Discussion
All this watching the AC has brought my attention to a bit of kit I’m definitely lacking in...
PFD safety/rescue knives.
I race a Hurricane 5.9 and when I go out, I make sure I have a knife on my but if I’m honest, it’s not handy, and is just a cheap folder.
Reading American Magic’s account of the crew cutting their way out made me start thinking about something a bit more fit for purpose as getting hung up in a trap wire after a pitch pole sounds like a s
t way to go!
So I want to get something a bit better - I would welcome any recommendations.
Criteria:
1). Cheap - I follow this principle with dive knives - you should never carry something you are afraid to lose/abuse because it was expensive
2). PFD mountable/one hand accessible
3). Fixed blade
4). Serrated
5). Not too bulky. Don’t need another thing to catch/snag.
I’ve been looking at the NKS Neko, to give you an idea of the sort of thing...
Ta!
PFD safety/rescue knives.
I race a Hurricane 5.9 and when I go out, I make sure I have a knife on my but if I’m honest, it’s not handy, and is just a cheap folder.
Reading American Magic’s account of the crew cutting their way out made me start thinking about something a bit more fit for purpose as getting hung up in a trap wire after a pitch pole sounds like a s
t way to go!So I want to get something a bit better - I would welcome any recommendations.
Criteria:
1). Cheap - I follow this principle with dive knives - you should never carry something you are afraid to lose/abuse because it was expensive
2). PFD mountable/one hand accessible
3). Fixed blade
4). Serrated
5). Not too bulky. Don’t need another thing to catch/snag.
I’ve been looking at the NKS Neko, to give you an idea of the sort of thing...
Ta!
https://store.a12north.co.uk/product/schrade-schf4...
No exactly cheap but I'd rather spend the extra and not need it than wish I'd bought something better when it's too late.
It's also made with proper carbon steel that will take an edge and keep it instead of stainless steel which will look pretty as you pull your hair out trying to get it sharp.
I have a couple of schrade knives and they are good, the pocket knife I use at work will take a very good edge with a bit of wet n dry so no need for fancy stones and oils.
No exactly cheap but I'd rather spend the extra and not need it than wish I'd bought something better when it's too late.
It's also made with proper carbon steel that will take an edge and keep it instead of stainless steel which will look pretty as you pull your hair out trying to get it sharp.
I have a couple of schrade knives and they are good, the pocket knife I use at work will take a very good edge with a bit of wet n dry so no need for fancy stones and oils.
Either one from the Sypderco Salt range which are designed to be used in water or the tight arsed Scottish divers solution I use which is a Victorinox tomato knife stuffed into a piece of hosepipe and coated in vaseline https://www.nisbets.co.uk/victorinox-tomato-knife-...
blingybongy said:
This, or the Mora equivalent, cheap, reliable, functional, fixed blade, serrated blade means that ripping through wet rope, plastic etc isn't a problem and at that price if you lose it, who cares. https://www.springfields.co.uk/mora-companion-f-re...
Buy several, keep one on your life jacket and the others at relevant parts of your boat within easy reach
Get one in a bright colour so you can see it and find it in low light, upside down, in the water when you need to.
Folding blades are fine, but end up being carried in a pocket and when you need it, you'll probably need it fast.
I've got 4 or 5 of the Mora knives, one on each of my PFD's including my Swiftwater Rescue kit. Great value and good knives.
Edited by ResQ1 on Saturday 23 January 19:43
Cheers folks. Some good suggestions there, especially the tomato knife. That appeals to me! 
The Mora knives were on my radar but I’d not come across hultafors before and they look excellent and cheap, thanks.
As mentioned, I’d stay away from carbon steel for aquatic duties I reckon. Appreciate they ‘can’ be ok if looked after, but I don’t want to worry about it. I just want it to work and be disposable.
Interesting about dymeema trap wire. Mine is steel which obviously can’t be cut with a knife, but I’d always assumed I’d just attack the harness to escape!
Thanks chaps!
The Mora knives were on my radar but I’d not come across hultafors before and they look excellent and cheap, thanks.
As mentioned, I’d stay away from carbon steel for aquatic duties I reckon. Appreciate they ‘can’ be ok if looked after, but I don’t want to worry about it. I just want it to work and be disposable.
Interesting about dymeema trap wire. Mine is steel which obviously can’t be cut with a knife, but I’d always assumed I’d just attack the harness to escape!
Thanks chaps!
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