I need quick help - Saltwater Knife - All Day Carry

richstag

richstag

Joined
Feb 22, 2007
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Hi guys,

I don't know if this is the right spot and if there is a better then mods please help me out and move this one for me please.

I have so many knives but I just ran into a dilemma. My brother called me and asked if I could do the photo documentation of a research trip in the Gulf.

He said I need a knife for the sole purpose of cutting heavy rope in case of getting caught up and dragged off the ship and 2000 meters below.

I don't have the time to do my normal months of research. I will be wearing board shorts and when on the back of the vessel a vest that accommodates attachment options for a sheath.

I have come to decide on a folder. The Spyderco Spyderhawk Serrated. I have never owned a Spyderco but I trust in their quality. I found a mission fixed blade 7 inch overall, titanium and serrated but its breaking the bank for this.

What am I missing? It needs to be comfortable for up to 20 hours a day carry. Suggestions? Fixed up to 7 inch overall. Must be one of the super stainless. I will only use this knife in case of emergency.

Thanks guys,

Kevin
 
You want a folder or a fixed? For a folder, you have two choices, Spyderco or David Boye. They both use non-corroding blades. Spyderco Salt folders use H1 and Boye uses dendritic cobalt.
 
I have several Spydercos in H1, and a David Boye folder in dendritic cobalt. The Boye folder eats through rope and cordage like an animal. I would give it the nod for sure.
 
Esav, thanks, I am looking for what will work and be the most practical. I am thinking a folder should work and be light and easy to carry. But I'm open to fixed suggestions. I really don't know what would be best.
 
Bosum knife.

http://www.myerchin.com/B001P.html

If I was you, i'd go with a fixed blade. If you are being dragged off a boat by an anchor/rope the last thing you want to do is fiddle around with getting your knife open. That sounds like a great way to get drowned.

Spyderco hawkbill serrated would be good. The hawkbill makes sure that the knife is in contact with the rope the entire time, with less effort. Very good for cutting rope.

Spyderco fixed blade salt

Spyderco Jumpmaster is a rope cutting machine

How thick is the rope you need to cut?

You could always a get a small stainless mora. Cheap, cuts well, and if you lose it over the side it is only 10-20 bucks.
 
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I would want a fixed blade because the last thing I want to think about when seconds count is opening a blade.
If it was me I would have both fixed as primary folder as backup. I would also think about carry options you can reach with both hands as you never know which one will be free.I think Spyderco offers the best bank for your buck with the possible exception of say a half dozen Moras that way if you lose or break one you always have backups.
 
I have Spyderco Atlantic Salt user fully serrated. It's been my EDC for a year or so. It's still pretty sharp. Hit me with an email if you want to try it out and use it on your trip. No strings attached.

J.
 
I agree with Chiller2 why not both? the Spyderco Salt's aren't that pricey have one in your pocket and a fixed blade on your chest. Either way you need serrations fully serrated on the Salt Partial on the fixed...
 
Spyderco Tazman Salt Plain Edge w/ a good 550 paracord lanyard that will fit over your wrist. Thats what i'd take...
 
Severance said:
I have several Spydercos in H1, and a David Boye folder in dendritic cobalt. The Boye folder eats through rope and cordage like an animal. I would give it the nod for sure.
Click to expand...

I just went through the Boye website again. Since you are primarily interested in working rope, check out his sheepsfoot folder. Options include a titanium marlinspike, a sheath, a microlight, an Arkansas stone in a sheath. You only need the sheepsfoot folder itself.

studio said:
I have Spyderco Atlantic Salt user fully serrated. It's been my EDC for a year or so. It's still pretty sharp. Hit me with an email if you want to try it out and use it on your trip. No strings attached.
Click to expand...

Very similar knife. A good alternative to the Boye.
 
IMAG0294.jpg
Like this but with a plain loop lanyard.
IMAG0295.jpg
 
I would get the Spyderco Pacific Salt Fully Serrated. It is a great knife, easy to carry and super lightweight.
 
Thanks so much guys! I have an old Boker Orca 590, but I am looking for more of like a skeleton style knife that is slim and light. Something I will not notice carrying all day too much. I agree I think I am going to have both a folder and a fixed. No questions I want serrated. The jumpmaster was one of the first I looked at but it seems too large to me.

I just called and the rope is "TG-28 Tarred Groundline". http://www.eversoncordage.com/ The ship is "Research Vessel, R/V Weatherbird II" if it means anything.

I passed out last night shortly after posting this thread. I am looking into Boye knives right now. Thanks so much for all the help :) The Boye sheepsfoot folder looks great, but I wonder if the serrations on the Spyderhawk would be better. The Boye Basic 3 looks nice but no serrations. I think it is ingenious to have that grind near the plunge line. It almost looks like it could be a jig/reference for stone sharpening?

Studio - While your gesture is incredible I am going to make a decision and pick up one of my own. But really, thanks a lot for that offer.

Kevin
 
The Spyderco Aqua Salt is discontinued but still available without looking very hard, lightweight for a fixed blade and the serrations are excellent.
 
what ever you get make sure it is fully serrated, a plain edge knife will not cut thick rope used on ships fast enough, no matter how sharp.
 
Yeah, I really want serrations.

I just went through my collection and picked out the two I own that might come close. Top is Boker Orca and I have used it for diving but above water it and the sheath are cumbersome. The other is a CR Pacific. Partial serrations, lighter then the Orca, and a really great Spec Ops sheath that would attach well. It is S30V which is pretty corrosion resistant. I was thinking wipe the edge with a marine tuff cloth if I took this one. The problem with the CR is I think I would kill myself with the tip in a frenzy and I am not sure about the short length of serrations.

Cell pic I just took for reference
IMG03800-20110806-1158.jpg


Still thinking. Thanks for the help.
 
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