Good folding knife - I want to pay for a knife, not just a name

[JLStorm]

I need a folding knife mostly just for use in the car. Something that has a glass punch, and can be used to cut through a seatbelt if need be. I will also use it occasionally when I have to drive to NJ and cant carry a gun. It isnt often I go to NJ, but every few months I have too. I would like something with a decent size blade, but I dont need a top of the line knife like one I would use for camping or something someone would take into combat, its just not a realistic need. I would like to keep it under $100.00, but I dont know any good companies, I know a few names, but I dont want to pay for a name just a decent knife with a decent blade that is put together well. I dont need any fancy coatings and its not going to be placed in harsh conditions either.

Can someone give me a few names to check out of companies that make knives which would fit my criteria?

 

[rcmodel]

This might be just what you are looking for:
http://www.knivesplus.com/smith-sesson-sw-first-response.html

http://www.securityandsafetysupply.com/products-duty-gear/knives-colt.html

Probably a little better version:
http://www.knivesplus.com/spyderco-knife-assist-sp-c79psbk.html


rcmodel

 

[raginrednek]

sog also has a tactical type knife with a belt cutter/glass breaker, around 60 at dick's

 

[Pax Jordana]

OP: You say use in the car, but then you say use in NJ where you can't carry a gun. I hope you realize that 'rescue knives' are almost always without stabbing points, and thus make lousy fighting knives.

Which would you deem your top priority?

EDIT: RCmodel is being an enabler. now I'm looking at knivesplus.com again. Here's a nice package of two, that could be used for SD in a pinch:

http://www.knivesplus.com/columbiariverknifecr-2052.html


well, we all backslide sometimes, don't we?

 

[CWL]

Boker Jim Wagner Recue Knife, shop carefully and you should be able to get one for ~$60.00 delivered.

As pointed out by Pax Jordana, real rescue knives have blunted points. This one does too, so all you will be able to do with it is maybe cut a BG's belt off his pants...

 

[JLStorm]

I didnt say I wanted an actual rescue knife. I just wanted a knife with a glass punch/breaker on the end. The blade itself can be used to cut through a seatbelt, but a belt cutter is a nice touch.

I definitely want something that can be used for self defense on the rare occassion Im not in a state that allows CCW. I just wanted to make it clear that I dont need the newest fanciest steel, or the neatest anti everything coating. A good solid knife will work just fine as most of this knives time will be spent in the car.

make sense?

 

[normal]

Some rescue knives would also make good defensive knives as well. Check out the Columbia River MAK-1 and Extrik-8.

 

[perpster]

I have the CRKT MAK-1 and Extrik-8 and have spoken with its designer (a Canadian Firefighter). Just fyi, he did not put a belt cutter on the MAC because it would create a weak point in the tool, which is primarily a pry-bar. The edges are sharp, and could slash an agressor, but there is no stabbing capability. The carbide point glass breaker is on the pommel. The glass breaker is about the size of a pencil point, so don't think you could use it for thrusting (it could be used for backhand slashing if necessary).

There is a velcro-closure pocket on the MAK-1 sheath, so even though it's two separate tools you can keep them in place with easy access. So your glass breaker and belt cutter are in one convenient package.

I was impressed by the designer's knowledge and implementation. This was designed by and for rescue personnel, not just given a few features to make it passable as a rescue tool. He also designed it with the fact that most of the time the tools will be used with gloves on. So many "rescue" tools clearly don't understand that concept and require digital dexterity to deploy that just doesn't exist with fire or rescue gloves on.

One nice thing is that the MAK-1 is very non-threatening in appearance (it even has a bright orange handle), so for your purposes might be useful. I don't remember what I paid for the combo, but IIRC I found it online for under $70.

FWIW, for a general purpose folder I like the Benchmade Griptillian (I have the Doug Ritter version: RSK Mk1). The Axis Lock is excellent. www.equipped.org

 

[scbair]

the Boker Reality Based folder (designed by Jim Wagner) has the glass-breaker at the pommel, and has a serrated blade with a needle-sharp tip. About $60-$65, if yo shop around.

 

[trainwreck100]

Kershaw has something along those lines, and I can't say enough good things about them. They're Amerian made (at least some of them are), and the warranty service is superb, no questions asked lifetime warranty...I called them on Monday and had my parts by Wednesday free of charge.