EMT needs a reliable EDC knife

Not the thinnest in the world but the Emerson safety SARK would work well for your needs.
 
Farmer Brown said:
...Whatever you may decide on, also consider how the public may react to your blade.

A "tactical commando black" Spyderco Military may appear downright evil whilst the same knife in "hazard orange" (it's available in that color, BTW) may actually be, er... "heroic."
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Right...because we want the first consideration when buying a necessary tool to be how the public will react to it. :rolleyes:
 
morrowj_98 said:
Right...because we want the first consideration when buying a necessary tool to be how the public will react to it. :rolleyes:
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Well, there are some other elements at play here...

Sorry to go off topic.

In the hospital where I work in, I've been advised not to carry my Gerber 22-47162 FAST (my first EDC). I get away fine with a Wenger Ranger 51 because of the Swiss Cross Logo, despite it having a longer blade length :D Alternating between the plain edge and serrated versions is enough for kicks...

As an EMT or somebody in the paramedical field, there are other peoples' attitudes to take into account - whether they may be knifelovers or otherwise. First and foremost is the idea that we're attending to people other than ourselves who don't necessarily share our views. Along that line of thought, we're often subjected to "Diversity Training," and other things just as absurd (yet necessary).

Still having some difficulty reconciling political correctness and hypocrisy, really...

I guess it also depends on which part of the country you're from.

In the (my) "old country," firearms and machetes were far more vital to daily life in both a "survivalist" and practical point of view. No exaggeration when I say that everybody had them, but we weren't so inclined to broadcast that fact publicly. It's just the way things were.

I love my knives, but I guess there's a place and time for everything (I'll be playing with my Buck 890650BO-B as soon as it comes through the mail).
 
Farmer Brown said:
Well, there are some other elements at play here...

Sorry to go off topic.

In the hospital where I work in, I've been advised not to carry my Gerber 22-47162 FAST (my first EDC). I get away fine with a Wenger Ranger 51 because of the Swiss Cross Logo, despite it having a longer blade length :D Alternating between the plain edge and serrated versions is enough for kicks...

As an EMT or somebody in the paramedical field, there are other peoples' attitudes to take into account - whether they may be knifelovers or otherwise. First and foremost is the idea that we're attending to people other than ourselves who don't necessarily share our views. Along that line of thought, we're often subjected to "Diversity Training," and other things just as absurd (yet necessary).

Still having some difficulty reconciling political correctness and hypocrisy, really...

I guess it also depends on which part of the country you're from.

In the (my) "old country," firearms and machetes were far more vital to daily life in both a "survivalist" and practical point of view. No exaggeration when I say that everybody had them, but we weren't so inclined to broadcast that fact publicly. It's just the way things were.

I love my knives, but I guess there's a place and time for everything (I'll be playing with my Buck 890650BO-B as soon as it comes through the mail).
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I hear you....but to stay on topic for this post...what importance would you put on public opinion in regards to picking a suitable knife for an EMT? Generally, and please correct me if I'm wrong, when an EMT is called in to service something has happened. Public opinion should be of little to no concern when first responders are picking their tools. They need to have what works. I doubt very much someone would be concerned about what tool was being used to extract them from a burning vehicle. People have much more time at hospitals or similar environments to get their panties in a bunch about all those scary knives people are carrying. You said it yourself, people you work with are so stupid they find a knife with a Swiss Cross more acceptable because of some misconception that is a magical "medical knife."
What exactly are the rules you are being advised to follow?
 
morrowj_98 said:
I hear you....but to stay on topic for this post...what importance would you put on public opinion in regards to picking a suitable knife for an EMT?...What exactly are the rules you are being advised to follow?
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As long as alternative tools are readily available to me which don't raise eyebrows, I'm fine with that. Haven't really come across a situation where no other options existed. If it does the job just as well and doesn't infringe on my neighbor's sensibilities (regardless of whether we agree), it'll pass. It's just like me having the Serrated Wenger Ranger 51 - there's always some comment that "...he brought the other one today!" But the very same people are generally cool with it. People do compromise, and we're all happy.

They don't have any particular rule in writing; it's one of those unwritten ones wherein they say "I wouldn't really recommend that you carried that around."
 
Farmer Brown said:
They don't have any particular rule in writing; it's one of those unwritten ones wherein they say "I wouldn't really recommend that you carried that around."
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Unless of course it has one of these....then it's okay. ;)

wengerlogo.jpg
 
JReilly said:
So its been quite a while since ive posted here, and i thought i got over my knife craze, but its back. I need a thin, reliable EDC knife under 200$, used or not i dont care, that wont break under pressure. It needs to keep an edge for as long as possible so im thinking along the lines of D2 or s60V but i havent kept up with the new steels so suggest anything you think would work. It has to be a folder though, and preferably low profile (thin, not overtly tactical, no gut hooks)

Thanks!
-Reilly

P.S. with an EMS license in Mass and NH (where ill be working), i can buy automatic knives, etc, so dont leave those out, im not opposed to the idea.
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I think that this meets all of your criteria....

HPIM5776.jpg


HPIM5778.jpg


The Buck-Mayo TNT.

Thin, low profile, not too tactical looking, S30V steel, very reliable, and very tough.
And since it's titanium, it's light-weight as well.
 
Kind of off-topic, but since it was in the original post... how does having an EMS license allow someone to buy an auto knife?
 
babakanoosh45 said:
This has been an outstanding tool for alot of years...

DSC02298.jpg
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Smith and Wesson 1st Response Rescue Knife
Part Number: SW911

Quite appropriate, this one. Blunt tip, hawkbill profile with serrations, and a spring - loaded striker for automotive glass.

Looks like it's entirely purpose - built!
 
cbwx34 said:
Kind of off-topic, but since it was in the original post... how does having an EMS license allow someone to buy an auto knife?
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A lot of states have exemptions for public safety types i.e. fire, police, and EMS. Though after working 4 years on an ambulance in Mass. and knowing many police , fire, and EMS providers in a whole bunch of states I know of none that actually carry auto's.
 
allenC said:
The Buck-Mayo TNT.

Thin, low profile, not too tactical looking, S30V steel, very reliable, and very tough.
And since it's titanium, it's light-weight as well.
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you're joking right? that is tactical and it has a good probability of puncturing skin when you're cutting away clothing...there is a reason rescue knives have blunt tips...
 
morrowj_98 said:
Right...because we want the first consideration when buying a necessary tool to be how the public will react to it. :rolleyes:
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Actually as a Nurse and Firefighter/EMT the reaction of the general public and more specifically my patient is definitely a concern of mine. People remember and notice the strangest and most minor of things when stressed. If you pull out a black knife with a 4" blade they will most likely see a machete, not the best of ways to alleviate their anxiety or inspire confidence. The sick and injured want Johnny and Roy not John Rambo.
 
cbwx34 said:
Kind of off-topic, but since it was in the original post... how does having an EMS license allow someone to buy an auto knife?
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Hi,

Supposedly we sometimes need to work one-handed. Plus being lumped under the "Public Safety" umbrella, we do get some perks. :) But frankly, in the 15 years I've been riding around in the back of the bus, I've never ever seen anybody pull out a knife to use it on scene. Well, a couple of times with drunks and dopers pulling one on me. But those were problems for the guys with the guns, tasers and badges.

I personally would have a problem with anybody getting next to me and my patient with anything black, pointy and sharp. But if you want to carry something other than a SAK or other small folder, something similar to SW First Response Rescue knife would be mostly acceptable.

I would caution too that protocols and rules of your service may prohibit the carry of such a knife. So you may want to check that carefully before you carry. It wouldn't be worth getting fired over.

dalee
 
In twenty years of Police/EMS experience I have gotten far, far, more use out of my multis than my knives. Manufacturer is up to you. My Gerber works for me. The various Spyderco knives listed are great, as are any of the SAKs. I prefer the 111mm locking Vics like the Rescue. DO NOT spend a ton of money on a blade/tool. You will lose it, one way or the other. Even lanyards don't help when there is just too much gunk on the knife to ever get it clean. $50-$75 will get you a very servicable multi or SAK and a pair of EMS shears that will do anything you will need. (Seen the trick of cutting a penny with the shears/)
 
Eyegor said:
In twenty years of Police/EMS experience I have gotten far, far, more use out of my multis than my knives. Manufacturer is up to you.
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I will add as a medic with 15 years of experience I can honestly say I have never seen a knife used on a scene. As for a multi tool, it can be very useful for a number of things. As for a glass breaker they make for a great fast access but during a wreck there is usually plenty of broken glass already, and I for one like working in that stuff not at all. I agree with Eyegore a multi tool and a pair of trauma shears will serve you better than any knife on the market. If you really want to drop the kind of money you are talking about use it to get a decent stethoscope and a sphygmomanometer (BP cuff) your family is about to drive you crazy if you are just starting out.
 
pilote said:
you're joking right? that is tactical and it has a good probability of puncturing skin when you're cutting away clothing...there is a reason rescue knives have blunt tips...
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The Buck-Mayo TNT meets all the requirements of the original poster....

I need a thin, reliable EDC knife under 200$, used or not i dont care, that wont break under pressure. It needs to keep an edge for as long as possible so im thinking along the lines of D2 or s60V but i havent kept up with the new steels so suggest anything you think would work. It has to be a folder though, and preferably low profile (thin, not overtly tactical, no gut hooks)

Thanks!
-Reilly
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And it certainly doesn't look "tactical" to me.
It's not like a Emerson waved Commander. :rolleyes:

And the original poster never mentioned cutting clothing from a patient.

Maybe you should actually read what the original poster desires before offering your recommendations.;)
 
hunter s thompson said:
I will add as a medic with 15 years of experience I can honestly say I have never seen a knife used on a scene. As for a multi tool, it can be very useful for a number of things. As for a glass breaker they make for a great fast access but during a wreck there is usually plenty of broken glass already, and I for one like working in that stuff not at all. I agree with Eyegore a multi tool and a pair of trauma shears will serve you better than any knife on the market. If you really want to drop the kind of money you are talking about use it to get a decent stethoscope and a sphygmomanometer (BP cuff) your family is about to drive you crazy if you are just starting out.
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I think that huntersthompson has a point, if as a paramedic he recommends a good MT over a knife, I would shift your focus to a good leatherman and some trauma shears. There's no reason to spend a bunch of money if you don't need to, unless you just want to buy a knife anyways.
 
pilote said:
you're joking right? that is tactical and it has a good probability of puncturing skin when you're cutting away clothing...there is a reason rescue knives have blunt tips...
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:rolleyes:
The Rescue Blur you mentioned looks much more "tactical" than the Buck Mayo TNT, IMO
The OP also never mentioned cutting away clothing or anything about a blunt tip, perhaps this is just going to be an EDC knife that will be used for other tasks, and he will be using other cutting implements (scissors, etc.) to cut away clothing and such.
 
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