Which 'Salt' for Lifeguard Duty?

KiloGolf92

KiloGolf92

Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Messages
176
Hello everyone! I'm a certified lifeguard in Atlanta and I always have some sort of rescue knife on me when on duty, due to the fact that it isn't uncommon for me cut a victims shirt off. Normally I carry a Benchmade rescue hook and up until now it has performed flawlessly - I recently noticed some rust pitting on the cutting edge :eek:!! This seemed strange to me because after every time I dive in to go for a rescue I wipe the knife dry, but I suppose it's possible for rust to still form as the inside of the sheath is probably not 100% dry (also perspiration could be a factor). So, I've decided to switch my duty EDC to an Spyderco in H1 steel, preferably fully serrated ''spydie-edge'', but I just can't decide which one is best for me. The knife that I've been considering more than all the others is the Saver Salt (fully serrated):

C118YL_M.jpg


Is the Saver Salt comparable in overall size to the Delica 4?

Another knife that I might choose is the Atlantic Salt (fully serrated). But I'm worried that this knife is just to large (keep in mind that I'm required to carry lots of first aid gear with me as well) - is it comparable in size to the Endura 4?

C89YL_M.jpg


Although it looks as if there is a pattern above, fully blunted tips are not the most important thing in the world to me - I just need the tip to be atleast slightly blunt so as not to cut through the victims flesh when removing clothing. With that being said, should I simply go with the fully serrated Salt?

C88YL_M.jpg


Any input is much appreciated!! Thanks so much!
 
I'd say go for the Saver Salt. In Atlanta, you gotta keep it under 3" or you're asking for trouble. Also, I'd keep it hidden while on the job. There are a lot of people in town who make a hobby out of giving people a hard time.

Although, I was a lifeguard for years, and I can't say I ever had reason to cut anyone's shirt off. :confused:
 
If you're looking for something in similar performance to the Rescue Hook, I'd look at the Tasman Salt. Excellent little hawkbill that cuts like crazy.

Past that, yes I think those are comparable to the Delica/Endura, though the Salt I is more comparable due to blade shape and grind.
 
moonwilson said:
Although, I was a lifeguard for years, and I can't say I ever had reason to cut anyone's shirt off. :confused:
Click to expand...

Last year, on two separate occasions myself and 2 other guards were forced to remove a shirt for mandatory defibrillation. Sometimes I work at a public pool (which shall remain nameless :p) where many serious incidents have occurred. Most of the time it's simply handing out band aids and filling out paperwork but when a victim needs defibrillation I find that it's much easier to simply cut the clothing off rather than try to shimmy their shirt over their head.
 
I would take the saver salt. I swim with my plain salt 1 and its easily concealable. I think it comes in handy when you might need it to cut a body suit or cord etc. Also if your good at your sharpening I would recommend plain edge. Easier to sharpen and it does not snag on clothing. Serrations when new cut like crazzzzzzzyyyyy but I just can't get it to hair poppen sharp again.

My 2cents.
 
Dang. A defibrillator for lifeguarding? Back in my day, we got a whistle, and that was it. I can see where that would come in handy. I don't envy you, sir- there are some real geniuses living in the ATL. I wouldn't want to guard a public pool in this town at all.
Anyone swimming in a shirt probably has very little business being around water in the first place. Unless they're just hella fat.

The Saver Salt is my pick.
 
marthinus said:
I would take the saver salt. I swim with my plain salt 1 and its easily concealable. I think it comes in handy when you might need it to cut a body suit or cord etc. Also if your good at your sharpening I would recommend plain edge. Easier to sharpen and it does not snag on clothing. Serrations when new cut like crazzzzzzzyyyyy but I just can't get it to hair poppen sharp again.

My 2cents.
Click to expand...

Invest in the Sharpmaker and bring them back to life. :D
 
I use the Atlantic myself.... although you will not be dissapointed with the Saver. :) .... [I have it also & do use it from time to time.]
 
moonwilson said:
Dang. A defibrillator for lifeguarding? Back in my day, we got a whistle, and that was it. I can see where that would come in handy. I don't envy you, sir- there are some real geniuses living in the ATL. I wouldn't want to guard a public pool in this town at all.
Anyone swimming in a shirt probably has very little business being around water in the first place. Unless they're just hella fat.

The Saver Salt is my pick.
Click to expand...

Thanks! The modern day lifeguard is trained in CPR(obviously), defib., and first aid levels 1-3. And you're right- there are definitely some 'less intelligent' people who attend public pools (at least the ones I work at), if I could choose I would work at a neighborhood pool and get paid the same but my company cuts pay for neighborhood guards. I'm only 17 so I take what I can get :D It sounds like I may end up going with the Saver Salt or just the Salt 1... Oh and by the way - one of my rescue victims was a pool side patron and was not actually swimming.
 
EMT shears do the job just fine IMO.
But being a Spydie fan :D. - Saver Salt.
The point being just a little blunt won't cut it.

Course, the Assist is a fantastic knife too - though I don't think it comes in H1 yet.
 
well, of your options, I have a Salt I, which is basically the Delica 3 salt. Great size, good ergos. I have a tasman salt as well, which with the hawkbill blade would be good for clothing removal.

saver or salt I are both great options, the Tasman is another option to consider
 
Josh K said:
Invest in the Sharpmaker and bring them back to life. :D
Click to expand...

Jip. Even then after use and plenty of sharpening the spyderedge changes quite significantly. I have found the tip of the serrations getting like needle points and then its just rips and snags, so I have to take the bite out of of them and round them off a bit. Still a serrated edge does have its place.

To each his own
just my two cents.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top