One of the most important knives you can have for a combat environment

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leopardprey

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May 27, 2006
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Thought I would restate this after a recent thread a member posted about what knife should be taken to Iraq. IMHO and based on some of my past experiences in Iraq, one of the most important knives/blades you should invest in is not some 9" bladed bowie style Tactical Combat Killing Blade with a strap on leg sheath. But, is a Seat Belt cutter and a pair of EMT Shears. Do not go on a convoy without the above ( at least not without the Seatbelt cutter). These two items are lifesavers for yourself and others. Keep these readily accessible to yourself on your gear.
 
Good points. I need to get a few seatbelt cutters for the family cars just in case. With three kids and 2 adults that's a lot of seatbelts that can screw up.
 
These items are always within reach in my car....
  • Leatherman tool
  • Surefire flashlight
  • Seat belt cutter tool
  • Glass breaking device
 
Just got a Gerber Hinderer designed Rescue Knife. Has seatbelt cutter, glass breaker, serrated blunt tip blade, and tool handle with various socket/screwdriver tips. Will use in upcoming wilderness med course and keep in vehicle for emergencies. - -
 
leopardprey said:
Thought I would restate this after a recent thread a member posted about what knife should be taken to Iraq. IMHO and based on some of my past experiences in Iraq, one of the most important knives/blades you should invest in is not some 9" bladed bowie style Tactical Combat Killing Blade with a strap on leg sheath. But, is a Seat Belt cutter and a pair of EMT Shears. Do not go on a convoy without the above ( at least not without the Seatbelt cutter). These two items are lifesavers for yourself and others. Keep these readily accessible to yourself on your gear.
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Completely agree with the seat belt cutter. I've sent a few out to family members and friends who've gone over to the sand box.

Tell me a bit more about the EMT shears. I know what they basically are, but I'd like to know why you feel they're so important.
 
I don't understand specifically why seatbelt cutters are so important when a serrated knife or a knife with a sawback or other such devise will do the job just as well. I know many people her don't like serrations, but they are second to none when cutting tough materials is involved, and they can be used to cut everything else too, IMO making the knife very multifunctional. I think that's why many of the rescue knives that are made are serrated.
 
seat belt cutters are great, I have several and they work great. Aside from seat belt cutter, every care I own has a leatherman wave. why the wave?, well because it is the only multi-tool that I know of that has both a serrated blade and a plain edge blade that can be opened with one hand, while the tool is closed. This is, IMO, the perfect tool, knife. The charge Ti is the more expensive version and both come with the ability to have a pocket clip instead of a belt carrier. With this and the seat belt cutter, you are likely to have everything you need.
 
Glass breaker

Check


fist4.jpg
 
Is the Gerber LMF II issued or must they be purchased by soldiers? I am no longer a soldier (not for a long time), but I bought one and it has a seat belt cutter in a pouch and a glass breaker on the pommel. I put the seat belt cutter in the jeep.
 
Horn Dog said:
Is the Gerber LMF II issued or must they be purchased by soldiers? I am no longer a soldier (not for a long time), but I bought one and it has a seat belt cutter in a pouch and a glass breaker on the pommel. I put the seat belt cutter in the jeep.
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I got the same one and I like it.:thumbup:
 
Cobalt said:
LOL Well, with that multitool you have scissors as well to cut the belt:D
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It also forms a sheet of paper that can be used to write a living will. :D



You know, Kershaw makes a rescue knife with a glass breaker and a special blade. The blade is partially serrated, but has a broadened and rounded tip so it can be used to cut seatbelts and clothing out of the way safely.
 
CaptInsano said:
It also forms a sheet of paper that can be used to write a living will. :D



You know, Kershaw makes a rescue knife with a glass breaker and a special blade. The blade is partially serrated, but has a broadened and rounded tip so it can be used to cut seatbelts and clothing out of the way safely.
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yup, I have seen it, another good tool.
 
I've been a Police Officer for 24 years and I've been to hundreds, if not thousands, of accident scenes. In all that time I've never seen anyone who needed to be cut out of a seatbelt. We either unbuckle them, or they weren't wearing the belt in the first place. In fact, I only know of one Officer in my department who has ever cut a seatbelt, and he said he only did it because he'd heard about it and thought it would be cool. Have you guys really encountered seatbelts that jam in accidents, or is it perhaps an urban legend? I'm not trying to be a wiseguy, I'd really just like to know.
 
I'd say an IED would have the potential to create more havoc on the vehicle's passengers than a crash...not to say there aren't horrific crashes, but from leopardprey's point of view, I completely understand and agree.

OP, the EMT shears have a big rounded front, not something sharp and pointy. This gives the user the ability to cut (usually clothing) extremely fast, without worrying about cutting the person they're working on. They are standard equipment in all ambulances and ER's.
 
Cobalt said:
seat belt cutters are great, I have several and they work great. Aside from seat belt cutter, every care I own has a leatherman wave. why the wave?, well because it is the only multi-tool that I know of that has both a serrated blade and a plain edge blade that can be opened with one hand, while the tool is closed. This is, IMO, the perfect tool, knife. The charge Ti is the more expensive version and both come with the ability to have a pocket clip instead of a belt carrier. With this and the seat belt cutter, you are likely to have everything you need.
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Not that the Surge is better but it also has a one hand opening serrated blade as well as a one hand opening plain edge.
 
do seatbelts jam when the vehicle is rolled over & the person's body weight is pulling down on the belt?
 
Chris Meyer said:
I've been a Police Officer for 24 years and I've been to hundreds, if not thousands, of accident scenes. In all that time I've never seen anyone who needed to be cut out of a seatbelt. We either unbuckle them, or they weren't wearing the belt in the first place. In fact, I only know of one Officer in my department who has ever cut a seatbelt, and he said he only did it because he'd heard about it and thought it would be cool. Have you guys really encountered seatbelts that jam in accidents, or is it perhaps an urban legend? I'm not trying to be a wiseguy, I'd really just like to know.
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Hey, brother, if ya need to rip someone out, i.e., eluding, you're not going to be reaching over the subject in order to unclip it. I know you know this... just a friendly reminder.:thumbup:
 
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