This post was originally published in 2018 and has since been updated yearly to reflect newer and better models.
Disaster can strike anytime anywhere.
Your car might suddenly careen off the road before landing upside down in a creek or your clothing could get trapped in an escalator unexpectedly.
In either situation, only a knife can save you from certain doom. While any knife can save someone in a pinch, manufacturers have seized the opportunity to create models specifically designed to aid in a rescue.
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. This knife is a real beast you wouldn’t be afraid to use to rescue someone from a burning building.
The 7-inch blade is made from 1095 Cro-Van steel and can be used to pry and scrape. The Ultramid handle is just as durable as the blade. If it’s good enough for a SWAT team, it’s good enough for you.
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.
Standing the 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.
7. Smith & Wesson 1st Response
Smith & Wesson makes a variety of First Response knives. The difference between these and many others on the list is they’re dirt cheap. These are knives you shouldn’t be afraid to put through the ringer in the event of an emergency.
The S&W SWFRS First Response is a good choice at $22. It comes with a liner-locking partially serrated blade, a seat-belt cutter, and a glass breaker.
7. Benchmade Shootout
From the cheap S&W, we turn toward the higher end with the Benchmade Shootout. You might not think so, but OTF automatics make some of the best rescue knives because they open lightning fast with one hand.
This OTF is far more robust than others and even has a glass breaker on the handle just in case.
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
The other Smith & Wesson rescue knives on this list are regular EDC knives with a few additional features. This one, on the other hand, is a purpose-built folder designed specifically for rescue.
It has a funny-looking tanto-style blade with a 3.4-inch assisted blade. The blade profile makes it excellent for piercing while the serrated recurved edge allows for cutting seatbelt and fibrous materials.
The handle has an integrated seatbelt cutter and glass breaker.
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.
January 15, 2024 at 2:26 pm
EMERSON N-SAR USN SAR Knife
August 2, 2024 at 1:53 pm
Absolutely right. I wonder why they left it off. Spyderco Autonomy too.
January 23, 2025 at 1:36 am
Maybe start by doing research on what a “rescue knife” is. This list is about as useful as tits on a nun…