SAS and Spyderco

Runs With Scissors · Oct 24, 2002

in a completely different topic that I don't wish to taint or divert an SAS fella seemed to indicate that few of his peers seem to even carry knives with pocket clips, much less Spyderco's, I found that to be a kinda interesting perspective. You see, up here I don't often run into EMT's from a different state, but I see Spyderco knives on Most Medics, Fire Fighters and cops that I've worked with. I've Never attended classes, training, or an event that didn't have quite a smathering of Spydies clipped to miscellaneous uniforms. OFF Handedly naming just a few without straining my poor wee brain too much I can count:

2 Delicas
3 Enduras
7 Rescues
2 Police
1 Pro-Venator
1 Wegner (mine)
1 Navigator
1 Snap-It

That I see regularly used and carried, some of them by guys who swap them out with other Spydies on occassion.

I guess I was just surprised to see the contrast between areas.
Heck, the only knives I see on duty half as much as Spydies are miscellaneous Leathermans and Multi-Tools.

Guess I'd just assumed that Spydies were the natural choice among all SAS types due to the quality, and value of the products for a price that most any one could afford.

One of these day's I'd love to work with a Department or two in the lower 48, just for a chance to broaden my horizons a bit.

Full Tang Clan · Oct 25, 2002

Getting even more off topic is that I recall a thread over a year ago which addressed the confusion of knife companies which promoted their knives as being used by certain Special Forces groups.

A number of forumites pointed out that this is merely advertising. I also read that in a knife book (can't recall which). Apparently, most Spec. Ops. have some latitude in what they want to carry aside from their general issue equipment (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

Therefore, a Navy Seal may not necessarily use a SOG Seal 2000, or a Mission knife regardless of whether they meet military specs; although some may. Apparently many just use whatever is general issue since it's free.

Similarly, Heckler and Koch were commissioned to provide the Mark 23 pistol specifically for SOCOM but apparently some soldiers will opt for a USP or Beretta 92FS/M9.

Celery · Oct 25, 2002

Stupid question I know, but SAS was mentioned.... what does it stand for? The only SAS I'm familiar with is the Special Air Service!

Sal Glesser · Oct 25, 2002

"SAS" is Spyderco's in house name for the "Save and Serve" group, which includes Law enforcement professionals, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.

sal

Celery · Oct 25, 2002

Thank you very much, that cleared up things.
You learn new things every day, and as my signature says : I'm still a Spyderco newbie!

Rex G · Oct 26, 2002

I don't know about fire/EMT guys, but all too many LEOs don't carry knives of any kind, and many who do carry use cheaper knives, such as flea market junk. But, then there are those who carry the better blades, and two of my co-workers carry Striders. Spydercos are fairly well represented. Very few carry more than one, and I am in the minority of those who carry three or more at one time. The newer officers are often the ones with the better knives, and multi-tools are becoming a trend. This is in the Houston area, with multiple and sometimes overlapping jurisdictions.

sticknrun · Oct 26, 2002

I myself am a FF/EMT and I carry at least two spydercos everyday. Right now it is a Ladybug around my neck and a Native clipped to the front of my waste. I also have a G10 Navigator hanging on my Bunker Coat. In my area, it seems that most of the newer FF's carry knives. And most, if not all, are spyderco. I live by the rule of "one is none and two is one". Whenever anyone asks me why I carry two knives I always ask them where their's is. When they say they don't have one, then thats when I tell them that the extra one that I carry is for people like you to borrow when they need to cut something.

Mike

Hawkbill · Oct 26, 2002

In my experience, most LEO's I've met seem to carry one knife. I carry a Spyderench on my duty belt in a Sastre quick-deploy sheath, and riding in my back pocket is a 93mm Rescue (at least until my SpyderHawk arrives). I think with all the equipment I'm required to carry as-is, two blades is about the maximum on my person.

In my gear bag, I also lug a Becker Knife & Tool Rescue/Dive Tool, and a cheap Chinese hatchet/hammer/prybar thing which if broken or lost will set me back 8 bucks. Most folks seem to think I overdo it with this much...but I like having "Stuff" if/when needed.

java · Oct 27, 2002

Can't imagine an SAS type without a knife. Boy Scouts taught me to "Be prepared" and I've always approached the EMT business with this in mind. A good knife is a tool that makes my job that much easier. Most of my EMT/ERT buddies carry knives and/or multi-tools and they're an absolute must for SAR work. My faithfull G-10 Rookie goes everywhere with me - on duty or off. Also carried the Orange or black rescue while on duty and have replaced it with the Blue VG10 Rescue recently. Would've killed for a Snapit or Remote Release back when we did high angle rescue work. Spydercos have always given the best "bang" for the buck and their pricing on the Rescue means reasonable replacement when they become KIA or MIA. (Snapped two FRN handled Rescues - Lost one and use the other in the dive kit now). I've said in posts before that I trust my life to Spyderco - I trust other lives to them as well.

Stay safe! Stay sharp!