ARK knife. I find the need for this disturbing

Spectre said:
Eric,

The ARK was my idea, and if the thought of a deployed service member being raped wasn't sickening, I'd say there was something wrong with you.

Okay, some of you obviously didn't read the latest Byte very carefully. Yes, sexual assault by fellow service members is a possibility, but the ARK was specifically designed to give an "always" defensive option against the threat of rape from local and third-country nationals and allied military forces.

Want to know the really sickening part? It's politically more palatable to pretend that the problem is only or mostly from other service members, instead of admitting the perpetrators are frequently the guys we pay to clean the latrines and "friendly" foreign forces.

I hope this is clearer.
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Dude, deployed troops usually shower in shower trailers, usually unlocked.

John Shirley
Click to expand...

God bless you John, and it's good to hear from you. I had a giant grin on my face with the last email from Spyderco, you deserve celebration on your accomplishment for designing this. I think the H1 was a perfect choice of steel, so glad they went with it.

Take care.
 
Thank you, brother. I always hoped Spyderco would use H1, though BD1 would have been pretty good.

Sam definitely did his part, too. He's an amazing person, and talking to him almost always brings a big smile to my face.

**Anyone free and near DC on 27-28 June, there are a couple open spots left in a close-range knife and gun seminar. Sam and I will both be there. Contact me for details.**
 
It's nice to see the knife in production. I remember when you gentlemen were working on the prototypes and when Sal expressed interest in it. I really like the way it turned out and will probably pick one up when the local knife shop gets them in.
 
I think my experiences in the military may reflect the meat of the development for this knife. In every conflict there are factors that vary greatly from the last, Realize that our forces are made from ALL the various walks of life good and bad, But have comfort that hiding bad intent is like a snake finding refuge in a eagles nest, It happens but is quickly dispensed. In the middle east sexuality is viewed a bit differently, Its always wise to know the the heart of our allies...? and enemy's.

Hey Spectre...
Did I say it without saying it?
 
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A lot of the people the US has hired to do menial labor are working on prison rules: they'll victimize anything or anyone they can hold down, if they think they can get away with it.

Not sure what the deal is with the kidnap and rape attacks by the Romanian security forces in Kandahar, though...
 
The concept of a neck knife for different circumstances is really nothing new. But I think it looks like a great product. And the marketing of this one is simply bringing to light one of those difficult to discuss and very unfortunate realities of our current world. Good on ya Spyderco. I may just buy a few to give as gifts.
 
I go jogging and sometimes trail running so a small fixed blade is always of interest to me. Right now I have a Swick, but will definitely try the ARK when it comes out. Also the Reverse and Ronin2 are a little large for my area so any sub 3" fixed is GREATLY appreciated!
One time while trail running I stumbled upon a "homeless encampment", nothing happened but my Swick and pepper spray gave me added comfort
 
People on several forums have confused the assault. I have tried to clear it up each time...Afgans will rape another man. They don't even view it as homosexual. Sorry but it is what it is. Very glad you made this knife and that Spyderco was the manufacturer
 
Thank you. Yes, that's absolutely correct. I have seen LNs raping an animal on thermal vision. They don't care the sex of a human.
 
I am happy to see it coming from my favorite manufacturer. I know I'm gifting one; might give a second one to myself.
Under the circumstances described, it would be great to have one when/if needed.
 
http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR870.html

RAND Researchers Estimate That, as of Early Fall of 2014, Approximately 20,000 of the U.S. Military's 1.3 Million Active-Duty Members Experienced One or More Sexual Assaults in the Past Year.

This figure includes assaults by other service members, civilians, spouses or others.It represents 4.9 percent of active-duty women and 1 percent of active-duty men.
 
I will put off my knife order I am building and wait for the release of the Ark.

Perhaps our military should issue a small S&W Scandium or Polymer J Frame in 9mm or .38 Special with a neck chain? They only weigh 9 oz or less. Or, perhaps a Ruger or KelTec P3AT .380 ACP on a neck sheath (7 oz) to carry to the showers and other places?
 
That would be unworkable, for various reasons- even when you always have a weapon with you, except for rare (high alert) situations, it's not allowed to have a round chambered. If someone burst into your shower, you wouldn't have time to chamber a round.

Most places, you're not allowed to take a firearm to the showers.

Small handguns are really for experts. Using the ARK is very intuitive, partially because one of your hands can always find the other hand. If someone grabs your wrist, even someone with no training can use the ARK to cut the grabbing hand, because of this principle.

It doesn't take much force to cut someone arm or wrist badly enough that they are unwilling or unable to continue an assault.

In addition to other reasons, small knives are not a controlled item for deployed troops. Firearms, OTOH, are strictly controlled, with regulations that must be followed regarding issue, use, and guarding those firearms when not with the service member.
 
I think the knife is a splendid idea. It's a shame that times are what they are, but since they are, this seems like a very workable tool that could help protect people. Service members aren't the only ones that will benefit from a small, grippy, sharp blade that will be easy for people to use intuitively.


What's the price point going to be for these?
 
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