[Paddlewise] Knife Tethers

At 09:11 AM 10/19/99 -0700, Jerry Hawkins <jhawkins_at_cisco.com> wrote:
>Bruce wrote:
>>Since we are on the topic of tethers, let's tether our rescue knife to our 
>>PFD.
>>Bruce
>> WEO
>
>Preferences for tethering a knife to a PFD - 
>Short tether or long?
>Stretch cord, or plain line?
>Something intentionally breakable (like 6 lb test fishing line) or sturdy
like leather or nylon cord?
>Do you attach a float to an otherwise non-floating knife?
>
>(I just tuck mine in a snap pocket on my PFD with no tether.  But lately I
think a more secure system would be better.  I keep a second knife, bigger
and stronger than my cute little Spyderco rescue knife, in my fanny pack,
but that one wouldn't necessarily be available in a near panic situation.)
>
>jerry.
>
I have a "River Runner" (or is it "River Shorty", can't remember but it's
the one with the point) attached to the lash tab on my PFD.  It is attached
handle down which makes it easy to access with either hand.  I have a non
stretchy (sneaker lace) tether running from the handle to a D ring inside
my PFD pocket.  The tether is not intended to be breakable, the theory
being that I can cut it with the knife if need be.  The tether length is
just a bit longer than the distance I can reach with either arm.  In use,
the tether line resides in my PFD pocket just under the knife handle.  The
pocket is never fully zipped.  This keeps the tether line from getting
tangled in stuff but readily deployable.

This works for me but I'm sure it is not the only way.  I think it's really
very important to have your knife access so that you can get it with either
hand.  

I have mixed feelings about attaching flotation to the knife.  I would be
against floatation that would get in the way of the knife's use or deployment.

My $ 0.02

Bill Leonhardt


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