Survival?...

[Phire303]

I just don't understand how it has the strength to actually penetrate anything, or hold a fish (as a hook). Is there more to it?

I have actually snagged a few carp with a foil hook out of the platte. Just like Mtn. Man mentioned, some of the best swords are developed in the same manner. It just takes patience and time (which you will have plent of if your trying to survive outdoors). If prisoners are making knives/spears out of newspaper, I don't see why a foil blade is impossible. You are not going to take down a bear with it, but it's better than throwing a rock at dinner.

[Irving]

Well, thanks for the explanations guys, I'll have to try that out some time.

[theGinsue]

I have several old GI mess kits, 4 of which are complete with the utensils. Those things are about bulletproof, thick stainless steel and easy to clean. They're also compact, making it easy to take one or two with.

I still have mine from when I was a cub scout - it's in the same condition today as it was back then. Other than shooting it with a .45 or running it over with an M1, I can't imagine anything harming it.