Iron,<br><br>Check out Greco Knives . He has some nice knives at good prices ($50 US). I am ordering an older version of his MST (4.75" blade) from BladeArt.com Clearance Items. These are all carbon steel, with a coating.<br><br>Also look at the Becker line. These are solid with good prices. I really like my C/U 7, even though I prefer a shorter blade for most outdoor tasks.<br><br>If you are maritime, I agree with Chris on the Grohmann knives. I have their Boat version in stainless and like it. I particularily like their new flat ground "Camper" versions of their original saber ground knives.<br><br>If you want to spend some real money look at Rick Frigault Knives . He is an Ontario maker with some good designs. I have his Big Game Set on order.

I carried a Spyderco Rescue on duty for approx. 15 years, and used it to cut more seat belts than I can remember to extricate injured parties. The one hand opening was very handy, and the combo of sheepsfoot and serrations made quick but safe work on the belts. I like 'em...but for everyday work I prefer a straight edged blade...

I suppose that I should have mentioned that I also carry a plain edge blade for EDC, along with my Spyderco Blue Rescue. <br><br> I've always been one that likes to be prepared for just about anything and I've found that carrying two blades--one plain, one serrated, can pretty much take care of any cutting chore that may arise. <br><br>I appreciate all of the replies, thanks.

Lethermans tend to cut into the hand when you apply real torque. I hate the B--t--ds which is why I choose the Scout by Gerber.<br><br>If you want a big knife get the Ka-bar Marine.<br><br>Mariner.

I was in the automotive section of my local Walmart and saw an interesting tool along those lines. It was a hammer meant for breaking a vehicle's window. The handle had a flashlight that comes on when the tool is removed from its mounting bracket and a rescue hook type blade for cutting seatbelts. I don't remember the manufacturer but the price was only $5.97 so I was a little leery of its quality.<br><br>I spent a few minutes upside down in my pickup after an unsuccessful battle with a patch of ice several years ago. I was unable to both hold myself up and unbuckle my seatbelt until a local doctor on his way back from an emergency call happened on the scene and helped out. I wasn't injured but, thinking back, if I had ended up on the other side of the highway I'd have been in the river and such a tool might have been necessary. Maybe I'll go by Walmart tomorrow....$6 isn't that much after all...

I carry the Benchmade 5 rescue hook as it doesn't look like a knife and you can carry it in your wallet.

There're some issues over here about carrying a personal knife which is a no go area for the Police.

Benchmade 5 Rescue Hook

Yeah I wrote about it here:
Thread link
it is a great tool. Now I'm trying to find somebody who acctually owns a Spyderco Assist knife to post his observations.

Matt

Me too. I find myself carrying my Midnite MiniChamp II all the time now. If I need to deploy a blade outside my own home or in front of possible PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER., that's what I pull out. I use my beloved Victorinox SwissTool R/S when I feel the need for a bigger blade, which isn't often.

I carry a leatherman wave on my person all the time (serrated AND smooth blade in there) but I also keep a rescue knife in each vehicle.