Historical report — originally published August 9, 2011. This post described a third-party vehicle-escape demonstration. It is retained as a historical reference, not a current product ranking or a controlled test conducted by Knife Depot.
The original report discussed Kevin Michalowski of Tactical Gear using four tools: the Spyderco Assist, Kershaw Responder, Breakout Safety Tool, and Gerber Hinderer CLS. That brief account does not document enough test conditions to establish how a current model will perform on a particular vehicle.
Glass Type Changes the Comparison
A glass-breaker feature should not be treated as a guarantee of escape through any window. In its later vehicle escape-tool study, AAA distinguished tempered from laminated glass; none of the tools it tested penetrated the laminated glass.
Check your vehicle’s window markings or contact its manufacturer to identify the glass. Follow the actual tool’s instructions. The AAA study does not certify the four products named in this older post.
Compare the Exact Tool and Configuration
A separate recessed belt cutter, an exposed knife blade, and a window punch serve different functions. Confirm the exact model’s features, opening mechanism, and support information. Neither a product family name nor a historical demonstration establishes current specifications, availability, or performance.
For a sourced comparison of identified current and historical configurations, read our seatbelt-cutter and glass-breaker guide. For current shopping options, browse the first-responder and rescue knife collection.
Gerber LMF II infantry knife.
Microtech