Bad idea showing what I can make.

L

LeaderofthePack

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Aug 4, 2013
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Took a long hiatus from the forum to workout some personal and mostly kinks with my steel and the heat treat. Showed my little sister what I can do now she wants something to use as an emt. Any input on profiles that will serve her well would be greatly appreciated. It's going to be out of 1084 from the steel baron since that's what I've come to know and most likely 1/8 stock with a full flat grind to the spine.
 
you could do something like stephan fowler's brute model...small edc, short blade, durable and tough, full flat ground
 
As stated a good sharp sheepsfoot or wharny, as not to stab or poke any body if they have to use it on seatbelts or the like.
 
I second a simple wharncliffe as a very good choice. Make it a bit thicker than for hunting - .120" to .140" at the spine.
Fairly small is better than large. A 2.5" blade and a 4" handle will carry well and cut the things that need cutting.
A good belt sheath that holds the knife secure, but the knife can be removed from easily is also good.
 
Just my perspective - I asked the same questions of my wife when she started volunteering for EMT work. She isn't comfortable enough with blades to consider them an asset, although she carries trauma shears.
The type of calls an EMT responds to may inform the pattern. She responds to loads of substance overdose calls, so knives can be a potential liability. But other departments participate in wilderness search and rescue, which lends to bushcrafty style blades.
That said, most other EMTs in her department have found use in serrated folders with sheepsfoot or wharncliffe geometries, per aarongb. The folder is preferred because they already have a fair amount of gear to deal with in awkward positions. High carbon steel is less preferred, since exposure to blood and environment is anticipated, and they can't always take the time to clean them properly.
 
I see what you mean with the wharncliffe profile and I hadn't thought about the blood and elements as far as 1084 would be concerned. I'll talk to her a little more. May if anything just be a backup blade at the least.
 
The blood may add a nice patina... lol, totally kidding. They have wipes on the rig for cleaning so a pass or two through those and all will be ok. Haven't tested them on high carbon but cleaned and dried there should be no issue. (15yrs as an EMT 2yrs as a trauma nurse)
 
Speaking of petinas and such I may have misread it on here somewhere but I thought I saw that the higher of a polish you go the more it somewhat "seals" the grain of the steel. Not anywhere near what stainless would be but if that is the case I'll finish it to a mirror shine to help protect it and maybe make it a little nicer for her.
 
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