Re: [Paddlewise] Knives

On Thu, 26 Mar 1998 10:23:44 -0700 (MST), you wrote:

>On Wed, 25 Mar 1998, Mark Stirling wrote:
>
>>>
>>>paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Wed, 25 Mar 1998 11:12:22 -0700 (MST),
>>>you wrote:
>>>
>>>Try Paramedics Scissors these have blunt ends and are strong enough to
>>>cut through plastic yaks if needed.
>>>
>>>Mark S, :-)
>
>
>have you actually tried that?? someone i know went to a rescue class, and
>a boat was put into a "pinned" position, and anyone who wanted could try
>to cut it up. even folks who carried small rescue saws had a rough time. 
 snip
Yes - they do work!  I have actually done this although not in an
emergency situation.  However,  the point I was trying to make is that
a knife is NOT the only solution to the tasks at hand.  The paramedics
shears are easily usable with one hand, no tension required on lines
etc. to be cut , can apply a lot of force by their shearing action
with safety next to human skin!

I do carry a chain saw in my survival kit (very compact) and it does
cut large objects with ease  but it would probably cut up the person
trapped inside the yak in an actual rescue. Saws do not provide a
simple answer either.

I realize that a pair of stainless steel shears do not have the same
psychological effect on others as a knife but are an effective and
reliable tool in survival situations. I would note that shears are
safer when one is cold and weak and has lost most dexterity.
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************