Larger Folder for Firefighter

S

Steven Andrews

Joined
Apr 7, 2002
Messages
2,167
I currently carry a four inched closed folder in a soft pouch on my uniform gear, either a Benchmade 555, 556, 705, Spyderco Delica or Calypso Jr.
I'm looking for a larger knife for my fire jacket. At the moment I carry a plain edged ATS-55 Delica in it.

I'm considering the Spyderco Endura, Spyderco Military, Benchmade 710 and Benchmade 805 TSEK.
The knife will have to be easy to open AND close with leather working gloves on. I know that this will be no problem for the Endura or Military - but what about the thumbstuds and axis lock of the Benchmades?

Photos of the knives "in hand" would be appreciated.
Cheers guys
 
I have heard several firemen say that they prefer a folder that does not have a plastic handle. I would agree with you on the Spyderco Military. I don't own one, but the hole is larger than most and the handle is made of G-10. If that doesn't work for you , you might want to check out Emerson knives. They come with G-10 handles. :) If the price is too high on the Emersons, you could look into a CRKT. They have three models specifically made for firemen.
 
Well good luck brother.I can not hardly open much less close almost any folder with my gloves on.To stiff from getting wet and drying out on a regular basis.In fact i really can not even bend the last part of my fingers.I seem to more of squeeze my fingers or cup them around things.

That said I carry a fixed blade on my turnout coat,with a heavy double cord wrap.I do carry a BM 710 combo edge in my pants pocket.I have tried,spydreco's Bm,Emersons and on and on.I can't do it with my gloves,not easy anyway and certinly not fast.Thats under the best of conditions.where i have time,can see,am safe etc.

The best luck I've had was with a CRKT m-16 with the FLIPPER.Most guys who want a knife for self rescue or r.i.t team use etc.times when you may not be able to remove your gloves go for a fixed blade.And wire cutters.

Another problem is I can't carry them in my coat pocket.See my scba straps go right over the pockets,then you'd have to get that gloved hand past the straps, in the pocket and fish around.....my knife hangs from my scba.
 
The only concern with either the Military or the 710 is that the tips are VERY sharp in comparison to traditional rescue blades.

I have owned BOTH of these, and I still have the Military. The 710 seemed a little stouter to me, plus the lock is better.

But...I still have my Military, and NOT the 710...what does THAT say.

R/SLD
 
Thanks guys,

Lone Hunter, my working gloves are kevlar lined leather and it is relatively easy to perform delicate tasks in them.
Fire gloves are a different matter, although the Swedish Granqvist RB90 gloves that we now have are much more supple than any gloves we have had in the past.
I second what you say about wire cutters - I carry a pair of 6 inch combination pliers in my jacket.

Dangelo, I used to carry a Spyderco Rescue but found that I often needed a sharp tip for general use. Cutting around casualties is done with EMT shears or a safety-type seatbelt cutter.
 
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