knives

[jeepmedic46]

I was wondering what type of knife people bring with them on searches.

[Dale]

We recomend something non-intimidating such as a quality folding lockblade with a drop point blade. I personaly recommend stainless so you can find during night operations. You may also want to purchase lightweight pruning shears, depending on your callout area.

[jeepmedic46]

Pruning shears are a good idea thank you,

[Lynn]

When I was on a team a few years ago I carried a Spiderco Rescue. A nice heavy serrated blade that can cut through most anything (rope, webbing, seatbelts). Easy one-hand opening.

[offroad_nomad]

You'll get many different answers, just like asking what types of boots folks wear. That said, I pack garden shears, my USAF survival knife from the 80's and a small Gerber. All of which are cheap enough that I wouldn't lament over them should I loose one.

I was wondering what type of knife people bring with them on searches.

[Dale]

Here is a good site on survival gear which may give some insight into choosing an appropiate knife for you, hope you enjoy http://www.equipped.com/

[jeepmedic46]

Thank you for that site.

[Colorado David]

This is an excellent folding clip knife. http://sigsauer.com/SigStore/ShowPro...&productid=155

[jeepmedic46]

Thats very nice, Thank you. I noticed some of the other team members had knives in sheaths. Would rather have one with a blade that folded.

[paulj]

I haven't done SAR, but I often walk the dog on trails that get over grown with blackberries, scotch broom, and blocked by occasional deadfall. I carry an large fanny pack with bags to handle the dog's business, and a few tools. The current set are:
- Mora 2000 sheath knife. In its green plastic sheath it could almost pass for a stick.
- Fiskars pruning knife (the blade retracts into the handle); for branches upto a couple of inches in diameter.
- Corona (from Lowes) folding garden clipper. The least threatening cutting tool I can think of.

This is my third pair of folding shears. These are like multitools, but have a garden clipper instead of pliers. At around $20-25 none have been high cost or quality, with the riveted pivot eventually breaking. But the convenience has been worth it. It also has a knife, saw and weeding tool, but I don't find these very useful.