a few issues i had at 3rd last night

[sailor]

did you learn to kiteboard at kite wind surf because they have that same board and kite setup?

[gideonlow]

I wonder if somehow these kinds of messages could get through to the instructors about things like this. I had 5 lessons and bought all my gear from very reputable instructors (and had spent over an hour and a half discussing the best options) and never once heard anyone mention the need for a knife. Perhaps it would be good if they sell that too when you buy the whole "package".

For the life of me, I can't understand how lessons--which should focus first and foremost on safety--could exclude the importance of a hook knife. Then again, I was in SocCal (Belmont) over the summer and witnessed the ultimate lunacy--beach lessons flying 17M kites with no helmets, and just upwind of beachgoers.

Gideon

[windhorny]

I wonder why Dakine stopped including one when you get new harnesses?

Carolyn, you gotta get a bigger one than everyone else, so you can say "that's no knife! THIS is a knife!"

On that note, if you would like I can hook you up with one of my setups. I use a gerber dive knife from REI that is screwed onto a spreader bar pad. Works great.

[jono]

Yuri, is that the knife you used to carve that jump ramp?

[dz]

HM that is some knife!

Is that for cutting kite lines?
Looks like it'd be pretty good for fighting klingons too.

[windhorny]

HM that is some knife!

Is that for cutting kite lines?
Looks like it'd be pretty good for fighting klingons too.

that's right, when i kite it's for inter-stellar domination!

That knife works well because its relatively inexpensive and has a blunt tip which is safer and works as a screwdriver and only has an edge on 1 side.

[gideonlow]

I wonder why Dakine stopped including one when you get new harnesses?

Carolyn, you gotta get a bigger one than everyone else, so you can say "that's no knife! THIS is a knife!"

On that note, if you would like I can hook you up with one of my setups. I use a gerber dive knife from REI that is screwed onto a spreader bar pad. Works great.

I wouldn't recommend this kind of knife as your primary go-to in an emergency:

#1: When you are getting dragged around in a dangerous situation, a hook knife is much better suited to quickly and accurately cutting a line . . . It is specifically designed for this exact application.

#2: Do you really want a super-sharp exposed blade in your hand when your body might otherwise be out-of-control? Tumbling around holding that knife--it might end up stuck in you somewhere.

#3: Hook knives are light and have a grip designed to make it nearly impossible for them to be pulled out of your hand. A knife like this is much harder to hold onto when the shit hits the fan.

Cheers,

Gideon

[adamrod]

Gideon,

I agree on all your points. However, you forgot

#4: This knife makes yuri look like a badass. It may be dangerous, it may not be as effective, but it's still freakin cool!

i'm going to go buy a machete and sling it over my shoulder. shouldn't have any trouble getting a launch from people that way. :-)

[windhorny]

That is a good point, i do look like a badass. Kidding. Seriously , I thought of the hook knife only for that reason. But this can be used for multiple applications other than cutting lines, which has been nice, such as:

A deterent for questions like "HEY man, how much that cost, is it heavy"

The seal that is giving you the evil eye

A loose binding

Cutting larger lines

prying things open-other than a beer.


And most of all "Gimme Hello kite motha fuka!"

[gideonlow]

Gideon,

I agree on all your points. However, you forgot

#4: This knife makes yuri look like a badass. It may be dangerous, it may not be as effective, but it's still freakin cool!

i'm going to go buy a machete and sling it over my shoulder. shouldn't have any trouble getting a launch from people that way. :-)

I have to agree. I need a knife like this as my secondary just for the coolness factor :-) and for those times that The Landlord gives me trouble. Next time I see Kitesurfer Dundee at the launch I'll know it's you!

Cheers,

Gideon