Fixed Blade Knife for Quick Emergency Use

[Pfishingruven]

Can anyone recommend, or does anyone use a fixed blade knife that can be used quickly in an emergency??  I am looking for one to put on my waders, for the just in case scenario.  I know the yakers probably keep one on their PFD and some of you boating guys probably keep one on your rain gear ?

I came across the CRKT Bear Claws and Hammond ABC and then several other companies that have diving and rescue knives.  I am ookiing to hopefully find a knife with a good sheath that I can clip right to my wader suspenders.

Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance!

 

[PeggyLee]

PfishGruv, Good question.I have always used my 7" Dexter with its big belt loop and sheath hanging OUTSIDE of my waders . When you attach it to your SAFETY belt you can reach for it FAST if needed.If you feel the 6'' is more to your liking okay too.
The safety belt is important so NO water gets inside your waders. Good Luck out there.  AJ.

[Pfishingruven]

AJ thanks for the response.

Just wanted to update on what I found.

I have decided on the knife I am getting for emergency use.  The Columbia River Knife & Tool(CRKT) Bear Claw.  This knife is made specifically for cutting quickly.  It is a fixed blade, only 4 1/4" total length.  It comes in 4 models, straight edge, serrated edge, serrated edge with a blunt tip and an Emergency Rescue Model, which is the serrated knife with a blunt tip and hig vis orange handle.  The blade is stainless steel.  It comes with a high impact plastic sheath that it locks into and can be released with a thumb push or can be pulled out with a sharp pull.  The sheath can be secured by clip or several other methods.  The price is reasonable as well.

http://www.crkt.com/bearclaw.html

This company also makes other knives the Hammond ABC and the MAK-1.  They are significantly higher in price.

I also came across several other brands and makes that make dive, PFD or rescue knives that will work.  They were all significantly more expensive than the Bear Claw and did not have good ways to carry them and secure them until needed(which is hopefully, never).

 

[dikdanger]

knives are a must... when i used to wear waders in highschool... i fell in once without a safety belt... and was able to cut one strap with a knife i wore on my shoulder that my grandfaher used to insist that I wear... I guess the old man was right...

I should buy a safety knife to keep on my Grundens...  i always have one on my inner pants ... but thats not gonna do the trick in a fast paced emergency...

[Bobby Wilds]

knives can be your best friend.  when i used to work on a boat everyday i made sure i had multiple knives on board.  most of my work was with line up to 1 inch, but carried knives that would cut that in  a single swipe.  my main knives were a box cutter on a belt clip, a myerchin rigging knife from west marine or a myerchin fixed blade safety knife and always carried a machette.  call it overboard, but when  you are up against a barge in the arthur kills and tugs are hauling ass past you, sometimes you need to drop your lines.

[PeggyLee]

PF, I'm sure you will be happy and safe with the knive outside your waders.As the others have said,you may use it never or just once,but like some other things I never leave home with out it. Good Luck, AJ