Need Help on a Tactical Folder

Joined
Sep 4, 2008
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Guys, appreciate if anyone can help me think of a better manual folder other then the MOD Blackhawk Mark 1, which has the following requirements:
1) Manual Opening, non-assisted
2) A built in belt cutter that doesn't require to deploy the blade
3) A built in glass breaker

Any material for the blade will do.

Thanks gents.
 
The Spyderco Assist is an excellent candidate for the job, although it lacks a tip and also does require the blade to be opened to cut belts. That being said, it can do the job partially closed using the grooves on the back of the blade as improvised "scissors." It's a very effective design, inherently reliable, with Spyderco's excellent VG10 stainless, a built-in glass breaker, and many other excellent features in a rescue/tactical folder.
 
"Tactical" no longer indicates a specific style of knife, as shown in this request. I quit using it because it can apply to anything now, including ink pens, bottle cap removers, and office staple pocket pry bars. At least the descriptive term "rescue" involves a lot more of what is asked in this knife - and there are lots of ways that has been interpreted lately. Multipurpose knives aren't necessarily tactical - and the features you list are actually more in line with rescue. In which case, the Gerber Hinderer would do.

I'd start with a list of what the knife will really be used for, and how often. In the case of a rescue knife, it sits in the car. It is not an EDC except for Fire and EMT's. Even trained First Responders leave it in their go-to bag (unless thay have a perceived need to be seen with it constantly. Hmmm.) So dark coloring and fancy styling is unnecessary - and counterproductive. You want to see it when you need it, and that is usually under stress when tunnel vision is clouding perspective.

Combining the features of other tools usually leads to a compromise in something. Extending the blade, or at least having a thin profile tool such as a hooked seat belt cutter, allows finer control and less aggressiveness than shoving the whole handle under a tight belt against an injured person. Light weight glass breakers usually need spring power to operate successfully. They don't have the mass to store enough energy, which is why glass breaker hammers are more efficient.

Since the single purpose of a knife is to actually use the blade, it is important to use a steel appropriate for cutting, and a blade profile designed to enhance, not detract from it. "Tactical" knives have historically leaned to the sharp pry bar profile, and aren't as good in cutting. Plus, the styling is cross grain to the purpose of pararescue. MOD knives aren't known for their conservative style, but they do impress younger users.

Rescue knives are the latest fad - you could do just as well with a coupon clipper and a cheap flea market hammer. At least the Hinderer is purpose built and a reasonable price, commonly available, and not to bad a loss when it disappears after an accident. Some day I may pick one up used, but like a spare tire, it's pretty much dead weight until you need it.
 
A vote for the Spyderco Assist here. I got one to stash in the first aid kit I keep in my car. I love the blade shape, no point, but it really won't cut anyone. The handle is FRN and very grippy, love the finger grooves. A really excellent knife for your requirements.
 
I own a MOD CQD Mk1 and it is an excellent knife; highly recommended. The cutter and glass breaker on it actually work and work well, not something I've been able to say for other knives.
I'll take a guess that the price is what's scaring you away. In that case they just released essentially an economy model. The MSRP for this one is $100 so it should be going for about $60-70 with dealers.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/CQD-Mark-1-Type-E,1246,37.htm

The Hinderer also looks pretty good. I have no experience with it but I doubt there's much, if anything, wrong with it.

Two variants:
http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerc...xt=&Mode=Brand&Brand=49&PriceStart=&SKU=G1870

http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerce/product.jsp?Mode=Text&SearchText=hinderer&SKU=G1534
 
Thank you guys for the valuable feedback.
I agreed that we should call it a Rescue Knife rather than Tactical. However, it's an EP Unit that somehow would involve in hostage rescue for their principlas so they would rather call it Tactical Folder for that bit of "Gung Ho" Factor.
Personally, I see that the Hinderer suits the task. What do you guys think of the Extrema Ratio TF Rescue?
 
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