Posted on 08/16/2015 8:56:08 AM PDT by JoeProBono
In the Mid 1990’s, Mel Parry, a Warrant Officer QGM, and a veteran of the well known 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (British SAS) saw the requirement for a new generation of of professional blades that could replace the legacy of survival tools that had been standard equipment for decades.
(From the Manufacturer)
Mel Parry knew that these professionals deserved something better. Collaborating with both service members and retirees from elite special forces throughout the world, he began to design what would be recognized as a breakthrough in both functionality and quality of manufacture. This breakthrough took the form of the Perry Blade in 1995. Unfortunately due to various commercial considerations the production of the Parry Knife did not proceed after 1995 as planned, and therefore a period of some 13 years has elapsed since the current model, incorporating a number of improvements over its predecessor was re-introduced in 2009. The knife is hand crafted in Sheffield, England by Samuel Staniforth, a cutlery maker since 1864 and acknowledged as producing the finest knives available, being part of an industry that was first established over 700 years ago. The knife is fairly simple in design with a bellied Bolo/Bowie type clipped blade with a serrated back edge, and finished in a black Dupont Teflon coating. However, on closer examination the knife offers several different cutting edges and holds, making it extremely versatile.
The knife is strong and heavy, with a blade 9 inches long made from ¼ inch thick X46Cr13 420 Mel Perry, SASstainless steel. The main cutting edge is bevel-ground for strength, whilst the deep belly shape takes the weight forward, in the manner of a Khukri, giving the knife a powerful chopping stroke. The point looks clipped in shape but is ground to provide a spear point that accentuates its use for prying /levering and digging. Also near the choil is a hollow-ground section which is honed to razor sharpness for fine cutting and whittling, ideal for making fire sticks The serrated edge on the spine of the blade provides for a sawing action capable of cutting rope, webbing or gristle. The knife is of a full tang construction, with black linen micarta screwed to the tang providing for ease of replacement, resulting from either wear, damage or the choice of an alternative grip to be fitted.
Also in order to extend the survival attributes of the knife it has been found that by wrapping Survival Gear Reviewparacord around the handle, this provides some 2m of cord for use in either a survival situation or correspondingly as a means of restraint for when the role is reversed to one of combat.
The knife is also designed with relatively short guards so that one can choke up the grip for fine work, with the ricasso being extended and having linger grooves to make the choke grip firm and comfortable. The steel butt is squared off on two sides so that it may be used as a hammer in either direction, the flats being file-cut to reduce the tendency for the face to skid off the work on striking. The butt also incorporates a lanyard hole for additional security of retention of the knife as well as a means of securing the paracord, should this option be selected as an additional survival aid.
The Parry Blade – The Definitive Working Knife
Specifications: Designer: Mel Parry – Warrant Officer – 22nd SAS Regiment Country of Origin: United Kingdom Length overall: 13.75 inches (34.9cm) Blade length: 8.75 inches (22.2cm) Blade thickness: ¼ inch (6.4mm) Blade material: X46 Cr13 420 stainless steel coated black Dupont Teflon Hardness: Rockwell 57-58Rc Blade shape: Bolo/Bowie- type with serrated back edge Edge: Main edge bevel-ground; hollow ground section near Choil for extra sharpness Point is clipped in shape and ground to a spear point Grip: Contoured Micarta scales with leather underlay. Contoured double guard and butt, the butt squared off for use as a hammer. Construction: Scales screwed to full tang. Sheath: Cordura or Leather (more at source)
Or a budget chainsaw.
Those can come in handy for defending oneself, at those times that logs attack.
Chainsaw needs fuel & oil though, so that costs extra, and makes the chainsaw all but worthless without them.
Check out bushmonkeyknives.com
He’s a good friend of mine and makes excellent usable knifes.
He’s premiered Special Forces Captain.
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Top of the line. It can take on a T-101 model Terminator.
Broadening the topic a little, any thoughts on the best 2-4 knives to have for the full range of knife purposes? We’ve had a lot of best pistol/rifle/shotgun threads, but I can’t think of one for knives.
No rules:
- best value or expensive but great
- doubles as a machete or small and easy to carry
- holds an edge forever or so cheap you don’t mind losing it
- great for one purpose or a jack of all trades knife.
- a specific model or a brand that’s uniformly exceptional
No, I don’t have an answer to my own question. That’s part of why I’m asking.
Kershaw Blur Assisted Opening Tactical $64.95
One word: Randall.
If I melted down all the KBAR’s I broke in just EOD alone I could make a Anvil.....:o)
Thats great for cutting throats and kidneys but ain’t worth a flyin fook as a all round cutting, slicing, digging, prying, opening kilos of weed, cocaine, steel band on munitions crates and IED/UXO render safe implement .
Honestly .... we were tough on demolition tools etc. Dressed out last years Elk and Mule Deer with the Randall 14. I’m not kidding. We abused issued blades a lot.
1911A1 ....we agree ...:o)
I’m with you, Joe...BK7 or BK9...You’re “Good to go!”
Then spend the difference on ammo...
Just took delivery of a pair of Estwing tomahawks. Don’t know why, just thought they may come in handy someday. They live next to the spare tires in our vehicles.
Have you seen the Swiss Army Rescue Tool? Picked up pair of those at silly cheap cost. Straight into the BOB they went. Not your dads Swiss Army knife.
L
That’s it. Handy little tool.
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