P-sark

[Shrike9]

I've been looking around for a new folder that I can use between work (USAF Security Forces) and my new 2nd "job" as a vol fireguy for the local vol fire dept.

I've settled on either getting a P-SARK or a Buck Strider, but I know less than anything about the P-SARK except that it's a Emerson

Did a search for info about the P-SARK but could not find much good solid info.

I've found the PSARK's selling from $99 upwards of $170.00, what's a good "average" price for them.

Anybody want to "spill their guts" telling/explaning the PSARK to me

 

[Attila]

The P-sark is a great choice for what you are looking for. It's WAVED... so it's FAST as HELL & it has a nice hawkbill/wharncliffe style chiselground blade. A good average price for one is about 100-140.00. You can prolly find one in that range off the forums or net. Grab one, you will be glad you did!

PS: The Buck Strider is a hell of a knife as well. It's just that I'm spoiled with the WAVE... so I'm a bit biased. Heh, actually the only production folders I carry are waved Emersons... that damned WAVE! GOTTA LOVE IT!

 

[Eich1911]

For the Fire Dept. the PSARK (Search And Rescue Knife) is going to be a good idea. Dont know if I would go for the pointed one in that line of work myself. The fist time you go and cut a seatbelt youll be thankfull of the "non point".

As for pricing ebay thends to have then right in the $110 area.

 

[Lone Hunter]

Both knives mentioned are good ones.If I went for the sark it would be the p-sark.Theres no dought that the sark would be safer cutting around people,but the pointy one would me more usefull the other 99.9999% of the time.If you want a dedicated "rescue"knife for use only cutting people free get the sark.Just realize you may never use it as such,or maybe you will the first day just not likely.

I carry "pointy" knives one the job.Keep in mind a couple things,people are treated and packaged inside the car,then brought out,theres no cut the belt and pull them free going on.Unless their life is in danger right then and there,(car is on fire,sinking in a lake ect.).Now if thats the case and if the belt was somehow jambed you can still cut it without cutting them,and if you do thats still better than burning to death.

The P-Sark would make a good general firefighting knife,the Sark a more specialized one IMHO.The city of Rochester is redevolping its water front,along with a fast ferry to Toronto.The FD.is looking at boats and forming a water rescue team to be stationed at the water front.I wrote an idc to the chief suggesting he buy the Sark for the team.They may very well have to cut line,rope,nets, life vests,wetsuits ect.to free people in the water.Thats where the non-pointy one shines,but for general use I would go with a pointy knife.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I couldn't resist putting in my two cents here. re: your decision between the Buck Strider and the P-Sark. I've carried the Buck Strider on Vollie duty myself, and that thing does get to be a bit of a chunk to have in your pocket, and the rough G-10 on the handles is hell on uniform pockets (of course so are frequent wave openings)
I actually have a personal motto that says "if enough is enough and more is better than WAY TOO MUCH MUST BE JUST ABOUT RIGHT!" It seems I met my match carrying the Strider. it was way too much for routine duty, although it might be useful if I was on a mountain/wilderness rescue team, but I doubt it even then for me. (my perspective is unique when it comes to knives in the woods though)

Especially if you're working around patients the P-SARK is much more nimble to handle, probably less scary, WAY fast and cool opening, and plus you'd have the added benefit of aquiring a standard SARK as well if you find yourself cutting near patients very often. (not sure if you're an EMT as well, or sticking with FF) That way you can have an extrication knife or a defensive knife with the exact same feel (just don't get them mixed up! ) It also isn't so blocky, heavy and awkward once you add a Sam Brown and or the other equipment.

Incidentally, I'm a wierdo that DOES cut seatbelts on a freqent basis at MVA's, even during the most simple extrications. Primarily I do this for the aftermath of the accident with investigations and such. It basically confirms YES, my patient WAS wearing a seatbelt. Seems there's difficulties enough for a patient without dealing with the insurance companies, investigations, etc. But, once again I'm strange this way, I've met very few other EMTs and FFs that do the same thing.

Hmmmm....although if I you had a sheath for the Strider it might not be THAT bad...

when I was looking into buying one a month or so ago, the most standard price seemed to be $125 for the SARK and like $145 or so for the P-SARK.

Happy shopping and I hope you get the one that best suits your needs!

 

[KAL110]

Well, finally one I can comment on as I have them both (well a spearpoint Buck strider anyway). I would agree on the comment that the Buck is a bit clumsy or large in the pocket which is why mine rides in a vest or gear bag 99% of the time where the PSARK is part of the EDC kit.

During a recent high wind episode at home I had a chance to try both under some stress cutting away bits of damaged lines, tarps and the dog kennel while trying to keep from getting blown into Mexico. What I noticed was that I kept going for the PSARK rather than the Buck... maybe habit, maybe that the Buck in the back pocket was a lot tougher to get out and open.

If you can, try get your hands on the Buck before you buy as some have complained about the size...I think it is fine but check it out first. It does need to see a sander to get rid of some of the sharp corners though. Hmmmm would you usually be wearing gloves? all of the above could well be bogus in that case, I could not imagine opening the Buck one handed with gloves on. Wait one...I just tryed the PSARk with the Nomex as well as the leather rope gloves I have here and it was not a problem for what it's worth

The Buck was around 110.00 from new Graham knife sales and the PSARK was 135.00 or so from Ebay.

Good luck and stay safe - Gordon

 

[RAYE]

Shrike9:

My EDC is a PSARK both on and off duty. I would highly recommend its purchase.

I have both a Buck/Strider (Tanto) and a PSARK. I find that the B/S tends to stay in my throw bag due to its size. I've had it for over a year and its seen very limited duty. The PSARK on the other hand is carried in my strong side cargo pocket while at work. It is used on a continual basis. As a matter of fact, many of the EMT's I know have converted to either the SARK or PSARK for duty carry (13 in all).

Use the search feature above and you will come up with plenty of PSARK and SARk threads.