- Joined
- Jan 16, 2012
- Messages
- 399
i would like to start this thread out by saying i dont mean this thread to come off in a negative Connotation. this is just a few things i would like to see changed on the assist from a firefighting/rescue prospective.
i purchased the assist about a year ago and it went straight into my turnout gear. it has been in my turnout pocket for about 10 car accidents and many fires but has not had a lot of use on a fire scene other than cutting hose.
THE GOOD :the assist is by far the best rescue folder on the market from what i have seen. it has what i need in an affordable package that i consider somewhat expendable in case it is destroyed at an emergency. the handle is very easy to use with extrication and fire gloves on, the knife is easy to open, the glass breaker is very functional. the blade shape is good for its intended use.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHANGED the glaring issue i see on the assist is the steel choice. i know this knife is not made exclusively for firefighters but they are a large part of the demographic. dont get me wrong. vg-10 is a good steel for edc and other uses but is a failure in this role. you gotta remember that a lot of car crashes happen in the poring rain, snow sleet, hail etc.... and like the mail man we always show up. i have cleaned rust of the knife after almost every emergency. weather its snow,rain, water, sweat, steam etc..... this knife will see it all. this knife is a prime candidate for H1 steel. to me it is a no brainier. i purchased a salt 1 at the same time and it is in my radio pocket on my jacket. it has seen the same elements .and is no worse for wear. that is the major thing i literally have steelwool, a rag and flitz in my locker so i can restore the knife when we get back to the station. it is just a big issue i wish i did not have.
the next big thing is the pocket clip. the pocket clip is placed perfectly. i can easily grab it with gloved hands under stress. but it all falls apart with the wire clip. compared to other spyderco clips it is just weaker. i have had to call up spyderco for 2 new clips because the clip will get caught on my glove or another part of my gear and just pull right up. you gotta remember when your have fire gloves on dexterity is almost nothing. it is just not durable enough for this knife. i would love the see the same clip that is on the salt series knives on the assist. it would be perfect from there.
like i said the assist is an awesome folder. it is so handy to not have to go back to the fire truck for a glass breaker or a seat belt cutter etc... i love having it on my gear. and most of all thanks for keeping us first responders in your mind when you develop, build, price, sell these knives etc.....
thanks a lot,
spyderco user Bryan
i purchased the assist about a year ago and it went straight into my turnout gear. it has been in my turnout pocket for about 10 car accidents and many fires but has not had a lot of use on a fire scene other than cutting hose.
THE GOOD :the assist is by far the best rescue folder on the market from what i have seen. it has what i need in an affordable package that i consider somewhat expendable in case it is destroyed at an emergency. the handle is very easy to use with extrication and fire gloves on, the knife is easy to open, the glass breaker is very functional. the blade shape is good for its intended use.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHANGED the glaring issue i see on the assist is the steel choice. i know this knife is not made exclusively for firefighters but they are a large part of the demographic. dont get me wrong. vg-10 is a good steel for edc and other uses but is a failure in this role. you gotta remember that a lot of car crashes happen in the poring rain, snow sleet, hail etc.... and like the mail man we always show up. i have cleaned rust of the knife after almost every emergency. weather its snow,rain, water, sweat, steam etc..... this knife will see it all. this knife is a prime candidate for H1 steel. to me it is a no brainier. i purchased a salt 1 at the same time and it is in my radio pocket on my jacket. it has seen the same elements .and is no worse for wear. that is the major thing i literally have steelwool, a rag and flitz in my locker so i can restore the knife when we get back to the station. it is just a big issue i wish i did not have.
the next big thing is the pocket clip. the pocket clip is placed perfectly. i can easily grab it with gloved hands under stress. but it all falls apart with the wire clip. compared to other spyderco clips it is just weaker. i have had to call up spyderco for 2 new clips because the clip will get caught on my glove or another part of my gear and just pull right up. you gotta remember when your have fire gloves on dexterity is almost nothing. it is just not durable enough for this knife. i would love the see the same clip that is on the salt series knives on the assist. it would be perfect from there.
like i said the assist is an awesome folder. it is so handy to not have to go back to the fire truck for a glass breaker or a seat belt cutter etc... i love having it on my gear. and most of all thanks for keeping us first responders in your mind when you develop, build, price, sell these knives etc.....
thanks a lot,
spyderco user Bryan
Keep doing a great job Sal!
