Only an idiot would not carry a cutting tool of some sort in an emergency kit. Of the things in my EDC I use the most, a knife is in the top 3. When I'm on an airplane, I carry medic shears instead of a knife, so I can still cut stuff.

In fact, my EDC for NYC is basically Flashlight, Red Bandanna, Pocket Knife (Swiss Army or Leatherman) 1 liter of water, a Blackberry Smartphone, $300 in cash, an AT&T 60 minute calling card and a sharpie. In my laptop backpack is a mini-trauma kit with Nitrile Gloves, plenty of Gauze, Medic Shears, burn gel, some medicines (ibuprofin, immodium) and adhesive bandages.