We had a build on the Forum a while back for just this kind of knife. I think the group came up with a Model 5 with an orange G10 handle. Somebody more clever with finding the thread might see this and point all of us to it again.

The idea of a Kydex sheath that offers multiple attachment and carry options is a good one. No need to have a fixed blade on your waist where it can be uncomfortable and in the way, and might not be immediately accessible if it is needed quickly.

If I get to it, I will photo and post a Model 1 5-inch with a Kydex sheath and its multiple carry options...might give you some ideas anyway.

Larry
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I found some comments I posted for the build mentioned above:

Capt. Chris—

I thought I would put in my two cents worth on this build. I agree with the respondents who prefer a 5-inch blade. Either the Model 5, the Combat Companion, or even the Model 1 with a 5-inch blade would be great for this purpose. It has to be Stainless and Micarta—considering it is going to be on and in the water a lot. Since the knife is intended to be used in emergency situations, it needs to be designed and carried so it can be instantly grasped and employed. This suggests that it will be worn on a PFD when rafting, probably upside down on the weak side. To help with registering the orientation of the cutting edge I think either a thinned down Border Patrol, SFG, or FG handle would be good—thinner than normal to help make the knife as unobtrusive as possible and to help minimize its interference with normal activity.

As for the sheath, the desire to minimize bulk suggests the Model B, and waxed because of the constant exposure to the water.

If I were the lucky winner of the build, I would have Mike Sastre at River City Sheaths make one of his DSS multi-carry option Kydex sheaths like the one shown in the photo for the new knife. These sheaths are custom fitted to each knife and retains the knife in any orientation, including upside down. Mike is an expert kayaker who started making Kydex sheaths to hold his Spyderco Endura on the upper left of his PFD, so he knows what is required in such a knife and carry system.

This turned into more words than I expected—easy to “time out” when you take too long!

Larry