MK3 Handle Electrically Insulated?

[redsquid2]

Ontario's Mk3. Not that I would ever need such a knife. Just curious if the handle is electrically insulated from the blade.

 

[Modoc ED]

I doubt it. It's the Navy's dive knife meant for use in water. I checked the Ontario site and among all the specs, that wasn't listed.

 

[puukkoman]

I doubt it also. The pommel is metal, and there's a metal screw that goes all the way through, which I imagine penetrates the tang.

 

[knarfeng]

Let's see if we can find a more appropriate place for this. I wouldn't really consider the Ontario Mark III as "traditional".

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Assuming the guard is also metal, and likely touches the blade or tang. Between that, the screw in the handle and the pommel, this is an accident waiting (& guaranteed) to happen, if used as any sort of electrical tool. Add moisture/sweat/saltwater to the mix, and it's worse. I wouldn't even consider it's use as such.

Reputable electrical tools are designed for NO chance of accidental/incidental direct contact with anything metal or conductive, without deliberate effort. For this knife, that would mean no metal pommel, no screws/pins through the handle, and a guard made of non-conducting material. And beyond that, even the plastic or rubber components must meet specs for use around high voltage (special plastics & other materials specifically rated for it).


David
(former Navy Electronics Technician)

 

[DedRok]

Assuming the guard is also metal, and likely touches the blade or tang. Between that, the screw in the handle and the pommel, this is an accident waiting (& guaranteed) to happen, if used as any sort of electrical tool. Add moisture/sweat/saltwater to the mix, and it's worse. I wouldn't even consider it's use as such.

Reputable electrical tools are designed for NO chance of accidental/incidental direct contact with anything metal or conductive, without deliberate effort. For this knife, that would mean no metal pommel, no screws/pins through the handle, and a guard made of non-conducting material. And beyond that, even the plastic or rubber components must meet specs for use around high voltage (special plastics & other materials specifically rated for it).


David
(former Navy Electronics Technician)

Electrician here.... can confirm this.

This knife would definitley not be electrically insulated. The pommel and screws make it impossible to use it without the chance of electric shock.

Pictured below is a tool that some electricians use as a "basher" for miscelancious tasks such as prying, smashing, getting into tight spots and ect. If you look at the handle it is has quite a bit of insulation on it, but because the shank goes completely through and is exposed at the end of the handle as a chisel style hammer top, it says "Never use on live circuits" because of this. No smart electrician would have to be told to never use it on a live circuit... because this that can be very dangerous. (of course they have to say so because of legal reasons)

Klien 602-7DD "Demolition" Series flat blade screw driver.