Just for Fun: Climbing Knife?

D

Duzzy

Joined
Sep 1, 2009
Messages
468
Cord_Knife1.JPG


I originally designed this more as a cord/rigging knife, but thought it might have enough merit as a climbers knife to post here for opinions. The main edge is serrated for cutting thick rope, a sharpened top edge for smaller cord and other misc. tasks, and a marlin spike at the top back of the handle. OAL is around 8 1/2", and the blade length is around 3 1/4".

Any thoughts on utility? Design?

Thanks for your thoughts.
 
I'm not a climber, but I couldn't help but notice that pic was hosted up at MCB. Haven't been around those parts in a while, but it's neat to see some forum inter-mingling between completely unrelated boards ;)
 
IMO, the sharpened edge on the spine should be near the handle instead of the tip for the tasks stated. Also, if the primary edge's main use is for cutting rope, I would recurve it like seen on some seat belt cutting knives.
 
I've climbed a lot. My preference would be that the top edge not be sharpened. Not a legality issue, but safety. A loaded rope will cut faster than you can say oops. I cut a loaded rope once with a friend in his garage. Scared the living crap out of us. Just a touch from the edge and the sucker was gone.

Other than that, it looks good as long as it's light. I especially like the beer bottle opener.:D

Gordon
 
As an avid climber, I agree with the other posters that the sharpened swedge is a bad idea. Being able to cut one piece of cord but not the one next to it, or cord close to your body, is a big plus for a climber's knife.

Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of the exposed marlin spike either - just something to get in the way or snag on gear while working in tight quarters. If it could fold out of the way or something, then maybe it'd be more practical, but protruding from the butt of the handle like that isn't ideal.

The bottle opener is a nice touch, but any climber worth his salt can open a beer with a carabiner, which he'll have plenty of, or really any metal object.
 
I haven't honestly had to cut a loaded rope yet. I went with serrated as it seems to cut through slack rope easier. However, on thin nylon line (we call it "tie line") the serrations snag more than they cut. Hence the top edge being sharped with a plain edge.

What would the recurve add in terms of real advantage? It seems like it would be more detrimental overall... but perhaps you know something I don't?

Also, I take it the Marlin Spike is looking like a no-go? It actually wasn't ever meant to be a bottle opener by the way...
 
I prefer regular straight design for emergency/rescue purpose.
I carry Petzl Spatha Knife on my climbing harness, haven't used it in action though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top