-- looking for a solution to prevent knife loss while on the water. One option to the conventional "Rambo" knives that many of us have carried in the past is a multi-tool manufactured by Ontario Knife. It's similar in form and function to an issue knife the Navy gave me when I started flying -- something we called a shroud cutter: a hooked blade that could quickly cut away parachute risers that might become problematic when doing a silk-descent into a treetop. Also called strap cutters, these are used by rescue personnel and paramedics to cut seatbelts and other woven webbing where needed. This is a safe alternative to the conventional edged knife -- River Shorty, for example -- that many of us use. When you think about how you really use your knife most often, this might be at least as useful and much safer than a single or -- gulp -- double edged fixed or even folding blade. Fending off a mean-spirited brown bear, opening a tin of beans, or spreading peanut butter? -- okay, go for the edged knife. Otherwise, these pilot-proofed, hooked knives are excellent for cutting lines and webbing and fishing line from an ensnared bird -- while minimizing potential physical damage to the rescuer or the rescuee. I have the thin nylon case for each sewn into the harness straps on my PFDs -- pointing dohttp://www.ontarioknife.com/wn with a hook'n'loop fastener that I don't like but haven't yet improved -- and have a high-viz lanyard attached for safety. It's a much lower profile than my River Shortys -- which I haven't yet retired -- and is eventually a great option, assuming the aggressive brown bear population in southern Maryland stays at its current, relatively low numbers. One example of one of these tools is at http://www.buymilspec.com/okc-1403.html. Ontario's website is at http://www.ontarioknife.com/ but, for some reason, I couldn't find that knife there. No specific or exclusive endorsement of Ontario or this retailer is implied. I'm sure there are others out there. But I'm happy -- Joq *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Aug 12 2009 - 09:12:02 PDT
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