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