Mr_Weetabix wrote:I think the risk of losing some dexterity in an emergency due to slashing my own fingers is more than a nit-pick. Probably not impossible to solve, though - note that the handle of Mr Stallone's knife is shaped to keep his fingers off the sharp part.
I'm interested to know which lines people have cut in emergencies - I always assumed that if I had to cut something, it would be one or more of the flying lines. I'm trying to imagine a situation in which you wouldn't be able to use your QR, and would need to cut the centre line (which, I accept, might require a bigger knife, as would cutting a leash).
I think the most likely line needing to cut would be a flying line wrapped around a foot. Not only is it relatively easy to get a slack line wrapped around a foot while trying to relaunch, but if the kite should then relaunch, it will be out of control (probably spiraling) and dragging the kiter by his foot.
It will be very difficult to reach the line, especially with a harness on and it is likely to be especially hard to breath because it is relatively easy for water to be forced up your nose. Therefore, untangling the line will not be an option and a knife will be about the ONLY solution.
Anything that prevents the CL QR from working might necessitate cutting the CL line. Especially if the line itself was caught on the spreader or something else attached to the kiter.
It should also be remembered that there are ALWAYS completely UNANTICIPATED scenarios which can develop and some of these could easily involve problems with the CL line.
Richard M.
Malibu Kitesurfing - since 2002
(310) - 430 - KITE (5483)
http://www.MalibuKitesurfing.NET
kfRichard@MalibuKitesurfing.NET