I have recently had a chance to check out a Assist II. First off, I was a little surprised that despite the name, this is not an assisted opening knife; instead it opens quickly and easily with one hand using the large (14mm) blade hole and Cobra Hood. This is a good thing as far as I am concerned since I have found assisted openers to be much more trouble than they are worth.
The Assist is very well made, the handles are very comfortable and secure and the blade opens smoothly and cuts well.
The FRN handles are more hand filling than something like the 93mm Rescue or Atlantic Salt, which is good if you have a lot of work to do or if you are cutting with a lot of force, but may be a minus if the added bulk bothers you for pocket carry; though bulk probably is not much of a factor for a vehicle knife. The Assist is very light and dose carry well using its wire pocket clip.
There is a whistle built into the handle, which is fairly shrill but not all that loud compared to a good pea less survival whistle. I would not depend on the whistle too much, but I suppose it is better than nothing as a backup.
Unlike the Assist I, the Assist II dose not have the glass breaker.
I have not seen an Assist I but its blunt tipped blade looks to be specialized for cutting clothing or seat belts from accident victims.
- Frank
