Ceramic Knives

[WayLander]

Hello friends and fellow knife-knuts. You don't hear from me often, as I usually only lurk and read for my own education. You may know me as WayLander, ConnerX, or another moniker, here and elsewhere.

Anyway, I start a new job next week, and they are only a factory but are using metal detectors to scan for all metal upon entry/departure; detects even coins. The assembly line is all roller-wheel tracks and such, and I have long hair. (I'm serious; belt-line...).

I *need* to carry an emergency blade to be able to cut that hair if tangled in an emergency, as well as any other utility situation that arises; like most of us, I'm not comfortable without an EDC on my person.

I am asking the group and forum for your latest up-to-date info about a concealable EDC of ceramic manufacture, folder or not, serrated or not. It can't be too expensive, since I may have to "lose" it quickly, as there are random searches too, tho that entails a line that would give me a trip to the locker room.

I'm not looking for something to get me into LAX or anything; it's a medium-pay job only; but I saw my ex-wife lose her long hair and most of her scalp to such an accident; I will not be without a contingency blade.

Thanx in advance, and I also hope that the thread is of general interest.

WayLander/ConnerX

Personal E-mail welcome. ConnerX@hotmail.com or default are both great.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I know what you're up against. We had an employee wearing her keys on a chain around her neck ... fortunately the chain broke. (Unfortunately the keys fell into the machine. Took us about a half hour to get going again.)

How about the Benchmade Rescue Hook -- it's metal but it has no point or exposed edge. Maybe they'll allow it.

I can't think of a non-metallic cutter that will do the job reliably that doesn't cost a lot.

 

[Will'em]

Originally posted by WayLander
Hello friends and fellow knife-knuts. You don't hear from me often, as I usually only lurk and read for my own education. You may know me as WayLander, ConnerX, or another moniker, here and elsewhere.

Anyway, I start a new job next week, and they are only a factory but are using metal detectors to scan for all metal upon entry/departure; detects even coins. The assembly line is all roller-wheel tracks and such, and I have long hair. (I'm serious; belt-line...).

I *need* to carry an emergency blade to be able to cut that hair if tangled in an emergency, as well as any other utility situation that arises; like most of us, I'm not comfortable without an EDC on my person.

I am asking the group and forum for your latest up-to-date info about a concealable EDC of ceramic manufacture, folder or not, serrated or not. It can't be too expensive, since I may have to "lose" it quickly, as there are random searches too, tho that entails a line that would give me a trip to the locker room.

I'm not looking for something to get me into LAX or anything; it's a medium-pay job only; but I saw my ex-wife lose her long hair and most of her scalp to such an accident; I will not be without a contingency blade.

Thanx in advance, and I also hope that the thread is of general interest.

WayLander/ConnerX

Personal E-mail welcome. ConnerX@hotmail.com or default are both great.

a suggestion....cut your hair....realy...if it could cost you your life....i would cut it....that or put it inside of your shirt or something.....

 

[Corona]

I don't have good experiences with ceramic folders: the locking mechanism always broke after just a few times using. If you drop it (in an emergency situation ...) the blade can easily brake.

What about carrying scissors / shears? Maybe you are allowed to bring them in or your firm can provide you a pair. Scissors are the fastest way to cut hair! I recommend the ones with dull tips: to prevent piercing injuries during emergency cutting and maybe they are allowed at your work place because they are useless as a weapon.

 

[toothed]

Hi WayLander, Boker makes some ceramic blade knives. You can check them out at some internet sites to see if they fit your budget. The Infinity model comes to mind but I think it's just over $100; however, Boker also makes smaller models which may be less expensive. Caveat: I don't know if these knives would pass your company's metal detector or even if they would be effective cutting away entangled hair (or whatever) from machinery as you envision it would.

Bigger concerns: If the machinery has very fast moving parts, a knife may not free the caught/entangled hair or clothing fast enough to avoid injury. Further, if the anticipated accidents you are worried about have ocurred in the past or are very real threats now and in the future, it should be reported to management at your company who then should either do something to the machinery to prevent or minimize the hazard and/or provide its employees with adequate tools to save/rescue themselves/each other in the event of a problem. If no action is taken by management I think OSHA would be interested in hearing from one of the workers. I'm not trying to make trouble here, I just hate to see someone get seriously injured unnecessarily.

 

[gaijin]

WayLander,

Let's see, you want us to conspire with you in a way to circumvent the rules of your workplace.

Well, you're not getting any help from me.

If you choose to work in that environment, you should obey your employer's rules.

Certainly, if you feel you are at risk working in an unsafe environment, then contact the responsible EH&S person at your workplace or OSHA directly to remedy the situation.

Please understand. I am not coming down on you personally - you have every right to dress, groom, behave, etc. in any way you wish as long as it does not hurt others.

However, any advice you may receive along these lines COULD be used by a less scrupulous person to circumvent airport security, etc.

Hope you find a peaceful (and safe) resolution to this problem.

 

[Boink]

Either wrap your hair for safety's sake, or have a big pair of scissors. Scissors will be way more fast and effective than any blade. Will they ban scissors?

This part is real important - ceramic blades have a different type of sharpness than steel blades. The angle of the bevel is steeper in consideration of the material. So, although they are sharp for cutting, they may not be the right type of sharpness to cut hair free. Maybe, if you hack at it, but if time is of the essence, you may have to look elsewhere.

Other non-metallics are not slicers, either. Such as G-10, they might look sharp, but really don't slice all that well, but great for tearing or stabbing. Not good for hair.

I'd say get the scissors, or get the hair pulled back for safety's sake. Get a do-rag like Aunt Jemima.

 

[manowar669]

I agree with Corona and Boink, scissors or wrap it up, tuck it under a hat, etc. My college roomate had long hair and worked in the north pacific off Alaska on a fishing ship during semester breaks for money, and always had to keep his hair secured for safety.

 

[Josh Feltman]

Waylander-- Put your hair up!!! It seems better by far to keep your hair out of machinery to begin with than to have even the sharpest knife or scissors to cut it off once it is already caught and you are getting dragged into machinery or getting scalped.
--Josh

 

[SilverFoxKnows]

I don't think I would enjoy a job where they do random searches. If they're going to treat you like a convict or a high schooler I hope they at least pay well. Just get a do-rag and save yourself the hassle and stress of trying to sneak in a "weapon".

Frank

 

[scar1]

hey man, say you had to use your contraband knife to cut your hair out of the killer machine you're working next to. your employers are gonna wonder how on earth you managed to cut yourself out! oh wait, knives aren't allowed! you're fired. wear a hat.