Re: [Paddlewise] Nice Knife, I think.

Any good knife with a proper scabbard should do. I've lost knives too and 
now tend to go with none-rust titanium with a secure-but-quick-release 
scabbard. Then the issue becomes scabbard attachment. PFD lash-tabs usually 
work out well for a mounting point. You need a secure mounting point with a 
solid, none mussy lash-down functionality in order to release the knife 
without lost force from too loose a mounting point. The next issue is then 
the question of tethering.. If you are tethering because you are worried 
about loosing the knife while in use, then okay. I prefer a knife with a 
good grip, no tether. I have a back up one-hand opening clip knife close by 
as well. If you are tethering because you are worried about the knife coming 
loose without your knowledge and then deep-sixing, well then that isn't a 
very good knife/scabbard combination and is even a dangerous situation. I 
had a knife like that come out of a scabbard in the surf. When I landed the 
knife was pointing at my gut. If I had done a forward-leaning roll - well...

I'm using a Wenoka Titanium EZ-Lock these days. Some paddlers don't like a 
sharp pointed end. I have mine mounted low on the left side of my PFD for 
easier, safe, pull-out-in-front release.

That trip I did back a few years ago out off the Columbia River Bar where 
there were crab lines in the surf reminder me how important having a secure 
but easily deployable knife might be, one with a fish-line quick cut 
configuration.

For shore duty in wilderness, I carry my clip knife close at hand.

Doug Lloyd


>I am looking for a solution to prevent knife loss while on the water.  I 
>used to have a good quality gerber knife attached to my life jacket.  It 
>was in the standard case provided by the manufacturer.  This knife is now 
>on the bottom of the lake (or river) someplace.  Clearly the standard case 
>is not good enough.
>
> The challenge is that the only time you need a knife is in an emergency. 
> Perhaps I am entangled in rope on fast moving water.  Perhaps I am trying 
> to cut loose someone else who is entangled.  Perhaps I want more peanut 
> butter on my sandwich.  In all cases, the knife must be immediately 
> available.  If I must take extra time to unhitch and untie it to get it 
> out of its case, death may result.
>
> How do you attach your knife to your lifejacket?  How does your system 
> ensure speed while guaranteeing against loss?
>
> Derek
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