Rescue Knife suggestions?

F

Fire&EMS

Joined
Sep 21, 2013
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5
Hi.

I was wondering if you might be able to provide me with some suggestions for a knife to carry in my duties as a firefighter and ems worker. I am in a bit of an interesting situation on this one: two of the organisations that I work with are on, or immediately adjacent to a university campus (I go to school there!) and our SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) sort of conflict with the general handbook rules. One of the groups is chartered by the university and okayed the carrying of knives that are 'marketed specifically or EMS/Fire personnel.' I am the kind of person that is a believer in carrying a knife in this field, since there are things that they are good at, that other tools aren't, ie: entanglements, gloved work, etc.

I was looking at rescue knives, and I think I have narrowed it down to a few:

Spyderco Byrd Rescue 2 (Cara Cara type)
SOG Flash II Rescue
Ka-Bar K2 Rescue kit

Each has its merits, but I have to settle on one. I can find them all about the same price, with the Ka being about $20, and the SOG being about $30.

Any suggestions?
 
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It's not on your list and it's quite a bit more expensive than your selections, but the Spyderco Assist is probably my top choice for that kind of use. Of the choices on your list, I would probably go with the Meadowlark 2.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
It's not on your list and it's quite a bit more expensive than your selections, but the Spyderco Assist is probably my top choice for that kind of use. Of the choices on your list, I would probably go with the Meadowlark 2.
Click to expand...

I am a poor student lol. I really would prefer not to pay much more than the SOG, simply because for a vollie service i have to provide my own uniforms and such. It adds up!

It turns out it is not the meadowlark, I was mistaken, it is the Rescue 2.
 
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Have a look at the kershaw rescue blur, it is designed for exactly what you do. I gave one to my brother he loves it
 
Don't get the SOG they have bad blade play. In the price range and options you have I'd go with the Byrd.
 
I would agree with Mr. LCV if you are going purely for a rescue knife then you should consider the Benchmade Triage. I really like that knife and it is the way to go for a Rescue knife to me at least. Built well and has the integrated Rescue hook with a full functional blade too. There are many versions of the knife too in case you was a blunt tip or something. The orange Benchmade does looks great too.
 
Triage is way out of my range!

I would quite prefer something with a serration (either normal or preferentially scalloped)

So the SOG has blade play to it?
 
Fire&EMS said:
Triage is way out of my range!

I would quite prefer something with a serration (either normal or preferentially scalloped)

So the SOG has blade play to it?
Click to expand...

Lower end SOG folders tend to have a pretty strong assist and no liners or minimal liners. It's pretty much a recipe for blade play. If a bit of wiggle doesn't bother you they're fine, but the play would make me very nervous on a rescue knife.
 
Also, Leatherman Raptor:

  • 420HC Stainless Steel Folding Medical Shears
  • Strap Cutter
  • Ring Cutter
  • Ruler (5 cm)
  • Oxygen Tank Wrench
  • Carbide Glass Breaker

51-raptor.jpg

51-raptor-closed.jpg
 
a utility knife. if it gets dull just change out the blade and no biggie if you lose it.
also tin snips.
 
Another +1 for the Benchmade Triage, I think I've seen them go as low as 85 dollars for used.
 
BM Triage (again)

915 is what I carry.

916 if you want a blunt tip

9170 for the auto version...:D
 
If you're in an environment where corrosion is an issue try one of the Benchmade Triage with N680 steel blade like models 915 & 916.
 
In a moderate price range, The Rick Hinderer/Gerber Rescue Knife is as good as it gets. The design and Quality aspects of anything Rick is involved in is Legendary and the Gerber project is no different.
Rick IS an experienced First Responder AND a Knife Maker of unquestionable reputation.
Take a look at that knife.
 
I agree with the triage being the best rescue blade that's what I carry, but the OP doesn't want to spend more than $30 so in that range it's hard to say. I also have a hinderer rescue and a spyderco assist. But they are both out of his price as well. But for 30 bucks I can't think of a good resuce blade that isn't well crappy, or gimmicky. With the 3 he posted I think the Byrd line knife would be the best.
 
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