Rescue Knife Help for an EMT

H

handiman115

Joined
Nov 21, 2012
Messages
8
Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum, so I sincerely apologize if my question has already been asked, but I'm looking to buy my first good knife. I need a rescue knife for my job in emergency medicine and I'm looking to spend 50-70... maybe up to 100 if need be.

Like I said, as this is my first purchase of a good knife, I really don't know what to look for...Here are some of the knives I'm interested in:

Gerber Hinderer CLS Rescue Folder
Columbia River Carson M16-14ZLEK Rescue Folder
Kershaw 1670GBBLKST Ken Onion Blur

TOPS/Buck 091 CSAR-T Responder Folding Rescue Knife
Benchmade 915 Triage

Any thoughts on these models? I don't really know anything about the brands so any insights you have to offer there would be nice..

The last two on the list are a bit more expensive. For someone with a somewhat limited budget... are the more expensive ones THAT much better?

How should I decide between these/others?

Thanks!
 
I think you should add some of the Spyderco rescue models to your search as well. What do you think your main task will be using these?
 
Thanks! I actually looked at those and correct me if I'm wrong but I think most of them aren't pointed tips. I want one with a sharp/pointed tip.
 
Only ones I'd give a second look at are the Benchmade and Kershaw, but to be honest an extra pair of trauma shears has taken care of 99.9% of the cutting I've ever done on scene or in the truck.

I'd just find a regular pocket knife that you like and will carry when you're off the job too.
 
Haha I know it's not the most useful piece of equipments... which is why I don't want to necessarily spend that much. What makes benchmade THAT much better?
 
Get a Benchmade griptilian. Excellent dollar to knife value. On the cheaper side of the Benchmade scale, yet one of their best products. Not big enough to raise eyebrows, but big enough to get any job you need done, done. Extremely tough - almost ridiculously so. You can find a video of one of our forum members bouncing his 200 pound self on it repeatedly. He had to stomp it (between two logs) to break it. Mine are smooth as silk, keep a fairly good edge, as easy to touch up - and the opening and closing system is fairly trustworthy and smooth.

I don't know if you need the tool for other elements, but I think you should keep your knife a knife and carry other stuff that you need.
 
Welcome to the forum handiman! I'm in volunteer EMS and personally carry an XM-18 on duty. Now, that knife is WAY beyond your price range but there are a few more affordable knives that would be great for use on duty. One is the Benchmade Triage (~$120) which is a dedicated medical services/first responder knife. It has a slightly rounded tip and a built in belt cutter which makes it perfect for EMS. Another option is the Spyderco Breeden Rescue at around $135. Even though both are above your price point, as with any piece of equipment you use (stethoscope, shears etc.) you get what you pay for. I believe its worth the extra cost to have a knife you KNOW will work when you need it especially when it comes to emergency situations. One good quality knife that is just slightly above your price point is the Spyderco Assist (~$80). I think that would be the best fit if you don't want to spend a ton but I personally like the design of the Breeden Rescue. A bit better handle materials than the Assist but you can't go wrong either way- Spyderco makes excellent knives.
 
Thanks for such a thoughtful response, DrOp. I really appreciate your perspective as a fellow EMT. I'm actually fairly new to the EMS world and in my company, it's pretty split between rescue knives and "regular" knives. Would you suggest a rescue knife or would you listen to szliard and "keep your knife a knife"?
 
Check CRKT. They have at least 4 different models, all of which are solid. Also Gerber's Hinderer and the Vic Rescue SAK are both solid choices.
 
If the latter, would someone direct me to a forum on buying utility/everyday knives? I have no idea about brands or what to pay (I know you get what you pay for, but where is the point when you are paying a lot for very little return?)...

Thanks!
 
Hi Handiman,

I'm a Fire Department EMT and personally I carry a Leatherman Wave with the add on pocket clip when I am working. It has both a plain edge clip point blade as well as a blunt end serrated edge blade similar to the Spyderco Rescue models, both of which can be opened like a normal knife straight out of the pocket (without having to open the pliers like other Leatherman models). Plus it's got lots of other handy tools in a fairly low overall profile.

And it's well within your budget.
 
You are very welcome. I'm fairly new as well but most of our members carry normal folding knives (myself included). Those who carry rescue knives usually don't carry off duty. I find a knife with a point more useful for opening those pesky plastic bags all of the airway equipment and head-beds are packed in. There are tons of folding knives in your price range. The Spyderco Delica or Endura are good options.
 
Since it was mentioned...here is a photo of the Benchmade Triage in orange (bottommost knife) next to other knives for scale. It's not small.

photo-380.jpg
 
DrOpPoInT1110 said:
You are very welcome. I'm fairly new as well but most of our members carry normal folding knives (myself included). Those who carry rescue knives usually don't carry off duty. I find a knife with a point more useful for opening those pesky plastic bags all of the airway equipment and head-beds are packed in. There are tons of folding knives in your price range. The Spyderco Delica or Endura are good options.
Click to expand...


As luck would have it, a FFG Delica and FFG Endura are in the photo I just posted.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top