Paramedic looking for 1st knife

B

beefy

Joined
Apr 29, 2002
Messages
2
Hi there,

I'm a newbie to this forum and would greatly appreciate some advice.

I want to buy a "good quality" folding knife for work. The blade length shouldn't be much over 3inchs as I'm in the UK, and needs to be strong and retain a sharp edge (oh and a durable handle).

I have around £50-£60 ($75-$90). Am I asking too much at this price range?

I've had a search through the internet, but the range of makes and types of steel is baffling...

I would be grateful for any advice/recomendations


Many thanks


Beefy
 
The MOD CQD will be an ideal knife for you. The price range is around $200 US but this is a knife that will last many many years for you.

Have fun with it.
 
A Kershaw Talon would be a good choice. Their retail price was around $120, but I've seen them go on E-Bay for about $35-$40.
 
I would look into the 'Spyderco Rescue" a great knife well in your range. Designed for folks like you from the best knife company around. They have a forum here under the "makers/manufacturers section. There are also some EMS type folks here. Also ER Docs and stuff. They will be able to give other options I am sure. I expect they will be along soon.......
 
Ok, First: At the top of the page is a
"Tutorials/FAQ's" link on that page is
alot of info. that would be good to look
at includeing a link to this "Steel" page:
http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqsteel.shtml
This can give you alot of good info. on different steels.

I don't think your asking to much but you
are asking quiet alot :)

My quick list for you would be:

Camillus CUDA EDC: http://www.camillusknives.com/camillus-cuda-edc.htm
(Just a note the site hasn't been update,
they have droped the lower grade 420 HC steel, and now just make it in 154CM)
You may also want to look at: Quick Action Folders

Spyderco Native Lightweight: http://www.spyderco.com/dealer_prod...1010&mscssid=3VSQ1B4WBFBX9JJV0E81EQG45B9X0R89
(Spyderco make quiet a few you mite like, So look around)

The On-line knife stores I look at are:
www.knifecenter.com
www.1sks.com
(They are in the USA, but It still may a good please to look at the different ones)

The next thing you will need is a knife
sharpener, Save yourself some money and time, and Just buy a SpyderCo SharpMaker 204 :)

Happy looking :D
 
Welcome to the Forums!

Another vote here for the MOD CQD MKII. It's a bit on the expensive side, but gets high marks in the EMT/Rescue/heavy use area.
 
It's a poorly designed knife, well made.

It's heavy, chews up your clothing... blade geometry exhibits poor cutting qualities and the shroud/flexcuff/seatbelt cutter don't work very well. The handle is too long, the blade too short. The screws are tiny, and thus the threads are tiny as well and they tend to get stripped very easily...

On the good side, it's got extremely tight tolerances, and if you get the automatic version, the firing button and safety switch is excellent. And for the most part, the materials are excellent.
 
Welcome to the forums.

As an old ex EMT to a new Paragod ;)I would recommend the Spyderco Rescue, for the new model see http://www.spyderco.com
The price is right, if you lose it in any of a hundred possible ways while working you won’t have to take out a loan to get another. The blade design will reduce the chance of stabbing yourself or your patient (always a good thing). The handle material gives a good grip in bloody gloves. The clip allows attachment on clothing or pouch. In addition the blade will cut seatbelts like butter.

I carried a Rescue for a number of years until promoted out of the trenches, at which time I carried a Spyderco Police. At that point didn’t have to worry about stabbing patients.:D
 
paramedic types usually have their own rescue tools so i wouldnt get the spyderco rescue, becaues you probably have tools that work better.

You probably want a general untility knife. With your size and price requrements i would consider the spyderco Native, with the FRN handle and CPM steel.


native.gif


Other knives that come to mind, spyderco Lil'temperence, spyderco Salsa, Camillus Cuda EDC, and Kershaw knives.
 
Thanks to everybody who took the time to reply - what a great response :)

I've nearly decided! The spyderco Rescue look mighty fine, and I've also found a Smith & Wesson 911 First Response Rescue knife (link below). Anybody have any views on this knife?

http://www.bkcg.co.uk/products/manu/misc/sw911.html

One final question, the serrated edge on these knifes are they difficult to keep sharp?

I have a ceramic V-type sharpener which I brought last time I was in the USA. I use it to keep my Global kitchen knifes razor sharp, but I doubt this will be any use for a serrated blade?

Once again, many thanks


Beefy
 
The Spyderco Sharpmaker 204 is well known for use in sharpening serrated edges. Just remember to use only the corners of the stones, not the flats. Good luck with your choice!:)
 
Beefy,

Here are a few more things to think about, in case we haven't bombarded you with enough stuff already: :)

1. This topic has come up in the past, so before making a decision, you might want to go to the BladeForums search page and search for "rescue" and "emt". It will take a while to wade through the information, but it may bring up some points that are important to you.

2. There seems to be a split among the practicing EMTs on whether a knife or shears is more appropriate for safely cutting close to people. For your budget of $75-$90, you could get both, if shears are not already provided for you, or if you want to upgrade the quality of your shears.

3. IIRC, the Smith & Wesson rescue knife has quality and durability problems. Again, try searching the archives. The Spyderco is well-made, easy to re-sharpen, and has a great company standing behind it.

Best of luck with your job.
 
Hell, Spyderco quality generally exceeds just about anything but Chris Reeves or a full-out custom knife, IMNSHO. And, forgive me, but the term "440 Surgical Steel" is an awfully wide range of steels. I would e most suspicious of any company that won't give you more information than that, such as 440A, 440B, 440C, or whatever.
 
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