Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Rescue Tools => Topic started by: Etherealicer on June 29, 2018, 09:16:14 PM
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So I got a new (very pretty) resuce knife, that sadly does not seem to cut that well. So, I decided to make a cutting test.
The challenge was to test how easily the knives/hookes would cut through a 25mm wide belt. The belt is quite old and has faded from black to grey.
Just to be clear, his is a test on how well the individual tools cut that belt, nothing more.
FAIL
Leatherman Signal Serrated Blade
That came really unexpected and shocked me. I tried several times and every time, I got stuck. Somehow, the teeth of the serration don't work on that material. Never would have guessed that this is even possible.
I was able to cut the belt with the short plain edge though.
On the picture you can see the cut, the PE part made, close to the blade, the damage to the belt was made by the serrated part.
On the 2nd picture you can see the serrated part of the blade vs some newspaper and it cuts reasonably well (serrated edges don't give as clean cuts as straight ones).
Leatherman Mut Cutting Hook
That one was the worst but hardly as surprising or disappointing as the Signal. Very awkward to use and hardly managed to damage the belt.
Sidenote: the blade worked reasonably well, performin in the same league as the Wave serrated blade.
Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife Hook
Despite my best effords I was not able to cut the belt. I got half way through, not enough... poor performance for a Rescue knife.
Böker Cop Tool Serrated Blade
See here (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,77839.msg1720986.html#msg1720986)
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PASS, but barely
Edelried Rescue Canyoning Knife
Love the design, looks well made, but out of the box it looked dull. A quick test confirmed it, that is why I started this.
It barely managed to cut the belt and it required a tremendous amount of strength, for me clearly performing below expectations for a rescue knife.
Will try to sharpen that knife, but I'm very dissapointed by that.
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Nice testing, E! :like:
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PASS
Gerber Bullrush Hook
First hook to pass, did fairly well by ranking just below the LM Wave blade. I tested this after the Gerber Hinderer Rescue and was really surprised how much better that hook is.
Charge Rescue Hook
See here (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,77839.msg1720999.html#msg1720999)
Wave Serrated Blade (and Mut semi-serrated blade)
Barely used but also never sharpened it did cut well and the cut was fairly clean. Still, I feel it performed below expectation.
Gerber Hinderer Rescue Serrated Blade
Well, at least the blade is not a complete waste. But considering the size of the blade, still below expectation.
Fox ERT Rescue Knife
A massive knife with a massive (fat, 5mm at the spine) blade. Like the Hinderer rescue performance was below expectation.
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PASS, CUM LAUDE
Wenger Mike Horn Serrated Blade
That was easy. I would have guessed this knife would make the top 3, but it didn't.
Victorinox Spirit Butterblade
A good deal smaller than the Mike Horn blade, yet worked even better.
Benchmade Mini-Griptillian
That one was in my pocket, so I thought why not. PE blade that needs soon to be sharpened again did perform way above my expectations. Smooth cut, very easy... who needs serrations.
I would like to add here, that the smoothness of the cut did not factor in. I rated the knifes purely on how easy the cut felt.
Spyderco Dragonfly II H1 Serrated
Tiny knife, but it does cut like crazy. I so do hope they make a serrated sheepfoot blade of this some day.
Böker Cop Tool Hook
See here (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,77839.msg1720986.html#msg1720986)
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PASS, MAGNA CUM LAUDE
Fox ERT Rescue Hook
Never would have guessed that a hook would make it that high up and that it would outperform its twin. Basically, this is how a hook should work, buttersmooth cutting. Not sure how practicable that hook is in reality with that prybar tip. But in this test it worked really well.
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PASS, SUMMA CUM LAUDE
#2 Victorinox Rescue Tool & Victorinox Hunter XT Gutting Blade
This is how a rescue blade should cut, no efford required.
#1 Spyderco Clipit Rescue
After the stellar performance of the Dragonfly II, I was not surprised that its bigger brother surpassed every other blade I have.
This was a close call.
Pure cutting performance the Spyderco has a slight edge over the Vics. Locking is clearly also a bonus (though the Hunter has that too). The Spyderco has by far the widest blade with the bluntest tip, which could be problematic when having to get under a belt. I think the tip of the Rescue Tool would work best (I will try to make a test for that)
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Nice testing, E! :like:
:salute:
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Good job on the comparisons ! :tu:
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Forgot one
Böker Cop Tool Serrated Blade - FAIL
The short blade was only capable of cutting 2/3 of the belt in a single cut. It also had similar problems to the Signal and wanted to get stuck, loads of force required to get the incomplete cut.
Böker Cop Tool Hook - PASS, CUM LAUDE
Wow, that hook actually works really well. Lots smoother than the Bullrush, not as good as the Fox Hook. Of the tested hooks probably the most useful (I have to put my Charge back together to test that hook).
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Here it goes
Charge Rescue Hook - PASS
Works similar well to the Bullrush hook
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Nice testing. Glad to see that Spyderco Rescue has done good
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Great stuff, E! :tu: :like:
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Great job, thanks for the info; What was your test criteria ? As in, cut the belt with one pass vs having to cut a few times ? Stoked that the dragonfly done such a good job I'm trying to convince myself I need one :D
I done something similar during the week by coincidence, though not as thorough or as well documented as your tests. One of my dogs ate both front seat-belts in my van a while ago and I had to replace them so after looking at them in my workshop I decided to see how my resqueme would cut the belt - it cut it but took a bit of work, I would not like to be using it under severe pressure.
My spyderco saver salt, cut through the belt in one go and the other knife I tried is a Palm Equipment folding serrated knife aimed at paddlers - it cut the belt but took a couple passes.
I only done this early in the week and was thinking of starting a thread, I hope you don't mind me adding my 2 cents to your thread ? :cheers:
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Great job, thanks for the info; What was your test criteria ? As in, cut the belt with one pass vs having to cut a few times ? Stoked that the dragonfly done such a good job I'm trying to convince myself I need one :D
I done something similar during the week by coincidence, though not as thorough or as well documented as your tests. One of my dogs ate both front seat-belts in my van a while ago and I had to replace them so after looking at them in my workshop I decided to see how my resqueme would cut the belt - it cut it but took a bit of work, I would not like to be using it under severe pressure.
My spyderco saver salt, cut through the belt in one go and the other knife I tried is a Palm Equipment folding serrated knife aimed at paddlers - it cut the belt but took a couple passes.
I only done this early in the week and was thinking of starting a thread, I hope you don't mind me adding my 2 cents to your thread ? :cheers:
For a pass it was required that the belt is cut in one go. The grading is based on how easy it is and how much of the available real estate it required. While as a rule of thumb, knives that cut better give a cleaner cut, that is not a 100% correlation and I did NOT include the cleanness of the cut into the ranking. After all, if you are in a rescue situation you want the belt/rope/whatever cut and you don't care how clean the cut is, only how easy it is to cut it (especially if you have to cut in an awkward position, while battling panic).
The Dragonfly family is my favorite line from Sypderco, great little knives.
I think the Benchmade showed that a good knife is a good knife, no matter what you cut. What surprised me most is that serrations can get stuck.
P.S.: do you have a picture?
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excellent stuff, :salute:
very good comparison :like:
I am a fan of hook and rescue type blades and have read a lot on web and belt cutting.
Factors to have in mind regarding the belt:
1 - thickness, width, material
2 - condition (wet, old, new) and positioning & retention (so that it stays firm as you cut it and doesn't flop or turn)
regarding the blade:
1 - serrations need to be sharp to cut well, and the pattern should be non-spikey (shallower teeth and scallops work better, hanging less) :tu:
2 - the longer the blade the better and more powerful, with an obvious limit for dexterity and maneuverability :ahhh
3 - Ideally the blade should be concave, not convex (the bellied blades allow the material to slip away, the curved blades grab it and won't release until it is cut thus the typical hook shape). Hawkbills are also excellent pull cutters for this reason :salute:
4 - if the blade is a hook, the wider the sharpened area and the more surface between the spine and the edge, the more efficiently it will cut
5 - if the blade is a hook, the thinner the behind-the-edge thickness and stock, the better it will cut, but we should not sacrifice strength ro rigidity
6 - if the blade is straight (wharncliffe or sheepsfoot) a serration pattern will help in retaining the belt and avoiding slippage
of course those may seem like obvious things ::) but there's a lot involving making a proper rescue balde and/or belt cutter
Excellent testing and results!!! :cheers:
My personal favorites are the SOG V-Cutter, the Lil'Matriarch, the DF2 Salt, the Spyderco Tasman and a Utility knife that I have with replaceable hook blades :)
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Excellent bunch of testing Eth :like: :like: I was surprised by some of the ones that didn't make the cut (pun intended :D ) and by others that did :o Will make choosing a rescue blade a bit less of a chore with all of these pics and results :salute: :tu:
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P.S.: do you have a picture?
Etherealicer pics are on the way, I'll try have some today.
Peacent, great points - your observations on hawkbills intrigue me, I started a thread a few days (which you posted in, thanks), I'm trying to decide between a dragonfly salt hawkbill or a serrated blade . . . thing is i want a general use blade and feel the the serrated blade more suited . . . . decisions decisions . . . .
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Ok a picture as promised :)
Top is Palm Equipment rescue knife - this took two goes to cut through the seatbelt, first cut about 80% and the second finished the job.
Middle is the Spyderco Saver Salt - took one cut though theres was a thread or two left, these broke easily without needing a second run.
Bottom the resqume - this was a chore, basically took about 40 seconds to cut through the seatbelt if thats all you have then it'll do the job. Possibly there is a technique to using it that I'm not aware of, more research needed.
Finally, I had some tat lieing around (some old 10mm climbing rope) - the Palm knife needed 3 passes to finish the job, the Spyderco took 2 pretty much cut all the way through but left a piece of the outer sheath, i think if the blade was longer it'd do it in one go, but it's not and it didn't. Both knives cut clean.
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Bottom the resqume - this was a chore, basically took about 40 seconds to cut through the seatbelt if thats all you have then it'll do the job. Possibly there is a technique to using it that I'm not aware of, more research needed.
you don't have to hit the belt with the hammer tip to get through it :D
PS: The DF Hawk has been a true success and a major hit for Spyderco this year, I'd love to put my hands on one!! :ahhh ::)
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you don't have to hit the belt with the hammer tip to get through it :D
huh, shiney, I'll try that next time :P :P :pok:
PS: The DF Hawk has been a true success and a major hit for Spyderco this year, I'd love to put my hands on one!! :ahhh ::)
Yeah, I think i'd get more use out of the regular serrated DF, still very undecided, I must go back and re-read that thread i started.
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I tried the same test with a serrated dragonfly salt - it took two cuts to go through the seatbelt, but cut easily both times, also took two attempts to cut through the rope. For such a small knife i am impressed. It cut cleanly, the cut it made is the one by the lanyard.
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yup those Salts are mean rope/belt cutters :ahhh
I wonder how my Jumpmaster would fare against them
:whistle:
(https://i.imgur.com/28O8wlX.jpg)
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Like everyone said, excellent testing! :salute:
Spyderco Dragonfly II H1 Serrated
Tiny knife, but it does cut like crazy. I so do hope they make a serrated sheepfoot blade of this some day.
:think: I thought they had, checked but it's the Manbug Rescue Salt.
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yup those Salts are mean rope/belt cutters :ahhh
I wonder how my Jumpmaster would fare against them
:whistle:
(https://i.imgur.com/28O8wlX.jpg)
just look at it, it would have sliced everything in half. including Thanos and Wolverine
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If I may interject...
Great testing, Sir Ether...Well done.
Peacent - all good points!
Eamo...respectfully...by your own standards, the Spyderco should be tops. If the Palm knife cuts 80 percent on first cut but needed a second cut, why is it considered tops if the Spyderco that cuts 95 -99% in one cut- leaving only threads- considered second? As an ex EMT, I am curious for your answer on this, as I already know my answer. Being on the highway at night in the rain, trying to extricate someone from a car, or cutting a kayaker free, I would rather cut once and pull, instead of cut twice and pull. Are you being fair in your assessment?
Ether- I know there may be very little difference, but could you please put the Byrd Cara Cara 2 "Rescue 2" through the same test (if you have one)? I am curious if we get good "bang for the buck?" I am thinking of getting either a Spyderco Atlantic Salt or a Byrd Rescue 2 and would love to know what a difference $90 can make (aside from rust resistance).
I have found that my Leatherman Surge serrated sheepsfoot blade cuts through nylon webbing belt and velcro strips like butter. I imagine it is similar to the Wave in this respect.
Thanks Ether!
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If I may interject...
Great testing, Sir Ether...Well done.
Peacent - all good points!
Eamo...respectfully...by your own standards, the Spyderco should be tops. If the Palm knife cuts 80 percent on first cut but needed a second cut, why is it considered tops if the Spyderco that cuts 95 -99% in one cut- leaving only threads- considered second? As an ex EMT, I am curious for your answer on this, as I already know my answer. Being on the highway at night in the rain, trying to extricate someone from a car, or cutting a kayaker free, I would rather cut once and pull, instead of cut twice and pull. Are you being fair in your assessment?
Ether- I know there may be very little difference, but could you please put the Byrd Cara Cara 2 "Rescue 2" through the same test (if you have one)? I am curious if we get good "bang for the buck?" I am thinking of getting either a Spyderco Atlantic Salt or a Byrd Rescue 2 and would love to know what a difference $90 can make (aside from rust resistance).
I have found that my Leatherman Surge serrated sheepsfoot blade cuts through nylon webbing belt and velcro strips like butter. I imagine it is similar to the Wave in this respect.
Thanks Ether!
Hi TB the palm was the first of the 3 I tested. I didn't rank them.
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Ether- I know there may be very little difference, but could you please put the Byrd Cara Cara 2 "Rescue 2" through the same test (if you have one)? I am curious if we get good "bang for the buck?" I am thinking of getting either a Spyderco Atlantic Salt or a Byrd Rescue 2 and would love to know what a difference $90 can make (aside from rust resistance).
well, TB, I am not Eamo but I'd say that yo should get the Byrd first, :pok:
if it satisfies your needs then great (I've read very good stuff about it, in many places) and if not you're not out much money, :tu:
if you love the format then you can upgrade to the Atlantic, and I bet the performance (other than steel edge life and retention and rust) will be very similar, ??? and you will have two knives
I am in love with the Byrd line and would recommend them to anyone,
and if you try one I bet you won't be disappointed, $20 is not a big deal, especially if the alternative is $90, which you can get later in the future or save for :salute: if you like the format
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If I may interject...
Great testing, Sir Ether...Well done.
Peacent - all good points!
Eamo...respectfully...by your own standards, the Spyderco should be tops. If the Palm knife cuts 80 percent on first cut but needed a second cut, why is it considered tops if the Spyderco that cuts 95 -99% in one cut- leaving only threads- considered second? As an ex EMT, I am curious for your answer on this, as I already know my answer. Being on the highway at night in the rain, trying to extricate someone from a car, or cutting a kayaker free, I would rather cut once and pull, instead of cut twice and pull. Are you being fair in your assessment?
Ether- I know there may be very little difference, but could you please put the Byrd Cara Cara 2 "Rescue 2" through the same test (if you have one)? I am curious if we get good "bang for the buck?" I am thinking of getting either a Spyderco Atlantic Salt or a Byrd Rescue 2 and would love to know what a difference $90 can make (aside from rust resistance).
I have found that my Leatherman Surge serrated sheepsfoot blade cuts through nylon webbing belt and velcro strips like butter. I imagine it is similar to the Wave in this respect.
Thanks Ether!
Hi TB the palm was the first of the 3 I tested. I didn't rank them.
Top is Palm Equipment rescue knife - this took two goes to cut through the seatbelt, first cut about 80% and the second finished the job.
Middle is the Spyderco Saver Salt - took one cut though theres was a thread or two left, these broke easily without needing a second run.
Bottom the resqume - this was a chore...
Ah, my apologies, Eamo. I mistook description of physical position in the photo, for ranking.
I'll be over here earing my hat...
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Ether- I know there may be very little difference, but could you please put the Byrd Cara Cara 2 "Rescue 2" through the same test (if you have one)? I am curious if we get good "bang for the buck?" I am thinking of getting either a Spyderco Atlantic Salt or a Byrd Rescue 2 and would love to know what a difference $90 can make (aside from rust resistance).
well, TB, I am not Eamo but I'd say that yo should get the Byrd first, :pok:
if it satisfies your needs then great (I've read very good stuff about it, in many places) and if not you're not out much money, :tu:
if you love the format then you can upgrade to the Atlantic, and I bet the performance (other than steel edge life and retention and rust) will be very similar, ??? and you will have two knives
I am in love with the Byrd line and would recommend them to anyone,
and if you try one I bet you won't be disappointed, $20 is not a big deal, especially if the alternative is $90, which you can get later in the future or save for :salute: if you like the format
Thank you, Peacent. Your affinity for Spyderco and Byrd is indeed one that would indicate extensive understanding in this case.
I read several reviews as well, including a couple from a guy on the Spyderco forums called Pete1977 or something. Seems he is a Massachusetts guy who operates a tugboat and alternately a lobster boat. He's had quite a relationship with Spyderco and Byrd as well, often receiving new models as a gift from Sal himself, who seems to enjoy using Pete as a real world test environment. Pete uses them hard and puts them away wet, as the saying goes. Small state- Massachusetts, but I'm not surprised I've not met this Pete, as I've never owned a Spyderco product, nor do I go out lobstering.
On Amazon, I found the Atlantic Salt in yellow with no shackle key, for $70-$80. In a Boston Army and Navy store, it retails full $130 with the shackle key. Big difference compared to $25 including shipping for the Byrd Rescue 2. Hmmm, let me think...
I just ordered the Byrd Cara Cara Rescue 2 from Amazon earlier today, and should have it by Wednesday evening.
Thank you for the encouragement and info, Peacent.
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"...and you will have two knives", says Peacent.
Yep. I suppose this is where it starts.
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Looking forward to your thoughts on it TB. Rustproofness is what drew me down the Spyderco rabbit hole that and MTo
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Looking forward to your thoughts on it TB. Rustproofness is what drew me down the Spyderco rabbit hole that and MTo
Rustproofness = supecoolness, and it also drove me to Spyderco,
I fell into the rabbit Spydie hole in no time!! :D
(https://i.imgur.com/bjoR4mq.jpg)
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If I may interject...
Great testing, Sir Ether...Well done.
Peacent - all good points!
Eamo...respectfully...by your own standards, the Spyderco should be tops. If the Palm knife cuts 80 percent on first cut but needed a second cut, why is it considered tops if the Spyderco that cuts 95 -99% in one cut- leaving only threads- considered second? As an ex EMT, I am curious for your answer on this, as I already know my answer. Being on the highway at night in the rain, trying to extricate someone from a car, or cutting a kayaker free, I would rather cut once and pull, instead of cut twice and pull. Are you being fair in your assessment?
Ether- I know there may be very little difference, but could you please put the Byrd Cara Cara 2 "Rescue 2" through the same test (if you have one)? I am curious if we get good "bang for the buck?" I am thinking of getting either a Spyderco Atlantic Salt or a Byrd Rescue 2 and would love to know what a difference $90 can make (aside from rust resistance).
I have found that my Leatherman Surge serrated sheepsfoot blade cuts through nylon webbing belt and velcro strips like butter. I imagine it is similar to the Wave in this respect.
Thanks Ether!
Hi TB the palm was the first of the 3 I tested. I didn't rank them.
Top is Palm Equipment rescue knife - this took two goes to cut through the seatbelt, first cut about 80% and the second finished the job.
Middle is the Spyderco Saver Salt - took one cut though theres was a thread or two left, these broke easily without needing a second run.
Bottom the resqume - this was a chore...
Ah, my apologies, Eamo. I mistook description of physical position in the photo, for ranking.
I'll be over here earing my hat...
Well, rereading what i wrote yeah i can see where you're coming from.
The spyderco saver salt lives in my BA. If i could afford to I would replace my palm knives with them but if you think they're expensive in the US then try anywhere in europe :ahhh
Mine came to me via a family member in the states :D
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Looking forward to your thoughts on it TB. Rustproofness is what drew me down the Spyderco rabbit hole that and MTo
Rustproofness = supecoolness, and it also drove me to Spyderco,
I fell into the rabbit Spydie hole in no time!! :D
(https://i.imgur.com/bjoR4mq.jpg)
:rofl:
haven't got bitten by the hawkbill bug yet, and doubt i will given the cost of those things :D
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Looking forward to your thoughts on it TB. Rustproofness is what drew me down the Spyderco rabbit hole that and MTo
Rustproofness = supecoolness, and it also drove me to Spyderco,
I fell into the rabbit Spydie hole in no time!! :D
(https://i.imgur.com/bjoR4mq.jpg)
:rofl:
haven't got bitten by the hawkbill bug yet, and doubt i will given the cost of those things :D
Oh, those hawkbills do bite you can be sure :ahhh :whistle:
(https://i.imgur.com/aS3EKaj.jpg)
in fact is the style of blade that has biten me the most, that tip is so nasty!! :facepalm:
(https://i.imgur.com/ehmgAWR.jpg)
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Looking forward to your thoughts on it TB. Rustproofness is what drew me down the Spyderco rabbit hole that and MTo
Rustproofness = supecoolness, and it also drove me to Spyderco,
I fell into the rabbit Spydie hole in no time!! :D
(https://i.imgur.com/bjoR4mq.jpg)
:rofl:
haven't got bitten by the hawkbill bug yet, and doubt i will given the cost of those things :D
Oh, those hawkbills do bite you can be sure :ahhh :whistle:
(https://i.imgur.com/aS3EKaj.jpg)
in fact is the style of blade that has biten me the most, that tip is so nasty!! :facepalm:
(https://i.imgur.com/ehmgAWR.jpg)
yeah, you're not convincing me i want a hawkbill :D (i definitely don't need one but hey this is MTo)
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Looking forward to your thoughts on it TB. Rustproofness is what drew me down the Spyderco rabbit hole that and MTo
Rustproofness = supecoolness, and it also drove me to Spyderco,
I fell into the rabbit Spydie hole in no time!! :D
(https://i.imgur.com/bjoR4mq.jpg)
:rofl:
haven't got bitten by the hawkbill bug yet, and doubt i will given the cost of those things :D
Oh, those hawkbills do bite you can be sure :ahhh :whistle:
(https://i.imgur.com/aS3EKaj.jpg)
in fact is the style of blade that has biten me the most, that tip is so nasty!! :facepalm:
(https://i.imgur.com/ehmgAWR.jpg)
yeah, you're not convincing me i want a hawkbill :D (i definitely don't need one but hey this is MTo)
these can be had for less than a dinner for two at a restaurant! :pok:
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SPBY22SBK/spyderco-byrd-by22sbk-meadowlark-hawkbill-folding-knife-serrated-blade-black-frn-handles
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Looking forward to your thoughts on it TB. Rustproofness is what drew me down the Spyderco rabbit hole that and MTo
Rustproofness = supecoolness, and it also drove me to Spyderco,
I fell into the rabbit Spydie hole in no time!! :D
(https://i.imgur.com/bjoR4mq.jpg)
:rofl:
haven't got bitten by the hawkbill bug yet, and doubt i will given the cost of those things :D
Oh, those hawkbills do bite you can be sure :ahhh :whistle:
(https://i.imgur.com/aS3EKaj.jpg)
in fact is the style of blade that has biten me the most, that tip is so nasty!! :facepalm:
(https://i.imgur.com/ehmgAWR.jpg)
yeah, you're not convincing me i want a hawkbill :D (i definitely don't need one but hey this is MTo)
these can be had for less than a dinner for two at a restaurant! :pok:
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SPBY22SBK/spyderco-byrd-by22sbk-meadowlark-hawkbill-folding-knife-serrated-blade-black-frn-handles
Are we talking a restaurant in Switzerland or rural America? :D
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Looking forward to your thoughts on it TB. Rustproofness is what drew me down the Spyderco rabbit hole that and MTo
Rustproofness = supecoolness, and it also drove me to Spyderco,
I fell into the rabbit Spydie hole in no time!! :D
(https://i.imgur.com/bjoR4mq.jpg)
:rofl:
haven't got bitten by the hawkbill bug yet, and doubt i will given the cost of those things :D
Oh, those hawkbills do bite you can be sure :ahhh :whistle:
(https://i.imgur.com/aS3EKaj.jpg)
in fact is the style of blade that has biten me the most, that tip is so nasty!! :facepalm:
(https://i.imgur.com/ehmgAWR.jpg)
yeah, you're not convincing me i want a hawkbill :D (i definitely don't need one but hey this is MTo)
these can be had for less than a dinner for two at a restaurant! :pok:
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SPBY22SBK/spyderco-byrd-by22sbk-meadowlark-hawkbill-folding-knife-serrated-blade-black-frn-handles
yeah my other half would prefer dinner in a restaurant :P not that she doesn't indulge my . . . . idiosyncrasies
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so i got a ladybug to give as a gift - before wrapping it i had to test it :D same test, cut the seatbelt in 2 goes and the 10mm climbing rope also in 2 goes for such a tiny knife i was well impressed with how easily it cut.
(https://i.imgur.com/GAKpsKO.jpg)
TB you get your cara cara yet ?
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so i got a ladybug to give as a gift - before wrapping it i had to test it :D same test, cut the seatbelt in 2 goes and the 10mm climbing rope also in 2 goes for such a tiny knife i was well impressed with how easily it cut.
(https://i.imgur.com/GAKpsKO.jpg)
TB you get your cara cara yet ?
Nice knives and good tests, Eamo.
No, the Cara Cara Rescue 2 is due in sometime today by 9pm Local time. I took the day off to work on my Jeep and am keeping an eye out for the delivery, though.
I'm already scanning the net for a Saver Salt and a 79mm Rescue, not to mention the Atlantic Salt that I only handled for a few minutes. I'm not ready to squeeze the trigger on any of those deals, but I'm afraid I've been bitten by the Spyder and I don't even own one yet...
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I find myself drawn to smaller blades, i can now understand why the dragonfly is such a big hit, for such a small knife it handles well (to me anyway, i'm not a collector and my experience is quite limited). The saver salt is likely as big as i'll need to go.
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I have this great little Ed Halligan CRKT K.I.S.S. that I've had about 15 years. Little money clip style. Always liked it, but broke the very tip off, and it doesn't open smoothly now that it can catch on its own frame.
Great little knife though. Nice combo blade.
Still waiting on Cara Cara...
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Ok!
I received the Spyderco Byrd Rescue 2. Cara Cara 2 is listed nowhere on the box or knife. I don't know why it is called that then. The knife handle (orange) is Byrd Rescue 2. The box has Rescue 2 Orange on the end, and Cara 2 on a sticker on the bottom. I will call it the Rescue 2 from here on out.
A full on review may be called for here, and I may do one in a comparison with the Buck 110 EcoLite Paper stone in Green. But for now...
First off, right out the box, Jesus H. SMURF, this damn knife is "wicked shaaaahhhp" as we say in Boston. Sharp sharp. As in, sharp as a Buck 110 sharp. Right out of the box. The Rescue 2 is hair popping sharp.
Fit and finish, not perfect, but not bad
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Just for some real world stats I took some measurements:
BUCK 110 ECOLITE PAPERSTONE
Length closed 123mm
Height closed 33mm (back strap to spine profile)
Width 15mm
Blade length (lock surface to tip) 102mm
Cutting edge length about 86mm
Spine width 3mm
Weight 4+ Oz or 120 grams
Blade type Plain Edge
OHO No
OH Closed Yes but assisted with leg
Carry type Sheath nylon
Lanyard hole No
BYRD CARA RESCUE 2
Length closed 123mm
Height closed 43mm
Width 10
Blade length (lock surface to tip) 103
Cutting edge length about 87
Spine width 3mm
Weight 3.6 Oz or 102.5 grams
Blade type Serrated Edge
OHO Yes
OH Closed Yes
Carry type Pocket clip
Lanyard hole Yes
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I like the classics. Usually made of beautiful, older world materials. Tried and true. Trusty and so and so. While neither of these knives i am comparing is a true classic, one of them has more classic roots than the other. I prefer the classics, which is why I bought a Buck knock off (Browning model 810) decades before I ever thought about buying a Spyderco or derrivative, and recently bought two actual Bucks. Also ahead of Spyderco. I was first introduced to Spyderco around 1995 or 1996. I had no interest in this new fangled Tacti-Cool piece of blah blah. By the way, I'd already been an EMT for years. I still didn't like it. Plain edge and just as pointy as the Browning 810 I had just bought, and surely not as elegant or substantial. The Spyderco felt rather weak and chincy to me back then, maybe because I was used to some heft.
Fast forward 20 plus years when I bought a Spyderco Atlantic Salt to give to a member who would be working on a ship in the Atlantic for the foreseeable future. I wanted to check to be sure it was all there and functioned before I gave it away. Frankly, I almost didn't give it.
Wow.
Moving on, that Atlantic Salt hits the wallet hard so I've just purchased this Byrd Rescue 2 as a consolation - I like it. I really like it! What have I been missing these last 20 years?!
The Byrd handles are Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon with a dual directional "feathers" pattern, while this Buck is sporting Paperstone scales, made of linen and paper soaked in resin and smooth.
The Byrd is far more grip-able and the choil on the Byrd provides much more control and does so more safely. While the Buck has a bit of a ricasso or choil, it's not nearly as pronounced as the Byrd, and I worry my hand could slip forward during a thrusting action or when wet. The jimping on the choil and spine (behind the thumb hole) of the Byrd instills more confidence.
Though, I will say, if I had to grip these knives hard and use them like that for any length of time, the Buck Eco Lite would be my choice of the two.
You know how sometimes it's just a little more difficult to hold something that's just a bit narrower than the other? This is where the Buck takes it. The Byrd's pocket clip is a big part of why it hurts in the hand by comparison, but it's not the only reason why. Also harder edges of the handles. And besides, as I said earlier, the Byrd wins for in-hand retention
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It is almost 11pm here so this is not a good time to test the belt and cordage cuts. I hope to do some of that tomorrow. I'm thinking old seat belt if I can find some, a Lupine dog leash, maybe some nylon web lashing such as is found on a backpack, and some rope in the back of my Jeep.
If anyone wants to see something else cut, or any other specific tests, let me know.
But for now I tested both blades on the hair of my left arm and they were equally matched giving my arm a shave.
Then was paper. Whew, they flew through receipt paper and lined composition paper very well.
Overall, I am already quite pleased with the purchase of the Byrd Cara Rescue 2. A Budget Atlantic or Saver Salt to be sure.
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Good job Thundah pics too when you've time
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yup :2tu: :popcorn:
and it's amazing what the Byrd line gives you for the $ :ahhh :salute:
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Apologies to Ether, I seem to have hijacked this t he ead and turned it into a "battle of the knives" review between Byrd Rescue 2 and Buck 110 Eco.
I will try to concentrate on the Byrd Rescue 2's ability to be a rescue knife here, and perhaps open a new thread for a review and comparison to the Buck.
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yup :2tu: :popcorn:
and it's amazing what the Byrd line gives you for the $ :ahhh :salute:
^^^
True
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PASS, SUMMA CUM LAUDE
#1 Spyderco Clipit Rescue
After the stellar performance of the Dragonfly II, I was not surprised that its bigger brother surpassed every other blade I have.
This was a close call.
Pure cutting performance the Spyderco has a slight edge over the Vics. Locking is clearly also a bonus (though the Hunter has that too). The Spyderco has by far the widest blade with the bluntest tip, which could be problematic when having to get under a belt. I think the tip of the Rescue Tool would work best (I will try to make a test for that)
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PASS, SUMMA CUM LAUDE
#1 Spyderco Clipit Rescue
After the stellar performance of the Dragonfly II, I was not surprised that its bigger brother surpassed every other blade I have.
This was a close call.
Pure cutting performance the Spyderco has a slight edge over the Vics. Locking is clearly also a bonus (though the Hunter has that too). The Spyderco has by far the widest blade with the bluntest tip, which could be problematic when having to get under a belt. I think the tip of the Rescue Tool would work best (I will try to make a test for that)
Hi Ether.
The widened of the Spyderco blade and bluntness if the tip is exactly what helps it get under a seat belt safely, without injuring the patient.
If there is ever any doubt about that, give a try cutting away the shrink wrap from a 24 or 40-pack of plastic water bottles.
First, try with something like a Buck 110, and then with a Spyderco Rescue of any type. You will need to be very careful not to puncture one of the water bottles with the Buck 110, whereas with any good rescue blade, the sheep's foot design is very very forgiving.
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By the way, I went and purchased the economy version of your Spyderco Rescue - the Byrd Cara Cara 2 Rescue.
Great knife for the money, and it was absolute excellent in slicing through everything. I made confetti out of notebook paper, even shaving off 1mm wide strips effortlessly.
It cut through paracord and 9.5mm rope with no issues at all, and even cut through a one inch (25mm) nylon woven strap cleanly and with absolute ease.
The very minor fit and finish issues are to be expected with a knife of that price (I paid about $25 shipped from Amazon), but a blade of such quality is a real treat at that price. I might buy a few more and forget all about any Atlantic Salt.
Here are a few pics. I was putting it up against a Buck 110 EcoLite, so you will see that in there as well.
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The Byrd Cara Cara Rescue 2 in orange:
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Handle detail
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The 25mm strap, as cut by the Byrd Cara Cara Rescue 2 and by the Buck 110 EcoLite Paperstone in green:
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Go Beagle!!!
To everyone: What you see is what you get... that is pretty much my whole serrated blade collection.The widened of the Spyderco blade and bluntness if the tip is exactly what helps it get under a seat belt safely, without injuring the patient.
If there is ever any doubt about that, give a try cutting away the shrink wrap from a 24 or 40-pack of plastic water bottles.
Good idea for a test...
I'm not worried about the injury part, more about maneuvering the blade into a position where it actually cuts. A wider blade needs more room to operate.
I'm also guessing that different blades need different techniques. E.g. with those pointy hawkbills you probably use the tip to puncture the clothing, then cut towards you, that has the potential to make unsupported cutting easier.
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Go Beagle!!!
To everyone: What you see is what you get... that is pretty much my whole serrated blade collection.The widened of the Spyderco blade and bluntness if the tip is exactly what helps it get under a seat belt safely, without injuring the patient.
If there is ever any doubt about that, give a try cutting away the shrink wrap from a 24 or 40-pack of plastic water bottles.
Good idea for a test...
I'm not worried about the injury part, more about maneuvering the blade into a position where it actually cuts. A wider blade needs more room to operate.
I'm also guessing that different blades need different techniques. E.g. with those pointy hawkbills you probably use the tip to puncture the clothing, then cut towards you, that has the potential to make unsupported cutting easier.
Thanks, Ether!
Injury is to be worried about in a rescue blade. The flat sheep's foot blade actually helps maneuver the blade safely between the person and the seatbelt. You the twist your wrist, lifting the blade away from the person and so it bites into the belt at each serration, and pull.
We would never use a hawk bill blade for rescue. That would puncture the clothes for sure, but also the patient. And pulking towards yourself with that tip in the clothes could easily rake your patient apart...Hawkbills are actually great for cutting vegetables and large chunks of meat without it rolling out from under the blade. Not advisable in a rescue.Not easily controlled in emergency environment. Cutting clothes off would be done with emergency shears.
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Go Beagle!!!
To everyone: What you see is what you get... that is pretty much my whole serrated blade collection.The widened of the Spyderco blade and bluntness if the tip is exactly what helps it get under a seat belt safely, without injuring the patient.
If there is ever any doubt about that, give a try cutting away the shrink wrap from a 24 or 40-pack of plastic water bottles.
Good idea for a test...
I'm not worried about the injury part, more about maneuvering the blade into a position where it actually cuts. A wider blade needs more room to operate.
I'm also guessing that different blades need different techniques. E.g. with those pointy hawkbills you probably use the tip to puncture the clothing, then cut towards you, that has the potential to make unsupported cutting easier.
Thanks, Ether!
Injury is to be worried about in a rescue blade. The flat sheep's foot blade actually helps maneuver the blade safely between the person and the seatbelt. You the twist your wrist, lifting the blade away from the person and so it bites into the belt at each serration, and pull.
We would never use a hawk bill blade for rescue. That would puncture the clothes for sure, but also the patient. And pulking towards yourself with that tip in the clothes could easily rake your patient apart...Hawkbills are actually great for cutting vegetables and large chunks of meat without it rolling out from under the blade. Not advisable in a rescue.Not easily controlled in emergency environment. Cutting clothes off would be done with emergency shears.
I agree on that, a hawkbill is a terrible idea, but a slimmer blade (Vic Rescue) might have better maneuverability. Also the wide tip of the Spyderco rescue will make it harder to get under the cloth. That is just theory, its possible that in reality there is not much of a difference. Same goes for the curvature, hard to tell for me if straight or positive/negative edge is better offers any advantage.
But, my schedule has cleared up a bit, so I will be testing soonish.
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But, my schedule has cleared up a bit, so I will be testing soonish.
:popcorn: looking forward to it Ether
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Yes, Ether, I would agree that your testing has been thorough to date. You should be able to push a rescue blade straight into the shrink wrap in a slow stabbing motion with no ill effect to the bottle behind it, and then pivot the blade to cut the shrink wrap and not the bottle
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To everyone: What you see is what you get... that is pretty much my whole serrated blade collection.
Oh my... I do have one more... its kinda embarrassing that I forgot, I mean I even modded it.
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I'm curious how the Ruike LD-43 rescue knife works. I have one and love it, but I must admit I've not tested the serrated blade on a seatbelt.
Charles.