Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ron Cooper on December 21, 2016 at 17:23

Thanks for your very generous comment, John. This is what that "young guy" has become, 50+ years later...

This is me today. *scratches head* Where did that young guy go? 70 years young and still going strong. So no complaints!

And, sad to say, I fear that the Puma has flown the coop, never to be seen (by my eyes) again. *sigh*

Merry Christmas, John!

Permalink Reply by Michael E. Roper on December 21, 2016 at 20:09

Hey Ron,

I'd like to comment on your photo. That is great photography, and what a dapper looking gentleman you are! I like the hat too. You've got to get a replacement for that White Hunter if the original can't be found. If I run across a Puma that would suffice I'll be sure and let you know.

It's difficult to express the satisfaction I've received from replacing my "war trophy knife." I'm like a kid with a new/found toy. I'm trying to remember how I affixed the sheath to my web belt. The RAD Hewer's sheath was meant to be worn suspended by a "hanger" which held it at an angle. I don't particularly like that. I want it to hang vertical. Probably have to make a custom bayonet "frog" to accomplish this. So now there will be another skill to work on....leather work. Any ideas will be appreciated. I would like to make a "frog" that compliments the dagger and use some leather lacing, etc.

Permalink Reply by allanm on December 22, 2016 at 8:16

I've been watching for a day or two and just joined the group ... but from an immigrant, in a way it makes a thank you for your service more meaningful. Too many people have no appreciation for military, law enforcement and other first responders. Coming in from another country, and having been in the army there myself (drafted as all white males were during the bush war), I have more appreciation than many.

I have a friend who was an Airborne Ranger, and then special forces, reasonably sure he was 101st as well.

Ron Cooper said:

Having been a paratrooper myself (50 years ago), I would agree with Clint on this one. I always jumped with a fixed blade knife strapped to the outside of my right calf just above my boot. I never made a freefall (HALO - High Altitude Low Opening). All of my jumps were static line and fortunately it was never necessary to use my knife during those very brief descents. 

Godspeed to your son, Michael! You have every reason to be just as proud of him for his service as I'm sure he is of yours!

When you see your boy tell him that an old Trooper gave him a snappy salute and an AIRBORNE shout!

Cheers!

Ron

Permalink Reply by John Bamford on December 22, 2016 at 12:15

Ron Cooper said:

Thanks for your very generous comment, John. This is what that "young guy" has become, 50+ years later...

This is me today. *scratches head* Where did that young guy go? 70 years young and still going strong. So no complaints!

And, sad to say, I fear that the Puma has flown the coop, never to be seen (by my eyes) again. *sigh*

Merry Christmas, John!

Still looking good my friend , and a very Merry Christmas to you .

FeaturedPermalink Reply by dead_left_knife_guy on December 23, 2016 at 17:51

"Can you open a 'Gravity knife' when in a free fall during a parachute jump? Has anyone tried it?

Now I mean open it like it was intended, by sheer gravity and not by flinging it out with a snap."

Theoretically, no.  Provided the knife is perfectly inverted during your descent, he handle from which the blade usually falls would be falling (& accelerating) at the same rate as the blade (& the user).  In practice, things would likely be jostling & bumping around, & the knife angle would likely change, allowing the blade to either slide out or be forced back into the handle due forces other than gravity acting on it.

So, if someone tells you they tried this exact stunt & the blade came out, they're either messing with you, or those other forces (& NOT gravity) caused the blade to come out of the gravity knife.  

This is an instance in which anecdotal evidence will likely have incredibly limited value to the answer of the basic (theoretical) question.  As with most anecdotal evidence, too few variable are accounted for when coming to the conclusion.  

And don't believe anyone that tells you the blade will come out because it's heavier than the handle, that's just not how gravity works.

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on April 26, 2017 at 18:32

The army currently requires the knife to be secured by thre securing devices when you jump. I don't know how strictly that's enforced. The US Army normally had pocket switch blades Along with a fixed blade in WWII I'd suggest something other than a gravity knife if you're going to need it cut a fiwked chute

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on April 26, 2017 at 19:10

The army currently requires the knife to be secured by thre securing devices when you jump. I don't know how strictly that's enforced. The US Army normally had pocket switch blades Along with a fixed blade in WWII I'd suggest something other than a gravity knife if you're going to need it cut a fouled chute.

Heck when were training. They'd even make up tape our fixed blades into the sheath just for a helicopter ride!

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