BLADE Magazine

On election eve, BLADE Show West fetes its cutlery constituents.

With a presidential election looming and parts of the USA still in a state of shock after the natural disasters of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it was a BLADE Show West unlike any other. However, knife people are a hearty lot and many turned out to enjoy the knives and cutlery camaraderie this past October at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“The environment was good as usual, with lots of excitement,” wrote Jonathan McNees of McNees Knives.

Eddie Johnson of CobraTec echoed Jonathan’s assessment. “As always, the environment was enthusiastic and filled with excitement to see and hold new merchandise,” he commented. “There is nothing like holding that knife you have seen pictures and videos of.”

There were custom and factory knife awards galore, the show’s popular “Let The Pros Critique Your Knife” seminar, the West Coast Flipping Championships conducted by Squid Industries, and much more.

As for those all-important knife and knife accessory sales, it was like most shows: some exhibitors did well, some didn’t and some did OK.

“It was a great show,” Pro-Tech headman Dave Wattenberg exclaimed. “We did sell most everything that we brought, strong sales to both retail customers and dealers who attended. It’s very important to have both and this show did work well for retail and dealer dynamics.”

The Pro-Tech models that sold well were a mix.

“New models always do well—the Chaves collaboration did very well,” Dave noted. “Some oldie but goodie models—Godfathers, etc.—also did very well. Our TR-3 Integrity manual folder was a hot ticket for sure.

“We built an amazing group of show specials; they also did very well. It’s important to make some special pieces for the show, not just offer the same thing customers can buy anytime.”

John Cammenga of another factory cutlery company, White River Knife & Tool, also was pleased with sales.

“We had a very good show,” he remarked. “We had great sales and a dealer took everything we didn’t sell. It’s nice to go home sold out!”

Ernest Emerson of Emerson Knives, Inc., was another who said it was a great show.

“We sold out, with the first day rivaling the BLADE Show in Atlanta,” he opined. Jonathan McNees said his company had a “really good show. We didn’t quite sell out but we brought a lot of knives, so I didn’t expect to. Our folders sold best, but again, that’s to be expected with our customer base.”

While CobraTec sold well, sales were off about 30 percent from their show average over the previous two years.

“Everyone was concerned over the current economy and its uncertainty with the election approaching,” Eddie Johnson wrote. Nonetheless, he said several CobraTec knives were “good movers, from the Enforcer OTF to the Raptor to the OTF Utility Knife to our Koonsman fixed blade.”

Custom maker Tobin Hill agreed with Johnson’s economy/election observation.

“Talking with other exhibitors, the general consensus was tighter pocketbooks due to economy worries and pre-election jitters,” he wrote. Tobin brought eight knives and sold three—two of his Hill Locks with the rear bolster release and a lockback whittler.

Who Attended BLADE Show West

Like show sales, attendees ran the gamut, from young and old, novice to sophisticated buyers and more.

“The crowd seemed like a bigger percentage of experienced buyers versus the BLADE Show in Atlanta and BLADE Show Texas,” McNees observed. “We really enjoyed the local crowd. They were extremely friendly and receptive. We got lots of appreciation for coming out.”

The fact that it was the third straight year at the Salt Palace Convention Center seemed to help, too.

“It was good to see repeat customers, so I’m glad we’ve been at the same venue for a few years,” Cammenga wrote.

“There was a nice mix in demographics,” Johnson pointed out. “As always, it is great to see the entire family out enjoying the show. I had several sales to the younger generation with the supervision and guidance of their parents.” 

“There was a very healthy mix of already established Pro-Tech enthusiasts as well as first time buyers,” Pro-Tech’s Wattenberg wrote. “It did feel like a smaller crowd than last year, but we did have customers to work with the entire time, so no complaints. I especially love the family atmosphere; there were so many nice people.”

“The crowd seemed an even mix of young and old, several families with kids,” Hill reported. “There were not many ‘sophisticated’ buyers or dealers.”

According to one industry professional, the fewer buyers and dealers than usual from the Eastern USA may have been due to the poor economy and also the aforementioned Hurricanes Helene and Milton that hit shortly before the show.

BLADE Show West Exhibitors

Shows are about contacts, not only among show attendees and exhibitors but among the exhibitors themselves, including factory knife companies and custom makers to broach possible collaborations and other knife deals.

“We made good contacts with other makers, including some prominent ones we had not previously met,” McNees wrote. “The size of the show was good for that.” Added Johnson, “The BLADE Show always gives us an opportunity to meet various designers and talk about collaborations.” Wattenberg agreed. “We had a few excellent conversations with makers,” he noted.

West Coast Flipping Championship

The 5th Annual West Coast Flipping Championships conducted by Squid Industries was another rousing packed-house event, with Squid providing cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third.

Banks Tracy, aka banksqro, took home the title using a Squid Silver Krake Raken Tanto V3 balisong. Runnerup was Max Wenham, aka balisongnerd, who also used a Squid Silver Krake Raken Tanto V3 balisong. Madi Thomas, aka oximityy, took third with her Squid DT Red Krake Raken Tanto V3 balisong. The top three finishers also won prizes from the events’ gold sponsors.

BLADE SHOW WEST ’25

If you were there, you know; if you weren’t, you need to be. Make it so and plan now to attend next year’s BLADE Show West, Oct. 10-11, once again at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.

More On The BLADE Shows:

• 2024 BLADE Show West Custom Knife Award Winners
• 2024 BLADE Show West Factory Knife Award Winners
• BLADE Show 2024 Recap
• 2024 BLADE Show Texas Recap

If you think carry systems are rote, you need to get a gander at these knives and their revolutionary ways to keep them on person.

The carry systems for EDC knives have evolved to offer you a seamless experience, with an array of different spins on pocket clips, sheaths, lanyards and more. This convenience benefits you by saving time, providing peace of mind, encouraging regular carry and increasing utility. The popularity of EDC knives has spurred innovation in design and materials, leading to a market rich with options catering to every preference and need.

The carry systems play a pivotal role in this dynamic, as they directly influence your experience and the practicality of the knife in everyday scenarios. The benefits of EDC knives extend beyond individual use; they represent a culture of preparedness and self-reliance that resonates with many, reflecting a broader trend toward function and efficiency in personal gear.

Big Idea Design TI Lookout Fixed Blade

TI Lookout Specs
Carry: Two Kydex sheaths for left- and right-hand pocket carry, each equipped w/a titanium pocket clip
Blade Length: 2.2”
Blade Steel: M390 stainless
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @Thickest: .12”
Blade Finish: Satin
Handle Scales: Grade 5 titanium
Overall Length: 6.2”
Country of Origin: China
MSRP: $200

The TI Lookout Fixed Blade by Big Idea Design offers precision engineering and high-quality materials, making it an essential companion for everyday carry enthusiasts.

At the heart of the compact and robust knife is the M390 stainless blade steel, renowned for its superior edge retention and wear resistance. The premium material ensures that the TI Lookout maintains its razor-sharp edge through extensive use, reducing the need for frequent sharpening. The addition of Grade 5 titanium scales provides a sleek aesthetic and contributes to the knife’s lightweight yet durable construction.

The lanyard hole in the rear handle screw adds a functional touch, allowing for easy attachment and accessibility. The knife offers a perfect balance of control and cutting power.

The two included Kydex sheaths provide versatile carry options for lefties and righties. Each sheath is equipped with a titanium pocket clip that easily affixes inside a standard pocket or sunglass/device pocket found on many outdoor cargo pants. Consider it a gentleman’s fixed blade.

I put the TI Lookout through a range of EDC tasks, from cutting mundane materials to pushing it to the limits of the extremely aggressive, stabbing through light gauge metals. The knife thrived in this realm.

However, it dragged on thick, heavy-gauge cardboard. After slicing more cord, it remained sharp—it just got hung up a bit on cardboard. Wire, 550 paracord, nylon webbing and heavy leather succumbed to the keen edge.

In this writer’s humble opinion, the TI Lookout is not just a cutting tool but a statement piece reflecting the pinnacle of knife craftsmanship and material excellence.

TOPS Knives Quick Skin

Quick Skin Specs
Carry: Kydex w/beta material loops allowing for appendix, vertical, horizontal or scout-style carry
Designer: Leo Espinoza
Blade Length: 3.5”
Blade Material: 1095 carbon steel
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @Thickest: .19”
Blade Finish: Tungsten Cerakote™
Handle Material: Dragonfly Tread Micarta®
Overall Length: 7.13”
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $230

The TOPS Knives Quick Skin marries master craftsmanship, elegance and utility.

Designed with the avid hunter in mind, it boasts an “all-belly” blade in a Rockwell hardness of 56-58 HRC that ensures fewer strokes are needed, making skinning quick and painless. It comes with a versatile Kydex sheath sporting beta material loops allowing for various carry positions, including appendix, vertical, horizontal or scout-style. Ultimately, the beta loops will clip to pack straps, keeping the blade easily accessible regardless of your adventure.

The shape of a blade dictates its purpose. The TOPS is designed for slicing and skinning. I opted for an appendix carry for comfort and a non-rib-jabber solution.

While all wild game was out of season in my region, food wasn’t. Knives with a deep belly thrive on food. The Quick Skin followed suit. Despite its thick blade stock, the knife successfully sliced bacon, peppers, onions and mushrooms. Later, I moved to slicing beef, pork and chicken equally well. Thanks to its sophisticated design and practical features, the Quick Skin is a standout choice for hunters seeking a top-tier skinner.

Reiff Knives Circadian Clip Point EDC Fixed Blade

Circadian Specs
Carry: Crazy horse leather pocket sheath and UltiClip 3.3 Slim attachment
Blade Length: 3.28”
Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut stainless
Blade Grind: Flat saber
Blade @Thickest: .12”
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Blade Pattern: Clip point
Handle Material: Black canvas Micarta®
Overall Length: 7.25”
Country of Origin: USA
MSRP: $285

With its superior craftsmanship, utility and CPM MagnaCut stainless blade steel, the Reiff Knives Circadian Clip Point EDC Fixed Blade is an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and everyday carry.

The blade’s stonewash finish adds a rugged aesthetic and helps hide scratches and wear. The handle provides a secure grip even in wet conditions, and the ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use. Weighing in at only 4.1 ounces, the Circadian offers a lightweight yet robust solution for various cutting tasks.

The knife has a premium, deep carry, crazy horse leather pocket sheath and UltiClip 3.3 Slim for versatile carrying options. Inside-the-pocket carry is popular for discreetly carrying fixed blades. It makes the knife unobtrusive and out of the view of the sheepish.

More importantly, it gives a release option, making it easier to free the secure grip from your pocket. The UltiClip 3.3 Slim offers a versatile and secure method for attaching the knife to various clothing or gear, enhancing practicality and convenience.

As well as the Reiff fits into the EDC world, it teeters on the line of woods-worthy EDC. I was in the northeast woodlands during the test, and the Circadian was on hand. The knife was tasked with splitting wood via baton and also a round or two of feathering. It didn’t disappoint. Fit finish and comfort are standard. The handle offers a full-hand grip and the blade is stout.

A.G. Russell Woodswalker

Woodswalker Specs
Carry: Leather pocket sheath that fits into a back or cargo pocket perfectly, or a Kydex neck sheath
Blade Length: 2 3/8”
Blade Steel: 8Cr13MoV stainless
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade @Thickest: 1/16”
Blade Finish: Satin
Handle Material: POM thermoplastic
Overall Length: 6”
Country of Origin: China
MSRP: $34.95 to $36.95

The A.G. Russell Woodswalker is a versatile, durable knife designed in the 1970s for the outdoorsman who values tradition and function. Crafted for the casual hunter, this lightweight, non-folding pocketknife is perfect for a tranquil morning in the wilderness.

Whether you’re pursuing small game like quail, squirrel, dove or rabbit, or preparing a meal in the great outdoors, the Woodswalker excels with its drop point blade in a Rockwell hardness of 57-59 HRC. Full-tang construction ensures stability and balance, while the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip. Measuring 6 inches overall and weighing a mere 1.2 ounces, it’s an unobtrusive addition to any hunter’s gear.

Choose between the leather pocket sheath, which fits into back or cargo pockets perfectly, or the Kydex® neck sheath for convenient carry. I used both but I hate my pockets weighing me down. The neck carry option suited me well.

The Woodswalker is the classic of the test batch of roughnecks. It’s been there and back—that’s why I spared it no quarter. In my usual neck of the woods, I wanted to make a small fire and selected hardwoods like oak and maple to craft feather sticks.

This one isn’t a splitter or chopper, so act accordingly. It feathered wood like a dream and felt like a zipper effortlessly gliding through wood. The most impressive feature that’s not mentioned in any product description is the sharp 90-degree spine, ideal for striking a ferro rod and showering sparks worthy of the 4th of July. This knife isn’t just a tool, it’s a trusty companion for all your outdoor adventures.

Read More Knife Reviews:

• Best Rescue Tools
• Oknife Beagle Review
• Versa Rescue Knife Review
• Knife Review: CRKT Bamboozled
• M-1 Folder Review: How Good Is This Folder?

Betty Dowell was the juggernaut that made Ted Dowell’s knifemaking business move.

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Dowell, the driving force behind BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Ted Dowell, teacher, mother, grandmother and friend of the knife community for over half a century, passed away July 2. She was 93.

Most fittingly, she lived long enough to watch on Zoom as Ted was inducted into the Cutlery Hall of Fame June 5 at BLADE Show 2024.

Betty and Ted were married in 1953 and moved to Madras, Oregon, in 1954, where Betty was a part-time substitute teacher and homemaker raising three children: Scott, Lynn and Jeff. The family moved to Bend, Oregon, in 1964, where Betty became an accomplished substitute teacher in the Bend Public School System.

Ted, meanwhile, accepted a professorship at Central Oregon Community College, where he was dean of the mathematics department. He sold his first knife in 1967 and helped found the Knifemakers’ Guild in 1970, along with Cutlery Hall-of-Famer Bob Loveless writing the organization’s bylaws in the process. Ted also later served as Guild president.

Ted went full time making knives in 1974 and started TMD Knives in 1975. That same year the Dowells suffered the tragic loss of their son Scott, 19, in a car accident. Betty took the lead role in getting her family through such a trying time, as well as maintaining the knifemaking business.

As Jeff noted when he inducted his father at the Hall-of-Fame ceremony this past June, “My mom was galvanized and determined to have a family to take care of and a household to run, and she ran every bit of the business. [Dad made the knives] but everything else she did. She attended to every detail of the business. She had two kids to take care of and she had a grieving husband and a knifemaker and a business to support, and she did so for another 40 years.”

In fact, until the Dowells closed their knifemaking operation in 2010, Betty was the rock of TMD Knives, handling all of the purchasing, inventory management, accounting, correspondence, promotions, and travel logistics for the company. Her attention to detail and level of documentation of the business was as comprehensive and complete as possible.

Betty’s work accomplishments at TMD Knives and the Dowells’ ground-breaking efforts in getting the Guild established early on earned her the Guild’s coveted Nate Posner Award in 2015 for support “above and beyond” of the Guild and the custom knifemaking industry.

More About Custom Knives:

• Custom Knife Royalty: Russell, Moran And Loveless
• Spectacular Custom EDC Knives Unveiled
• Stag Handle: Custom Knives That Are Bad To The Bone
• Dagger: Custom And Production Buyer’s Guide

Ponder three markedly diverse examples of the quickest manual flippers.

When BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-of-Fame® member Kit Carson’s CRKT M16 design hit the shelves in 1999, it was a crapshoot in a rapidly growing field of modern tactical folders. To say the least, the M16 caught on like gangbusters and, well, here we are a quarter century later featuring the genre in BLADE®. Kit is no longer with us but his legacy is cemented in cutlery history as the popularizer of the modern-day flipper folder.

Bladerunners Systems (BRS) Khopesh

Bladerunners Systems Khopesh Specs
Blade length: 4”
Blade steel: Bohler M390 stainless
Blade pattern: Drop point
Pivot: Ball bearing
Handle material: Titanium, black G-10
Carry: Pocket clip
Weight: 6 ozs.
Closed length: 5”
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $196.95

At 9 inches open and 6.07 ounces, the Bladerunners Systems (BRS) Khopesh is the big bad wolf of the test bunch. The large stonewashed blade rolls out with ease thanks to a smooth ball bearing pivot. The flipper is the main mode of transportation for the blade, though it is pinch-able via three diagonal blade grooves to assist. The handle has V-shaped, bead-blasted titanium bolsters with silky rails housing a linerlock. A machined, reversible titanium pocket clip completes the package.

The Khopesh is over twice the heft of the two lightest review folders and, considering the weight, I didn’t expect the blade to fly out of the handle when using the flipper. However, I was delightfully surprised at how well the pivot added to the speed of deployment. With a bit of practice you can get quite proficient at it, and its size works to its advantage as the large handle aids in getting a good grip. The BRS entry won’t set any speed records for blade rollout but it’s fast enough for most applications.

A knife as large as the Khopesh also offers more utility advantages than a smaller one. The flipper folder is game for a lot of uses, whether cutting rope or preparing a meal on the go. I tested the blade on a chub of summer sausage and lopped off quarter-inch slices like a walk in the park.

Zero Tolerance 0990

Zero Tolerance 0990 Specs
Blade length: 3.25”
Blade steel: CPM 20CV stainless
Blade pattern: Drop point
Handle material: Carbon fiber, steel overlay
Carry: Pocket clip
Weight: 2.9 ozs.
Closed length: 4.4”
Special feature: Floating Bridge skeletonized frame
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $330

Zero Tolerance pushes the design envelope with the 0990, a spinoff of its limited edition 0999. The 0990 is highly skeletonized to the point that even the blade stop—aka a floating bridge—is exposed. The 4.4-inch handle features a steel frame with black carbon fiber onlays. The blade secures open via a linerlock hidden by the carbon fiber on the front frame rail. The tip-up pocket clip can be reversed to the front. The blade operates on a KVT ball bearing pivot and can be flipper-activated or pinched open by its oblong cutout.

The 0990 is the most distinctive member of the test trio both design- and flipper-wise. When the blade is closed the flipper tab extends out under the floating bridge. When flipped, the blade tang revolves and snicks into place on the bridge, holding the blade rigid. It’s what blades normally do—you just get to see it happen. The flipper tab is small, so it helps to practice flipping it to become totally familiar with its location and action. Practice makes perfect. Once activated, the KVT ball-bearing does a great job of flinging the blade out post haste, and the whole system is tight as a drum.

The ZT flipper folder is a mid-sized EDC capable of small-to-medium tasks—from opening mail and packages, preparing snacks, even cutting paracord and 3/8-inch rappelling rope—and in a pinch will offer a welcome level of protection. I tested the blade on some rope and paracord and the CPM 20CV blade cut extremely well. Plus, the 0990 will definitely wow your friends on work breaks.

CobraTec Ghost

CobraTec Ghost Frame Lock Specs
Blade length: 3.75”
Blade steel: Damascus
Blade pattern: Modified wharncliffe
Pivot: Ball bearing
Handle material: Titanium
Carry: Pocket clip
Weight: 2.4 ozs.
Closed length: 5”
Special feature: Glass breaker
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $199.99

CobraTec’s streamlined Ghost flipper folder has all the style and grace of a stiletto on steroids, eschewing a symmetrical dagger blade for a wicked modified wharncliffe with linerlock. The knife adds to its mystique with a damascus blade and skeletonized handle etched in a pattern complementing the blade steel. That’s a lot to digest but, all in all, it works. The blade engages exclusively by the flipper tab—even the latter is skeletonized—and swings out effortlessly on a ball-bearing pivot. Out back is a bead-blasted, tip-up pocket clip and there’s a lanyard hole and glass breaker in the butt.

Thanks in no small part to its ultra-slim profile and light weight, the knife is a speed demon. With little drag on its ball-bearing pivot, the blade literally flies out when flipped. I found the flipper tab easily accessible and the exposed framelock makes it easy to reload. The slim profile makes it harder to grip than a wider model but, as with any knife, practice and familiarity makes perfect. You can’t knock its looks, either. There’s something about damascus that just warms the soul.

Most knives this slender typically excel at jobs like self-defense and melon testing. That said, the tip extends the blade’s slicing ability beyond the standard symmetrical stiletto. I tested the blade by taking off strips of suede and was surprised at how well it performed for such a narrow pattern. I also gauged its penetrating prowess on a cantaloupe and it easily sank to the integral guard with every stab. The Ghost is not a working knife per se but its utility may surprise you.

Read More Knife Reviews:

• Best Rescue Tools
• Oknife Beagle Review
• Versa Rescue Knife Review
• Knife Review: CRKT Bamboozled
• M-1 Folder Review: How Good Is This Folder?

What better knife to carry daily than one explicitly designed to save lives?

Why rescue knives as EDC? It’s more like “why not?” Life presents situations you don’t expect—an accident happens and there you are, right in the middle of it. It is therefore very important to be and stay prepared. Having a rescue knife within close reach can help when you need it most.

But who really carries a rescue knife daily? If you are a fireman, EMT or in law enforcement, it’s an easy answer. Remember the be and stay prepared motto. Even if not in a save-and-serve profession, you can have a rescue knife with you for times you need it most.

Victorinox Rescue Tool

It probably is no surprise that Victorinox makes a rescue knife. The company is well known for fashioning super handy pocketknives with all sorts of onboard tools that make work, play and life easier and more convenient—and in this case, safer, too.

At about 4.4 inches closed, the Victorinox Rescue Tool has a frame based on the largest knife the company makes. This is definitely not a pocketknife! It comes with a high quality sewn and riveted nylon sheath (more on it later).

As with most Swiss Army knives, the Rescue Tool sports a variety of on-board tools: a partially serrated 3⅛-inch main blade with hole opener; bottle opener; flathead and Phillips screwdrivers; a combination can opener and small flathead screwdriver; a 3.25-inch semi-curved, fully serrated blade for cutting seatbelts; a specially designed 3.25-inch pull saw for cutting shatterproof glass; and a glass breaker. The latter two are removable. The polyamide scales come in high-visibility yellow for easy location in low light conditions, and the scales glow in the dark after being charged up by sunlight or artificial light. Fit and finish on the Rescue Tool is standard for Victorinox—perfect out of the box. The blades and tools are finished nicely in a full polish except for the saw blade, which is satin finished. Opening and closing action is smooth. The main partially serrated blade locks open via a linerlock as well.  

The seatbelt cutter is extremely effective. The rounded, dull blade tip extends slightly beyond the handle butt so you can deploy the blade with or without gloves. Work the blade under the seatbelt and, with one swift motion, pull and the blade slices clean through. The serration pattern is similar to one you might see on a steak knife, with evenly spaced teeth—simple yet very effective and extremely sharp out of the box.

The partially serrated main blade is easy to deploy via the hole opener. The blade is unlike most if not all other partially serrated non-Victorinox patterns. The front 70 percent of the edge is serrated and the balance closest to the tang is plain for finer cutting. The serrations are more rounded at the tips than on the seatbelt cutter, presumably to allow the blade to cut evenly like a plain edge. I tested it on food, cardboard and manila rope, and it cut smoothly and aggressively.

Now for the disappointing part—the glass breaker. It was not effective at all. I could not get a side car window to shatter no matter how hard I hit it. I presume the failure is due to the breaker point being too big. In my experience, the most effective glass breakers are the ones that come to a point and are made of carbide, as with the balance of the review knives. The glass saw is effective, though it grabs a bit too much on the pull stroke. However, when I adjusted the pressure it worked. Country of origin: Switzerland. MSRP: $115.

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Rescue Tool 54900

$115.00

MidwayUSA $115.00 Blade HQ $115.00

Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

SOG Escape 2.0 ATK

The SOG Escape 2.0 ATK is the updated version of the original SOG Escape, a multipurpose rescue folder targeted at the serve and save pros. It features a 3.4-inch blade of AUS-8 stainless steel PVD coated black, a partially serrated edge, anodized aluminum handle, integrated/replaceable seatbelt/line cutter, and glass breaker. The blade sports ambidextrous thumb studs and a flipper for one-hand opening. The edge is serrated to tackle a plethora of cutting chores. The clip point shape is adaptable to a wide range of tasks and the defined point is great for scoring. The serrations provide extra slicing power when the going gets tough.

The handle is cast aluminum with stainless steel liners. It comes in two colors: high visibility orange and OD green. The integrated slot at the butt houses a blade for cutting seatbelts, line and string without opening the knife. A glass breaker in the handle spacer quickly shatters side car windows. The breaker works very well. It quickly shattered the side glass with a concentrated pop to the lower corner of the window. The pocket clip is a fold-over, deep carry model. A spare seatbelt/line cutter blade stows safely beneath the textured panel handle inlay. Back out the two small Phillips screws securing the cover and you will see the blade underneath—it is simple to swap out.  Country of origin: China. MSRP: $54.95.

Sog Escape ATK Liner Lock Knife Orange/Black

$49.91

BattleHawk Armory $49.91 MidwayUSA $54.99 Blade HQ $54.95 Hinterland Outfitters $159.00

Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

Kershaw Drivetrain

Kershaw’s Drivetrain rescue knife looks like any standard EDC linerlock folder. It has a stylish handle coupled with a very utility friendly blade—but that’s where the similarity ends. The presentation side of the handle butt boasts an integrated seatbelt cutter that folds out. A glass breaker is inserted into the end of the handle spacer. The 3.2-inch clip point blade has ambidextrous thumb studs and a flipper for one-hand opening enhanced by the company’s SpeedSafe assist mechanism. The blade is D2 tool steel for augmented edge holding and wear resistance, especially for the price point. The stonewash finish is attractive and hides scratches.

The handle is molded glass reinforced nylon with double stainless steel liners. The scales are textured and contoured for a nonslip, comfortable grip with no hot spots. The seatbelt cutter easily deploys with one hand and a separate linerlock holds it in place. When closed, the cutter is concealed within the lines of the handle profile and doesn’t get in the way. A steel pocket clip carries the closed knife blade tip up.

The blade is very utility friendly, from opening boxes and mail to cutting cardboard and plastic sheeting. Once locked open, it is extremely secure with no play.

The seatbelt cutter works well. The hook tip is dull and rounded so you can work it under the seatbelt without inadvertently cutting yourself or the accident victim. The blade is ground on both sides to enhance sharpness. For best results, make your pull cut at an angle in relation to the seatbelt. Also, resting the handle spine on the seatbelt is a great way to “aim” the cutter. It bites in better that way and, when you feel it engage, give the handle a quick tug and it cleaves through effortlessly. It is a surprisingly effective seatbelt cutter! The glass breaker works very well, too. Country of origin: U.S. design, prototype and quality control, Chinese manufacture. MSRP: $69.59.

Utica’s Honor Rescue Knife

Utica’s Honor Rescue Knife is the least expensive of the test group. It packs a few features normally found on rescue knives, such as the integrated seatbelt cutter, glass breaker and a partially serrated, modified tanto blade. The 3-inch stainless steel blade’s partial serrations help rip through thicker materials. A two-tone finish adds character, with the bevels and spine black oxide coated and the flats satin finished. A flipper tab provides ambidextrous opening, and the blade rides effortlessly on bearings for ultra smooth action. The handle is aluminum with double stainless steel liners providing the backbone. A linerlock holds the blade open securely. A seatbelt cutter slot in the handle butt has two sharpened blades held in the scissor position to cleave seatbelts with a firm pull. The steel back spacer has an extended portion that tapers to a point, which serves as the glass breaker. 

Like with the Victorinox Rescue Tool, the glass breaker on the Utica test model was ineffective. The point rounded off due to multiple hits to a side window and did not shatter it. The breaker needs a carbide point. A deep carry clip positions the closed knife blade tip down. Cost and feature wise, the Honor Rescue Knife is a great option without breaking the bank. Country of origin: China. MSRP: $32.97.

Utica Rescue Series Linerlock Folding Knife 3" two-tone finish partially serrated stainless ta Black and silver aluminum handle

$29.50 $29.49

Optics Planet $29.49

Prices accurate at time of publishing. Affiliate disclosure.

Final Cut

A final thought: Some prefer having a rescue knife for emergencies only as opposed to having one for both work and emergencies. You can get away with a relatively inexpensive rescue knife if you preserve it for emergency use exclusively. (Some high-end rescue knives cost as much as regular tactical folders, that is, several hundred dollars.) There’s nothing wrong with an inexpensive rescue knife as long as the manufacturing quality is there, the blade lock holds and the blade is sharp. If you are adept at doing so, sharpen the blade first before stowing it away; this way you know the blade is very sharp. And since you won’t be using it as an EDC, the sharp edge will be preserved. This works well if you have multiple vehicles in your family that you wish to outfit with rescue knives.  

Where To Keep Your Rescue Knife

Keeping a rescue knife in your vehicle is a great idea as it can help free you and others should you have an accident or happen upon one. However, give careful thought to where you stow the knife.

Most assume a glovebox is a safe place and while not a wrong choice, it is a poor one. Why? For one, in an accident your seatbelt may not release because of the tension; in essence, you’re strapped to the driver’s seat and cannot lean over to access the glovebox. Worse, the vehicle could be upside down or on its side. In other words, have the knife placed securely within arm’s length.

I keep a Benchmade Auto Triage inside the sunglass holder in the roof of my car, just above the inside rearview mirror. It is secured shut with a latch so it won’t pop open on impact. I can easily reach it and remove it from the holder with my right hand. In my truck I keep a Hogue Trauma rescue folder in the sheath wrapped around the lower portion of the seatbelt anchor in between the seat and the door. It’s just enough room for me to access the knife with the door shut, and the knife is secured in that position and won’t move.

The worst place to keep the knife is in the center console cupholder. While it’s convenient to access, if you get rear ended or t-boned, the knife will go airborne and land way out of reach. Some vehicles may have a center console storage/armrest in the middle. Yeah, mine in each vehicle is a clutter catchall for receipts and other junk, but it’s another ideal location because the armrest lid latches shut and is within arm’s reach.

Read More Knife Reviews:

• Best Rescue Tools
• Oknife Beagle Review
• Versa Rescue Knife Review
• Knife Review: CRKT Bamboozled
• M-1 Folder Review: How Good Is This Folder?