unusual knife idea (idea for S&R)

S

SR_matt

Joined
Jan 4, 2007
Messages
623
Hello all,
ok just had an idea for a search and rescue knife and i have some ideas how to go about it but i just want to know what everyone thinks of the practicality or fabrication and use.

this knife could be used for any field but it would be a go to knife for S&R.

basically the whole issue i see with using a knife in S&R when it gets down and dirty is closing or re-sheathing the knife. so why not combine the 2. the idea is to make the knife to do what ever you need then make a sheath that would not block the cutting edge as the protection from the blade but come down on the knife to prevent from coming in contact with the blade. the idea i have is to make a u shaped sheath where the blade is at the open side of the u, it would spring closed and lock in place with an easily activated toggle that would also spring back to lock if the knife is dropped or grip is lost. the sheath would move up and down along the short dimension of the knife.

the idea would be to grab the knife, pull the toggle back (im thinking along the spine with the users thumb) they would then push the knife against what ever needed to be cut and then, once any material is no longer in contact with anything, the sheath would travel back down to cover the blade. while the knife would not be ideal for cutting through thick items it would be fine for cutting rope or seat belts and protect the user and rescue victims from getting hurt if they were to fall or the knife fell from the rescuer's hand.

make sense to any one?

think it would work?

is it doable?
-matt
 
I've seen some folders kind of like what you describe, the handle was "U" shaped with a vertical pivot the blade would pivot out and the sheath would become the handle. I've also seen some "autos" that had a cage type guard and when the release was pushed on the handle the guard would retract into the handle. I'm not sure if this is what you're describing.
 
Will Leavitt said:
I've seen some folders kind of like what you describe, the handle was "U" shaped with a vertical pivot the blade would pivot out and the sheath would become the handle. I've also seen some "autos" that had a cage type guard and when the release was pushed on the handle the guard would retract into the handle. I'm not sure if this is what you're describing.
Click to expand...

almost. the idea was more towards a fixed blade. i was some what inspired by the idea of how circular saws have the guard that will not move until you release it then it move out of the way as you cut but once you retrace the blade it comes back and locks closed if you just let go.

basically if you release the guard on this knife you would push the knife down (have the knife blade running parallel to the ground) and the sheath would push up.

-matt
 
Matt, I see what you're saying... only issue I see is materials getting hung up on the guard and limiting the guard to a slicing or hacking cut and impeding a thrusting type of cut.
 
Sometime a simple thing can be over-thought until it is overly complex. My uncle, Rube Goldberg, was famous for this.

When considering an innovation ,study if it will make the overall device and use simpler or more complex.

Taking your self sheathing knife for an example:
What gain will the change have - It will cover the blade when not in use.
Will it eliminate a process or part - No, there will still be a need of some way to store the knife when not in use (a sheath)
Will the modification simplify construction or use - No, the construction will require precision latches, slides,and additional parts. Also the use will require additional operations to activate/secure the slide.
Will the modification require more or less maintenance -More, it will have to be carefully cleaned and oiled after use.

There are several more areas that could be considered, but I think you can see where this will lead. In short, you will still need a sheath to carry it in when not in use, and the sliding sheath is fraught with design and use problems. The simplest way to have a rescue knife that is quick to access and simple to maintain is a spring and a button. The DDR BL3 is exactly that. I modify them for auto, use orange G-10 fire/police/military handles,add a lanyard, and dress them a bit with some file work. They are simple, reliable, and open and close quickly and securely.Stored in the pocket on a belt, or a pack strap, they are quick to access. Maintenance is ultra simple. Complete strip down, cleaning, and reassembly takes about 5 minutes.
Stacy
 
One knife does not fit all. First decide what it is that you are calling search and rescue. Snow country may have problems that a gloved hand will be used.

The local Consevation and environment agency in western Australia wanted a knife to recue whales caught up in fishing nets and ropes.. The basically bought a cut down knife used in prisons and police lockups. It had a u shapped small blade with blunt point.

It worked well for cutting a cord or cloth rom around a humans neck but when it came to whales you have to attach it to the end of a long pole.
Some were modified to screw onto a pole then. Jim STEELE of western Australia was asked to make some replacements. He drew on his knowledge of what it was for verses what was already available. He came up with a long curved blade with safety point. it was cerated on the inside curve. He gave the prototype to the environment guys and they had spiderco make a few test pieces. They have worked well in real whale recue. Keep the designing idea alive consider the practical field uses in mind and specific. Keep it as simple as possible. Cold wet tired in dangerous location simple is going to be useful. I the sun when relaxed and all the time in the world you can use anything almost. Keep those thinks in mind. I would like to see what you come up with even a concept drawing would make it easier to visualise.
 
ya even when i thought the idea i already had seen a lot of issues that could arise with it but i am probably going to do a drawing up just for s's and g's soon (dont have a way to scan in for a few weeks though) and ill try to get it up just to throw the idea around.

thanks for the thoughts
-matt
 
How about a folder/fixed blade?? i just finished this SAR style knife!

IMO, a balisong could act as an ideal S&R knife..,because of its simplicity,and ease of opening one handled. ofcourse serrations would be wanted.




 
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