It was me that recommended the Benchmade Rescue Hook. I still REALLY like it. I've got a bit of a knife phobia (not that bad, but if someone is in the same room and has a 20" "Rambo" knife, I get a little freaky <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />).

I've had two sheathed knives before this one - and both of them would find a way out of their sheath occasionally. I HATE that. Once, after a squall got us and we turtled my 6.0NA, I climbed on the bottom of the trampoline and nearly lunged onto my unsheathed knife that found someway to lay RIGHT there. A flip action knife takes a lot of dexterity to operate - dexterity that I might not have when I need it most. The rescue hook is quickly accessible and won't cut anyone's jugular. For distance racing, I do try to carry a flip knife for utility use in a zipper pocket. One of the drawbacks is that the rescue hook is not something you can really sharpen yourself...although they are RAZOR sharp when you first get them. I believe you can send them back to Benchmade for resharpening though..

Coupled with my Astral Bouyancy life vest, which has an outer shell zipper flap that covers an internal hard point, the hook is protected from snags but perfectly accessible. I would take pictures but Bonnie has our camera in Myrtle Beach at the moment (I'm joining here soon!). I'll try to take some when I get back.

Jake