Helicopter Knives

M

Myrdin

Joined
Sep 17, 2009
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I need a couple knives for work and thought the experts here might have some insight. Perhaps there's even some military members that have needed the same thing.

tl;dr version: Propose and evaluate some utility/survival knives with good sheaths.

Background: I work on HH60's and it is mandatory to have a knife accessible. The issue survival knife is not good for normal uses. We don't even bring it most of the time. The issue utility knife is a Gerber Gator which you can barely even open with flight gloves on. I'd like to get a replacement for both. Cutting is mostly natural and synthetic ropes, tape, and plastics.

Requirements: A blade under 5" seems the most practical but I'm flexible on that aspect. Grip is absolutely essential. 170mph in choppy weather with smooth-palmed flight gloves is not conducive to holding anything, and if you drop it it's gone forever out the door. For those same reasons a very secure sheath is necessary. However, easy access is also important. Mechanical fasteners should have one side fixed for one-handed open/close. Medium or low maintenance steel. I could probably handle a non-stainless steel as long as it doesn't rust too easily. Price is a concern. I'll need a commission to officer before I can justify something like a Strider. The Temperance2 pushes my budget.

Considering: Spyderco Dayhiker, Caspian Salt, RAT 3 D2, Fallkniven F1 w/Zytel


Folder: Haven't given this one as much thought yet. Easy one-handed operation with gloves is important. The Spyderco Sage or Manix and Kershaw Tyrade look good so far.
 
I can easily open my Spyderco Para Military with leatehr gloves on. Closing it is pretty easy as well, but not as easy as bare handed. The grip is fantastic. Big handle made of G-10 with a large butt to grab on too.

If you want bigger, maybe try a full sized Military.



The RAT 3 looks to be a fantastic knife. don't know how it is in wet conditions though. I almost bought one but then I made my own out of an old file. Very fun project.
 
I have a RC5 and hest, I'd recommend both for aircrew. the HEST is just a wee bit smaller than the RC3, really easy to carry, and has a handy prybar on the ass that prevents slipping out of the hand. It has a full but slim micarta grip that is still a solid hold in the rain. Screw folders for duty carry. You know all the caustic nasty fluids those UH60's like to spit... the last thing you need is any of that crap gunking up in the action. A Becker Bk11 would be a sweet gig too, a paracord wrap would give you the grip you need. Btw, the 1095 RAT RC series far exceeds the Ontario made RAT D2's in fit and finish.
 
Instead of the RAT 3 (from ontario :barf:) look at the RC-3 or 4 from RAT Cutlery who is a MUCH better company
 
Not sure what you might spend but an Extrema Ratio RAO is made for gloved operation. 6 inch handle.
You don't like the blade shape?

If thine blade geometry offends thee, REGRIND.
 

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At well over 300USD, an Extrema Ratio is not an option. Payette Rucker brings up a valid point. If the helicopter stops leaking, THEN you start worrying. A folder would probably get pretty gunky. My focus is on fixed blades for now. The RAT RC's and HEST look promising. Still considering the Dayhiker as it can be found for only 90USD new. Scrapyard Mutt knives look like an affordable alternative to Busse, but how do you even order from them?
Good suggestions so far. Thanks, and keep it up.
 
Sorry I can't offer much advice on a fixed blade, but for a folder, you should definitely check out the ZT 0500 MUDD. Might be stretching the budget, but both the thumbstuds and lock release are huge so gloved operation should be a breeze.
 
Check out the Buck Short Nighthawk BU655GRX or if you want something larger Buck Nighthawk Black/Olive han BU650-OD. Both knives are fixed blades & cost around $50.00.
 
derrickd803 said:
Instead of the RAT 3 (from ontario :barf:) look at the RC-3 or 4 from RAT Cutlery who is a MUCH better company
Click to expand...

Agreed. Unless you're going to be dumping yourself in the ocean on a regular basis the 1095 steel isn't going to have much issue with rust. The RAT guys use theirs when they're teaching jungle survival in Peru, so it should be fine. ;)

For a folder...I'd go with something from Spyderco with a full serration.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Agreed. Unless you're going to be dumping yourself in the ocean on a regular basis the 1095 steel isn't going to have much issue with rust. The RAT guys use theirs when they're teaching jungle survival in Peru, so it should be fine. ;)

For a folder...I'd go with something from Spyderco with a full serration.
Click to expand...

You should check out the line of RC knives. I know Jeff Randall, the owner, is a great guy and if you contact him he will respond. He also is very eager to assist those in the military.

I would recommend an RC knife and perhaps a smaller folder that could clip in your pocket. You might want to consider Spyderco's H1 line of knives since they do not rust. Any RC knife you might get has a chance to rust but because they have a durable coating on everything but the edge, it's very easy to prevent rusting and clean it up if some does show up.

Here's a link to RAT Cutlery's website: http://www.ratcutlery.com/index.html
 
I'll second RC Knives. Great tools, and like D1omedes said, Jeff is eager to help military folks.
Let me also throw in a recommendation for a Spyderco Military... Not because of the name, but because it's a great folder to use when you don't have a secure grip. The handle is nice and large, the opening hole is larger than normal to facilitate gloved-hand operation, the lock is IMO one of the most reliable on the market, and the pocket clip is situated in such a way that enough of the knife is available to grab onto to ensure a secure grip upon deployment.
 
I have no problem recommending the Fallkniven F1. Stainless for corrosion resistance, Thermorun handle will be grippy for gloved hands and has no exposed metal if you need to use it bare handed in cold weather. VG10 steel takes a bit more effort to sharpen due to it's high abrasion resistance, but holds the edge well. Zytel sheath secures the knife reasonably well when unsnapped, and snap design is also good for gloved hands.

The F1 was designed as a pilot survival knife and is standard issue for the Swedish Air Force.

I'm not saying the F1 is better than any of your other considerations, I'm not hands on familar with the others so can't comment. Just saying the F1 is a great knife and would be an an excellent choice among many other good choices.

Kevin

Note: the F1 is currently available in limited quantities with a 3G (SGPS) blade.
 
puukkoman said:
...have you thought of a Bark River Bravo (or similar model) yet?
Click to expand...


A Bravo 1, Gunny, or Fox River, (among others) would be worthy of consideration. Their handle materials are not necessarliy "grippy" but the the handle designs provide excellent grip IMO. Warranty is unbeatable.

Kevin
 
I went with a Randall #15 Airman in a Spec Ops sheath. Gave me enough heft to hack the chopper skin if needed. However, more than you're wanting to spend.

I would second the Buck Nighhawk. The rubberized grip helps keep it in your hand and the price is right.
 
Don't think I saw this one; the Chriss Reeves Aviator. Made with a completely serrated top edge for sawing through the aluminum of a helicopter.
 
What about an automatic, for example a Benchmade 5000 or a Spyderco Citadel 93mm, possibly serrated?
 
For the fixed, have you looked at the Spyderco Jumpmaster, this knife was designed for paratroopers. I think this might fit your bill to a tee. As for the folder, there are so many knives out there that would fit your needs. I would choose something with a either a flipper, an opening hole, or a wave feature these tend to open easier in gloved hands, definately make sure you have some type of lanyard attachment, unless you think having an open knife dangling from your body in the tight confines of a helo to be more dangerous. Since the Jumpmaster is fully serrated, I would lean torwards a PE. A few knives that I own that would be good choices are (in no specific order) CRKT Lightfoot M1, RAT model 1, Spyderco Endura or Paramilitary, Benchmade Grip (mini or full). You may also want to include some type specialised strap cutting knife, they don't take up much room but are indespensible when you need one. Happy hunting.
 
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