros.com LinkText
I MUST have one! The ultimate tool to survive my danger filled environment where my life would be over if I didn’t have this knife.
That whistle is totally essential to call for help from my cat.
And the light will help me find the remote that has fallen in the crack of the couch.
I hope that blade will stay sharp and slice open that stubborn packet of Ding Dongs.
Core man.
To be worn at all times when camo facepaint is applied.
:-)
This is a pretty interesting concept, but seems kinda hokey in execution. With these kinds of tools you tend to compromise a lot. Could be good in the bottom of a purse but I’d just as soon carry a standalone light, knife and whistle. Then again, that is just me – I could see how having one of these wouldn’t hurt.
Dan @ BladeReviews
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thanks for the honest review!