Ideal Rescue/Emergency knife design points

Gizmo · #1

I have seen some very good discussion about different ideas for Rescue type knives in the forum so I just wanted to add my 2 cents:

Handle : Zytel is perfect. This would keep the upfront cost down and allow easy replacement if lost or damaged. Zytel is also impervious to disinfectant cleaners should the knife be exposed to bloodborne contaminents. Steel liners should be incorporated to increase rigidity.

A contoured handle style with finger notches for control. (Like the excellent Native handle !) The handle should also be of a generous size with an oversized opening hole for use with gloves.

Blade: A flat ground, blunt tip Hawksbill ideally or a sheepsfoot/Wharncliffe. Partial serrations only or at least as an option.

One forum member mentioned a small fixed blade would be an option...If so I would like to see a low profile sheath, possibly a full coverage flap or something, that would not be obvious on a police duty belt. I believe that Zytel should still be the handle material as it can be injection molded onto a full tang for strength and to eliminate the possibility of bloodborne contaminents getting under the handle scales.

fannin · #2

Seems like a good compromise on everything thats been proposed. Just keep it under 4 inch.. Maybe even add that funky blue handle.

Tightwad · #3

Gizmo's idea is a good up grade of the Rescue for 99% of daily use. If it were flat ground
Wharncliff blade ,tip down clipped it could also be shirtpocket carry to get the knife on
front for easy access by BOTH hands. Now that would be favorite carry knife that is
really useful!

jrollins · #4

Seems to me that a Harpy or Merlin with a blunt rounded tip would be nice. I can't seem to find the model I'm thinking of to give an example of that kind of tip.

Also, the Emerson Sark matches the description above pretty good... Except that it's $190. But a nice blade and G10 handle... <drool> But I'd probably go for a Commander first. After a few more Spydercos of course :)

#5

Good input, thanx much.

sal

Gizmo · #6

jrollins,

Thanks for the comments...I didn't know what the "SARK" was but when I looked it up, it is almost what I had in mind ! I had just put down my thoughts on what I would change based on my experience. I think an Emerson / Spyderco collaboration SARK would sell in droves to emergency services personnel. I can almost see where the hole would go in the blade...