Top 10 Rescue Knives
for June 2023

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When heading out into the great outdoors, whether it's for hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking, it's crucial to have a reliable rescue knife on hand. Rescue knives come in all shapes and sizes, but they all share the common goal of aiding in survival situations. These multi-purpose knives can be used for anything from cutting rope, slicing through branches, or even breaking car windows in an emergency. At the core of each rescue knife is its blade composition. High-quality steel used for the blade is essential, as it ensures a sharp edge and long-lasting durability. The knife's design is also vital, with folding and pocket knives leading the pack in convenience and portability. However, the most important factor is the knife's ability to prioritize safety with features such as a seat belt cutter and glass breaker. With all these things in mind, we've put together a list of the top 10 rescue knives for sports and outdoor enthusiasts. So whether you're trekking through dense forests or fishing in remote lakes, you can rest assured that you have a sturdy and reliable piece of equipment to get you through any emergency. Let's dive into our top picks and discover what makes these rescue knives stand out from the rest.

1
9.6
SCORE
CRKT M16-14ZER Folding Pocket Knife: Emergency Rescue, Serrated Edge Blade, Tanto, Seatbelt Cutter Automated Liner Safety, Orange Nylon Handle with Window Breaker, 4-Position Pocket Clip

Columbia River Knife & Tool CRKT Folding M16-14ZER Pocket Knife: Emergency Rescue

by Columbia River Knife & Tool
What We like

Designed by Kit Carson in Vine Grove, Kentucky

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Product Features

  • Cutting Power: Triple Point serrations cut fibrous materials with ease
  • Safe And Secure: Automated liner safety provides extra layer of lock security
  • Emergency Rescue: Seat belt cutter and glass breaker included
2
9.5
SCORE
Kershaw Barricade (8650) Multifunction Rescue Pocket Knife with 3.5 Inch Stainless Steel Blade; Features SpeedSafe Assisted Opening with Flipper, Glass Breaker Tip, Belt Cutter, and Pocketclip; 4.5 oz

Kershaw Barricade (8650) Multifunction Rescue Pocket Knife with 3.5 Stainless Inch Steel Blade; Features SpeedSafe Assisted Opening with Flipper

by Kershaw Sporting Goods
What We like

Single position pocket clip allows for a comfortable carry with ease and accessibility; also features a deep-carry pocketclip that enables the knife to ride low in pockets

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Product Features

  • SpeedSafe Assisted Opening allows quick access to blade with one-handed safe release; the modified clip-point blade opens one-handed with the flipper
  • Built-in belt cutter works as an emergency escape tool
  • Accessible and strong carbide glass breaker built into the handle
  • Liner lock secures blade in position during use and closes easily when tasks are done; the enclosed hard and corrosion resistant blade meets every need and want
3
9.3
SCORE
StatGear T3 Tactical Auto Rescue Tool - knife, seatbelt cutter, spring-loaded window punch, light. sheath included

StatGear T3 Tactical Auto Rescue Tool

by StarGear
What We like

Heavy duty nylon sheath

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Product Features

  • LED light for emergency light
  • 440c Stainless steel serrated blade
  • Spring-loaded window punch
  • 440c Stainless steel seatbelt cutter
4
9.2
SCORE
Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 Rescue Lightweight Folding Knife with 3.88

Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara 2 Rescue Lightweight Folding Knife with Stainless 3.88" Steel Sheepfoot Blade and High Performance Orange FRN Handle

by Spyderco
What We like

DESIGNED TO BE SAFE - It's blunt tip allows it to be used safely around accident victims and prevents puncturing of rafts and other flotation gear.

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Product Features

  • DEPENDABLE - Conscientiously designed with a high-visibility orange handle that makes it even easier to access in a critical situation.
  • VERSATILE - With the four-position clip and it's comet-shaped hole, every aspect of this knifes carry, deployment, and operation are completely ambidextrous.
  • GAME CHANGER - Byrd knives offer the same functionality and versatility as other Spyderco knives, but at incredibly affordable prices.
  • RELIABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE - Its fully serrated sheepfoot blade cuts with aggressive authority and makes short work of seat belts, rope, webbing, and other fibrous materials.
5
8.7
SCORE
Folding Pocket Knife, G10 Handle Multifunction Rescue Folding Knife, with Glass Breaker, Bottle Opener and Simple whistle for Outdoor Survival

AuRiver Folding Pocket Knife

by AuRiver
What We like

With Pocket clip for easy and safe carry, Also has a Simple whistle, can opener and Glass breaker for emergencies.

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Product Features

  • Ergonomic G10 handle with Lock back locks blade securely in place and maximizes safety during closing.
  • high-performance 9Cr14MoV Black stainless steel blade features excellent toughness, edge retention and corrosion resistance.
  • Speed-Safe Assisted Opening allows quick access to blade with thumb stud and one-handed safe release, locks securely into place with liner lock.
  • Outdoor activities essential Pocket Knife, Daily life is also commonly used. Whether you are a knife collector, survivalist or a first responder, you can trust.
6
8.7
SCORE
Magnum Compact Rescue Knife

Boker Magnum Compact Rescue Knife

by Boker USA - Sports
What We like

Includes pocket clip

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Product Features

  • Seatbelt cutter
  • Liner lock mechanism
  • Glass breaker
  • 440 stainless steel blade, black coated, partially serrated
7
8.6
SCORE
3-in-1 Navy SEAL Skull Tactical Knife for Search & Rescue with Glass Breaker, Seatbelt Cutter and Steel Serrated Blade

Swiss Safe 3-in-1 Navy SEAL Skull Tactical for Knife Search & Rescue with Glass Breaker

by Swiss Safe Products, LLC
What We like

NEW 2020 DESIGN: High Performance Steel Blade with Lightweight Aluminum Handle and Pocket Clip

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Product Features

  • SECURE: Built in Safety Lock, Spring Assist, and Hand Grip Made for Emergency Rescue Situations
  • DIMENSIONS: 3 " Stainless 3mm Thick Steel Blade, 5" Closed Length, Fits in Swiss Safe EMT Holster
  • MULTI-FUNCTION 3-in-1: Built in Glass Breaking Tip, Seatbelt Cutter & Stainless Steel Knife Blade
8
8.6
SCORE
Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Fixed Blade Knife with Secure-Ex Sheath - Standard Issue Knife of The Navy Seals, Great for Tactical, Outdoors, Hunting and Survival Applications, SK-5 Steel, Compact

Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Blade Fixed Knife with Secure-Ex Sheath

by Cold Steel
What We like

COMFORTABLE, SECURE GRIP: The handle sports a single quillon finger guard and a deeply checkered Kray-Ex grip for a safe, secure hold in all conditions

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Product Features

  • TRUSTED BY SPECIAL FORCES: The SRK is the standard issue knife for Navy SEALs B.U.D.S. training and is trusted by the Military and Special Forces community for its versatility and durability in even the worst conditions
  • SHARP, DURABLE STEEL: Made with Japanese high-carbon SK-5 steel, which is traditionally used for making a variety of hand tools and has great all-around toughness, excellent edge-holding capabilities and excellent abrasion resistance
  • SPECIFICATIONS: Weight - 5.1 ounces; Blade Length - 5 inches; Handle Length - 4 1/2 inches; Overall Length - 9 1/2 inches
  • EXTREME TOUGHNESS: The SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) was built with one aim in mind: to produce the toughest multi-purpose survival tool in the industry and is a knife you can trust with your life
9
8.6
SCORE
Linsen-outdoors Black War Wolf Outdoor Folding Knife | Outdoor Survival Pocket Knife | Rescue Knife Made of Stainless Steel Blade and Aluminum Handle

Linsen-outdoors Black War Wolf Folding Outdoor Knife

by Linsen-outdoors
What We like

COMPACT: With a sleek design, the BearCraft Work Knife is easy to carry. It has a 3-fold screwed belt clip. An overloaded backpack is a thing of the past. When folded, the Folding Knife measures only 12.5cm and weighs 141g. A sturdy folding mechanism ensures a safe opening and closing of the outdoor knife by a liner-lock lock

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Product Features

  • OUTSTANDING QUALITY:The High cost performance price with high quality materials were used in the production. The blade made of High Quality stainless Steel and the ergonomic aluminum handle promise longevity and robustness
  • YOUR GIFT: Only for a short time you will receive a FREE nylon bag in addition to our Folding Knife. But that's not enough. In addition, we give away a FREE eBook with every purchase
  • MULTIFUNCTIONAL: The Linsen-outdoor Black Multifunctional Folding Knife offers in addition to a glass breaker for accident situations is used at the rear end of the handle. In addition to the belt cutter integrated into the handle, We also thought of a flip function for fast, one-handed opening
10
7
SCORE
ESEE Imlay Rescue Knife Orange

ESEE Imlay Rescue Knife Orange

by ESEE
What We like

Great Item To Give as A Gift.

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Product Features

  • Built To Last.
  • A Must Buy Item.

Rescue knives have a long and storied history, dating back centuries. They were initially used by sailors and fishermen to help them navigate the rough seas and catch fish. Over time, however, these knives evolved to become more versatile tools that could be used for various tasks, including rescue operations.

One of the earliest known rescue knives was the seax, a type of knife used by Anglo-Saxon warriors in the Middle Ages. These knives had a long, curved blade and were often used to cut through armor and other materials. They were also used for everyday tasks such as hunting and woodworking.

As time progressed, rescue knives became more specialized. In the 19th century, for example, Swiss soldiers and mountaineers began using pocket knives with tools such as saws and can openers for rescue operations. These knives were compact and easy to carry, making them ideal for use in emergencies.

In the 20th century, rescue knives underwent yet another transformation. With the advent of power tools and modern production methods, knives could now be made with advanced features such as serrated edges, glass breakers, and seat belt cutters. These features made rescue knives even more effective in emergency situations, allowing first responders to quickly and safely extricate victims from cars and other dangerous situations.

Today, rescue knives are widely used by firefighters, police officers, and other first responders. They are also popular among outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists, who value their versatility and durability in rugged environments. Many people even carry rescue knives as everyday tools, recognizing their usefulness in a wide range of situations.

Overall, the history of rescue knives is a testament to human ingenuity and the drive to create tools that can help save lives. These knives have come a long way since their humble beginnings, and they continue to evolve and improve with new technologies and materials. Whether for rescue operations or everyday use, a good rescue knife is an essential tool that can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

Key Decision-Making Factors:

1. Cutting Power

2. Safe And Secure

3. Emergency Rescue

1. Cutting Power:

The cutting power of a hunting equipment is one of the key factors that determines its performance. The Triple Point serrations of the hunting knife provide a sharp and effortless cutting experience for even the most fibrous of materials. This is especially important in hunting as it helps in cutting through tissue, bone, and cartilage during field dressing or skinning game.

2. Safe And Secure:

The safety of a hunting equipment is paramount for both the hunter and the people around them. The automated liner safety of the hunting knife keeps the blade securely locked in the handle when not in use, preventing accidental cuts and injuries. This feature also provides an extra layer of security by ensuring that the knife stays closed during transport.

3. Emergency Rescue:

In outdoor activities such as hunting, accidents can happen, and being prepared for such situations is crucial. The seat belt cutter and glass breaker included in the hunting knife provide a lifesaving tool in emergencies. The seat belt cutter helps in freeing trapped individuals from tangled or jammed seat belts during an automobile accident, while the glass breaker helps in breaking auto glass to escape from a submerged vehicle.

In conclusion, the cutting power of a hunting equipment, the safety and security features, and the emergency rescue capabilities are the key factors that determine the performance of a hunting knife. These factors play a crucial role in ensuring the success and safety of any hunting activity. It is important to consider these factors when choosing your hunting equipment to ensure that you have the right tool for the job.

FAQ About rescue knives

Q: What knife do Navy SEALs get?

A: The Navy SEALs have been known to use a variety of knives, including the Benchmade SOCP Dagger, Gerber StrongArm, and Spyderco Pacific Salt. However, the specific knife issued to them is not publicly disclosed.

Q: What is the best survival knife?

A: The best survival knife is one that is durable, versatile, and reliable. Popular options include the ESEE 5, Ka-Bar Becker BK2, and Morakniv Companion.

Q: What combat knife do Navy SEALs use?

A: The Navy SEALs have used the Ontario Knife Company's MK 3 Navy Knife, as well as the SOG SEAL Knife 2000. However, their use of specific knives may vary depending on the situation.

Q: What knife do firefighters use?

A: Firefighters often use rescue knives or folding knives with a serrated edge for cutting through seat belts and other fabrics during emergency situations. Popular brands include Benchmade, Spyderco, and Gerber.

Curtis Weaver

Curtis Weaver Author

Curtis Weaver is a lifelong outdoorsman and hunter who loves to share his passion for the outdoors with others. A self-taught angler and hunter, Curtis has been fishing and hunting since he was a small child. He has spent countless hours in the woods and on the water and has developed a deep understanding of the natural world and the animals that live in it. Curtis is an accomplished outdoorsman who is equally at home in the woods or on the water, and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge of the outdoors with others.

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