Useful Utensils For When It’s Time To Chow Down
While under survival conditions, things can get pretty rough. From sleeping on the hard ground to going days or weeks without a shower, to trapping your own dinner each day, a man-made or natural disaster can take “roughing it” to the next level—and beyond.
However, in the midst of the madness, you can keep a bit of civility by using a variety of utensils when it’s time to eat. A sturdy, metal fork in hand gives you a sense of normalcy, even if the world around you is far from normal. The right spoon performs multiple tasks and improves your cooking efficiency, and a good knife is critical to virtually every step in meal preparation and consumption.
Although they might not take center stage when prepping or stocking your bug-out location, rest assured that when you don’t have utensils on hand, they’ll be sorely missed.
CRKT EAT’N TOOL
Overview
This utensil offers numerous functions, all within its intelligently constructed, single piece of durable steel. Enjoy the use of a fork, spoon, bottle opener, flathead screwdriver and three hex wrenches wherever you travel. This compact tool fits easily onto your keyring; or you can hang it on your mess kit or your bug-out bag. Simple, effective and there when you need it- that’s the EAT’N TOOL!
Specifications
- Blade steel: 3Cr13
- Overall length: 4.0 inches
- Carabiner included
- Weight: 1.5 ounces
- Available in black, orange, pink or gray
MSRP
$7.99
URL
KA-BAR Original HOBO
Overview
With a pocketknife-like design, this trio will aid in breakfast, lunch and dinner with a quick flick of your wrist. Use the full-sized fork, spoon and knife to make outdoor “eats” a pleasure, even while you’re under not-so-nice conditions. The all-stainless steel construction will hold up for years of outdoor use at the campsite or when far from home. The included nylon sheath keeps the kit attached to your belt and always handy.
Specifications
- Compact, slim design
- Knife steel: 3Cr13 stainless steel
- All utensils easily slide apart and back together
- Includes nylon carrying case
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
MSRP
$25.38
URL
KaBar.com
Gerber Gear Armbar Cork Multi-tool
Overview
This multi-tool offers a corkscrew, package opener (useful for opening cans or jars), bottle opener for cracking open a cold one and a pry bar for handling “troublesome” containers. The main blade can slice through meat during dinner, and everything folds down into one compact unit when done. Choose from gold, orange or onyx colors.
Specifications
- Solid, durable steel construction
- Textured handle for a firm grip
- One-handed opening feature
- Closed length: 3.6 inches
- Weight: 3.1 ounces
MSRP
$39
URL
GerberGear.com
Mountain Warehouse Stainless Steel Cutlery
Overview
Great for hiking trips, weekend campouts or when traveling out of town, these stainless steel utensils offer convenience when you’re far from your own kitchen. All three items—a fork, spoon and serrated knife—attach together easily by the included interlocking clip. Cleanup is easy with soap and hot water. An integrated bottle opener within the knife’s handle offers a fourth convenient utensil.
Specifications
- All-stainless steel construction
- Interlocking clip keeps all pieces together
- Includes fork, spoon and serrated knife
- Length: 6.34 inches
- Total weight: 3.0 ounces
MSRP
$14.99
Mountain Warehouse Spork and Karabiner
Overview
This one-piece utensil features three much-needed items (a spoon, fork and serrated knife), all of which are ideally sized for use during a survival situation, while out camping or packed within your emergency food kit. The included carabiner makes it easy to secure this tool to your bag or mess kit, while its bright-orange color makes it easy to locate in a pack or at camp. This tool is a minimalistic design that offers multiple functions.
Specifications
- Easy cleanup
- Constructed of one-piece polycarbonate
- Lightweight and heat-resistant
- Weight: 0.3 ounce
MSRP
$7.99
Rothco Foreign Legion 5 in 1 Chow Set
Overview
One tool, five useful utensils. When it comes to prepping and survival, space is at a premium, and this compact tool takes up very little. The set offers a complete array of utensils for mealtimes. From cutting meat to sipping soups, opening up canned goods to uncorking a wine bottle when it’s time to unwind and relax, your needed tools will always be nearby.
Specifications
- Utensils detach for easy use
- Pocket-sized set fits nearly anywhere
- Durable metal construction
- Includes olive drab pouch
MSRP
$16.99
URL
Rothco.com
Rothco GI Type P-51 Can Opener
Overview
Overview
One of the most overlooked necessities when stocking a closet of canned goods is a can opener. Without it, you’ll be fighting with the jagged metal as you try to tear through it with your best knife. This can cause damage to your valuable knife, and maybe to some body parts too. Avoid the hassle and stock up on a pocketful of these essentials. Tape a few directly to the canned goods, keep some in all your gear bags and packs, and always attach one to your key chain.
Specifications
- Lightweight and low-profile
- Hole for key ring or lanyard
- Only 2 inches long
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Ideal for camping, hunting, backpacking and emergency preparedness
MSRP
$0.99
URL
Rothco.com
Gerber Gear ComplEAT Utensil Kit
Overview
When it’s time to pull out the MREs, dehydrated snacks or freeze-dried foods, these full-sized utensils make those “survival” meals a great deal better. Utilizing a tool for every type of food, you’ll enjoy the convenience of a spoon, fork, knife, spatula and bottle opener, no matter where you find yourself after a crisis hits. In addition, this innovative set locks together to convert to a functional pair of tongs.
Specifications
- Utensils nest for slim storage and easy carrying
- High-temperature nylon with silicone overmold
- Combined components weigh 2.3 ounces
- Length 7.75 inches
MSRP
$29
URL
GerberGear.com
Gerber Gear Tri-Tip Mini Cleaver
Overview
The Tri-Tip cleaver is a must-have on any outdoor adventure. It can handle even the toughest meats, roots and vegetables. Its dual-purpose blade enables you to hack through materials with ease, while its beveled leading edge shaves wood for fire-starting and mealtime food items with utmost precision. The machined-aluminum handle provides a sturdy and comfortable grip for extended use.
Specifications
- Use for shopping, scraping and cutting
- Blade steel: 7Cr17MoV
- Length: 8.5 inches
- Weight: 11.7 ounces
- Includes polymer sheath
MSRP
$36
URL
GerberGear.com
Coghlan’s Nylon Utensils 3-Pack
Overview
Feeding a family when out camping takes some dependable and versatile utensils. This trio fits the bill. The included slotted spoon, spatula and solid spoon let you flip fish, stir soups and stews, and strain pasta and other boiling foods from the pot. Pre-punched handle holes make hanging them a cinch while cooking or drying after use. This three-pack is built to last, season after rugged season.
Specifications
- Durable, one-piece construction
- Created from DuPont 101 nylon
- Dishwasher safe
- Heat-resistant to 410 degrees (F)
- Weight: Fewer than 6 ounces
MSRP
$5.99
URL
Coghlans.com
Full Windsor Muncher Titanium Multi Utensil
Overview
Okay, here’s the rundown: a spork, butter knife, can opener, bottle opener, spud peeler, fire-starter, cord cutter, pry bar, box cutter and a flathead screwdriver—that’s a lot of tools, all in one piece! The Muncher is the ideal companion when traveling, camping, packing for emergency preparation or minimalist survival use. An included Hypalon pouch with a carabiner attachment secures your tool and also houses the fire-starter.
Specifications
- Made from aerospace titanium
- 10 tools
- Includes pouch with ferrocerium fire-starting flint
- Thickness: 0.06 inch
- Weight: 0.70 ounce
MSRP
$49.99
URL
Full-Windsor.com
Outdoor Edge ChowLite
Overview
Flip it, lock it into place, and chow down. That’s the innovative design of the ChowLite. This one-piece utensil offers a fork, serrated-edge spoon, bottle opener, can opener and even a flathead screwdriver. No longer do you need to fiddle with multiple utensils that can get lost when you need them the most. Constructed of easy-to-clean stainless steel, the ChowLite has everything you need for mealtimes in one durable tool.
Specifications
- 420J2 stainless steel
- Utensils lock firmly into place when opened
- Full-sized utensils
- Open length: 7.75 inches
- Closed length: 4.5 inches
- Weight: 1.60 ounces
MSRP
$19.95
URL
OutdoorEdge.com
Outdoor Edge ChowPal
Overview
With a look similar to surgical tools, the ChowPal features three interlocking utensils that separate when dinner is served. Enjoy the full-sized cutlery that includes a fork, spoon and knife, with the added bonus of a bottle opener, can opener, graduated wrench and flathead screwdriver. The unit slides back together with ease and slips into the included nylon pouch when not in use.
Specifications
- 420J2 stainless steel
- Knife offers a frame lock for safety
- Length: 6.5 inches
- Weight: 2.4 ounces
MSRP
$28.50
URL
OutdoorEdge.com
Full Windsor Splitter Titanium Multi Tongs
Overview
These two utensils are much more than first meets the eye. The oversized spork and serrated spatula join together to form a pair of tongs that are perfect for over-the-fire cooking. These utensils operate with a flexibility that provides just the right amount of force but without losing support. The tool is constructed entirely of titanium, so you’ll enjoy its light weight and extreme durability. An optional Hypalon pouch is available to keep these utensils clean and ready to use.
Specifications
- Incorporates 5 functions
- Polished, sand-blasted finish
- Length: 10 inches
- Weight: 1.80 ounces
MSRP
$54.99
URL
Full-Windsor.com
Gerber Gear Shard Multi-tool
Overview
Looks are definitely deceiving with the Shard. This multi-function utensil offers valuable functions, so it’s ideal for both everyday tasks and unpredictable situations. It features a pry bar, two flathead drivers, wire stripper, cross driver, bottle opener and lanyard hole—all useful for the campsite. This unit fits easily onto a key ring or lanyard. This little tool’s corrosion-resistant coating means it’ll tackle nature’s worst. All in all, it’s a small, handy utensil with huge benefits!
Specifications
- One-piece construction with 7 functions
- Black titanium-nitride coating resists corrosion
- Extremely lightweight
- Lanyard hole for key ring or paracord attachment
- Length: 2.75 inches
MSRP
$7
URL
GerberGear.com
Mountain Warehouse 6-In-1 Mess Kit
Overview
This compact kit offers everything you need to eat a meal, clean up fast, pack it away and continue on your way. Incorporating a knife, fork and spoon, as well as a small cup and enclosed “plate,” you’ll have a touch of civilization, even if you’re deep in nature’s backyard. All items fit into the covered base for easy storage and carry.
Specifications
- Recreational or survival use
- Hole-punched items for air drying or storage
- Compact and lightweight
- Hand-washable and easy to clean
MSRP
$23.49
URL
MountainWarehouse.com/UK
KA-BAR Chopsticks
Overview
Without a doubt, a fork is a valuable asset for any meal outdoors, but chopsticks are a very viable substitute. With a little practice on your part, this set of durable chopsticks can complement your traditional utensils and perhaps even become your favorite. The ridged handles allow for easy gripping, while the narrowing tips grip food firmly and securely. The pair cleans up in a breeze after your meal.
Specifications
- Length: 9.5 inches
- Made with food-/water-safe Grilamid
- Dishwasher safe
- Segmentation handle provides a firm grip
- Weight: 1.3 ounces
MSRP
$8.57
URL
KaBar.com