Spyderco Request for Input
 

I'd like to first share a little background, we are currently releasing a fixed blade model that was designed at the request of, and with input from, the Jumpmasters of the 82nd Airborne Division. Sal was contacted approximately 3 years ago; they were sourcing a better knife; we were willing to design something to their specs.

Sal flew out and spent some time with them at Ft. Bragg. After hearing what they needed and why, Sal began work on what is now called the Jumpmaster. The model went through several evolutions in R&D and the sheath proved to be one of the most difficult challenges to overcome. The sheath for the Jumpmaster allows for carry against the body or on the calf with no flaring or hard, flat spots. It was designed based on what they described as important to them. I’ve included a few images of the Jumpmaster and its sheath just for a point of reference.

Now to my request, we would greatly appreciate your input on a fixed blade currently in R&D. We are working on a new model that will be a refinement to the original Echanis Warrior design (H1 steel, double hilt, full tang construction with bi-directional FRN scales). The knife itself is in the final stages of R&D, the next step is the sheath. My question is this, if you had this knife to carry, where/how would you like to carry it? I will be able to post some images of the prototype on Friday.

Thanx much for any input you can provide. We appreciate you.

*Edited to add, I've uploaded images of the new model (please see post 8). I will have both models at SHOT and I look forward to showing them to you in person.*

Kristi

Kristi:

A jumping JM has a limited number of places to put a knife where it will not interfere with his parachute or his equipment, yet he can still access it quickly if need be to cut loose equipment or personnel.

Traditionally, it has been a calf or boot mount, though you could conceivably carry it on your thigh. The belt line is out, becase of the parachute and combat equipment. The reserve parachute takes the chest out of the equation, and the main parachute the back. A forearm or bicep rig might be an option, but would present too many entanglement opportunities for me to try it.

I would consider making the sheath flexible and capable of several different mounting options for either hand. A small kit with small straps for boot or calf mount, a belt or strap loop, and a MOLLE mount, all easily interchangable might be a viable option. It should also retain the knife securely enough that an inverted carry is possible as some people prefer that orientation and others might find themselves in that position inadvertently and need the blade quickly, hopefully before impact.

Maybe we can look at it at SHOT and give you some more feedback there.

Nice looking blade, BTW.

TR

TR,
I'll have both the Jumpmaster and the prototype of the new model (we haven't picked a name for it yet) at SHOT. I would love to share them both with you.

Thanks for the feedback and Happy (almost) New Year!

Kristi

Kristi,
Nice to see you asking this type of question here because (as you know) this is in the category of "life critical" equipment when it's needed.

Happy New year to you also!

I'll stand clear and let you all continue.

Kristi,

On the prototype sheath, I have a couple of recommendations.

1. The leg straps should work best when crossed (this provides comfort and tension during ROM of leg.

2. You may want to add a peice of elastic to a false loop on the leg straps for consistent light tension.

3. and most important, the free running end after the ITW nexus buckles of leg straps need a retention system, an elastice keeper or velcro loop. No jumper wants loose ends to snag and if you don't put keepers, the soldier will have to tape the free ends each operation.

Hope that helps, I will be at Shot so, I will see you there and clarify or discuss further.

All the best,
Mark

I always stayed with the old-fashioned way - an USAF hook knife in the issue case.

If you need a knife while performing Jumpmaster duties or jumping for that matter, it needs to be a hook knife. As OIC of both the Navy and SOCOM's Parachute Teams, the civilian market has already figured it out. Lightweight and razor sharp. If you are doing CRW, then you need two, one high and one low. For a Jumpmaster, I recommend a heavy duty EMS seatbelt cutter.

http://www.hookknife.com/hookknives.htm

http://www.square1.com/manufacturers/square1/p1155.asp

These are images of the new model (a refinement to the original Echanis Warrior). We don't normally release images this early in the process, but given who you are we felt it was appropriate. This will be the only Forum that we share these on.

Thanks for looking and thanks for your feedback.

Kristi

*removed images and attached to a new thread*

Just a couple more images.

Thanx Much.

Kristi

*removed images and attached to a new thread*

Taz, just something to consider, by regulation the knife needs to have a solid sheath. Either completely solid or a kydex insert. This in theory prevents the tip of the blade from forcing its way through the side of the sheath during impact. Check with the Advanced Airborne School on Ft. Bragg or the Airborne course down in Ft. Benning before you make any sort of production run on these knives.

Frog,
We're talking about cutting "static lines" not just parachute cord.;)
TS

Thanx for posting the pics of the "Echanis Warrior" variant Kristi.

I guess the question would be "what is the preferred way to carry it?"

Originally we began the design with focus on the MOLLE vest attachment. Then some had said that they would prefer to fasten the knife on their body like a belt.

The knife is already tooled, both for the blade and the handle scales. the sheath will have to be a hard sheath for all of the reasons mentioned by Lmmsoat.

The Spyderco Jumpmaster model (different from the "Echanis Warrior" variant) is just beginning production now, as shown. It's also a hard sheath.

I might add that the serrated Spyderco Jumpmaster was tested on a CATRA edge tester last week and it stayed sharper longer than any other model we've ever tested., of any steel.

sal

Welcome Sal!

I've got a question, did you happen to test the knife on a real static line w/250lbs hanging from it?;)

Being a knife making layperson and "end user" I would be impressed to watch a demo of the knife's cutting abilities concerning the static line and not with the CATRA edge tester. ;)

Team Sergeant

Roger that. I was replying in general to the other posters here about line cutters and as I stated, if you are a Jumpmaster, you want a heavy duty seatbelt cutter, just like the 3 lb version with a a full grip "T" handle with razor blade inserts like I used to use while performing SL Jumpmaster duty, and still is standard issue today by DEVGRU. My point: Get what works, not what looks cool. ;)

Frog,
Thank you.

This is NOT any form of comment on Spyderco's work but something I try, with effort, to remember. Drive on all.

Sal, get back in here, there are knives to talk about.:lifter