Best Rescue Knife | Our Buyer’s Guide

While it may be challenging to select the best rescue knife for you, this guide makes it simple.

We have jotted down some of best rescue knives for your profession, whatever it may be. From firefighters to SWAT officers, everyone owns a rescue knife.

The application of a rescue knife is pretty straightforward. They’re built to do certain tasks other knives can’t. That includes cutting through heavy ropes, cords, and fibers. It also includes breaking glass windows and cutting seat belts. This is to say that rescue knives respond well to emergency situations.

They’re often underestimated, but their efficiency is the greatest in the industry. So do you want something reliable that could save your life some day?

Quick Comparison: Top 7 Best Rescue Knives

Preview

Product

Our Rating

Price

BlizeTec Survival Knife

BlizeTec Survival Knife

(Editor’s Choice)

Smith & Wesson SWFR 8in Stainless Steel Folding Knife

Smith & Wesson SWFR 8in Stainless Steel Folding Knife

Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife

Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife

Smith & Wesson Search & Rescue CKSUR1 Clip Point Fixed Blade Knife

Smith & Wesson Search & Rescue CKSUR1 Clip Point Fixed Blade Knife

StatGear T3 Tactical Auto Rescue Tool

StatGear T3 Tactical Auto Rescue Tool

ANVIL BLADESMITHS - BULLSHARK G-10 8CR13 Tactical Rescue Pocket Knife

ANVIL BLADESMITHS – BULLSHARK G-10 8CR13 Tactical Rescue Pocket Knife

Buck Knives 753 Redpoint Rescue Tactical Folding Knife

Buck Knives 753 Redpoint Rescue Tactical Folding Knife

* Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see customer reviews and current prices on Amazon.com

Top 7 picks of The Most Reliable Rescue Knives on the Market

For essential emergency tool kits, a rescue knife is mandatory. It’s something all professionals own for protecting themselves and others. Everyone has to muster up the energy to cut through rope, seat belt, or thick material. That’s why a rescue knife is a good investment that’ll cost you a decent amount.

If you’re purchasing a good rescue knife, it shouldn’t cost you more than $100. And if you want something to use every day, something close to $50 is a good price.

You’ll be able to find something that holds up to its bargain. A rescue knife features a durable construction with no contaminant-collecting properties. They’re dust, water, and rust proof. Anything that has a secure grip and is effortless to maneuver is the real thing.

You should be more than satisfied with our top choices for rescue knives on the market.

1. BlizeTec Survival Knife – Suitable for Disaster Preparedness and Emergencies

BlizeTec Survival Knife

The BlizeTec Survival Knife is a lightweight and very durable rescue knife. With a multi-purpose and multi-functional appeal, it’s made to survive. The durable 420 stainless steel ensures its rugged construction and razor-sharp edge.

For easy accessibility, it features a handy belt clip. That means you don’t have to carry it around in a case. Plug it to your clothing, and you can always count on this best rescue knife.

The seal belt cutting and glass breaking features are also quite exceptional. If you’re in the wild or counter an unexpected situation, the LED light on this is dependable.

It’s good for sharpening objects, carving, and cutting through thicker materials like rope.

There’s a slight drawback to this rescue knife. The flashlight magnet doesn’t hold together well. So you have to be very careful when you carry this knife in your pocket or plug it to your belt.

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We Like

  • checkThe belt clip comes in handy while traveling.
  • checkThe construction is tenacious.

We Don’t Like

  • The flashlight magnet is not very strong.

2. Smith & Wesson 1st Response SWFRS Liner Lock Folding Knife – The Most Durable Rescue Knife for Professionals

Smith & Wesson SWFR 8in Stainless Steel Folding Knife

The Smith & Wesson SWFRS Knife is a durable folding knife with a stainless steel blade. It’s practical and of good value, especially when you want an easy to use but a rugged knife.

Made with high-quality materials, it doubles as a seat belt cutter and a glass breaker. If natural disaster strikes or an emergency occurs, this best rescue knife is the one you can count on.

We’d recommend it to a professional and those who like to stay prepared for emergencies. It can cut through husky fibrous materials. Plus, if you want to concentrate on one point, this knife uses a strong swing to shatter objects in seconds.

For those who’d like more safety would be a bit let down to know that this rescue knife doesn’t feature a lock. This means that the blade pulls open in an instant.

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We Like

  • checkThe drop point serrated blade is extra durable
  • checkIt comes with a compact pocket clip for safekeeping.

We Don’t Like

  • There’s no lock on the blade.

3. Gerber Hinderer 22-41534 Rescue Knife – The Best Rescue Knife for Firefighters and EMS Paramedics

Gerber Hinderer Rescue Knife

The Gerber Hinderer Knife packs a powerful punch with its 3.5-inch serrated blade. It is the ideal knife for paramedics and firefighters. This best rescue knife is convenient and compact- what everyone looks for in a rescue knife.

The tip of the rescue knife is blunt, which is best for opening locks and handling versatile ones. So if you have to pry open the door to save someone or something, this gets the job done. Another benefit, it’s an excellent oxygen tank valve opener. It also provides features for seat belt cutting and glass breaking applications.

But the knife is a little too difficult to open. The thumb stud feels stiff. It takes some practice to get used to the way this rescue knife functions.

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We Like

  • checkThe weight is well distributed for optimal stability.
  • checkThe blunt tip is sharp-edged.

We Don’t Like

  • It’s hard to open.
  • The thumb stud is too rigid to open.

4. Smith & Wesson Search & Rescue CKSUR1 Clip Point Fixed Blade Knife – The Best Comfortable Rescue Knife

Smith & Wesson Search & Rescue CKSUR1

With a heavy-grade nylon sheath, this rescue knife offers professional services. It’s the only rescue knife experts have sworn to count on for emergencies. The high-carbon stainless steel point blade is unbreakable.

You can keep this with you for professional and recreational purposes. The knife offers a good grip and is very comfortable to handle.

The Smith & Wesson Search & Rescue CKSUR1 Knife is a sturdy knife with lots to offer. It cuts through thick fabric like butter. The Velcro adjustable retention strap is very dependable. Plus, it comes with a durable plastic liner for accuracy.

There’s nothing less to say about this rescue knife. But it does feature a lopsided blade to handle design. The blade is 2-3 degrees out, which means it’s no even with the durable handle.

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We Like

  • checkThe deep grooved rubber wrapped handle feels very comfortable.
  • checkIt makes an excellent sharpening blade.

We Don’t Like

  • The handle and blade are not designed in a straight line.

5. StatGear T3 Tactical Auto Rescue Tool – The Best-Designed Rescue Knife for Everyone

StatGear T3 Tactical Auto Rescue Tool - knife

The StatGear T3 has its advantages over the rest when it comes to durability and stability. It features the most ergonomic and stable design we’ve ever seen.

The 440C-grade stainless steel blade is very sharp and shiny. Parallel to the seat belt cutter, there’s nothing this best rescue knife cannot do. It is capable of cutting through stubborn materials like fiber, jeans, and cord.

Another significant feature is the spring-loaded winder puncher. It’s enough to shatter thick glass with the help of the ergonomic carbide tip. In case you’re on duty in the night, the 5 lumen LCD flashlight will keep you well aware of what you’re working on.

Although the LCD light lacks proper illumination power to maintain clear night vision. So if you’re working under incredible pressure, you might need a stronger source of light.

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We Like

  • checkIt comes with a heavy grade nylon carrying sheath.
  • checkThe carbide tip is sharp enough to shatter all types of glass.

We Don’t Like

  • The LCD light is not very bright.

6. Anvil Bladesmith Bullshark G-10 8CR13 Tactical Rescue Knife – Suitable for Everyday Use

ANVIL BLADESMITHS BULLSHARK

The grip on the Anvil Bladesmith Bullshark G-10 8CR13 Rescue Knife feels secure. It features a well-contoured handle, a durable blade, and a strong locking system. This rescue knife is better than some of the higher-grade models in the industry.

They cost less but offer similar ergonomic features. The quick one-handed opening mechanism with a liner lock is very dependable. It even offers a glass breaking, seat belt cutting, and paracord cutting applications.

You might need to break in this rescue knife. It takes some getting used to as the construction feels a tad bit stiff, to begin with.

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We Like

  • checkIt is lightweight yet durable.
  • checkIt is waterproof.
  • checkThe handle provides excellent grip.

We Don’t Like

  • It requires a break-in period.

7. Buck Knives 753 Redpoint Rescue Tactical Folding Knife – Suitable for Cutting Through Objects

Buck Knives 753 Redpoint Rescue Tactical Folding Knife

If you didn’t like any of our previous picks, then you will love the Buck Knives 753 Redpoint Knife. It features a partial serrated 420 titanium coated stainless steel blade. The kind that delivers powerful force, edge retention, and stability.

If you want something that doesn’t corrode easy, this is the rescue knife to get. You can carry it anywhere you go. The glass cutting and webbing cutter features are incredible.

We liked the curved design on this knife as it makes slicing through objects effortless. The large blade release button and tempered glass breaker make excellent additions.

But we did find something distressing about this rescue knife. It gets in the way when you’re opening the blade.

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We Like

  • checkIt is weather resistant.
  • checkIt comes with a lifetime warranty.

We Don’t Like

  • The position of the tempered glass breaker is off-center.

Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for the Best Rescue Knife

best rescue knife

We have extensive knowledge when it comes to rescuing knives. If you’ve used some of the traditional tactical knives or survival knives, you know why these are so unique. A rescue knife around the house or in your pocket or backpack is capable of solving any problem.

In emergency related jobs, sometimes you might have to break through glass. Sometimes you even have to cut through thick materials. There’s no possible way you can do that with your bare hands. You need a rescue knife in such scenarios. The razor-sharp edges and rugged body of a rescue knife get the job done most of the times.

This guide focuses on why you need the rescue knife and what features make a rescue knife so compelling. While the rest of the world is happy using their rescue knife, why aren’t you? If you already have your average keychain knife and it’s up to no good. It’s time to upgrade yours to something dependable.

Why do You Need a Rescue Knife?

best rescue knife

There are many different types of knives including tactical, survival, and EDC knives. When you want versatility and extreme durability, rescue knives are the ones to get. In accidents, fires, or any other emergency situation, a good rescue knife is critical. It has the power to save your life if it ever comes to that.

If you think any less of a rescue knife, let us tell you that it acts as a glass breaker and a belt cutter. With sharp edges, it can also penetrate through thick ropes, wires, cords, and dense fibers. Such materials are usually encountered in emergencies, so preparation is all you have.

Sometimes, emergencies call for immediate seat belt cutting, which must be flawless. That’s where a rescue knife comes in. It’s the best tool to use for seat belt cutting. Moreover, to prevent unwanted slipping, a rescue knives’ serrated edge offers superior traction. It’s the only tool professionals can use to cut thicker fabrics without oversight.

Another significant benefit of rescue knives is that they’re great glass breakers. Rescue knives offer a stiff glass breaker design feature to shatter glass in an instant. You don’t have to apply too much force.

When a rescue knife is portable as much as it is tough, it’s a good match. That way, professionals can carry their rescue knives all the time.

What you Need to Know About Rescue Knives

best rescue knife

A rescue knife knows no bounds. You can’t put a price of such a significant and rugged tool because it needs to be well-built. If it’s not, you lose the confidence to get a job done. You don’t have to discard anything if you know what features to look forward to when buying a rescue knife.

Sharpness

Your rescue knife must be able to cut through both thin and thick material. This includes clothing, ropes, and such heavy materials. Rescue knives feature a blunt tip and sharp edges that stay sharp for longer periods.

The blade has to offer ruggedness to avoid accidents. They need to maintain their sharp edge, otherwise the blade material chips away in no time.

Durability

Police officers, firefighters, and other such professionals have a record of using rescue knives. Which means that they’re accustomed to dangerous environments that involve extreme natural conditions. This includes snow, rainfall, fire, etc. It also involves chemicals such as oil, rust, etc.

You rescue knife must take a beating to avoid rusting or contamination.

Adaptability

If your rescue knife lacks proper grip ability, it’s not a good factor. A rescue knife should be lightweight yet rigid. This offers a secure grip when required. Emergency situations don’t ask and don’t tell.

The concerned person meets challenges as they happen. That’s why a solid-sized rescue knife that is easy to pull out and maneuver is necessary.

On a Final Note

It’s obvious that there’s more than one tough best rescue knife pick for everyone. So do you want something that leaves nothing out and proves to stand against the tests of time? We have many picks that’ll make you happy.

For the price you pay, the construction and ruggedness of the BlizeTec Survival Knife are enough for you. Once you use it, you’ll understand why it’s such a compelling tool for most people.

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Moving forward, if you want as much protection and stability as possible, we have 6 top picks for you. Rescuing people is a big responsibility. With excellent grip ability, you can make the most out of your rescue knife than you expected. It’s the ideal tool for firefighters and first responders.

That said, you can’t risk lives at the hands of an average knife. Those are most likely to fail in emergency situations. What you need is a professional rescue knife.

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