redrover
Guest
Aloha,
I thought a knife was the last thing Id want for an accessory, but I am looking for a cutting tool. Ive been searching here but unable to find what Im looking for. (The links to specific products were very helpful.) Some of this is obvious but I could use more experienced help, please.
I used a Buck Knife for years (no, not diving) and liked it to be scary sharp, quick and easy to access and secure. I dont loose knives; this one is my oldest at 27 years. I do have a 400 SS Gerber folding river knife. No problem maintaining a razor edge but having to wash, get the inside dry and lube every dive is annoying and one more thing to clip and unclip from a pocket. My BC has grommet holes, I think Id like a knife mounted there (everything in its place), I know that limits my choices.
Primarily Im expecting removing trash like nets or line. I have no desire to harm living creatures or encourage them to defend themselves. Since my very protective canine will not be looking out for me I think some kind of protection would also be a good reason to carry a knife, just in case.
No complicated environment, saltwater presently but plan to consider more advanced diving (maybe the cats pjs) and dive other locations. I maintain my toys and prefer to get one and use forever.
My big question is not what you got so much as; what are the pros and cons of the tip types stiletto, blunt, tanto and blade - serrated, smooth, ceramic?
My thoughts so far.
EMT Shears: am considering and I read to keep the tips together with tubing which answered one of my cons. Ive carried them for years and they are somewhat large, as in flat plate type rigidity for pocket stowage. I hate dingle dangling so would not just clip on a D ring. Defiantly had problems with the fatish tip getting under tight places. They work for SS line, at least once (major game fishing here).
Stiletto: Im thinking this would be more of a knife than a cutting tool. Pretty serious protection and pretty easy to poke into unwanted places like my BC. But the point tip would be better to slip under a constriction worst case; myself entangled and not standing still to work out the knot.
Blunt: Looks better at prying, but not hunting so why else would I pry? Certainly less chance of piercing.
Tanto: Looks like a compromise between pointy and not and seems close to what Id want. Is it not particularly good at either? Does that tip slip under well?
Smooth and Serrated: Ive found both useful but more so the smooth. Im guessing the serrated blade quality has improved significantly, is this true? I read several posts claiming each did/did not cut effectively in a rope type situation but they were old, any current thoughts? I know slicing squishy things like a tomato, serrated works better. Would kelp be considered soft skinned? Would having both be a good idea or is something sacrificed with the combination? How about one sharp side with both, stronger? Both, one on each side? I lean toward a stiffer blade power, when would I want more flexible?
Ceramic: I like the no rust and hard. Brittle, but not too worried since not planning to pry or drop on the tile floor and should be protected in the sheath, right? Never used one tho, how well do they work, maintain sharpness?
H1 steel: I followed a link to Spyderco that talks about this, what does it mean?
Sheepshead: Im liking this best but not sure if I can find one with my other desires (length, mounting, weight, yadda yadda yadda).
I know thats a lot of questions (and yes, I drove my parents bats) but I would be grateful for any experience you can contribute.
Mahalo
Lisa
I thought a knife was the last thing Id want for an accessory, but I am looking for a cutting tool. Ive been searching here but unable to find what Im looking for. (The links to specific products were very helpful.) Some of this is obvious but I could use more experienced help, please.
I used a Buck Knife for years (no, not diving) and liked it to be scary sharp, quick and easy to access and secure. I dont loose knives; this one is my oldest at 27 years. I do have a 400 SS Gerber folding river knife. No problem maintaining a razor edge but having to wash, get the inside dry and lube every dive is annoying and one more thing to clip and unclip from a pocket. My BC has grommet holes, I think Id like a knife mounted there (everything in its place), I know that limits my choices.
Primarily Im expecting removing trash like nets or line. I have no desire to harm living creatures or encourage them to defend themselves. Since my very protective canine will not be looking out for me I think some kind of protection would also be a good reason to carry a knife, just in case.
No complicated environment, saltwater presently but plan to consider more advanced diving (maybe the cats pjs) and dive other locations. I maintain my toys and prefer to get one and use forever.
My big question is not what you got so much as; what are the pros and cons of the tip types stiletto, blunt, tanto and blade - serrated, smooth, ceramic?
My thoughts so far.
EMT Shears: am considering and I read to keep the tips together with tubing which answered one of my cons. Ive carried them for years and they are somewhat large, as in flat plate type rigidity for pocket stowage. I hate dingle dangling so would not just clip on a D ring. Defiantly had problems with the fatish tip getting under tight places. They work for SS line, at least once (major game fishing here).
Stiletto: Im thinking this would be more of a knife than a cutting tool. Pretty serious protection and pretty easy to poke into unwanted places like my BC. But the point tip would be better to slip under a constriction worst case; myself entangled and not standing still to work out the knot.
Blunt: Looks better at prying, but not hunting so why else would I pry? Certainly less chance of piercing.
Tanto: Looks like a compromise between pointy and not and seems close to what Id want. Is it not particularly good at either? Does that tip slip under well?
Smooth and Serrated: Ive found both useful but more so the smooth. Im guessing the serrated blade quality has improved significantly, is this true? I read several posts claiming each did/did not cut effectively in a rope type situation but they were old, any current thoughts? I know slicing squishy things like a tomato, serrated works better. Would kelp be considered soft skinned? Would having both be a good idea or is something sacrificed with the combination? How about one sharp side with both, stronger? Both, one on each side? I lean toward a stiffer blade power, when would I want more flexible?
Ceramic: I like the no rust and hard. Brittle, but not too worried since not planning to pry or drop on the tile floor and should be protected in the sheath, right? Never used one tho, how well do they work, maintain sharpness?
H1 steel: I followed a link to Spyderco that talks about this, what does it mean?
Sheepshead: Im liking this best but not sure if I can find one with my other desires (length, mounting, weight, yadda yadda yadda).
I know thats a lot of questions (and yes, I drove my parents bats) but I would be grateful for any experience you can contribute.
Mahalo
Lisa