| Although there are many so called "firefighter | | | | materials that are used in the construction of the |
| pocketknives" on the market today, not all of | | | | rescue knife. |
| them live up to the marketing hype. | | | | As you do your research for the best firefighter |
| For example, a recent window punch that I | | | | pocketknife, it is also important to keep in mind |
| tested on a rescue knife failed to break the | | | | these points: |
| window. In fact, the glass breaker tip simply | | | | How easy is it to use the knife while wearing |
| flattened out against the car window. Yep, what | | | | gloves? |
| was billed as a window punch was weaker than | | | | Obviously, at the scene of a motor vehicle crash |
| the glass. | | | | full turn out gear is in order. With sharp metal |
| Can you imagine being on the scene of an | | | | objects, broken glass and other hazards, you will |
| extrication and trying to bust a window with a | | | | naturally being wearing gloves. Will you have to |
| faulty glass breaker? When it comes to firefighter | | | | take the gloves off to use a particular feature of |
| knives, the lesson to learn is to carry the right | | | | the knife? |
| tool. So, how do you know the right one to buy? | | | | Can the tool be operated with one hand? |
| Answer - do some research. | | | | Is it possible to open the blade of the knife with |
| Here are 5 tips to help you narrow down the | | | | one hand while holding the seat belt with the |
| perfect firefighter pocketknife: | | | | other? Also, can the firefighter pocketknife be |
| - Google something like "Best firefighter | | | | opened with one hand while wearing gloves? |
| pocketknives" or "firefighter knives" and read the | | | | Can the seat belt cutter be easily sharpened? |
| product reviews. | | | | Some of the rescue tools available have |
| - Go on You Tube and view the product | | | | replacement blades for when the cutter becomes |
| demonstrations for rescue knives. | | | | dull. Other models have permanent blades that |
| - Check out quality knife makers like Benchmade, | | | | must be resharpened. Check to see if a special |
| Gerber and Columbia River Knife and Tool and | | | | tool is required to sharpen the cutter. |
| read their product descriptions. | | | | Does the knife come with a warranty? |
| - Ask a fellow firefighter about their experience | | | | Check to see if a warranty is provided with the |
| with their own particular pocketknife. | | | | knife and the conditions of that warranty. Will the |
| - Test the knife yourself. If you already own a | | | | manufacturer repair the knife at no cost? What all |
| firefighter pocketknife, try it out at your next | | | | is covered by the warranty? How long is the |
| extrication drill. | | | | warranty good for? |
| Note: An important thing to remember as you | | | | As you can see, there is a lot to consider when |
| research for the best firefighter pocketknife is | | | | searching for the right firefighter pocketknife to |
| that the old saying, "You get what you pay for" | | | | purchase. The most important thing to remember |
| applies here as well. | | | | is to get a knife that does what it is supposed to |
| Even with reputable knife makers, the lower end | | | | do. You can accomplish this goal by doing your |
| products do not perform as well. This only makes | | | | own research and weeding out the money |
| sense as the lower the cost, the lower the quality | | | | wasters. Just remember, "You get what you pay |
| of product. I'm not saying buy the most | | | | for. |
| expensive one, but be aware of the quality of the | | | | |