Harpy

[johnwaynesandw]

Does anyone carry a Harpy? I had one a long time ago that was FRN scaled. I did not use it much because of the odd shape, but it made for a good carpet cutter. It is long gone, so I thought it would be nice to have another. I have been on a spydie SS kick as of late, so I bought a SS harpy.

Now I am just thinking of the jobs it would be good for, but I also thought it would make for a good "emergency knife", not an EDC. What are your thoughts on the harpy?

BTW I read the tread about the diving suit harpy which is pretty cool.

Thanks,
John

 

[brownshoe]

The harpy is an excellent rescue tool, self defense knife, dock worker's blade, package ripper, box cutter, etc.. It just doesn't shine when it comes to apples.

For self defense, it is obviously scary and effective, but it has two other unique features.

Many states have laws that prohibit carrying a knife unless you have a purpose for it. The hawkbill makes an excellent rescue knife (e.g. seat belt cutting) and a good box, bag, package ripper. The knife was designed with a peaceful purpose. It is not designed as a weapon.

Many states have laws that prohibit the carrying of a "dirk or dagger." Now the definition of dirk/dagger is open to interpretation, but a dirk/dagger always has a blade and a point optimized for stabbing. Since the Harpy has a hooked blade, it is certainly not a stabber, thus you will never be in trouble for having a dirk/dagger.

The Harpy is one of my favorite knives to carry when traveling because it's legal most anywhere in the USA.

 

[johnwaynesandw]

Thanks Brownshoe for the reply. Around here (NC), we don't have many laws that prohibit knives, but you are right that would make for a good travel knife. It is funny you mention apples, B/C I use my knife every day to cut an apple . I think the harpy will just go into my bag in case of an emergency. To me it does look scary with the SE and hooked blade. I think a few people may not like the looks of it.

Did they ever make a harpy with PE?


Thanks,
John

 

[yablanowitz]

Yes, the Harpy has been made with a plain edge, but they aren't easy to find. It would probably be easier to find a yellow handled PE Tasman Salt. That would give you the same shape and size knife as the Harpy with less weight, no chance of rust and a non-threatening color that has the added bonus of being easy to see if you drop it.