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 *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I've never needed to use my Gerber on the water, but I've tied a safety line to the handle, just long enough to use it with my arm stretched out. The other end of the line is tied to my PFD. I was supposed to have been paddling Pukaskwa this week, but my wife found out too late that her passport had expired. Can't get into Canada (or back into the USA) without one, now. Aargh! Chuck Holst __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4323 (20090810) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
[Please remove all old content that is not pertinent to your reply including old headers and footers. It's list policy.... this post was modified to meet policy] Actually, you can get into Canada just fine without a passport. It's getting back into the USA that is the problem. Potential $200 charge if you don't have the proper documentation (passport or an enhanced driver's license). Europe opens up; USA closes down. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.net On Mon, Aug 10, 2009 at 7:36 PM, Chuck Holst <cholst_at_bitstream.net> wrote: > I've never needed to use my Gerber on the water, but I've tied a safety > line > to the handle, just long enough to use it with my arm stretched out. The > other end of the line is tied to my PFD. > > I was supposed to have been paddling Pukaskwa this week, but my wife found > out too late that her passport had expired. Can't get into Canada (or back > into the USA) without one, now. Aargh! *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Aug 10, 2009, at 10:51 PM, Craig Jungers wrote: > Actually, you can get into Canada just fine without a passport. > It's getting > back into the USA that is the problem. Potential $200 charge if you > don't > have the proper documentation (passport or an enhanced driver's > license). > Europe opens up; USA closes down. A couple of years ago my wife and I went to BC for the day. My wife, being a Japanese national, had a passport but did not have her green card with her. They gave me three choices. 1) Go back to Canada, 2) Leave her there and go home (to Kirkland) and get the green card and return, or 3) Pay $265. When I chose #2, they hummed and hawed and then withdrew that option when they saw I was serious. We also got a lecture on how lots of bad people in the world were trying to get into the USofA. I feel so much safer knowing that only terrorists who can afford $265 will be allowed into the country. Paul Montgomery paul_at_paddleandoar.com http://paddleandoar.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Not all was lost. We visited North Dakota with a Colorado cousin instead, and then a week later drove to Lake Michigan to camp, play on the lake, and visit the restored WWII submarine Cobia at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, a trip I had been wanting to make for many years. Had fun surfing some 2.5 to 3-foot breakers at Point Beach in my Romany Explorer. I was very pleased with the way it handled in the surf -- very controllable (don't get much opportunity to surf in the Midwest). Manitowoc built 28 subs during the war, the second shipyard in the U.S. to build subs, and after trials on Lake Michigan, sent them down the Chicago River and the Mississippi to New Orleans for final fitting out. Did you know the ice cream sundae was invented in Two Rivers, Wisc.? Chuck Holst -----Original Message----- From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net] On Behalf Of Craig Jungers Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 12:51 AM To: Chuck Holst Cc: Derek; paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Nice Knife, I think. [Please remove all old content that is not pertinent to your reply including old headers and footers. It's list policy.... this post was modified to meet policy] Actually, you can get into Canada just fine without a passport. It's getting back into the USA that is the problem. Potential $200 charge if you don't have the proper documentation (passport or an enhanced driver's license). Europe opens up; USA closes down. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.net On Mon, Aug 10, 2009 at 7:36 PM, Chuck Holst <cholst_at_bitstream.net> wrote: > I've never needed to use my Gerber on the water, but I've tied a safety > line > to the handle, just long enough to use it with my arm stretched out. The > other end of the line is tied to my PFD. > > I was supposed to have been paddling Pukaskwa this week, but my wife found > out too late that her passport had expired. Can't get into Canada (or back > into the USA) without one, now. Aargh! __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4340 (20090816) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4340 (20090816) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Sun, Aug 16, 2009 at 3:51 PM, Chuck Holst <cholst_at_bitstream.net> wrote: > Not all was lost. We visited North Dakota with a Colorado cousin instead, > and then a week later drove to Lake Michigan to camp, play on the lake, and > visit the restored WWII submarine Cobia at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in > Manitowoc I once made a special trip to Chicago with the major purpose of seeing the German WWII sub they have on display there. I was disappointed that access to the complete conning tower was denied but it was still interesting to see just how tight those quarters were; even for the Captain. Sounds like a good trip to me. I'll be headed to Long Beach (Washington) area to paddle around in Kruger's bailiwick this week. Not sure if I'll try to surf as the beach there has about five different breaks and none of them are very clean. Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.net *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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 *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
How do you attach your knife to your lifejacket? How does your system ensure speed while guaranteeing against loss? I have carried for years a Teckna knife (I no longer remember the model). It clips to my PFD via a sewn on plastic patch which most PFD's now have. I do not tether it to my PFD for fear of it getting caught on something at a crucial moment. However I do have a short loop of parachute cord tied to the knife handle. This allows me to temporary let go of the knife without having to put it in the scabbard each time. For example my wife and I camp sat for a local outfitter recently and while waiting for the float plane to pick us up I had to cut loose a massive kelp ball from the anchor rope. This was a "John Boat" by the way. Flat, wide and stable. A much safer way to unload into a float plane than a kayak. The tether allowed me to cut, tug, cut, unwrap, throw all without having to rescabber my knife each time Perhaps I want more peanut butter on my sandwich. I realize this was said in jest but as a river guide many years ago we were advised not to use our river knives for food prep due to the nasties that tend to grow in scabbards. Stay sharp Bob *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Good points Bob. Some knives have a scabbard that clips to belts and PFD patches, etc. I don't find then as secure as alternative scabbards with lashing points or scabbards with a clip plus a lash tab. DL > How do you attach your knife to your lifejacket? How does your system > ensure speed while guaranteeing against loss? > > I have carried for years a Teckna knife (I no longer remember the model). > It clips to my PFD via a sewn on plastic patch which most PFD's now have. > I do not tether it to my PFD for fear of it getting caught on something at > a crucial moment. > However I do have a short loop of parachute cord tied to the knife handle. > This allows me to temporary let go of the knife without having to put it > in the scabbard each time. For example my wife and I camp sat for a local > outfitter recently and while waiting for the float plane to pick us up I > had to cut loose a massive kelp ball from the anchor rope. This was a > "John Boat" by the way. Flat, wide and stable. A much safer way to unload > into a float plane than a kayak. The tether allowed me to cut, tug, cut, > unwrap, throw all without having to rescabber my knife each time > > Perhaps I want more peanut butter on my sandwich. > > I realize this was said in jest but as a river guide many years ago we > were advised not to use our river knives for food prep due to the nasties > that tend to grow in scabbards. > > Stay sharp > Bob *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Derek wrote: I am looking for a solution to prevent knife loss while on the water. I have had Gerber River Shorty knives attached to my lifejackets for many years. I have two lifejackets that I use and both have a shorty clipped to the lash tab. Through Grand Canyon, Gauley and Upper Yock whitewater the knives have never come loose unless I wanted them to. I have considered putting some utility cord on them to save them if I should drop them, but I haven't done so. I have used the knives a number of times in whitewater for cutting loose various things and use them more than anything doing bird rescues. It is not unusual for birds to get terribly tangled in fishing line. Last Friday I rescued a juvenile ring-billed gull that was hanging upside down over water from a tree limb for almost eight hours beofre I got the call. It had monofilament wrapped around its foot, wing and neck. The good part was that the three points of contact took the stress off any one. After I cut it down and got the line off, which took a while, the bird seemed quite happy. It has been in rehab since and they say as soon as it is fully able to feed itself it will be released. Sorry for the story, but knives are really handy to have in a kayak and I'll use any excuse to tell a story. When I use a saw to cut trees off my slalom course, which is under a bridge where trees sometimes get snagged on the pilings, I always put a line from the saw handle to my wrist. Saved my saw more than once. I think a light cord from knife to lifejacket would be safe, especially since the knife will be at hand to cut its own cord if need be. To be really safe I would have the cord be a biteable size. Jim Tibensky *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Wed, Aug 12, 2009 at 5:42 AM, James <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm> wrote: > > Friday I rescued a juvenile ring-billed gull that was hanging upside > down over water from a tree limb for almost eight hours beofre I got the > call. It had monofilament wrapped around its foot, wing and neck. The > good part was that the three points of contact took the stress off any > one. After I cut it down and got the line off, which took a while, the > bird seemed quite happy. It has been in rehab since and they say as > soon as it is fully able to feed itself it will be released. > > Hey I like a good story and this was a good one. I have noticed that since my childhook (shortly after the Civil War) there are many fewer birds in the sky. I now live in a major flyway so that Spring and Fall bring many more birds through here but the rest of the time it really seems that the sky is empty of birds. Maybe in balance there are lots more eagles, herons, hawks, and seagulls but the sheer numbers of small birds that used to litteraly darken the sky seem to be missing. So I just wanted to send you a personal thanks for rescuing this one. And for being an active rescuer. Not to mention the good story. :) Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA www.nwkayaking.net *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Aug 12, 2009, at 8:42 AM, James wrote: > > I have had Gerber River Shorty knives attached to my lifejackets for > many years. I have a sheath for my Gerber from this company. http://www.rivercitysheaths.com/whitewater.htm I tend to lose knives. I haven't lost another one after buying this holster several yrs ago. Surf, extended camp expeditions, whitewater and my PFD being tossed into the back of vehicles. It is like the holster for a policeman's pistol. Holds tight until needed and then its out with a tug and ready for use. I keep one on my sailing PFD too. Well worth the money. Give them a call. Very nice customer service. Jim et al *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
-- 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/ ***************************************************************************
[Please remove all old content that is not pertinent to your reply including old headers and footers. It's list policy.... this post was modified to meet policy] I do the same as Chuck Holst reported. I use a Gerber, attached inverted, to the tab just above the left front pocket on my PFD. I have a cord from the knife handle to a D-ring inside the pocket below the knife. The cord is not too long and the excess sits in that pocket. The thought is that if I need more than an arm's length of cord, I cut the cord. Hasn't fallen out ever (despite being inverted). I take it out from time to time to check for rust (stainless steel is a mis-nomer), but, knock wood, I haven't had to cut anything in an emergency situation as of yet. HTH, Bill Leonhardt On Mon, Aug 10, 2009 at 9:16 PM, Derek <glamourpets_at_yahoo.com> wrote: > 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. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
[Please remove all old content that is not pertinent to your reply including old headers and footers. It's list policy.... this post was modified to meet policy] I've yet to encounter a sea kayaker who needed a diver's knife within instant reach "or death would ensue". The top rate BCU Sea Trainer people I've met carried EMT shears in an EMT velcro belt pouch on their vests. They have blunt tip and can puncture a skirt if needed, and they cut through anything...including the types of fishing nets that are made on line that resist knife blades, even of the claw-foot toothed design. Just my two cents. Will On Aug 10, 2009, at 10:16 PM, Derek wrote: > 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. > > How do you attach your knife to your lifejacket? How does your > system ensure speed while guaranteeing against loss? *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I have EMT shears in my first aid kit, but they look like regular steel; any idea if anyone makes stainless steel EMT shears Cheers, Philip *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I have stainless EMT sheers I got from a diving supply place online. They were inexpensive and have lasted years. I keep knives and multi tools in my bail out bag, in my day hatch, and with my packed gear. I believe in redundancy. I believe in redundancy. I've never been a fan of big blades lash-tabbed to my PFD, even with blunt tips. The most frequent applications of my Wiffer training has been sprained ankles and people who've sliced the bejeezus out of themselves using blades too big, too small, or too dull for the task at hand. The EMT sheers I have will cut fishhooks, too. Something I've had to do for people a bit too careless with their casting or trolling rigs. When I used to help hay in hilly dairy farm country, a local told me there were two things a tractor will do: 1: help you plant or cut a few extra acres on the steeps, and 2: roll over and kill you. I think the same thing about the allure of knives as 'essential gear'. They are gear, alright. And can and will save your life or spread peanut butter on a bagel. But they are are a whole lot less essential and a whole lot capable of damage than people think. The Gerber River Runner Shorty I once had was horribly dull, very difficult to sharpen or hold an edge, and it's saw toothed side, while I'm sure it would saw wood or cut most fishing line/net snarls, seemed better suited for de-thumbing someone trying to put cheddar on an apple..... -Will *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
[Please remove all old content that is not pertinent to your reply including old headers and footers. It's list policy.... this post was modified to meet policy] True enough, but why make anything carried on your PFD less accessible than more? As far as "death ensue" situation, you have a point but again, I'd rather have what I want when I want it even if I don't really ever need it or need it immediately. I like the EMT shears but mine rusted quickly. River running is so much easier on gear than the saltchuck. I like the clamshell sheaths Jim mentioned, though for the saltchuck I like a sheath that drains well and lets the knife air a bit. I like a pointed knife and have to live with the pros and cons of that decision. Safe, and knife-incident free paddling to one and all... Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Redundancy is always always always a good thing. I think the EMT sheers, especially in SS, serve that end best as they do the extremis jobs safely and can be used for first aid emergency work normally associated with their primary use, as well, in addition, too. The rescue hooks, though slower to use for cordage/fishline emergencies, aren't much good for anything else (that I can think of). I guess for me, the knife I have keeps a keen edge, is serrated one side, doesn't rust (SS does spot), has a hook, deploys easily and stays sheathed easier than some selections. It also pierces and defends better than shears or hooks. I can also open stuck plastic peanutbutter jars quicker than with shears, etc. :-) One thing to consider is the "deck-pull" drill: Body/Boat/Blade (Shauna/Leon) as part of their BCU course pull you face down along the length of the front of your front kayak deck. As they drag you along, anything that snags or comes loose (impales!!), etc, is a bad thing. Many sheathed knives fail this test (I carry mine at the side). I also find a big on-PFD knife discourages some abuse I might otherwise get in the surf line from the boardies. Nuther story, that one... Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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