I'm still at the kitesurfing lesson stage, but wondered if any of you carry a safety knife of some kind when kitesurfing. And if so, what sort ?

All the best,

Alec.

Thanks Tom,
I will do a proper search next time!

Atb,

Alec.

Alex,

Your welcome, that's what the forum members are here for. Each of us has our "pet" topics, and can remember the main threads dealing with those topics.

Here is a link to a knife, which is not a "hook knife". It is an expensive knife but made of a very salt resistant stainless steel metal. There was some discussion of this "H1" steel on NWKite forum. Here is the link to that:

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-24936.html

http://www.thespydercostore.com/Spyderc ... 22psbk.htm

I did some online research on this "H1" blade steel, and am somewhat skeptical of its ability to hold an edge, even though the steel remains shiney. One guy did an experiment where he tested 3 different blades, and after a period of time in salt water, one of the corroded looking blades actually cut rope better than the H1 steel blade, which remained shiney.

It is a complicated subject, and "the jury is still out" on which knife is the "best" one to carry.

i think its most likely that no spyderco blade is made of 'sheet metal'

and howabout one of these Alec? this manufacturer actually makes a 'Gibbs' model

Ask yourself if you want an open bladed razor sharp serrated knife blade anywhere near you when things go so bad that you need to cut yourself loose...

Maybe if you are Rambo or trying to impress the beach goers as you strap on your Bowie Knife to fend off sharks?

Otherwise, check out Benchmade's line of hook knives/rescue cutters.


This thread has more information http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2372416&hilit=benchmade

Thanks for all the replies and links, I'm determined to keep my safety and others safety uppermost when out kiting (especially as a newbie!) My main hobby is target shooting, so SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY, feels quite natural to me.

On the subject of steel, as an ex butcher, I am familiar with good and bad knives.
There will always be a balance between stainless steel and steel which can hold a good edge.
Shiny stainless steel is no good at all for cutting and I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.
However, the better edge holding, the less resistance to salt!!
A double edged hook knife made from ceramic could be the "perfect" kitesurfing knife, but I guess there isn't enough demand for the manufacturers to develop one yet.

Thanks again and all the best,

Alec.

[quote="flyrob"]Ask yourself if you want an open bladed razor sharp serrated knife blade anywhere near you when things go so bad that you need to cut yourself loose...

Maybe if you are Rambo or trying to impress the beach goers as you strap on your Bowie Knife to fend off sharks?

Otherwise, check out Benchmade's line of hook knives/rescue cutters.


This thread has more information http://www.kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2372416&hilit=benchmade[/q

yeah!! probably right

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don't forget to buy a helmet too. maybe a quick release harness.