firemans knife

S

stevewest

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Nov 25, 2006
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Thought I would throw this out here and get some opinions from those more knowledgeable than me. My nephew is graduating from high school this year and is going to train to become a fireman. Any suggestions on which Spyderco to go with for a graduation present? I may get him both a serrated and plainedge knife. Thanks for the help!
 
I won't claim to be more knowledgable, but these would fit the bill (ignore the sharp - tipped tanto variant, go for those with blunt tips):

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/s... and Wesson 911 Models&srch=bwSKUdatarq=sw911

He'll be in a position of respect and must impart reassurance to a public that may not necessarily be broad - minded about knives.

However tempting, ignore all forms of tacticool garbage.

For any job bigger, there's always the axe and jaws of life.
 
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As stated earlier Spyderco makes a series of Rescue knives. This series covers a wide price range, from very inexpensive just above $100.

If you just want to buy him a Spyderco that has nothing to do with his future carrier choice then any of the following are in the mix:
Caly 3 (Caly 3 CF)
Native (Native III, Native CF)
Delica
Endura
UKPK
 
He might also want to look into Spyderco's Salt series. Made of H1 steel, these knives will not rust and develop a work-hardened edge (improved edge retention over time). They come in both yellow and black handles, plain-edged and serrated. They are also light weight and have a rounded tip for increased safety.

I have a Salt 1, yellow handle, and love it. I think it would be the perfect complement to a fireman's black and yellow uniform and would definitely be viewed as a rescue tool.

Here are some pics:
20126b57-c334-45ce-bdb2-298f43785788.jpg


spydeco%20salt%201%20amarilla.JPG
 
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I'm not a big fan of a dedicated "Rescue" knife with a blunt tip I carry a ATR daily with a Benchmade Model 5 Hook and a Colt Search and Rescue Knife (Luftwaffe Paratrooper Gravity Knife clone) attached to mt coat. Sorry Spyderco guys there's just not a model fitting my needs, but a nice Spider edge fixed blade would be great Sal.

The salt series would be a great gift, the only downside to it being a Work knife is that they push having a fixed blade or single handed (with fire gloves on) knife on the outside of your coat. To be used to self rescue with only one hand if needed.

rescue_hook_5.jpg

AAAAAgvvFbUAAAAAAB29Kg.jpg
 
Either the Atlantic Salt or Saver Salt would be great choices. They're the totally rustproof H-1 versions of the 93mm Rescue and 78mm Rescue, respectively. Both are available serrated, with yellow handles.

Paul
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Have you thought of getting him a multi-tool of some sort? I have been on the job for 10 years and I would not think of going to work without my Gerber tool on my uniform belt. I use it for something everyday. I also carry a Camillus heat in my uniform pants. In my turn out gear I carry a Meyerco rescue knife with a carbide window breaker. That one is the beater knife. It comes out on car wrecks and fires, good knife and I don't care if it gets dinged up.
 
I have been purchasing spyderco for the last 2-3 years, but not along this line. Appreciate all the suggestions very much. I think that the Assist might be just the ticket with maybe a pe salt. He is a great kid and from what I understand, is excited about being a fireman. I wanted to get him something bulletproof that would cut anything he comes into contact. Again, appreciate the suggestions.
 
One thing to remember is that virtually all cutting near a patient -- clothing or whatever -- is going to be done with shears, not a knife. I've been an EMT for years, and I can't remember ever having to cut a seatbelt. Always been able to reach the buckle... 'rescue' knives are appealing but are far from essential.

That said, I usually carry an Assist or a hawkbill (Tasman or Crossbill, and sometimes lately a Spyderhawk), and have a multitool (Vic. Spirit or one of an assortment of SAKs) and a small general-purpose knife handy. They get used for opening packaging more than anything else.

A knife is more useful in the firefighting side of emergency services than in EMS, though. This post on the Spyderco company forum is by a Chicago firefighter. He's gotten a little bit of use out of the Tasman he keeps on his bunker gear. :D

I'd lean towards a fixed blade for a knife attached to bunks, though, and leave the folders for pocket carry in your uniform pants. Maybe a Caspian Salt. (Just got accepted by my local volunteer department, so I'm going to be having to make this decision soon myself...)
 
I would recommend the following:

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=63

It's got the one feature I really like, the carbide glass breaker. The picture is a little deceiving, from my perspective at least. My carbide comes out farther than the one shown in the picture.

I'm not a fireman, but I carry one in my in me vehicle at all times.

Chris:):):)
 
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When I was a "volly", a bunch of the guys had serrated Delicas. This was way back in 1990 or so. Many more to choose from now. Hard to beat the Delica though- it's small & cuts like the devil.
 
Another vote for the orange Assist...
79psor.jpg


There's also the lower-cost (around $20) Cara Cara Rescue...
by17sbk.jpg
 
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