What is a Survival Card? 

For nearly a decade Grim Workshop has been creating Survival Cards. Survival cards are designed to be the ultimate space saver, a compact, credit card-sized tools that pack a punch when it comes to preparedness. Imagine having a mini survival kit, first aid kit, or urban emergency kit that fits right in your wallet, Altoids tin, or pocket. That’s what a survival card is—small, lightweight, and packed with  many essential tools you might need in an emergency. These cards can include things like a knife, saw, fishhooks, lock picks, repair tools or even fire starters. Because of their size, they’re easy to carry with you everywhere, because after all, when's your wallet not with you?

Each card tool is the same size as a standard credit card, Just 1mm thick, and usually weighing in at less than an ounce so that means they can easily remove pounds from a standard hiking pack, survival kit, or bug out bag, allowing more tools for less space and adding hundreds of items creating the ultimate pocket kit.

History and Evolution of Survival Cards

Credit card-sized tools and multi-tools have been around for decades. We've all seen those free "tools" with a bottle opener, a few hex wrenches, and maybe a small saw on one side. But let's be honest—they weren't very helpful and often difficult to use.

As technology advanced, so did our approach to tool design. People began seeking more compact options—something that could fit in a wallet, Altoids tin, or small pocket without sacrificing functionality. This demand led to the development of survival cards, which took the best features of ineffective or bulky tools and condensed them into the size of a standard credit card. Today, you can find survival cards that include everything from mini saws and lock picks to fishing kits, fire-starting tools, and even tiny stoves—all small enough to fit in your wallet!

Grim Workshop took this concept to an entirely new level. We created credit card-sized tools that not only fit into a wallet or Altoids tin but also allow the tools to be removed from the card and put back when you're done. This innovation elevated the survival card idea, enabling us to include items like fish hooks, needles, lock-picking tools, removable saws, and even knives and spear points. We've now developed hundreds of tools across dozens of different card designs, with new innovations being added every day.

Today, survival cards are more advanced than ever. Made from strong materials like stainless steel, they’re fully hardened and built to last and withstand tough conditions. They’ve become a popular part of everyday carry (EDC) gear, especially for those who want to be prepared for anything without taking up additional space or carrying a bulky toolkit.

Importance of Survival Cards in Modern Survival Kits

In today’s world, where emergencies can happen anytime, being prepared is more important than ever. This is where survival cards come in handy. Whether you’re out in the wilderness, on a road trip, or just going about your daily routine, having a survival card in your wallet can make a big difference.

Because grim survival cards are so small and lightweight, each of these tool cards are easy to carry with you wherever you go. You can slip one into your wallet, or an altoids tin, keep it in your car, or stash it in your backpack. And because they’re packed with essential tools, they can help you out in a variety of situations. Need to cut some rope? Your survival card has a knife for that. Need to start a fire? Grab a survival card with a fire starter. Need to catch a fish for food? There are cards with built-in fishing tools ready to go!

Survival cards are especially important in modern survival kits because they offer a lot of functionality in a small package. In a world where space, and weight are at a premium Instead of carrying a bunch of different tools, you can have everything you need in one compact card. This makes them perfect for anyone who wants to be prepared without carrying a lot of extra gear, overfilling their pockets, or want to keep their kits concealed.

Grim Workshop, Nearly a Decade Making Survival Cards

Grim Workshop has been at the forefront of creating high-quality survival tools that can fit in a wallet for nearly a decade. Our mission is to provide practical and reliable gear that seamlessly fits into your everyday carry setup. From survival cards to multi-tools, we design our products to be durable, functional, and always ready when you need them. At Grim Workshop, we believe that being prepared should be easy and accessible to everyone.

What's next? check out our guide on the different types of survival cards

Want More? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Survival Cards

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What can you do with a survival card?
A: A survival card can help you with various tasks like repair, fishing, lock picking, starting a fire, and even first aid. It’s like having a mini toolkit for any situation in your pocket.

Q: Are survival cards durable?
A: Yes, most survival cards are made from strong materials like stainless steel, or high carbon spring steel, that's been work hardened, or heat treated for strength making them durable and long-lasting, even in tough conditions.

Q: Can I carry a survival card on a plane?
A: It depends on the tools included in the card. Some survival cards have blades or sharp objects that are not allowed in carry-on luggage. It’s best to check the TSA guidelines before bringing a survival card on a plane. Luckily since you can remove tools from the cards you could always remove items that aren't allowed, and return them to the card once your home.

Q: How do I choose the right survival card?
A: Think about what situations you’re most likely to encounter. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, a card with fire-starting tools might be best. If you’re looking for general preparedness, a multi-tool card with various functions might be a good choice. Is this for everyday, or for a survival kit? Grim Workshop makes a survival card for every situation.

Q: Where can I buy a survival card?
A: You can find a wide selection of high-quality survival cards at Grim Workshop. Visit our store to explore our collection and find the perfect survival card for your needs.