Fireproof sheaths???

A

Arizona

Joined
Jul 21, 1999
Messages
200
I was wondering. I'm a firefighter and it would be nice to be able to carry a fixed blade on the job. I mean into a burning structure. The only problem is that Kydex will melt, leather won't look so hot after being exposed to 900+ degrees and I haven't seen any sheaths makde from Nomex, PBI, Nomex/Kevlar or anything else fire proof/retarded/resistant.
I suppose I'd also need a knife that has no flammable handle material and isn't too thin. Anyone have any ideas?
I can throw a folder into my turnout coat pocket, but it's hard to open with big gloves .

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Why do they use sterile needles for lethal injections?
 
Arizona--no doubt a specific niche that must be filled! I don't know the name, but last visit to the gun/knife show there was a dealer selling a knife designed for the Chicago Fire Department. Very thick spline and unusual handle material. That's all I can remember as I wasn't in the market.
 
Tangus,
at least I know that something like this exists - somewhere.

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Why do they use sterile needles for lethal injections?
 
Hey Arizona. Have you seen Columbia River Knife and Tool's Stiff K.I.S.S.? Its a partially serrated tanto with a skeleton handle. it has a Zytel sheath you could probably cover with nomex. You could set the whole thing up for about 30 bucks.

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Jake Evans.. Member of the HORDE


 
Jake, thanks for the idea.
I've seen the Stiff KISS. I don't think it will do the job. The main reason for having a knife inside a burning structure would be to use in an emergency to cut/dig/pry your way out, should the way you entered not be available anymore. The Kiss is probably too thin and weak for that.
Weight is not a big consideration, since the gear and air bottles already weigh a ton, so I can carry another pound worth of knife. I'm thinking that titanium might be a good material due it's crowbar like toughness. Edge holding is not really important; if it gets me out of a jam, I'll be more than happy to take the time to resharpen it. Perhaps Talonite is another alternative, but I don't know how it compared to Titanium in terms of sheer strength. Of course a slab of A2 would be ok too.
Another issue would be the design. Wearing big leather gloves, the handle had to be big enough so I don't grab the blade. Indexed would be nice. The spine should be pretty thick to use as a "hammer" if turned around. Sawteeth could also be an option. The blade itself has to be thick enough to withstand the punishment. Armor pircing point that can withstand prying is a must, so I'm thinking some form of tanto blade.
Hmm, now that I'm writing this, I think this is definitely going to be a custom knife. Any makers out there ever done anythink like this?


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Why do they use sterile needles for lethal injections?
 
Arizona, what you've just described sounds like a job for one of those old sawtoothed Swiss army bayonets. They alrady have a metal scabbard, all you'd have to do is replace the handle to suit your needs. But the tanto idea is good too.
 
Hmm, now there is an idea
smile.gif


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Why do they use sterile needles for lethal injections?
 
That is a good idea, but, find the knife you want, you can check with Rick Hinderer, he is a volunteer firefighter and bladesmith and has made knives similar to what you are asking, a real toughy that can endure the hardships of inhouse firefighting. Then find a metal smith that can fashion a sheath for you to fit that knife!

Catch Rick at this number, 330-263-0962, leave a message if you get the machine and he will get back to you.
rhinder64@aol.com

G2

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"There are no dangerous weapons;
there are only dangerous men."
.......... Robert A. Heinlein, 1959


G2 Leatherworks

[This message has been edited by Gary W. Graley (edited 21 December 1999).]
 
Just when you though you had assembled a fairly complete collection someone changes the paradigm
eek.gif
(had to try it)

As someone suggested above you should look at some of the available bayonets. they come in a large number of shapes and sizes and many have both a metal handle and sheath.

[This message has been edited by not2sharp (edited 21 December 1999).]
 
NOt sure about that one TANGUS, but sounds like one of the Chris Reeve FB's would do the trick, I dunno, maybe not, but you'd still have to have a sheath made. -AR

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- AKTI Member ID# A000322
 
Thaks for all the good suggestions guys. I kicked the idea around the firestation earlier and the response has been positive.

Gary, I'll be sure to give Rick a call. Probably a little early right now (12.17 AM), so I'll give him a couple of hours
smile.gif


Neil - thanks for the
biggrin.gif
buddy LOL
smile.gif
You'll be getting mail.

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Why do they use sterile needles for lethal injections?
 
Neil - you've got mail
cool.gif


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Why do they use sterile needles for lethal injections?
 
Hi All,

Sorry if this does not answer your question directly but I just wanted to let you know that Randall makes a dedicated fireman's knife. Here's a description from his website:
F. Fireman Special -- 4" blade of 1/4" stainless. Extra-heavy beveled blade. Thumb notches. Brass Single Hilt. Extra-heavy 7/8" wide tang runs through channel in handle. Approx. 4 1/2" handle of Black Micarta. Wrist thong. (Border Patrol Handle shown.) (Note-standard with finger grip handle; single finger grip and border patrol availbal at additional charge.) Supplied with high-ride Model B sheath. (Wt. 11 oz.)
Price: $235 (As shown)
Price: $225 (Finger Grooves - not shown)

You can see it at: http://www.randallknives.com/new_models.html

Also, I know that Second Chance (body armour manufacturer) makes bullet proof (Kevlar, I guess) holsters and handcuff cases...perhaps they can make something for you??? If not, perhaps Hatch Gloves do a custom job???

RL
 
Thanks for the link RL.
smile.gif


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Why do they use sterile needles for lethal injections?
 
Hello!

Just an idea, why not get a titanium crowbar ??? ok, i know we all need another excuse for carrying more knives...
biggrin.gif

But this is very important matters and i do think that a ti crowbar with maybe a sharpend end would do the trick, not full length but a tad shorter and maybe some sort of pouch attached to clothing/gear whatever.

A crowbar would(in my opinion)give you way better prying ability.

Just an idea!
Take care and be well!/Jonas aka 2Sharp

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"May all your detonations be expected"

 
2Sharp,
a titanium crowbar is certainly an option or at least an alternative. I feel that the knife would be a better all around tool though. I guess with the crowbar you could smash yourself out of most anything. The knife tool would be a more elegant solution
smile.gif


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The impossible I can do right away, miracles take a little longer.
 
Arizona!

Thanx for taking my idea under consideration!
Got your idea 'bout the "The knife tool would be a more elegant solution" of course it would! that's why we are here at Bladeforums
biggrin.gif


Take care and be well!/Jonas aka 2Sharp

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"May all your detonations be expected"

 
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