38 replies to this topic

[duganalexzander]

I carry two blount modified steak knives on my waist webbing. One on each side. i also carry a titanium lockback zip tied to a brass dog bone. i move that one around just depending.

Hey Steve...its great to see you!

So any chance of a picture of your handiwork? And what is a 'lockback'?

LOCK BACK: A basic functional lock that is relatively simple and low cost to manufacture. In practice the lock design positions a stop bar parallel to and in direct line with the blade at the upper back or rear tang of the blade to lock the blade open. Basically, as the blade is rotated open, the spring tensioned, center pivoted stop bar tracks around the circular portion of the blade tang until it drops or locks into the notched out tang. And to release the lock, the exposed portion of the stop bar in the handle back is depressed into the handle, pivoting the stop bar out, releasing the locked blade. This style of locking mechanism requires two hands to safely close the blade although you may still easily open the blade single-handed if desired.

Edited by duganalexzander, 21 January 2012 - 09:02 AM.

[duganalexzander]

Kamala, hope that clears things up.

@Steve, do you find that folders are difficult to deploy underwater? Or that wearing gloves hinders your ability to close the knife?

[WreckWench]

[duganalexzander]

Any time love.

[peterbj7]

I was wondering what a "blount modified steak knife" was.

[scubaski]

Just guessing a rounded (blunt)serrated edge, what you may find in some steakhouses.

[peterbj7]

I guessed it was a typo for "blunt", but why would you want a blunt dive knife?

[grim reefer]

I'm sure blunt referes to just the tip, not the blade.

The knife I wear on my waist is short, very sharp, and has blunt tip. I can't accidentally stab myself (or more importantly my drysuit) when I am resheathing it and I've actually used the flat tip as a screw driver a time or two.

If you know of any uses for a sharp tip that actually would enhance my dive safety I'd like to hear them.

Edited by grim reefer, 23 January 2012 - 08:58 AM.

[Elias]

Great example as to why we need several back up options when all heck hits the fan....

Having multiple backups options actually increases response time as our brains evaluate which of the available options to exercise...

Best practice is to have a single backup -- functionally maintained and always carried in the same place. It is also good to occasionally use the backup option so it is familiar.


I also want to back up what grim reefer mentioned about blunt tipped knives doubling as a screwdriver. The pointy tip of a knife is only good for puncturing things; of dubious utility when diving.