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What is A Chute Knife?

Parachute knives are modest sized folders with a hook shaped blade only sharpened on the innermost curve of the hook. This hook can be used to cut parachute cords safely while dangling in trees etc. The variety I have seen the most also have a more ordinary shaped pushbutton blade. These are light construction knives similar in size to a Swiss army knife.

There are heavier constructed paratroopers knives with an out-the-front gravity knife blade. The classics of that variety were useded by the Germans during WWII.
 
I usually think just about anything under 3" is kinda cute, especially with pearl handle scales.
 
My definition of a chute knife is different from Jeff Clark's. A chute knife is a fixed blade, usually around 4"-5" in length, plenty of belly, and a false edge. I think they are always a clip- or drop-point.

If the above sounds like any number of different knives, you're right. The definition of chute knife above will apply to any number of knives -- for example, the 3/16" Mad Dog pATAK meets it. So perhaps the most important identifier of a chute knife: the maker calls it a chute knife.

Unfortunately, I don't know how this pattern came to be known as a chute knife. Bernard Levine, however, will definitely know, I bet. Perhaps someone should invite him into this conversation.

Joe
 
I also tend to think of somthing along these lines...

A Lile Chute knife:

chute.jpg
 
Hey Senator
Every time you show that knife I nearly die. Wonderful ! Who else is making good examples of this style. Anyone making them with natural handle materials in the $350 and under range.


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ALex

http://home.att.net./~a.boriqua
 
Anyone making them with natural handle materials in the $350 and under range.
Click to expand...

Yup - GenO Denning:

4.5" ATS-34 mirror polished blade. 9.5" overall. Red spacers between the handle and the fully tapered tang. Sharpened top edge.


<CENTER>Kudu horn</CENTER>
<CENTER><A HREF="http://home.carolina.rr.com/senator/images/Denning_chute.jpg"><IMG SRC="http://home.carolina.rr.com/senator/images/Denning_chute_small.jpg" border="3"></A></CENTER>

<CENTER>Stag</CENTER>
<CENTER><A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=626014&a=6764352&p=22715031&Sequence=0"><IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Thumbnail?u=626014&a=6764352&p=22715031&Width=100&Height=100&Sequence=0" border="3"></A></CENTER>

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Kelly
My Custom Knife Collection
AKTI Member #A000289

Deo Vindice

[This message has been edited by Senator (edited 07-31-2000).]
 
Oh yes, I do love that Johnson chute knife! I used it as a pattern when I designed mine (made by Rick Ludwig of Maspeth, Queens right here in NYC). I'll try to get a photo up somehow- I have neither scanner nor digital camera. Hey Phil, can you help? BTW Senator, the Denning looks great! A super maker & his prices can't be beat.

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Runs With Scissors
AKTI# A000107
 
I skydive, & let me tell you that I would only want a knife with a hook style blade (Harpy for me). Cutting yourself out of a tree is one thing...Also VERY dangerous! & not recommended, quite a few have died at his point...If you can,wait for help.

As far as having to use the knife during a malfunction, It is very likely that the other hand will be very busy doing other things. I would only want a knife that will catch the lines etc I want & be able to cut them with one hand.

As far as using a knife for doing this...Well you dont have much time to give it alot of thought. In most situations both hands will be busy in correcting the malfuction. I see some who carry a knife, most are diving(no point) or seat belt cutting types.

Maybe a nice 3 blade stockman knife would be best...That way I'd be to busy trying to open a blade out of it, I wouldnt have time to notice that sudden stop on the ground coming up!




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Keith D.Armacost
If at first you don't succeed, Skydiving is not for you.

[This message has been edited by Kdarmy (edited 08-01-2000).]
 
Boriqua,
Hi- I'll try to post Rick Ludwig's info tonight. He's been in KI & TK too I think.

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Runs With Scissors
AKTI# A000107
 
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