Spyderco Whale Rescue Blade

[sal]

Hi Peter, we didn't design it, just built it to their design.

Maybe we'll be able to produce larger quantities and they can be standard equipment on fishing rigs.

sal

[Woody]

Outstanding work Spyderco, impressive project Sal... Thanks for sharing Taz... I shared this link with several coworkers and they too were very impressed... The pictures are very cool and hats off to the ones out there risking there lives to save one of God’s creatures…

[Pete1977]

well, sal, you folks did a **** fine job with the building of it. We (the capt. I work for, and I) have been thinking of a knife on a stick for a while, to help cut free buoy lines that get caught in our propeller. right now our method is to haul it as close to the surface as we can with a long gaff hook, and reach in the water and cut it with a deck knife. It is cold in the winter. :)

peter

[bell]

I am feeling very proud to wear the Spyderco brand on my edc. What a great handmade blade and a super international success story. Thanks Taz for a great report and pics. What is the feedback from the Aussies on the blade? That thing must cut through line like buttah!!

[TazKristi]

A couple of notes, the gentleman that I am in contact with has been kind enough to include me on all of his email reports regarding entanglements over the past 4 weeks. In each case, it has been a fishing boat that has spotted the whale. Each of the three success stories were in part possible because the Captain of the boat reported the entangled whale and then stayed with it until the team could arrive.

As for their reaction, it's been wonderful. The prototype was initially shown at a conference at which my contact demonstrated the blade on some very thick rope (I can tell you the exact size of the rope when I return to the office on Monday). He said the attendees were in shock at how easily the blade went through it.

Kristi

[DAYWALKER]

We've got two really skilled men in our finishing department, Tim Ireland and Del Blue. Not only do they do all of the finishing on Spyderco's Golden made knives, but they grind all of the protos and special blades as well.

Tim Irelan made the whale blade, entirely by hand.

sal

Awesome Sal,

You've got the best "Quality of people" working for you...sometimes even with you. :)

Mahalo Kristi for sharing this story. I never saw any whales stuck in nets on my diving ventures, but there were MANY turtles my brother and I would free from fishing line or nets. :mad:

Congrats and great job :spyder: ...God bless you all.

[Pete1977]

A couple of notes, the gentleman that I am in contact with has been kind enough to include me on all of his email reports regarding entanglements over the past 4 weeks. In each case, it has been a fishing boat that has spotted the whale. Each of the three success stories were in part possible because the Captain of the boat reported the entangled whale and then stayed with it until the team could arrive.

As for their reaction, it's been wonderful. The prototype was initially shown at a conference at which my contact demonstrated the blade on some very thick rope (I can tell you the exact size of the rope when I return to the office on Monday). He said the attendees were in shock at how easily the blade went through it.

Kristi

I am not surprised. I used to carry a SE/PE lg. Dyad, and a SE endura 3, and those teeth make very short work of rope, esp. rope that is under heavy strain.

I can easily see an inwardly curved blade like the "whale" knife eating through even the thickest line.

If no one minds, I may show these pictures to the president of the whale center of new england which works in close concert with the Provincetown based center for coastal studies. If I remember correctly, only the center for coastal studies can actually free entangled whales in US waters. It has to do with I believe the closest point of approach distances allowed by the marine mammal protection act. I think up this way it could be put to pretty good use.

Peter

[TazKristi]

Peter,
We're actually in touch with them. I believe they've been copied on all of the progress by my contact in Australia. It was the Center for Coastal Studies that actually referred the folks in Australia to us.

Small world. :)

Kristi

[TheKnifeCollector]

I have always been proud to carry a Spyderco, and now, I am even prouder!!

[Pete1977]

Peter,
We're actually in touch with them. I believe they've been copied on all of the progress by my contact in Australia. It was the Center for Coastal Studies that actually referred the folks in Australia to us.

Small world. :)

Kristi

:) they couldn't have picked a better company for the job I don't think.

again, off the subject a tiny bit, but the USCG is issued a folding myerchin knife IIRC. I'd think one of the salt series would be a better choice. it is definately less expensive. lighter, has a clip, and is a much better quality knife IMO.

You should go after them next!!

[TazKristi]

[quote="Pete1977"] :) they couldn't have picked a better company for the job I don't think.

again, off the subject a tiny bit, but the USCG is issued a folding myerchin knife IIRC. I'd think one of the salt series would be a better choice. it is definately less expensive. lighter, has a clip, and is a much better quality knife IMO.

You should go after them next!! ]

Pete,
We've got several USCG accounts now. We were recently awarded a GSA contract though, so that will make it a little easier to get in more. :D

Kristi

[Blades]

Cool!!
I can see it now, whales swimming around the ocean carrying their Spydie blades strapped to them. A father giving his whale son his first Spyderco. Selling giant 204's so that the whales can sharpen their Spyderco's. :)



Blades

[Ging]

This really makes me proud to carry Spyderco :spyder:

Cool!!
I can see it now, whales swimming around the ocean carrying their Spydie blades strapped to them. A father giving his whale son his first Spyderco. Selling giant 204's so that the whales can sharpen their Spyderco's. :)



Blades

Lol, I can also see it as well :D Go on Sal you know you want too.

[Clay Kesting]

That's an outstanding example of cooperation and commitment from a company with a heart and a social conscience.

Unfortunately it may all be in vain if the Japanese and Norwegians manage to persuade the IWC to allow them to recommence commercial whaling. Japan is already killing hundreds of whales under the guise of science. Australian scientist have shown that there is nothing the Japanese are supposed to be researching that can't be done without killing the whales so it is clearly a ploy to get the meat onto their tables. Their government is lobbying (and bribing) hard amongst the smaller Pacific nations to get their votes. The Australian government is working hard to present the case for a complete and permanent ban but it's going to be a close call next time the Commission meets.

clay

[bell]

As the Aussies say, "Good on ya, mate".

[Tank]

Hats off to all of you at Spyderco. I just love hearing stories like this. TKG said it .. Makes me proud to carry a spyderco..

Keep up the awsome work.

[sotyakr]

Kristi or Sal,
There's an organization here in the San Francisco Bay Area called The Marine Mammal Center. Last December, they were involved in the disentaglement of a Humpback Whale just off of the coast and were successful in freeing it from a mass of crab pot lines. I'm sure the specialized blade like the one you made would be a valuable tool in the event they encounter a similar situation in the future. I don't know if they're aware of this blade, so I hope it's OK if I pass on the info to them.

[Piet.S]

Wonderful story and a great "custom" job done.
Even more so as the wellbeing of one of the most amazing of "gods critters" is involved.

What those two men in Golden do sounds like a dream job doesn't it?

[Tim8557]

Tim Ireland made the whale blade, entirely by hand.

Another great story of an Irish guy coming to the rescue. :D :D

Somewhere there has to be a wonderful advertising campaign in this great story>
Job well done

[Senate]

Save the whales! great job :spyder: !