The common snap swivel is considered unsafe for falconry. Why?

The choice regarding the common snap swivel being unsafe for falconry primarily revolves around the risk associated with the design of the clip itself. With this specific type of snap swivel, there is a significant concern that the jesses—the straps used to secure the bird—can easily slip out of the clip. This design flaw creates a hazardous situation, as a bird could potentially escape if the jesses become disengaged from the swivel.

In falconry, maintaining a secure attachment between the bird and the falconer is critical for the safety of both the bird and the handler. An unreliable connection could lead to the bird becoming injured or lost, which is why falconers often prefer more reliable attachment options that minimize the risk of the jesses dislodging.

The other options, while they may present concerns in different contexts, do not encompass the primary safety issue inherent to the common snap swivel. For instance, rust is a consideration in terms of maintenance but does not directly affect the security of the bird's attachment in real-time activities. Similarly, weight concerns and breaking under strain are relevant but not as critical to the immediate risk posed by the jesses becoming unhooked.