Knife
SRT leaders should carry a small folding knife with a locking blade and a way to clip it on. Petzl Spatha is the standard choice.
What to look for
SRT leaders should carry a knife. It's for cutting rope in an emergency, not for general bushcraft. Something small, light, and easy to use with gloves on.
The Petzl Spatha is the most popular choice among UK cavers. It has a half-serrated blade that cuts wet rope well, a big opening ring that works with gloves, and a hole in the handle so you can clip it to a carabiner. It weighs 43g and costs about 30 quid.
A breakaway neck lanyard is also popular, with the knife tucked inside your oversuit so it doesn't snag. Keep it accessible but secured.
If you use a breakaway lanyard, make sure it's thin cord that snaps under body weight. You don't want a knife lanyard that can strangle you if it catches on something. A small carabiner on the lanyard lets you unclip the knife and pass it to someone else. Some cavers also wrap a bit of insulation tape round the handle of folding knives to stop them opening accidentally in your pocket.
What to get first
You should be confident on SRT and leading trips before you need your own knife. Club rescue gear includes knives. Focus on getting your personal SRT kit right first.
Buying Guide
- Price (New): £
- Price (Used): ££
- Buy online? Yes. Knives are easy to buy online. UK knife law: folding blades under 3 inches (7.62cm) are legal to carry without a specific reason. The Petzl Spatha's blade is 65mm, well under that limit. A folding lock-knife is fine. Fixed blades need a good reason to carry, and caving is one, but a folding knife is simpler.
Buying Second Hand
Knives are fine to buy secondhand. Not much can go wrong that you can't see. Check the blade for rust and make sure the lock mechanism works properly. A bit of rust on the surface is fine if it cleans off.
Where you can buy it
Starless River, Inglesport, Up & Under, Go Outdoors, Amazon.