Gerber E-Z Out Rescue Knife
Nov 16, 2010 9:50:55 GMT -1
Post by gerryw on Nov 16, 2010 9:50:55 GMT -1
GERBER E-Z OUT Rescue Knife
Most adult males I know have grown up with pocket or sheath knives of one sort or another. The ever popular Swiss Army knife by Victorinox or Wenger set the scene for an upgrade to utility knives some years ago and this was carried on into multi-purpose knives from the likes of Gerber. Each of these companies has grown a solid reputation for quality, robustness and ease of use of their products and whilst they tend not to be cheap – they do last and most often become ‘favorites’ of their owners.
When it comes to ‘rescue’ knives however, there are clearly two schools of thought – neither of them wrong and each with its merits. Should you go for a quick ready access open fixed blade type or a safer closed version? Well, like beauty the preference is in the eye of the beholder or user in this case.
From a personal standpoint there are a few ‘must haves’ that any knife should display. For me these are:
1. Easily accessed and opened
2. Sharp – but only where it’s necessary
3. Lightweight and visible
4. Pocketable and small
Your list may be different and you may have a variety of uses for your knife when fishing so it is no longer just a ‘rescue knife’
I chose the Gerber E-Z Out as I think it meets all of my criteria.
The specification and marketing blurb is repeated here….
GERBER E-Z-Out Rescue Knives (Easy Out) 46971
Continuing its commitment to specialty, high performance knives, Gerber is now manufacturing a Rescue version of the E-Z-Out™. The Gerber EZ Out Rescue knife has a serrated sheepsfoot blade made of high carbon stainless steel. This blade shape with its rounded down tip is ideal for safe use around people and items where puncture with a standard sharp blade point is a concern. The sheepsfoot blade is also ideal as a utility tool, providing the maximum amount of straight blade surface for general cutting tasks. The Gerber EZ Out Rescue knife features a yellow handle with black Kraton® rubber inserts.
The EZ Out Rescue has the last 1/4 inch of its blade non-serrated and unsharpened to make the blade safer to use around people, rafts, or other situations where accidental puncture or cutting may be a concern.
The EZ-Out Rescue has all of the innovative features that have made the standard E-Z Out such a huge success in the knife industry.
Gerber E-Z Out knives feature an oval slot in the blade for easy one-handed opening, right or left handed. The handles are made from a mineral filled nylon. This makes a knife handle that is more durable than a typical brass and wood handle, but is many times lighter. Kraton® rubber inserts are molded into the handle, not glued.
This process prevents them from ever coming out on their own or with normal wear and tear. These inserts provide extra gripping surface for opening and use. Gerber E Z Out knives have a removable stainless steel pocket clip.
The RESCUE has the blunt , rounded, point (no injury to person in danger), the UTILITY has a sharp point. The RYA in the UK recommends the RESCUE for sailors and rescue boat officials.
Length Open: 8.000"
Blade Length: 3.500"
Weight: 3.00 oz.
Material: Stainless Steel Zytel™/Kraton® Handle
I don’t intend to repeat any of this but comment on how I find it in use. Taking each criterion in turn:
Easy Access and Opening
The Gerber E-Z Out rescue knife is a locking blade model. Until it’s needed, the blade folds neatly and safely away. I have it on a leash attached to my PFD which is fastened to the knife through the oval slot in the blade. The act of pulling it away from me also serves to open the blade which automatically locks into place. After use, to close it I press the steel section in the nylon handle which opens the lock and it then close like any other penknife.
All this allows me to tuck it away if I wish or have it dangling to hand safe in the knowledge that it won’t puncture me at the wrong moment.
Sharp!
By God it’s sharp with a very fine serrated blade that cuts through cord, line or rope like a knife through butter. This however, is a very important point. The serrations help ‘grab’ the rope – especially when wet – whilst cutting it.
A normal blade can simply slide off a smooth and wet surface to the ‘first-time-cut’ fails. No matter what form of knife you select do choose a serrated blade and preferably try it out for cutting ability before buying.
However, I am one of those people that dislike anyone waving a knife around me – especially if it has a very sharp point! And it seems like I am not alone as this knife – like all good rescue knives – has a blunt tip. It will cut like crazy but it will be much more difficult for someone to stab you with it inadvertently or otherwise during a rescue.
Lightweight and visible
It might seem obvious but the more easily you can see your knife the easier it is to grab it when needed. Being yellow it does stand out from its surroundings. The spec. shows the weight which is quite light for a stainless steel knife of this size.
Pocketable and small
It is very flat and when closed takes up very little space. It tucks away into my PFD when I want it too but can dangle without becoming a nuisance too.
So there we are. For me it’s a great rescue knife that may not suit everyone. It’s not cheap at £29.50 online but I’ve had mine now for several years and it has indeed become a favorite with me.
Highly Recommended
Gerry
Most adult males I know have grown up with pocket or sheath knives of one sort or another. The ever popular Swiss Army knife by Victorinox or Wenger set the scene for an upgrade to utility knives some years ago and this was carried on into multi-purpose knives from the likes of Gerber. Each of these companies has grown a solid reputation for quality, robustness and ease of use of their products and whilst they tend not to be cheap – they do last and most often become ‘favorites’ of their owners.
When it comes to ‘rescue’ knives however, there are clearly two schools of thought – neither of them wrong and each with its merits. Should you go for a quick ready access open fixed blade type or a safer closed version? Well, like beauty the preference is in the eye of the beholder or user in this case.
From a personal standpoint there are a few ‘must haves’ that any knife should display. For me these are:
1. Easily accessed and opened
2. Sharp – but only where it’s necessary
3. Lightweight and visible
4. Pocketable and small
Your list may be different and you may have a variety of uses for your knife when fishing so it is no longer just a ‘rescue knife’
I chose the Gerber E-Z Out as I think it meets all of my criteria.
The specification and marketing blurb is repeated here….
GERBER E-Z-Out Rescue Knives (Easy Out) 46971
Continuing its commitment to specialty, high performance knives, Gerber is now manufacturing a Rescue version of the E-Z-Out™. The Gerber EZ Out Rescue knife has a serrated sheepsfoot blade made of high carbon stainless steel. This blade shape with its rounded down tip is ideal for safe use around people and items where puncture with a standard sharp blade point is a concern. The sheepsfoot blade is also ideal as a utility tool, providing the maximum amount of straight blade surface for general cutting tasks. The Gerber EZ Out Rescue knife features a yellow handle with black Kraton® rubber inserts.
The EZ Out Rescue has the last 1/4 inch of its blade non-serrated and unsharpened to make the blade safer to use around people, rafts, or other situations where accidental puncture or cutting may be a concern.
The EZ-Out Rescue has all of the innovative features that have made the standard E-Z Out such a huge success in the knife industry.
Gerber E-Z Out knives feature an oval slot in the blade for easy one-handed opening, right or left handed. The handles are made from a mineral filled nylon. This makes a knife handle that is more durable than a typical brass and wood handle, but is many times lighter. Kraton® rubber inserts are molded into the handle, not glued.
This process prevents them from ever coming out on their own or with normal wear and tear. These inserts provide extra gripping surface for opening and use. Gerber E Z Out knives have a removable stainless steel pocket clip.
The RESCUE has the blunt , rounded, point (no injury to person in danger), the UTILITY has a sharp point. The RYA in the UK recommends the RESCUE for sailors and rescue boat officials.
Length Open: 8.000"
Blade Length: 3.500"
Weight: 3.00 oz.
Material: Stainless Steel Zytel™/Kraton® Handle
I don’t intend to repeat any of this but comment on how I find it in use. Taking each criterion in turn:
Easy Access and Opening
The Gerber E-Z Out rescue knife is a locking blade model. Until it’s needed, the blade folds neatly and safely away. I have it on a leash attached to my PFD which is fastened to the knife through the oval slot in the blade. The act of pulling it away from me also serves to open the blade which automatically locks into place. After use, to close it I press the steel section in the nylon handle which opens the lock and it then close like any other penknife.
All this allows me to tuck it away if I wish or have it dangling to hand safe in the knowledge that it won’t puncture me at the wrong moment.
Sharp!
By God it’s sharp with a very fine serrated blade that cuts through cord, line or rope like a knife through butter. This however, is a very important point. The serrations help ‘grab’ the rope – especially when wet – whilst cutting it.
A normal blade can simply slide off a smooth and wet surface to the ‘first-time-cut’ fails. No matter what form of knife you select do choose a serrated blade and preferably try it out for cutting ability before buying.
However, I am one of those people that dislike anyone waving a knife around me – especially if it has a very sharp point! And it seems like I am not alone as this knife – like all good rescue knives – has a blunt tip. It will cut like crazy but it will be much more difficult for someone to stab you with it inadvertently or otherwise during a rescue.
Lightweight and visible
It might seem obvious but the more easily you can see your knife the easier it is to grab it when needed. Being yellow it does stand out from its surroundings. The spec. shows the weight which is quite light for a stainless steel knife of this size.
Pocketable and small
It is very flat and when closed takes up very little space. It tucks away into my PFD when I want it too but can dangle without becoming a nuisance too.
So there we are. For me it’s a great rescue knife that may not suit everyone. It’s not cheap at £29.50 online but I’ve had mine now for several years and it has indeed become a favorite with me.
Highly Recommended
Gerry
