Any EMTs -- Carry Knife?

cuervo · 09-11-2005, 22:13

[edit: Meant to post in Cop Talk, but maybe it fits here, too, or Mods will move it.]

[edit again: I never noticed the FF/EMS Forum here. Maybe Mods will move this to the FF/EMS forum.]

I figured this might get answered here and is maybe a follow-up to an earlier post I asked on switchblades in NC. I had asked about switchblades because I was looking at a Microtech MSE but would like to find something that is close to it but in a manual version.

So, as far as something to cut webbing and break glass, what does anyone carry? The features I'd like to have are: non-pointed blade, carbide glass breaker, line cutter without having to open knife, and maybe assisted opening when opening is necessary.

I'm not looking to be a EMT-wanta-be, anymore than a CCW makes me a Cop-wanta-be. I do believe, though, that in any situation, I am my first line of defense and/or rescue.

I've looked at SOG's new Trident and it fits pretty close except it has a pointed blade.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/st....html?s=SOGTF1

Colt has a line that is pretty close except maybe for the fast opening.
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/st...l?s=CT0101EMSB

Spiderco & Kershaw, no external cutter.
http://www.knivesplus.com/spyderco-k...p-c79psbk.html
http://www.botac.com/kerebl.html

tia

Slinger646 · 09-12-2005, 05:24

I carry a SOG trident and a Smith & Wesson First Response. Maybe a Mod could move this to FF/EMS section of GT

Fireman1291 · 09-12-2005, 07:00

I have the Colt for work and it sucks, if you get it unscrew the allen bolts and use locktite, i lost about 3-4 screws, they just fell out. I used to use the knife on fire scenes alot but have since started to use my cold steel Recon1 instead, its over engeneered and will last longer, however I cant use it for med cause of the pointed blade. The Colt would be my choice for MEDICAL but use loctite. Hope this helps.

Rinspeed · 09-12-2005, 10:29

Cold Steel makes a very good knife for the money. Just don't order direct as you can save a lot by ordering from a online dealer.

HollowHead · 09-12-2005, 13:32

Smith & Wesson "First Response". Flat point, belt cutter blade and glass breaking spring-loaded point.

Privatejoker · 09-12-2005, 15:50

for glass breaker, the MOD small CQD is a hell of a knife

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/st...html?s=MDDMABS

Personally, i would rather sharpen a stick and use it than use a S&W knife. I have seen the liner locks on them fail a couple time, and I think the steel is garbage.

Just my $.02

AggiePhil · 09-12-2005, 17:26

I carry a Benchmade McHenry & Williams and absolutely love it.

demusn79 · 09-12-2005, 18:10

non pointed blade!!!! argh!!! democnife

;i

lomfs24 · 09-13-2005, 02:41

I carry a Smith and Wesson First Responder 911 knife.
http://www.888knivesrus.com/product/SW911

You can find them a lot cheaper on ebay but there is a picture of one.

My whole department loved mine except one guy who didn't like the open blade for a seat belt cutter but you would really have to work to cut someone with it. Not saying you couldn't it just wouldn't be unintentional.

jbcarr25 · 09-13-2005, 08:59

Try a SOG Flash, I've got the Flash Tanto, this thing is great. Opens fast and never fails to slice through anything I need it to and it holds a razor edge for longer than most others I've used.

http://www.sogknives.com/flash.htm

Charlie Fox · 09-13-2005, 09:32

IMHO these specialized "EMT Knives" are just a marketing ploy. In 22 years of service I have had to punch 1 window, and I did than with an axe head. As for seat belts I have NEVER had to cut one, ever. So all this add-on stuff is extra weight. If you're concerned with a pointy knife get a Spyderco Rescue and call it good.

Rinspeed · 09-13-2005, 10:07

Quote:

Originally posted by Charlie Fox
IMHO these specialized "EMT Knives" are just a marketing ploy. In 22 years of service I have had to punch 1 window, and I did than with an axe head. As for seat belts I have NEVER had to cut one, ever. So all this add-on stuff is extra weight. If you're concerned with a pointy knife get a Spyderco Rescue and call it good.

I have heard that the actual times a seat belt needs to be cut is very small. I am interested in what others have to say about this.

AggiePhil · 09-13-2005, 11:00

Quote:

Originally posted by Rinspeed
I have heard that the actual times a seat belt needs to be cut is very small. I am interested in what others have to say about this.

Maybe so, buy hey...it sure is fun!!! ;f ;a

cuervo · 09-13-2005, 14:17

Charlie Fox,

Good point, and I'm probably trying to kill too many birds with one stone.

To some extent, I'm thinking of both getting into someone else's car if I ever happen upon an accident and getting out of mine if I need to; not to mention just everyday use.

Thanks for the input everyone.

DaleGribble · 09-14-2005, 06:53

Quote:

Originally posted by Charlie Fox
IMHO these specialized "EMT Knives" are just a marketing ploy. In 22 years of service I have had to punch 1 window, and I did than with an axe head. As for seat belts I have NEVER had to cut one, ever. So all this add-on stuff is extra weight. If you're concerned with a pointy knife get a Spyderco Rescue and call it good.

Same here!

I carry two pocket folders, a Gerber and a Kershaw, neither one of them have anything to do with pt care! If I ever need to cut a seat belt, which I never have, I'll use my trauma shears.

If I ever need to break a window I'll just use my fist, Terminator style! The ladies would love that! ;f

Line Rider · 09-14-2005, 11:17

I was an EMT back n the 1980's. I carried a Buck 110 Folding Hunter. Great knife, I never had a problem with it.

Privatejoker · 09-14-2005, 12:16

+1 for the Spyderco Rescue.

emt1581 · 09-14-2005, 12:53

I carry a Kershaw Speed Safe partially serrated. I've had Spyderco's as well as other brands, but for my money the Kershaw is wonderful!!! Great, fast, simple.

A lot of guys around her carry wacker packs (trauma shears, penlight, scissors, but so far my knife has gotten be by just fine when needed.

-Emt1581

oldstyle · 09-14-2005, 19:09

Quote:

Originally posted by AggiePhil
I carry a Benchmade McHenry & Williams and absolutely love it.

Me too! Mine is the smaller 705. My all time favorite knife.

jim2037 · 09-17-2005, 11:23

I lost my spyderco rescue on a call last week!

:(

Rinspeed · 09-17-2005, 12:01

Quote:

Originally posted by jim2037
I lost my spyderco rescue on a call last week!

:(

That is the only reason I haven't bought a Benchmade. If I lose one of my Cold Steel folders no big deal as I can replace it for $40 - 50. I think I would be to worried of losing a $150 knife to enjoy it.

Glkster19 · 09-20-2005, 16:48

I just carry a cheap 3-4" locking blade with a pocket clip. Over 15 years, I've spent less than $25.00 on knives and not never had 1 not do what I wanted it to.

tc2129 · 09-22-2005, 10:21

I carry a Benchmade model 5 Rescue hook. Never cut a seatbelt with it, but have cut off clothing on patients and have used the O2 wrench many times. I like it because it is very small and light. I don't even know it is there on my belt. As far as a knife, I carry either a Benchmade 9050 auto or a Coldsteel Recon 1. And I agree with others about the "EMT knives" being just a marketing scheme. I have broken a few windows, but used a Halligan spike or some other handtool from off the truck.

kyfirefreak · 09-22-2005, 12:52

Been on FD 6 years. Never once punched a window or cut a seatbelt on a scene, only in training.

I carry a S&W Extreme OPS. Works fine for me.

Terminator · 09-23-2005, 05:51

Quote:

Originally posted by DaleGribble

If I ever need to break a window I'll just use my fist, Terminator style! The ladies would love that! ;f

You have to love Terminator style

Seriouly though, i carry i Gerber Firestorm.