Spyderedge to the Rescue! Helped Save a Home

J

John_0917

Joined
Apr 15, 2014
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Quick story time...on Sunday I was driving near our home with my wife (we live in a semi rural area) and we see smoke up ahead. Outdoor burns of debris isn't uncommon here so we didn't think much of it until we got close and saw flames...big ones...coming from a house!

We immediately called 911 and pulled over off the road (a semi rural numbered route, near 377 and 380 for any Texans reading this), it appeared that there was someone home (car in driveway) and we knew without saying it that we needed to act. We ran down the hill to the house and started pounding on the door, at that time a neighbor also ran over and discharged a fire extinguisher, the flames were covering half of the front of the house and one side, the roof was just starting to catch. The extinguisher helped but we needed water ASAP. I ran to the side that wasn't burning and noticed a garden hose (best we had at the time) that was totally wrapped for winter. I tried to pull the wrapping off and it didn't move...

Thankfully, I had a SE Salt 2 in my pocket...out it came and went right to work. The serrations ripped aggressively through what I learned was a mix of electrical tape, foam spray insulation and tightly wrapped shop towels. We were able to get this hose into use and along with another one were able to at least slow the flames enough for the firefighters to get there (took 10 mins, pretty far away). In the end no one was hurt, the house was damaged but liveable, I am thankful that we were in the place that we were to do something and were able to help as best we could in the circumstances. There was an older (60s) widow and her dog that lived there, the fire seems to have started from poorly maintained electric service lines.

I am also VERY thankful that I had a Spyderedge knife in my pocket that day, I don't carry that one much (except when I'm boating or similar) but I was wearing sweat pants and picked it because it's light. It was the right tool for the job at the right time and I'm thankful for the people for made it (Sal and Co.) and to God for making me choose to carry it that day.

Takeaways:
1) Always carry a knife, seriously.
2) Nothing I have ever seen matches the shear cutting power and violence that a Spyderedge packs for it's size. Consider carrying one all the time even if you prefer a plain edge as well (like I do, I will now EDC 2 knives going forwards).
3) Serrations are great on fabrics.
4) Fire is terrifying.
5) If you can make a difference for someone, do it...it might be your home next time.
 
I’m glad everyone was ok and that the poor widow didn’t lose her home. Also, you changed my point of view on serrated blades.
 
That's the reason my first delica (20ish years ago) was a combo edge...
it lost pocket time a long time ago but it's still rock solid.

Great tool for the serrations when you need them, but the short straight blade section is rather limited when you need to slice.
 
katanas said:
John, there seem to be a number of Salt 2 variations, which one served you (and others) so well? Also, well done! God bless you for not just calling 911 and standing around. :thumbsup:
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Sadly, many other cars had probably passed by and in the 10 or so mins were were fighting the fire before the FD got there many other cars passed and precisely one stopped.

It was the all black SE Salt 2 to answer your question.
 
Great job!
I got my first spyderedge knife, lil’ native and even though it’s not ”finely cutting” knife, having it gives confidence that it could help me out of some serious trouble. I will definitely invest in other fully serrated knives in the future.
 
Amazing work, I am glad it worked out well. I wonder if a SAK saw could do the same? Just wondering, because I usually have a normal knife and sak on hand or multi tool with saw blade.
 
Hey, John_0917:
Thanks so much for posting this. We're happy to hear that everyone was safe and we commend you and your wife for your efforts! The world could use more neighborly neighbors like you two. Could you send me your mailing address in a PM?

Kristi
 
GREAT WORK OP. You should be very proud of your actions. You made my day.

Never been down that road but I keep a ResQMe, fire extinguisher, solid First Aid kit with a tourniquet, and last but not least, an early Delica with a serrated edge in each car we own. The ResQMe is on orange paracord looped over the shift lever and parked in a pocket of the passenger side footwell.
 
Great job man! We all pride ourselves on being prepared, but it is moments where we must take action that define us, and you passed with flying colors brother. I'm glad to hear that things turned out as well as they did.

The Spyderedge is indeed something to behold. It works great on materials like the ones you encountered, things that we might not always consider when choosing a blade edge (I've found it to be hell on zip-ties as well). I carry a SE dragonfly clipped in my my rear pocket, which might be a good lightweight option for anyone looking to add the utility of this edge along with their primary folder.
 
Thank you all for the responses...wasn't trying to make myself look like some saint (I am sure am NOT!) but I hope to think most people would have done the same thing in the situation, I am thankful I had the opportunity to.

I've always been a fan of Spyderco's serration shape, they are durable (don't chip), cut well and can actually be sharpened fairly easily. I imagine that a hawkbill would have been even better in this situation, I don't own any of those since they're not really EDC friendly/useful. This really showed the concept of "little big knife" in action!
 
Great job man! Your actions no doubt saved lives and property.
I live out in the burbs of Los Angeles and our first responders can be, usually, several minutes away. Minutes count.
 
I generally prefer plain edge blades but there's no doubt that sometimes a serrated blade is a better tool for the job.

I think you probably still could have gotten to the hose w/a plain edged blade but the serrated blade certainly made it easier. Well done.
 
Great job! You've moved me to take a serious look for the grizzliest hawkbill serrated Spidie I can find. I currently own nothing with serrations, not even my bread knife is serrated, this will change.
 
SoCalEDC said:
Great job man! Your actions no doubt saved lives and property.
I live out in the burbs of Los Angeles and our first responders can be, usually, several minutes away. Minutes count.
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And seconds count not only when 2 legged attackers are concerned!

Fire is a terrifying thing to confront, amazing work that’s done everyday by fire rescue services around the world!

I had my taste and that was enough for a lifetime!
 
I carry a lightweight salt spyderedge on me at all times.

There's no excuse not to.... And yet... There could be a time like that above where you would regret not having one. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
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