Firefighter knives are designed based on the intended function, or manner in which it will be used.
For instance, the Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife has several features that can be utilized as a firefighter knife.
Cutlery And More
They are:
Heavy duty serrated blade for cutting through thick obstacles. Window punch for breaking car windows during an extrication. Oxygen tank wrench for treating patients needing O2. Seat belt cutter for removing victims from motor vehicle crashes.
As you can see, the features on this knife have several functional uses that aid the firefighter on the scene.
Another such rescue knife is the MAK-1 (Multiple Access Knife) made by Columbia River Knife and Tool. If you were to analyze the construction of this tool, you would find that it is basically one solid piece of heavy duty (3Cr13) stainless steel. However, incorporated in this design are the following features:
Window punch. Cutting edge. Pry bar. Battery (car) terminal wrench.
However, unlike the Gerber Hinderer, the MAK-1 is a fixed blade, and measuring in at ten inches, is not something you would carry in your pocket.
Both of the above mentioned firefighter knives are designed with an intended use in mind. Having said that, the lesson to learn is to know what it is you want your knife to do and then find the one that is the best match.
Unfortunately, due to the large selection of firefighter knives available, it may be difficult to determine if a particular knife will fulfill the desired function. It would be very time-consuming, not to mention costly, for a fire fighter to purchase and test every available firefighter knife. So, what is the answer to determine the best knife for the job?
May I suggest that as firefighters we share our knowledge on the subject.
Let me explain.
I imagine that there are literally thousands of firefighters that carry a knife while on duty. As a result, each of these members are thoroughly familiar with how their particular knife performs. It would be safe to say that these rescue knives have been put to the test in some pretty harsh conditions, and either performed well or failed.
When you consider that some of the personal firefighter knives have been involved in rescues, vehicle extrications, firefighting, EMS and HazMat calls, it is easy to say that they have been tested to the max. So once a fire fighter is familiar with a particular knife, and how it functions in the real world, then that valuable knowledge can be passed along to fellow members of the fire service.
What are some ways to pass along this first-hand knowledge?
Here are a couple of suggestions:
Share your experience with members in your own station and department. Post your findings on fire department related forums and blogs. Write an article describing the pros and cons of your particular knife.