If it came right down to it and I was allowed only one tool--it'd have to be my famous doublebit'd ax. [ya'll know, the one Lil Dumplin thought she'd hid from me?] I could survive with it-could make all the necessary implaments needed to survive by usin it. What would y'all choose as your one tool? Why?

The time may be comin when we have the chance to choose. So, think it over and choose wisely. {Yes this is better than argue'n about politics, religion and any number of other things} Matt.24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), March 16, 2001

Answers

I think I'd pick my fire rake. I can't really cut wood with it, but it does all the garden chores with ease, and it could cut small sticks and saplings if the edge was sharpened a little. It is such a useful, versatile tool that I can't believe it's not more popular. In a survival situation,it would sure make life easier to have a good hatchet and knife to go along with it.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), March 17, 2001.

I have been asked this question before and my answer is similar. I would choose my single bitted axe. I think it is a little more versatile than the double bitted variety. But I'd take the double bitted one as my next choice. An axe can be used for a lot of thinks. Knife, weapon, hammer, razor (if really sharp), and of course...an axe!

-- marty (martyv@remax.net), March 17, 2001.

Good morning, all. Well, let's see... I figure with all these folks totin' axes and knives, you could always borrow one of theirs. I'd take my file. Then make my living sharpening axes and knives.

-- The Action Dude (theactiondude@yahoo.com), March 17, 2001.

I'd grab my flint & steel kit. Man must have fire to be compfy!

-- woodsbilly (coleenl@penn.com), March 17, 2001.

I really like Dude's answer. Now that's really using your head. Can't say as I could choose just one tool. Never been handy with a hatch or an ax but figure I'd fare best with the hatch, nice and sharp. Then I'd want my spading fork, hoe and rake. Clare

-- Clare Baldwin (clare_baldwin@hotmail.com), March 17, 2001.

I really like Dude's answer. Now that's really using your head. Can't say as I could choose just one tool. Never been handy with a hatchet or an ax but figure I'd fare best with the hatchet, nice and sharp. Then I'd want my spading fork, hoe and rake. Clare

-- Clare Baldwin (clare_baldwin@hotmail.com), March 17, 2001.

Thats easy, my Gerber 11 inch survival knife (with the little extras in the hollow handle) If I couldn't survive with it, could always use it for hari kari before I got too weak- problem soved :>)

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), March 17, 2001.

one tool? my brain! I don't need any thing else.One item for utility and convenience? A GOOD machete. Not a kmart special.What would I want even more than a machete?A woodsman's pal.A tool that can be best described as a super machete.With either of these I can build shelter make other tools,create weapons for hunting and defence.As far as fire,sharper tools for fine work etc........The SMART monkeys bang rocks together..........It worked in the past.

-- greg (gsmith@tricountyi.net), March 17, 2001.

All right, Greg. I have had just about enough. Stop reading my cue cards!!!!!

I saw this question this morning but didn't have time to reply and my response is 1) duh brain, 2) a machete. A machete is lighter than an axe and more adaptable to defensive purposes. No brain=no survial. Remember the old story about dropping two people in the jungle with nothing??? One comes out clothed and fed, the other...well, closer to the earth,let's say.

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@excite.com), March 18, 2001.

Survival knife too, I say. My DH's is also the kind with flint and about a dozen other surprises attached to it here and there. I consider the human brain a key element here. I suppose even a sharp edge could be roughed out of flint to cut things if need be. Of course, after the human civilizations current usage, one trip to an old dump could yield all sorts of supports, sharp edges, fire starting equipment (from flint and steel to broken glass to amplify sunlight), and makeshift weapons to bring to ones defense. I'll bet all of us use-it-to-the-last-drop creative thinkers could make a good start with wits alone.

-- Marty (Mrs.Puck@Excite.com), March 18, 2001.

I'd take my pump 12 guage so all them starvin city slickers wouldn't come and take all my other tools. :)

-- jz (oz49us@yahoo.com), March 18, 2001.

Uh... just one? My machete. Plenty of flint around and sticks for makin fires, bows, arrows, snares...

As for brains - if ya ain't already got em - ya ain't gonna buy em! But - I agree with those, too!!

-- Sue Diederich (willow666@rocketmail.com), March 19, 2001.

My 12 ga. double gun, shot in one side, ball in the other.

-- Hendo (redgate@echoweb.net), March 20, 2001.

Hubby would wanthis ax, oldest boy would take his rifle, middle boy would take his shot gun, youngest boy would take his knife, me I would take my cooking pot. That shoudlget us pretty far.

-- michelle (tsjheath@ainop.com), March 20, 2001.

God ALMIGHTY, what a funny story. Stay tuned.

-- My Story (andIam@sticking.com), March 23, 2001.