Re: [Paddlewise] Knife Tethers (was Death by Tether)

In a message dated 10/19/99 9:55:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com writes:

>  Moreover, make certain it is a knife that will not slice
>  your hand or pierce you were you to drop it (while on its tether) and
>  then reach for it blindly and wind up grabbing the blade; or
>  alternatively wind up on the point while dragging it on its tether and
>  climbing back onboard. 

I have elected to *not* use a tether on my knife due to the points you 
mention (no pun intended).  

I like a knife with a point so I can easily puncture a boat or other item if 
needed.  But such a tool presents a hazard when swinging about on a tether.  
So, I installed a loop of cord on the end of my knife handle.  It is long 
enough to insert my hand through during use and to handle the knife properly, 
but short enough that it will not slide off my hand unless I bunch my fingers 
and thumb together in a point.  When released, the knife hangs from my wrist 
on a very short tether and could cause some damage, but not as much as a 
long-tethered knife; *and* it is highly unlikely to become tangled or snagged.

With a wrist loop, the knife must be secured to the PFD in a manner that will 
prevent it from getting loose without being deliberately released.  The means 
of doing this have changed as I have moved from one PFD to another.

BTW, I prefer a folding knife so that I can close (sheath) it while it is 
dangling from my wrist.

Harold

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