As some of you experienced in the EC2016 safety inspection the safety knife is a critical part of your lifejacket kit. But what is a safety knife?
Before the EC2016 inspections I thought this was a fundamental aspect of safety that was ingrained and known to all small boaters. It was planted in my core when I learned to kayak with the great folks at Sweetwater Kayaks and Nigel Foster. It's pretty simple:
- It must be easy to access with either hand.
- It must be usable with only one hand.
- It must be designed to cut rope, fishing line, fabric, and whatever needs cutting.
- It should resist the elements and retain its sharp edge with almost zero maintenance.
Here is a short video that shows a perfect solution. I recommend getting the titanium version if you decide to get this knife: NRS Safety Knive
Things that are not a safety knife:
- A Leatherman multitool.
- Folding knife that cannot be opened with one hand.
- A knife that is stored in a pocket (except maybe as a backup - see below).
- A knife that is rusty and has a dull blade.
- A knife that has a blade not designed for multiple cutting needs.
Full disclosure: I use a different knife although I may switch to the NRS for size and weight reasons. I like to have a point on my knives. I use a titanium dive knife. I mount it just like the NRS knife and I can cover everything needed in a safety knive but I can also stick things if necessary.
Two Is One and One is None: What happens if you drop your safety knife? I don't recommend a lanyard on your primary safety knife because it can tangle in stuff. Instead I carry a backup safety knive that is folding but one hand opening. It does have a lanyard and is in a lifejacket pocket and it has a pointed blade, but I can pull it out and open it with one hand. I am also reconsidering the point issue for the primary knife because I normally carry a KaBar or a Flesh Eater knife on my belt.