The best edge for SAR work

L

Lasse

Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
6
Im doing some research, as we are going to buy knives for professional SAR helicopter work.

The knife has to be abel to cut 11 mm climbing rope and webbing in a flash.

What is the best edge for this kind of cutting. Is it serrated or plain or a combo? :confused:

We want a smal - strong fixed blade, because we have to be abel to draw the knife with one hand with thick gloves on.

The knife has to work in water and in extreme cold as well.

Can anyone help me out with sugestions on some knives and mayby some opinion on the edge as well.

Maybe sombody know some professional tests that has been done on knives for this kind of work?

Thx

Lass
 
I suggest you look at the Fallkniven F1, designed and used as a pilot's survival knife. To add to its cutting ability on rope and webbing you may want to sharpen it to a slightly courser finish.
 
Slide over to the Busse forum here on BF and ask about a NARK. (Nuclear Air Rescue Knife)

Pretty much designed to do what you are asking plus can cut you OUT of a chopper if things really go south. FB, small, gloves on, webbing, rope etc. Designed more for the crews benefit in case of emergency rather than to help with anothers rescue.

Won't hurt to ask, nice people.

Rob
 
The Busse NARK would be ideal. It has a full plain edge for regular work, then a section of serations on the back! Very handy looking. You should be able to pick one up at the company store. :D
 
try the forums at swampratknifeworks.com lots of SAR people post there im sure they could make some suggestions
 
I would suggest something like the BM9110 Rescue Stryker. Pushbutton auto, fully serrated, and has a blunt tip so you don't accidentally stab someone while saving them.
 
I would suggest the Spyderco Temperance.

FB05_L.jpg


http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/closeup.php?product=45


The fully serrated (Spyderedge) would probably be best for nylon rope and webbing, but I would try the plain also to see which edge type best fits your needs.



- Frank
 
I'm going econo on this. In my area our Volunteers dont have alot of money. I found the Spyderco Assist I for 55.00 online and thay was more than they could afford. I'm recommending the Buck Nighthawk short model. You can find it at Walmart for 39.00 I believe. It is 1/4 '' thick and partially serrated to boot!
 
I made a knife for my brother in law who has long been involved in Search and Rescue on the west coast of Canada (Surrey/Vancouver area). It is a 4.5" long spear point blade of 440-C with black micarta grips. I am currently re-designing that knife from his input. Is this a sales pitch? NO! You won't see the new knife from me for quite a while!

But from his input, he says a smaller blade would be better. SAR guys have lots of gear on them! So, keeping gear nice and light would be good. I'd recommend lookign for smaller fixed blades for your SAR work.

As far as the edge goes, just keep it not so polished for your cord slicing. In fact, check out the nice compact diamond rod sharpeners or the small diamond 2" long "card" sharpeners such as that made by DMT. I have a small EZE-Lap diamond rod that puts a toothy edge on a blade quite quick. I carry it for touch-ups just in case. Weighs as much as my pocket lint.

Best of luck on your search for a good knife.
 
You'll find a lot of knife guys here don't like serrations to much.

I do and for your work I would (and do) want them.I'm an Lt. for a fire dept. that does high/low angle rope rescue,ice rescue,confined space,swift water rescue and on and on.

Ropes and webbing are part of all this,I want serrations,if for nothing else they last longer.Guys use and abuse their knives and the time they might really need them could be right after heavy use and before resharping.

If I send a guy over a bridge to do a pick off,he'll have 2 knives as dropping or not being able to reach one due to your harness etc.is not good! One thing I've found is pocket clips and webbing,straps, rope don't mix well.Those straps have sent a few of my knives flying out of my pocket.

Most of our guys use folders with combo edges.The water guys are issued a fixed blade Gerber River Shorty.Not the best but it works and since they lose quite a few the low price comes into play.
 
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