How valuable is a Swiss Army knife?
Well, the Navy SEALs, perhaps the military's most elite fighting force, puts the knife at the top of its wish list for survival kits to be issued to its members.
A solicitation for survival kits released this week by the U.S. Special Operations Command lists a variety of tools needed for people stuck in the wild trying to survive. This 31-item, "worst-case scenario" kit includes the following:
• Swiss Army knife. First developed by Swiss knife maker Karl Elsener in 1884 for his nation's army, the knife has been a standard item in any outdoors enthusiast's tool kit. New versions have included USB flash drives and cellphones.
• Rescue howler whistle. This extremely loud whistle emits a 110-decibel sound enough to attract attention to those needing help.
• Five survival matches
• Fresnel magnifying lens, which can be used to help start fires without matches.
• Sun button compass
• Bouillon packet, although the list doesn't specify if it's beef, chicken or vegetable.
• A 1-foot square piece of aluminum foil
• 10 water-purification tablets
Bought separately, the items on the list would cost at least $100, although one company, Pro Survival Kit, lists its kit for $98 on its website. The kit is unavailable for civilian buyers, the company says.
Special Operations Command is wasting little time in rounding up interested suppliers, its solicitation shows. They have until Thursday to submit their proposals.
