[Paddlewise] Knives

        The Gerber River Shorty is pretty much the first choice I've seen
for both sea kayaking and whitewater. The sheath locks the knife and clips
onto the shoulder strap on the PFD (although the clip is a bit wide and must
be really forced through the plastic tab on the strap.) There are taps for
mounting the sheath directly to the cloth of a garment, but I wouldn't trust
this feature in a boat. I've additionally run a nylon cord through the
shoulder strap and then through the end of the sheath to ensure that it
won't get pulled loose in a capsize. The other end of the cord has a bowline
loop which is passed through the handle in a double half-hitch. This keeps
the knife tethered, but also allows it to be detatched for extended use
(like building a shelter). The line on this tether (about 3') is doubled and
threaded through the end of the sheath which keeps it out of the way, but
also allows the tether to pull free when the knife is drawn. I expect this
length of nylon cord might be useful in an emergency. . . 

        The tip of the River Shorty is squared and will serve as a
flat-blade screw-driver. Also the blade has a rib along the centerline and
is heavy enough to pry with, and short enough that it will withstand pretty
fair leverage without breaking. Despite the squared end, the bottom edge of
the blade is sharp and the top edge of the point is beveled. This design
allows puncturing of things like a spray skirt if the need arises, but it's
not going to accidently poke holes. For opening cans, etc. the corner of the
squared tip provides a ready point. The serrration on the lower edge is very
sharp. A light pass across the hand carves and slices the skin. It's
intended to cut rope and saw through things like branches and paddle shafts
in a survival situation. The front, lower edge of the blade is smooth and
very sharp. The back edge of the blade is flat behind the point with rounded
(non-cutting) serrations for bracing the thumb while cutting. 

        The handle is polymer (as is the sheath) and is virtually
indestructable. Plastic has the advantage of not feeling as cold as an
aluminum handle in adverse conditions, and it won't generate electrolytic
corrosion. There are generous  ridges along the side of the handle to keep
it from slipping in wet hands or gloves. The holes in the center of the
handle allow it to be secured to a tether (most use a bungie system).

        I've been a knife collector since I was about 6 (1954), and have
seen a number of "survival knife" styles. Some like the Camillius used for
the Navy and Marine Corps are well designed. Others are merely decorative.
Rambo's "hawg leg" is pretty much affectation. The River Shorty is a work
horse. 

        At just over seven inches total, The Gerber River Shorty is a well
designed piece of kayaking/rafting gear. Big enough to do the job, small
enough to stay out of the way, it's designed to work and look like a piece
of equipment, not a weapon. And it's great for slicing salame, apples,
cheese, bagels, et al for lunch! I've seen these go for $35-$40 at some
shops. GI Joe's sells them for about $25 fairly often on sale. 

        Geo. 

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