Rescue styles Knives: Spyderco, Cold Steel or 'X' ?

maddog2020 · Jun 20, 1999

I would like some feedback from people who rely on these on a daily basis. Which one do you prefer and why?

TIA

copfish · Jun 20, 1999

MadDog, I gave my Fireman brother (he did not score high enough on the (un)civil service exam to be a cop) a Spyderco 98 Rescue Jr. and a Cold Steel Rescue. His review is that the Spyderco has better steel (ATS-55), and the clip is better. He likes the blue color of the Cold Steel, but the edge is harder to sharpen and does not hold the edge long, Hope this helps!

Parker · Jun 20, 1999

Madddog, no cop nor fireman, but I have used Spyderco knives for years to due excellent opening characteristics, CS stud had easy ability to place your thumb on edge under high speed. Also the Cold Steel rides high enouhg to lose.

I am getting rid of my voyagers and just bought a pair of enduras to replace. Good luck

Corduroy · Jun 20, 1999

The CS offering is very large if you want that, and has a nice full flat grind (probably not necessary in this role, though). Otherwise, I'd go with the Spyderco. The steel is better on the Spyderco and IMO the hole is easier to find and use than a stud. also, CS serrations are, again IMO, just terrible. The little points chip out very easily and have caused even folks with specialized sharpeners a great deal of difficulty to resharpen. Furthermore, CS will not resharpen a serrated edge for you, even if you send the money they demand to sharpen plain edges. On their site they literally state that they will not sharpen serrated knives sent to them. So what you have is a tool that chips out on its edge and cannot be resharpened by you or its parent company! Remedy? Buy something else.

Edit: I wanted to add that I do not rely on these knives on a daily basis. If that makes my reasoning less valuable to you, please disregard.
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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)

[This message has been edited by Corduroy (edited 20 June 1999).]

maddog2020 · Jun 20, 1999

I am not a police officer nor fireman. I was thinking of a good knife to keep in my car for emergency use. I keep a good size first aid kit in case I happen to see an accident and I can help. It has come in very handy a number of times

I have taken first aid classes and CPR classes. You can never have enough knowledge of things just in case the need comes up.

It looks like the Spyderco is in the lead, especially when CS won't do their own serrated edges????

I wonder why?

Thanks for the suggestions thus far folks

Corduroy · Jun 20, 1999

From the www.coldsteel.com (under Q&A):

"Q: Will Cold Steel re-sharpen my serrated knife?

"Unfortunately no. Because of the time consuming nature of resharpening serrated blades, Cold Steel does not offer a
resharpening service for them. We recommened you ask your local knife dealer."

I like how they call it "unfortunate," as if it was some cosmic event outside of their control. Incidentally, they also charge $7 to resharpen their folders (plain-edge only, of course). That's $7 more than Spyderco charges to resharpen their knives (in either edge).

Cold Steel says: "We stand behind our knives 100%" Do you believe them?

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-Corduroy
(Why else would a bear want a pocket?)

Stevie Ray · Jun 20, 1999

Let me stack up the odds on the Spyderco Rescue side a little more. I've been carrying one daily at EMS/Aeromedical jobs for a little over 12 years and don't have any complaints. The Rescue is easy to resharpen, but doesn't need it often; and is no problem to carry since I added a laynard.
Carried a little ER-1 (I think) for awhile.
An SOG if I remember right...VERY sharp but a little unhandy to open via a button sliding down a handle length groove-ended up giving it to a buddy I flew with.
Also used a Crosslock Deputy from Buck for about 2 years; no complaints on usage but it was thick/heavy and didn't have sheepfoot blade, but seat belt cutter worked very well.
If you're looking to buy 1st knife in this area, my vote would be for "old" version Spyderco Rescue with molded in clip as it's a steal from many dealers since the new versions have come out. Lot of bang for a little buck!
As a LEO, I carry BM AFO as well as a well worn CS Recon Tanto(our Sheriff Dept chops a lot of pot each year). Have used Tanto since 1991 and BM for about 2 years. Very happy with both.
Hope it helps with your purchase and sorry I don't have experience with CS Rescue. Figure if I live long enough, I'll get to own at least one of everything.

bill boyd · Jun 21, 1999

I just bought two old style Rescues at a gun show last weekend at a bargain price. Today I pulled up my lining room carpet and cut it into sections to make it easier to roll up and haul off. I probably cut at least 100 linear feet of carpet, the Rescue zipped right through it and never really got dull and sharpened up easily on my old sharp maker. I would recommend Spyderco.

[This message has been edited by bill boyd (edited 21 June 1999).]

2356 · Jun 21, 1999

I am a police officer,EMT and firefighter. I am also a new user of this service. The best thing to use when cutting a seat belt is the large size EMT scissors with a flat tip. This assures that when your in a hurry you won't cut or injure the patient. They can also be used to cut clothes safely. Every day I carry a small Spyderco for the little odd cutting jobs. The scissors may not be that cool looking but they work. I am going to look into trying one of the Mad Dog fixed blade Knives for my jump kit. These knives appear to be very well made and appear to hold up well to heavy abuse. Good luck.

phantom4 · Jun 21, 1999

I have both CS and Spyderco Rescue and Rescue II. I would definitely go with the Spyderco, a far superior knife. Corduroy is right about the CS serrations---they suck, no doubt about it.

Stevie Ray, the ER-1 was a Cold Steel product
back when they used the Spyderco type serrations that work. It is a pain to open, prone to jamming but it does cut alright.

phantom4

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who dares, wins

Knife Medic · Jun 26, 1999

I have carried a Spyderco Rescue (old style) on and off for the last five years as a Paramedic. I have used it to cut every thing from seatbelts to leather jackets and boots and this knife handles it all. I have had problems with the the EMS type shears before, not cutting roller gauze, so I stay with what works for me. Later

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Anybody seen the bactine, please?!?!?!?