"...break the glass if in a car crash. Does anyone know if a strong locking blade can actually do this?...

Any sharp object will break tempered glass. Most rescue types use a spring loaded centerpunch, lots of car thiefs break the insulators on a spark plug, then throw a handfull of the porcelain pieces at a side window, the sharp points on the porcelain do the trick. Keep in mind that your hand will probably go right thru as the window shatters, and you will more than likely get cut unless you wear gloves. I have never used a knife to shatter a side window, but if I had to do it, I think that I might position the tip of the blade against the glass, hold it in position with one hand, then strike the pommel with the palm of my other hand. More control that way. And it will not work on windshield glass.

As for the things in the book, I guess that opinions are like noses, everyone has one...