Idea for small emergency blades

Lynn LeFey · **on:** April 04, 2014, 12:59:51 AM

So, I made this thing months and months ago, and while going through my dumb altoids-tin survival kit stuff (because of Chako's thread), I came across it again. It seems like a good idea to me.

So, here's the thing I made...

It's two #11 hobby blades (exacto blades), shrouded in a piece of lid from a tin can. I punched a hole through with a nail, and ran a little piece of copper wire through to hold them in place. This was my first attempt, which wasn't completely successful. the second one was 'deep' enough that the blades could swing open, like a jack knife.

So, after making it, I realized some potential for accidental self-stabbery, so updated it slightly with this high tech closure system (seen next to a Vic Classic for scale)

Yeah, it's held shut with a little piece of packing tape. That's all it takes, and is easily removed and replaced. For people making those micro-kits, I could imagine a new, sharp blade could be very useful. Can be left in the 'jacket' and used like a tiny knife or removed for whatever. (I imagine it mostly as a frog/fish gig head, but whatever other use might be thought up is cool)

Costs very little, weighs almost nothing, and takes up less space than a Vic Classic, and that's saying something.

I tried this with 3 and 4 blades on my second go. 4 seemed to be getting too thick, but three was good.

Just one of those random ideas.

Syph007 · **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2014, 01:55:01 AM

Wow it didnt look small until pictured by a classic!

Good space saver idea. And chako's thread got me rumaging though my mini kits agian too...

Its fun to see what can be made up to fit.

One thing I realized I forgot was duct tape!

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2014, 03:55:52 AM

Thanks. It's also SUPER lightweight, like 1/10 of an oz. (3g)

Jothra · **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2014, 05:19:18 AM

Don't look now, but Lynn's makin' shivs. We're all gettin' shanked.

Neat idea, actually. I might have to do that for my Altoids Mini kit (which is mostly a sewing kit).

RT1969 · **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2014, 08:58:40 AM

Great idea in a small package!

Some thoughts:
How useful is the handle? If you only did this for storing the blades, aren't there medical grade sterilize packed scalpel blades?

I have to ask in the pharmacy sometime. Those would come sterile for emergency use.

What would you see as more useful: A razor blade (where you loose the point), a v-shaped scalpel (as Lynn showed) or a rounded (half a U) scalpel?
I'd say the u-shaped one is best for cuts into wounds, and the razor blade has the longest cutting edge per overall size. I use this v-shaped ones on scale model builiding and broke some tips over time, they are very fragile!

kkokkolis · **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2014, 09:32:44 AM

Scalpels is what I use. I keep a couple in my SOS seath. I don't really use them with so many blades in my tools, they are there just for a medical emergency, if I have the clear mind and time to remember them there and access them.

pfrsantos · **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2014, 11:42:22 AM

Quote from: Jothra on April 04, 2014, 05:19:18 AM

Don't look now, but Lynn's makin' shivs. We're all gettin' shanked.

Neat idea, actually. I might have to do that for my Altoids Mini kit (which is mostly a sewing kit).

That and the CCW... Run f'the hills!!!!

ducttapetech · **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2014, 12:30:02 PM

Those are neat.
You can make some nice small fixed blade a fric folders out of old sawzall blades.

live from Nate's mobile

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2014, 05:18:48 PM

Quote from: pfrsantos on April 04, 2014, 11:42:22 AM

Quote from: Jothra on April 04, 2014, 05:19:18 AM
Don't look now, but Lynn's makin' shivs. We're all gettin' shanked.

Neat idea, actually. I might have to do that for my Altoids Mini kit (which is mostly a sewing kit).

That and the CCW... Run f'the hills!!!!

Oh, man. This really got me for some reason. Glad I wasn't sipping my coffee when I read it.

I made a couple of these, but never fielded them. If someone does, I'd really appreciate feedback if they're ever used on how they worked.

Steinar · **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2014, 10:03:14 PM

Great idea, Lynn, even if you just went onto three watch lists.

sawman · **Reply #10 on:** April 04, 2014, 10:05:29 PM

Just what I need - an exacto blade to come open in my pocket and stab me in the unmentionables

Lynn LeFey · **Reply #11 on:** April 04, 2014, 10:59:17 PM

Not really intended for pocket carry, but if you really wanted to...

(disclaimer: Lynn's Legal Council has advised her that in no case should you put this contraption in your pocket, and fillet your jumblies. Unless, for whatever reason, you find filleted jumblies pleasant, in which case, she shall be held blameless. Not for internal use. Must be this tall to ride. Keep out of reach of children and sawman.)