I saw one of these recently, quality stainless, single sided, easily sharpened with diamond rod. Can't think of anything better except for a big strap on, this can velcro to your harness and be out of the way.

http://www.nraknives.com/products/produ ... odel=12104

Cholas,

You may be on to something!

I like what you said about "easily sharpened"....I hope it is true.

How do we find out to sharpen it and most importantly....how SHARP can a person get it....sharp enough to cut OPower line with less than one pound of force? If so, this knife may be a winner!

Once again, we are back to the subject of sharpening.....a subject I have been researching, but have only come up with 2 possible solutions, the practicality and acceptability of which are, as of yet,...unsubstantiated.

Here is the first possible solution: The use of the $70+, Lansky sharpener to sharpen the 2 blades of the double bladed hook knife. From my tests with QPower line, this may have to be done every few weeks, where the salt water environment is severe, using a regime of testing, sharpening and retesting...just like a Scuba diving cave diver, would do.

The second possible solution: The use of the $200+, Apex 3 blade sharpening device, using polishing tape of 2000 and 6000 grit, and 1200 ceramic steel hone....in combination with a Columbia River Knife and Tool Company, "Bear Claw CKRT" blunted point knife. Here is a copy of the note, the engineer, who invented, and sells this beautiful knife sharpening device sent me, after I contacted him for advice on sharpening blades....and, can you believe it....this guy is kiteboarder, too! Soooo, I highly value his opinion, but....that style knife still scares me!

Here is a copy of the note, followed by pictures of the sharpening device and recommended knife:

" You could sharpen those blades but they would be hard to hold. If the entire length of the blade is sharpened you can let the back of the blade rest against the KNIFE GUIDE on the Edge Pro. Then just put you finger on one side of the blade and sharpen. Slide the blade to the opposite side of the machine and sharpen the other side.

looking at this knife I know why I have never used one. I can imagine that if was in real trouble, like tangled in someone's else's kite lines. I am only going to get one slash at the lines before I hit the rocks, I can't even imagine trying to get the line down that slot. I think if you get a Bear Claw this knife will be obsolete."

Ben
EDGE PRO INC.
For Sharpeners that Work!
PO BOX 95
HOOD RIVER, OR 97031
1 541 387 2222
edgepro@gorge.net
http://www.edgeproinc.com


Cholas,

You present a 3rd. possible solution, or I should say really a 4th. possible solution, if one considers, REPLACING the 2 blades every few weeks (or at some other predetermined interval), and your solution needs to be researched.

How do we go about it??

Here is a link to some better pictures of the Bear Claw Knife:

http://www.knifestuff.com/columbia_rive ... r_claw.htm

Ben told me he likes to dull the point, and I can see why. He also said that he can just touch the kite line with the blade and it cuts it. I believe him because he is obviously a "Master" sharpener, and I do believe that his sharpening jig can sharpen a knife to razor sharpness. I haven't tried using the device, but just talking to him inspires this type of confidence...

How many of you kiters would actually carry such a knife? That is the question to be answered, also?

In all honesty if people are trying to concentrate on getting a knife out they are not not paying attention to the most obvious safety releases and or unhooking when they should! Knives are good if you are tangled and about to drown then a good old fashioned serated diving knife with an ankle strap would be the best. When it all comes down to it there will be to much time lost trying to find those little hook knives and a serated blade never needs sharpening and it only takes a split second to find on your ankle or even an arm. Also more people need to recognize when they are getting into trouble so they can still release when need be, never be to proud to do so... Polo..

In all honesty if people are trying to concentrate on getting a knife out they are not not paying attention to the most obvious safety releases and or unhooking when they should! Knives are good if you are tangled and about to drown then a good old fashioned serated diving knife with an ankle strap would be the best. When it all comes down to it there will be to much time lost trying to find those little hook knives and a serated blade never needs sharpening and it only takes a split second to find on your ankle or even an arm. Also more people need to recognize when they are getting into trouble so they can still release when need be, never be to proud to do so... Polo..

Good News! We have struck gold….hit the Motherlode!…..Yes, our discussion of kite knives and knife blade related issues has spread to another kite forum, and not just any forum, but the kite forum of Seattle, Washington, USA…. Home of the most concentrated collection Mechanical Engineers, Metalurgists, and other metal related specialists in the world, thanks to the aeronautical design and construction giant…Boeing.

You can’t swing a dead cat (better make that “a dead windsurfing boomâ€Â

The wind is not blowing yet, so I will take the time to post some pictures of the test device, that I have been using in my study.

Doing so, will either (1) convince the engineers, which I hope to get involved in this thread, that we are serious about the subject, taking a scientific approach, and thereby, appeal to their “inner engineerâ€Â

The last 3 pics in the series:

I like your rig. It looks plenty scientific to me. I think I probably would have personally gone with static weights, but to each his own. This looks good to me.

Oh, Yeah, ...one more....the test kit in its bag ready to go to the launch...hopefully to detect dull kite knives, and give the local shops some business? It could be a win-win situation. The merchant makes a buck, and the kiter gets something that may save his life.

Anyhoooo...