This roundup was originally published in 2018 and includes historical model references. Follow each current product page for the exact configuration, price, and availability.
Rescue-oriented knives and tools can include separate webbing cutters, blunt blade tips, and glass breakers. These features differ by model. An ordinary cutting blade, a protected belt cutter, and a window punch are different tools; a product name does not establish that all three are present.
Vehicle glass matters: A glass breaker is not effective on every vehicle window. AAA found that none of the six escape tools in its study penetrated laminated glass. Check the window markings or vehicle manufacturer information, and follow the tool maker’s instructions. This roundup is not an emergency performance test or a guarantee of escape.
For a focused feature comparison, see our seatbelt-cutter and glass-breaker guide. Browse the rescue knife collection for current shopping options.
So we compiled a list of 10 of the best rescue knives. These come in all designs and styles, from small folders to massive fixed blades.
Take a look and let us know your favorites.
1. Kershaw Funxion
The Kershaw Funxion EMT is an updated version of the knife with a feature-rich design. The knife comes with a 3-inch partially serrated blade that deploys with the SpeedSafe assisted-opening mechanism.
Hidden within the K-texture GFN handle is a carabiner clip, hex wrench, cord cutter, glass breaker tip, and screwdriver tip. This is a nice multitool to carry that would come in handy in the event of an emergency. This knife is particularly useful for an EMT or medic.
2. Spyderco Assist
Spyderco makes some bizarre knives, but there’s no denying they’re great at their job. The Assist is no exception.
According to Spyderco, the knife was designed for emergency, fire, and rescue professionals (as well as civilians who like to be prepared). The 3.687-inch VG-10 blade features a blunt tip and a partially serrated edge. Along with the Round Hole, the knife features a protrusion that further aids in easy one-handed opening.
The handle is also jam-packed with features, whether you’re talking about the retractable carbide tip, survival whistle, unique squeezable blade when closed, or wavy blade for a comfortable grip when breaking glass.
3. KA-BAR BK3 Becker Tac Tool
Not all rescue knives have to be folders. And when you’re talking about a fixed-blade rescue knife, few are as tough as the KA-BAR BK3 Becker Tac Tool. Its construction is different from a pocket rescue folder. A heavy cutting or utility tool does not provide protection from fire or make entry into a burning building safe.
The 7-inch blade is made from 1095 Cro-Van steel and can be used to pry and scrape. The documented BK3 uses an Ultramid handle. Match the tool to the task and follow its manufacturer’s instructions rather than treating tactical marketing as a rescue qualification.
4. Gerber Hinderer CLS
Rick Hinderer may be a famous knifemaker, but as a former firefighter and EMT, he also knows a thing about rescues. He put his experience to use in the Gerber Hinderer CLS.
CLS stands for Combat Life Saver. The knife features a 3.5-inch partially serrated blade with a large thumb stud for easy opening with gloves. The handle also has a seat-belt cutter, glass breaker, and oxygen tank wrench.
5. Cold Steel SRK
The SRK is not your traditional rescue tool, but it performs well in more rugged rescue operations. The SRK stands for Survival Rescue Knife, and the design is no-nonsense. The 6-inch blade is made from SK-5 steel, and the checkered handle is Kray-Ex.
This knife also makes a great survival tool.
Browse current Cold Steel knives
6. Smith & Wesson 1st Response
Smith & Wesson makes several First Response configurations. The pictured SWFRS is a manually opened, partially serrated rescue folder with a separate belt cutter and glass breaker. Check the full model number rather than transferring a specification from a different First Response knife.
Check the SWFRS product page for current price, availability, and specifications.
Check the Smith & Wesson SWFRS
7. Benchmade Shootout
The linked Benchmade Shootout 5370FE is a double-action automatic OTF. Its opening format alone does not establish rescue performance, a protected belt cutter, or superiority over a manual rescue folder. Verify the exact configuration and rescue features, and check the listing for current availability.
Since it is an automatic knife, make sure to check your local laws.
8. Gerber StrongArm
The Gerber StrongArm falls more in line with the SRK because it’s a no-nonsense survival and rescue fixed blade you can depend on.
It has a 4.8-inch 420HC blade with a coyote brown rubber handle. Even better is that it’s made in the United States.
9. Smith & Wesson 1st Response Rescue Tool
This pictured First Response model is retained as a historical comparison. Its full model number must be confirmed before relying on blade dimensions or opening type; the First Response family name does not establish assisted opening.
For currently identified configurations, use our rescue feature guide. A main blade’s pointed tip and serrations should not be confused with a separate protected belt cutter.
Browse current Smith & Wesson knives
10. CRKT M16-14LEK
There is no shortage of models of the CRKT M16. As one of the flagship lines for the brand, you can find it in a ton of different iterations, including the rescue version.
The M16-14LEK is designed for the emergency services field. It features black scales and a partially serrated 3.75-inch blade. There is a seat-belt cutter added to the flipper tab and a glass breaker at the butt.
Current alternatives at Knife Depot: Browse Cold Steel knives, CRKT knives, Gerber knives, Smith & Wesson knives. Check each product page for its exact configuration, current price, and availability.
Sources and further comparison
- AAA vehicle escape-tool testing
- Kershaw catalog: Funxion EMT 8100
- KA-BAR catalog: BK3 construction
EMERSON N-SAR USN SAR Knife
Absolutely right. I wonder why they left it off. Spyderco Autonomy too.
Maybe start by doing research on what a “rescue knife” is. This list is about as useful as tits on a nun…
I’m just starting to learn about these types of rescue knives. Thanks for sharing so much information about the various knives.
These are the best product.
this looks super helpful! I appreciate you compiling a list of the 10 best rescue knives for 2024.
This is a great list! I love how you covered such a wide range of rescue knives, from those handy small folders to the more robust fixed blades. It’s really helpful to see all the different designs and styles available for 2024. ..
Great roundup of rescue knives—I’ve handled the Spyderco Assist and the Benchmade Shootout, and both are impressive in different scenarios. One thing that often gets overlooked when choosing a rescue blade is the metallurgy behind the steel: how it handles corrosion, edge retention, and impact resistance in real emergency conditions. For anyone curious about how modern materials science and computational modeling are driving these blade improvements, I’ve found it helpful to follow the latest scientific research on blade materials. That site collects news and tools from the intersection of AI and research, which can reveal surprising insights into why certain alloys perform better in rescue tools.
These rescue knives seem like they could be life-savers in an emergency.
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