Limited Edition Plain Edge 93mm Rescue

H

Hesparus

Joined
Oct 31, 2004
Messages
1,442
It's been in my hand for less than 20 minutes – I waited all damn day for the UPS truck to get here.
This thing is, in some respects, exactly what I wanted: It's got a good sized plain edge, a real comfy and secure handle, ambidexterous clip, wicked smooth opening, and it's thin and light enough to carry well. The finish is attractive but that's where it ends. This thing is ugly. It's more than that, it's butt-fugly. I thought that once I got it, it would be apparent what the heck that little jog in the back of the blade is for but I'm still stumped (secondary thumb ramp?) — I do know that it kind of kills the profile, though. This is a true example of function comming before form because, while it's obvious to anyone who holds it how much cutting power this thing has, if it was a chick I'd be embarassed to introduce her to my friends. It's a good thing she's got brains. And brains she's got — I'm looking forward to kickin' it with my new girl.
On another note, the hole in this thing is HUGE! I could open this thing wearing a catchers mit. I can fit my pinky through it up to the second knuckle. I'm still thinking about modifying the tip to make it more pointy (which some may say defeats the purpose of the rescue knife) and I think it may even improve the profile.

- Chris
 
...like throwin' a hot dog down a hallway.

eew.

I had a hunch wbout that secondary ramp... Is it placed in a good spot to put your index finger? You know, so you can cut with your finger on the back of the blade.

Peace.
 
It doesn't work for your index finger but, strangely, for your thumb. If you choke way up on the handle so your index finger is in the little choil you can rest your thumb rather comfortably. I'm still not totally convinced, though. There is a simmilar (though still quite different) feature on the assist that is supposed to facillitate using the blade as a line cutter (rest a thick rope in one of the finger grooves, then close the blade on it and squeeze the blade into the handle) but I can't see how that would work on this one.

- Chris
 
I really think the Rescue is a classic. It is one of those knives that I avoided because it looked funny but once I owned one, I was impressed. It is not just another knife. It is very comfy to hold and the blade is heavier than the handle so flicking the blade open is very easy. It is one of those few knives that feels alive in your hand somehow.

I have no idea what the stange blade shape is for either however. I would love to know.
 
I was wondering if you were to close the knife over some rope or something and squeeze the handle and the blade...would the shape help in doing this action? Maybe just a spot to put your thumb like you suggested...it does rest easily there.

Coincedentally, I too recently got this ignored but rare Rescue model. I love the jimping on the thumb ramp...really gives good traction.
 
I was just looking in the catalog...the Volpe has a similar bump in the blade...seems to just be for putting the index finger on to aid in detail cuts
 
The "notch" in the blade was intended as a forward finger rest. It was added to the 93mm Rescue in 2003, but the market did not react well to it, so it was dropped again in 2005. I find that placing my index finger there can be useful for certain cuts.

The newer 93mm Rescues don't have the notch, but are only available in SE and CE. The Atlantic Salt shares the blade shape of the newest 93mm Rescue and is available in PE. Both models have the 14mm thumbhole, as most "Save & Serve" users, the primary market for the Rescue, prefer it. This latest design also is, IMHO, the best incarnation yet of the C14, mostly because it has the most pronounced, and most usable, 50/50 choil of any C14.
 
I think the notch on the spine of the blade is for the index finger and is used to guide the blade when one has to cut clothes off a trauma victim.
 
I saw the feature on the Volpe and I couldn't figure out how that was supposed to work. After playing with it for quite some time, I think I've got the hang of using the rescue this way, but I'm not convinced that its necessary or helpful for that grip. I bet it could be modified slightly to make a great bottle opener.

- Chris
 
I also have a 93mm Rescue with the blade-notch, and I really don't care for the notch.
It's just a bit too far down the blade for me to use, unless I also use the choil--but the choil is'nt as well designed as on the Atlantic Salt and the "kick" is too sharp.
I also don't like that the thumb-ramp above the hole has that sharp peak either. It is totally rounded on the Atlantic Salt which is an improvement IMHO.

I also agree that the Rescue and Atlantic Salt are rather ugly--but they cut like crazy!
My father always asks for it by saying "Let me see that straight razor you carry".

Cheers,
Allen.
 
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