Thanks again guys! There definitely seems to be some great metals now coming out for both holding an edge as well as being impervious to corrosive environments! I really like the simplicity and safety of the Benchmade 7 hook and I came up with a funky but serviceable means of having one with me out there at all times.
I stitched some webbing directly to the fin and then fastened a custom delirin bobbin/ snap in such a position that the hook's loop is retained by the overlap of the bobbin that flares at the top. The webbing snaps down over the bobbin for added security. No doubt the water flow is disturbed by this addition but not that I can sense or feel when kicking. I also shoved a short NITINOL probe that has a Ti Ball on one end in the scabbard.
I mentioned that I also purchased a Mission MPF-3 knife because I know from experience that they require absoluty zero maintenance and they are made from a metal that is near and dear to me! :nana:
On the invoice, I was charged for the UPS freight which corresponded with my web order but the package was actually shipped via USPS which is much better, price wise. I contacted Mission regarding the good news/ bad news (good that they went with a much more reasonable shipping service but bad that my invoice wasn't updated accordingly).
I received a very nice e-mail from them and they offered to send me a sharpener to compensate for the disparity. They also requested any pictures I might be able to provide them of me using the knife. Well self portrait while using a knife, especially in the environment I would likely use it isn't a trivial or staged proposition! I figured I'd take some UW shots of the knife and maybe that would be something different at least. At home in a hostile environment...
When I am swimming with the big camera, the added drag of a knife and light on my waist is negligible. Today I took the knife out again and I came across one of the Hawksbill turtles, "Rocket Girl" and she was feeding on a weed/ plant that I had never seen them eat before. The stem or trunk on these plants is really stiff and sturdy. I actually had call to use the knife as I wanted to see how the turtle would respond to an offering of its present food choice.
I think she recognized what I was holding in my hand but she made no direct or quick move for it. She may have been processing the situation but I can't hold my breath like she can so I dropped it down in front of her and went to the surface. She did go for it and ate it.
I ended up serving her a couple of the plants.
The 7 hook might have worked for cutting this plant but I was actually glad I had the knife at the time. Any tool even remotely suited for the task is better than no tool at all. I go out there often completely unarmed and now at least I will have the 7 hook and probably carry a knife as well.
RyanA, I have seen some good footage of a Triton nailing a Crown of Thorns. I have not come across another Triton out here and doubt I will. I do see a COT rather often but only one when I do see them so nothing to be concerned about.
Cave Dave,
Good point about the merits of a larger and easier to grasp knife in an emergency. In the case of line or tether fouling though, I think the 7 hook would be much safer and easier to work with. A ladybug or the little Boker Ceramic folder would be infinitely better than nothing though!!
I stitched some webbing directly to the fin and then fastened a custom delirin bobbin/ snap in such a position that the hook's loop is retained by the overlap of the bobbin that flares at the top. The webbing snaps down over the bobbin for added security. No doubt the water flow is disturbed by this addition but not that I can sense or feel when kicking. I also shoved a short NITINOL probe that has a Ti Ball on one end in the scabbard.
I mentioned that I also purchased a Mission MPF-3 knife because I know from experience that they require absoluty zero maintenance and they are made from a metal that is near and dear to me! :nana:
On the invoice, I was charged for the UPS freight which corresponded with my web order but the package was actually shipped via USPS which is much better, price wise. I contacted Mission regarding the good news/ bad news (good that they went with a much more reasonable shipping service but bad that my invoice wasn't updated accordingly).
I received a very nice e-mail from them and they offered to send me a sharpener to compensate for the disparity. They also requested any pictures I might be able to provide them of me using the knife. Well self portrait while using a knife, especially in the environment I would likely use it isn't a trivial or staged proposition! I figured I'd take some UW shots of the knife and maybe that would be something different at least. At home in a hostile environment...
When I am swimming with the big camera, the added drag of a knife and light on my waist is negligible. Today I took the knife out again and I came across one of the Hawksbill turtles, "Rocket Girl" and she was feeding on a weed/ plant that I had never seen them eat before. The stem or trunk on these plants is really stiff and sturdy. I actually had call to use the knife as I wanted to see how the turtle would respond to an offering of its present food choice.
I think she recognized what I was holding in my hand but she made no direct or quick move for it. She may have been processing the situation but I can't hold my breath like she can so I dropped it down in front of her and went to the surface. She did go for it and ate it.
I ended up serving her a couple of the plants.
The 7 hook might have worked for cutting this plant but I was actually glad I had the knife at the time. Any tool even remotely suited for the task is better than no tool at all. I go out there often completely unarmed and now at least I will have the 7 hook and probably carry a knife as well.
RyanA, I have seen some good footage of a Triton nailing a Crown of Thorns. I have not come across another Triton out here and doubt I will. I do see a COT rather often but only one when I do see them so nothing to be concerned about.
Cave Dave,
Good point about the merits of a larger and easier to grasp knife in an emergency. In the case of line or tether fouling though, I think the 7 hook would be much safer and easier to work with. A ladybug or the little Boker Ceramic folder would be infinitely better than nothing though!!
