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During an emergency scenario, every second counts. Paramedics and other emergency responders often must act quickly and decisively. That means having a sharp, fast knife that can quickly slice a seatbelt or pry open a jammed door. Although rescue knives are more niche than other blades, the demand remains. Firefighters and police officers may also find these specialty knives helpful daily.
With that in mind, we found the best rescue knives available today. These knives are all top choices for emergency personnel, but they are helpful for anyone else in a pinch. They double as good survival knives. One never knows when a knife like this might save a life.
Key Considerations
Although technically, any knife can be used to aid in a rescue, we sought out blades with some very specific features. We also focused a little more heavily on high-end brands and steel types. When people’s lives are on the line, it’s usually not a good idea to skimp on cheap knives. There are exceptions to this rule, but don’t be surprised at the price tags of some of these blades. The specific features we wanted in the best rescue knives include:
- Glass Breaker: Although many firefighters and medics have dedicated glass breakers, having a backup is always nice.
- Steel Quality: An emergency responder might answer multiple calls a night. There likely won’t be time to stop and re-sharpen between them. Thus, having a knife with exceptional edge retention is an edge for responders.
- Handles: It could be dry, it could be a hurricane, or it could be a snowstorm. The handle must be comfortable and easy to grip, no matter the situation. We preferred rubberized handles or textures on the handle.
- Serrations: Although a knife with a plain edge can cut a seatbelt, it is much easier with a serrated blade. Thus, we carefully considered any knife that had them.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Spyderco Rescue Assist
- Best Multitool: Gerber Centerdrive
- Best Budget: Kershaw Drivetrain
- Best Dedicated Belt Cutter: CRKT Bear Claw
- Best Fixed Blade: TOPS Mini Pry
- Best High-End: Benchmade Triage
Best Overall: Spyderco Rescue Assist
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Spyderco’s Rescue Assist line stands out because it offers two variants. The standard is the VG-10 version, which is suitable for most applications. However, they also provide a version in H-2 steel for additional saltwater corrosion resistance. It’s nice to have options. The blunted tip of the sheepsfoot blade is safe to use while cutting someone free from a seatbelt. Spyderco made the glass breaker retractable, which is a nice feature. It means that the sharp point won’t poke the user’s hand while fumbling for the knife in a pocket. We also like the bright orange and yellow coloration of the handle. It’s doubtful that you’ll drop this knife, thanks to an aggressive texture on the handle. However, it will be easy to find in the dark if you do drop it.
This knife's straight edge is small, which limits the practicality of some EDC tasks. It’s also relatively expensive. However, for first responders and law enforcement, this is one of the best knives of this type available today.
Best Multitool: Gerber Centerdrive
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Some law enforcement and first responders might find a multitool better than a knife. Gerber’s rescue-specific Center Drive is just the ticket. It has a simple 3.25-inch knife that’s partially serrated. The tool I tested was exceptionally sharp straight from the box. I love that this multitool uses a channel rail that can be opened with one hand. It frees up the other hand for delicate tasks. Gerber also made the magnetic bit driver tip extremely accessible. They include a dozen tips, so there’s something there for almost any scenario. It’s a coincidence, but this would be a dynamite little EDC tool when not on duty.
One feature I don’t like is that the plier must be in an open position to access three additional tools, including the knife. I’m not sure what the thought process is with that one, especially since I own an older Gerber multitool that allows access to everything while closed. However, one of the most essential tools, the belt cutter, is accessible from the outside. It’s also highly effective, effortlessly shredding all the materials I tasked it with.
Best Budget: Kershaw Drivetrain
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Kershaw packed the Drivetrain full of rescue-specific features at a price point often less than $50 with sales. It’s a simple drop-point knife but has a highly reliable and versatile steel choice with D2. This steel does an excellent job of holding an edge. The blade has a nice flipper tab that allows one-handed opening with the spring assist. It’s fast for when it is needed the most. Kershaw kept things simple with the seatbelt cutter. It has a fast, low profile, which won’t cut someone being freed from a stuck belt. Finally, this knife has a solid, carbide tip glass breaker that is far better than most knives at this price point.
There aren’t too many complaints about this knife. If carried with the pocket clip, the glass breaker in the knife's rear can poke the hand. It would be nice if Kershaw made a pouch for this knife to carry on a belt. However, that’s a small complaint. This is an excellent option for anyone on a budget or just someone who wants an inexpensive backup rescue knife.
Best Dedicated Belt Cutter: CRKT Bear Claw
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The Bear Claw is an unusual and interesting knife that’s best as a personal rescue device. CRKT blunted the tip, mainly for rafts and inflatables. However, it also makes it a little safer if someone cuts their seatbelt free themselves. I tested this knife on belts, straps, cardboard, and other fibers. It sliced all of them quickly and much more cleanly than I expected. The unique half-moon-shaped Veff serrations are a surprisingly effective cutting tool. I also like the extra jimping all over the top and bottom of the blade. It provides excellent control and a rock-solid grip, even with wet hands. The sheath also had excellent retention straight from the box.
This knife is essentially a belt- and strap-cutting tool. The blunted tip does limit its practicality to some degree, but that’s my only real complaint. I plan to attach this knife to my life vest whenever I go fishing or kayaking. It’s a fast, simple tool that gets the job done.
Best Fixed Blade: TOPS Mini Pry
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Sometimes, there isn’t time to wait for bigger tools to arrive on the scene of an accident. First responders and emergency personnel need to get into a vehicle immediately. That is where this pry knife comes in handy. TOPS gave this knife a full tang that allows the user to put a ton of leverage on the blade. Thanks to the wedge-shaped tip, it can help pop a window or a door open in a pinch. Tops is excellent at making ergonomic handles; this one is no exception. The Micarta provides a nice texture, and the finger grooves help with control.
This knife has serrations, but it doesn’t have a blunted portion for safety if cutting someone free from a seatbelt. Thus, it warrants a little extra caution for that task. This knife is also hefty, which could make it uncomfortable to belt carry. This is an ugly knife, which even TOPS admits. However, it’s not meant to be a showpiece. It’s a serious pry tool for professionals who need something that won’t let them down.
Best High-End: Benchmade Triage
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It’s no surprise that Benchmade has another winner with the Triage tactical rescue knife. These knives are well-constructed and reliable, from the G-10 handles to the S30V blades. Benchmade has some excellent serration designs that easily rip any fiber materials quickly. That part of the blade will make short work of any seatbelt. However, there is also a dedicated seatbelt cutter for additional safety. This knife has multiple variants, including one without a sharp tip that won’t make a wounded person’s bad day even worse. They also offer different textured handles, so there’s something for every cop or first responder’s tastes.
We wish that Benchmade had found a solution for their rear-mounted glass breaker, but it’s not a deal-breaker because the rest of the knife is incredible. The S30V steel is tough to sharpen, but it does hold an edge for a long time, so maintenance is minimal. We like the size and shape of this blade for users who want a rescue blade without sacrificing EDC functionality in the process.
How To Choose The Best Rescue Knife
It’s worth noting that a rescue knife isn’t just a tool for professionals. They can be a great addition to anyone’s highway emergency kit. Ice fishermen and backcountry pilots can have a little peace of mind keeping one close. When a vehicle ends up underwater, glass breakers and seatbelt cutters can help someone save their own life.
One doesn't want to take a rescue knife or survival knife lightly. It is generally a bad idea to skimp on one. Even if it is meant just as a backup to be thrown in a hiking pack. The cheap knives sold at flea markets and gas stations often have subpar “rescue” features that are more likely to fail in an emergency.
Note that rescue knives are NOT self-defense knives, even if they sometimes have similar features. That’s a whole other category of blades, and there’s not much in the way of crossover between the two.
Glass Breakers
Not every glass breaker on a knife is created equal. Avoid cheap “gas station” style knives. They usually include a crappy glass breaker that will either break or send the user’s hand through the window with it. This can lead to injuries. Don’t skimp if this is an important feature. Go with a tungsten-carbide style breaker. When using these breakers, always strike in the corner of the window for safety reasons. Additionally, these breakers work only on tempered glass windows and not the laminated ones used in newer vehicles. One gripe we have with breakers is the location. Manufacturers frequently put them on the rear of the knife where they poke hands reaching into a pocket. Consider getting a pouch for a knife with a rear breaker.
Belt Cutters
Seatbelts are made of strong, fibrous material. Subsequently, belt cutters have become common on many knives, especially cheap ones. However, be wary of these features. Not all are created equal. Many cheaper ones use low-quality steel and are just plain inefficient. I’ve found that the ones with serrations work better than a straight edge. Belt cutters frequently leave just a notch for the seatbelt to slip inside. The idea is that one is less likely to injure oneself since the blade is not exposed. An alternative to this style of belt cutter is a knife with a blunted tip that will be safer to use in an emergency.
Fixed vs. Folding
This choice is mostly a matter of case use. Fixed-blade knives offer much better strength. They are the better option for first responders who might need to pry something open, like a window or a car door. However, the extra strength comes with a considerable weight increase, making them less comfortable to carry. Folding knives can perform many basic rescue tasks, such as first aid and seatbelt strap cutting. Consider a fixed blade if the knife is meant as a personal rescue and survival tool. Get a knife with a 90-degree spine that can spark a fire with a Ferro rod for additional functionality.
Handle and Ergonomics
Don’t neglect the ergonomics when making a knife selection. The handle should be comfortable in any situation in any weather. Smooth, hard handles will be tough to grip in rain and snow. Hard plastic handles like G-10 will work, but consider buying something with some texture. This is for the safety of the user and anyone they are rescuing. Consider a knife with finger grooves and extra jimping on the spine for more control in delicate situations.
Why Trust Us
The knives we picked here were based on personal experience from a decade of covering knives professionally. However, I also considered the recommendations of people I know in law enforcement and emergency services. We purposely sought out knives used in real-world scenarios by professionals when making our decisions here.
Final Thoughts
The reputation and multiple variants of the Spyderco Rescue Assist made it an easy choice for the best rescue knife. Its Japanese-made blade can be relied on in any emergency scenario. We like the Benchmade Triage for our runner-up choice simply because it is practical for other EDC purposes. It may be expensive, but the quality of Benchmade’s blades is hard to beat. Any of these knives will function well for law enforcement or paramedics in a pinch.
FAQs
Q: What survival knife do the Navy Seals use?
A: Navy Seals famously use the Cold Steel SRK in their grueling training program. This affordable knife uses simple high-carbon steel and has excellent ergonomics. It is more than capable of being a rescue knife in various situations.
Q: What is the best rescue knife?
A: This question is subjective. However, first responders and law enforcement have both highly rated the Spyderco Assist line. The quality steel and features made it an easy choice for our best overall rescue knife.
Q: Should I carry a rescue knife all the time?
A: It depends on the situation. Firemen, police, and paramedics will find tons of uses for a knife in their work. Anyone who works frequently in the outdoors or other dangerous professions may also find a rescue knife useful in unexpected ways. Carrying this style of knife is situational, primarily based on each user’s needs. Consider a standard EDC-style knife for most other uses.
Related: Best EDC Rescue Knives
