Rescue folder, do I need it and what brand should I get?

[Way-O]

Honestly I think that seatbelts are cut very easily without serrations, if the blade is sharpened proper - and of course it will be. For emergencies I'd myself prefer a fixed blade attached to a accesible place - a sheepsfot "sailor" type blade perhaps, could pry with it also if needed. But for folders, all the suggested blades are likely good for the job.

 

[Lone Hunter]

Since when does "need" factor into buying a new knife??

FWIW I like Spydercos rescue. But in 15 years on the job I have never had to cut a seatbelt to free someone, nor have I heard of anyone on our 500 man plus dept. doing so. I guess it can a happen.

The times I have cut them, because the shoulder belts were getting in the way of packaging the pt. I have used sak's with ease. Seatbelts are not hard to cut.

I guess if the pretensioner fires and the latch is hard to press, one may need to cut it.

 

[trout #2]

Well, you might not actually need one, but when has that ever stopped us from getting new toys. As far as a less expensive model goes, I'll echo what others have said and recommend the Spyderco Rescue, Atlantic Salt (yellow if you want it to be even friendlier), or an Assist I if you want more bells and whistles (literally).

 

[silenthunterstudios]

I like the retractable glass breaker on the Assist I. I received a Rescue in a trade, didn't really like that. Want an Atlantic Salt for my fishing and boating gear.

 

[Steven Andrews]

or an Assist I if you want more bells and whistles (literally).

The Assist has a bell on it ??

 

[ohmyheckinslc]

I know it's rare, but you might look at the Colt Search and Rescue Tool, the CSAR. 440C blade, and very stout construction... (I'd love to know what Cliff Stamp thinks of them) Bottle opener, knot detangling tool/Icepick, half serrated and half plain blade, and a strange notch out of the back of the blade, near point, that I haven't figured out yet. Anyway, I've carried mine in the woods on occasion and it's a good knife for purposes other than EDC, unless you wear HUGE pockets, and live in a tollerant area, where pulling out a large gravity knife to open up the daily mail, or handle other cutting chores around the office, which isn't a problem for you as you're talking about leaving it in your truck, where it will REALLY look at home. They're very utilitarian. Also, if it gets dirty sitting in your truck, it's built to be taken apart easily for cleaning, which might be another plus. I know they're rare, but if you can find one, it might fit your requirements/wants nicely...

 

[XIECHENG]

Buck 0095bkstp-b csar-t

 

[BladeChick777]

I can't believe these haven't been said yet:

Benchmade Triage 915 - Has everything you need.

Or look at the Spyderco Breeden Rescue.

Rescue knives don't need to be serrated. A well sharpened Plain Edge can cut a seat belt just as well.
The Triage comes with a hook attached though. =]

 

[roughedges]

I can't believe these haven't been said yet:

Benchmade Triage 915 - Has everything you need.

Or look at the Spyderco Breeden Rescue.

I am pretty sure those knives weren't around when this thread was first started. Xiecheng raised it from the dead.


I really like my Vic Rescue Tool. Bright yellow, glows in the dark, and all kinds of fun and useful tools.

 

[JNewell]

Yes, and there's a new, more compact, flat FRN handle version for 2013.

I like the Spyderco Assist the best out of them, I think. It's got the retractable carbide glass breaker that you can replace, and the Spyderedge serration pattern for seatbelts.