Web / strap cutters to keep in the car.

I have a belt cutter but its in my glove compartment. I'm not sure I could get to it.

I'm afraid that something clipped to the visor or in the console will go flying in an accident but I haven't devoted the brain power to come up with a solution that keeps a cutter secure but within reach.

C0untZer0 said:

I'm afraid that something clipped to the visor or in the console will go flying in an accident but I haven't devoted the brain power to come up with a solution that keeps a cutter secure but within reach.

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They'll all go flying...

...just like that thing you're expecting to use to call 911

Knife tables at gun shows routinely have a selection of single blade lock-back knives with a hook-knife belt cutter built into the end of the handle. These are relatively cheap, so easy to buy one for each vehicle and leave in the console. Some of them also have a window-punch tip on the end, so they do double duty if trapped in a crashed car to break the window out and cut the belt..
Remember, emergency crews and first responders need high quality hook knives that must last through many uses on seat belts. For a personal emergency in your car, you are only likely need it to last for one to four belts in an one incident.
You can judge the quality of these knives as you inspect them at the gun show.

Another option: shop for emergency hook knives from suppliers of skydive equipment. This is an essential tool for everyone who wears a parachute. The better ones have two blades in the hook instead of only one, to reduce the chance of a bending blade not cutting well enough.

I have a Gerber Rescue knife with a seatbelt cutter. Never had to use it but it seems a decent tool and not too expensive.

I keep one in the door of the truck. Need some string. Thanks.

It's extremely easy to not appreciate the G forces in even a simple, minor collision.
So, it can be complicated, counting on something "being there" afterwards.

This is compounded if the vehicle is not normally oriented.

But knowing where to look, the having when needed and not going wanting is significant.

Especially if a person is approaching a wreck in a Good Samaritan role. Which is yet another reason to not scrimp on the tool you select.

Sitting in the truck waiting on the treasurer to finish her duties after church.
I snapped a few pictures of the knife I keep on the visor.

It's just a promotion knife for a local company, but it has all the right parts for a truck knife.

I hadn't really considered the possibility of the knife getting dislodged from the visor in a wreck.
That's a very valid point @CapnMac .
I had a semi flop over from a dead stop and it sent everything flying including me. I was laying on the passenger window still holding the wheel in my hands when the dust settled.

CoalCrackerAl said:

Why not just use a good pocket knife? I keep a swiss army knife in my verhicles.

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I have been involved in two vehicle roll overs as a passenger. In neither case could I access my regular carry knife, clipped to my pants pocket. A dedicated, easy to grab knife that you can reach with either hand is far more ideal. A SAK, I would advise against. They are good knives but lack retention (ie pocket clip or mount) without some forward thinking.

CoalCrackerAl said:

Why not just use a good pocket knife?

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Because using a regular blade, even quite sharp, takes a while to cut through seat belt web usnig two hands. Hook knives specifically designed to cut straps let you complete the cut much faster, even with only one hand, which can be important when escaping a crashed car.

I think my SW pocket knife has a belt cutter. I have this model here.

CoalCrackerAl said:

my SW pocket knife has a belt cutter.

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Yup, it sure does. It also has a window punch. Great knife for dealing with car escapes.

I got a freebee folder I think from NRA a decade ago (ILA contrabution?) That was a liner lock but also had a seat belt cutter on the other end. Took it out to the shop, put one end of a web strap in my vise, pulled belt tight, jerked seat belt cutter through it with no issue.

Examined cutter hook, touched up with steel, clipped it with the seat belt cutter deployed to my driver side sun visor.

I am looking at those envelope openner types and thinking of duck tape and various spots in the car. Underside of passenger side arm rest?
Would try one (then toss it) on strapping first.

I have entered only two car wrecks with the car not up right. In both cases the drivers unbuckled on their own before I could get to them!

I put my knife in the ashtray. If i kept it on the console like i do my swiss army knife. It may get lost in an impact.

I have a Starett Spring - Loaded Punch for shattering the glass in the event of requiring rapid egress (ooh, tacticle term).

Or so I thought.

I'm pretty sure I had it in my vehicle...

I EDC carry a Leatherman Raptor EMT scissors that have a great cutter! I use my Raptor nearly every day, mostly the scissors.

I also have a stap cutter that came with my Gerber LMFII that I keep attached to my large first aid kit I keep in the car.

I know that at some surplus stores they carry a Benchmade cutter with a solid mollie pouch.

Kershaw Barricade, belt cutter and glassbreaker, $30

My belt-cutting hook is carefully secured with aggressive velcro to the windshield.
Unless magically driving at 200+ mph it cannot be inadvertently knocked loose.
It makes it easy to find for myself and for use were I to drive up upon an accident.

I don't have a seatbelt cutter &/or glass break tool in my vehicles, but now that I think about it, securing one to the seat belt down by the release would be a good spot, after I go get one for each vehicle.

Blue Jays said:

My belt-cutting hook is carefully secured with aggressive velcro to the windshield.
Unless magically driving at 200+ mph it cannot be inadvertently knocked loose.
It makes it easy to find for myself and for use were I to drive up upon an accident.

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You can reach your windshield with your seatbelt on and locked from impact?

I've had a Spyderco Rescue in my truck for a long time, I think it would do the job - whatever that may be.

1KPerDay said:

"…You can reach your windshield with your seatbelt on and locked from impact?…"

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Yes.