No one wants to face a life-threatening situation, yet sometimes it’s inevitable. Cutting seatbelt, removing clothes or thick boots to treat wounds, and cutting ropes in parachute malfunctions are not so infrequently among outdoor adventurers. In these cases, using a knife can backfire because you might risk cutting yourself. Also carrying a knife everywhere might not be practical. This is where a rescue hook can be your lifesaver.
Rescue hook is a safer alternative and it’s also much easier to carry. You can simply slip it in your pocket or your small backpack. Carrying a rescue hook on your adventure can give you more peace of mind. Knowing that there’s a tool that you can use in case of emergency.
How to Choose the Best Rescue Hook
Make sure that you get the best rescue hook with the highest quality possible. This is the tool that you’ll use to save your life in case of an emergency. You definitely don’t want to risk your life by getting a low-quality rescue hook. Besides, a cheap rescue hook will break easily. You want a product that would last a lifetime. Always ready when you need it in any situation.
Material
Choosing the right material is the most crucial part when buying a rescue hook. Make sure you choose the most durable rescue hook with high-quality material. It’s important because you don’t want it to break when you need it the most. A strong and solid material must be the number one consideration.
Size
Imagine carrying a big and bulky rescue tool on your adventure. It’s a big No! You want your rescue hook to be simple, minimalist, and small enough to carry everywhere. You should be able to keep it in your pocket, in a pouch or in your lightweight backpack. Anywhere that is most accessible to use it anytime.
Versatility
Some rescue hooks offer more functions than just its main purpose. Choosing a versatile rescue hook with more features can be a wise decision. Some products offer an extra 3-in-1 feature like a knuckle, bottle opener, or oxygen wrench.
Ergonomic Handle
You’ll want a rescue hook that’s easy to handle. A good ergonomic handle will make it convenient to use. Make sure the grip is well-designed that it won’t slip off your hands. More holes for the finger to hold on to, the better.
Ontario Asek Strap
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This is the most affordable rescue hook from Ontario. Ontario Asek Strap is a bang for your buck. Offering great quality for a lower price. Ontario Asek Strap was developed as the Aircrew Survival Egress Knife System. It features anodized aluminum construction. The bi-metal stainless steel blades are also replaceable. Making it easy for you to renew without buying the whole thing. The blade is 2.5cm long and 0.064cm thick, the perfect size if you ask us. The hardness is 58 RC with a flat bevel blade grind. This can be a good option for you who travel once or twice a year. Making it a nice backup rescue tool you can carry!
What We Love
Small, pocketable, and easy to carry.
Pros:
- Blades are easy to replace
- Super sharp
- Very solid and sturdy
Cons:
Some material might be stuck in the middle because of the 2-blade design
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Benchmade 10 (CU)
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Looking for the best rescue hook that lasts for years? Rescue hook Benchmade is the answer. Benchmade 10 is the newest of rescue tool line from Benchmade. The hook blade features a 1-inch hook opening. Weighing only 2.05oz, this is one most lightweight rescue tool on the market!
Material-wise, it’s made of 440 American Steel with 60 high-chromium stainless steel. Benchmade 10 has the perfect balance between hardness and corrosion resistance. With the 440C fine edge blade, it’s very easy to re-sharpen. The handle is also coated with 440C stainless steel, making it compatible with the MOLLE belt clip.
What We Love
With the 4-finger grip, it’s very convenient to handle.
Pros:
- Comes with a sheath
- Easy to re-sharpen, no need to replace blades
- Has official warranty
Cons:
The sheath doesn’t fit on a 2-inch duty belt.
Growler Gut Hook Knife (CU)
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Growler Gut Hook Knife is best for hunting and skinning. It’s the perfect option if you’re a hunter. Also great as a gift for your family or friends who are a hunting enthusiast!
Growler Gut Hook Knife combines 2 functions in one, including a bottle opener. Drinking beer while hunting has never been better! This product is even sold to the corrections department as a suicide noose cutter rescue tool. Proving how great the quality is.
What We Love
Cool military design and fit in the palm of your hand.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty belt sheath included
- Integrated bottle opener
- Easy to carry
- Comfortable to handle
Cons:
The blade is not replaceable and pretty hard to re-sharpen.
Gerber Crisis Hook (CU)
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Designed to be versatile, Gerber Crisis Hook is made for many kinds of situations. You can safely cut through anything, from clothes, seatbelt, cords, to straps. It also comes in a 3-in-1 function: cutting, breaking glass, and wrenching an oxygen tank. Yep, this one has an integrated oxygen tank wrench!
Gerber Crisis Hook offers a smaller-profile that resulted in an easy-to-grip knife with a longer blade, useful for critical situations. It’s also MOLLE compatible and you can slip it easily inside a ballistic vest. The friction lock technology will prevent the knife from releasing by accident. This makes it a very multifunctional yet safe rescue hook.
What We Love
Small and compact, but offers many features.
Pros:
- Textured edge handle for better grip
- Ultra-strong 420 HC stainless steel material
- 1 tool for 3 purposes
Cons:
The sheath is made of hard plastic and it’s too tight for some.
Benchmade 8
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Benchmade is one of the most reliable rescue hook brands on the market. With Benchmade 8, you can quickly cut things in an emergency situation. The longer handle makes great reach and leverage. It also offers 2 more functions. You can use the Benchmade 8 as a syringe popper and oxygen wrench.
Rest assured of its quality, as it’s made of 440C stainless steel with 60 RC in hardness. It’s durable and ready to be your safety tool for a lifetime. This rescue hook Benchmade is originally made in the USA and it won’t disappoint!
What We Love
The sheath is available in 3 different colors, unlike any other brands that only offer 1 color.
Pros:
- Durable edge
- Soft nylon sheath with retention band included
- Oxygen wrench feature
- Integrated syringe popper
Cons:
The blade requires more maintenance as it can’t be replaced
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Boker Plus Rescom
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Boker Plus Rescom is a military-grade rescue hook that has an amazing cutting power. Even better, it’s very lightweight, super compact, and slim. Most rescue hooks with strong cutting power are big and bulky, but Boker Plus Rescom is different. The blade is less than 2 inches long. But it has a serrated cutting edge that can quickly cut through boxes, seatbelts, rope, and cord.
It’s made of high-quality AUS-8 stainless steel with a black Teflon coat for better durability. It also features ambidextrous thumb studs. Boker Plus Rescom is designed to be easy to carry and to handle with its palm index ramps. On top of all, the handle is made of fiberglass reinforced nylon for a better grip.
What We Love
The sporty design looks very durable and stylish at the same time.
Pros:
- Pocket clip included
- Lifetime warranty
- Ultra-slim and pocketable
Cons:
The metal latch is stiff and hard to close.
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Statgear SuperVizor XT
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If you’re new to the rescue tool world, Statgear SuperVizor XT is a great option. This is the one to get if don’t really know what to buy. Rescue hook is essential for us to have, especially for drivers and avid travelers.
StatGear SuperVizor XT is small, but it’s very powerful and easy to use. It’s designed by a New York paramedic who really understands how to make an accessible life-saving tool. Statgear SuperVizor XT is very light and sturdy, making it easy to carry and store everywhere.
What We Love
Many color options to choose from.
Pros:
- Offers a window punch feature
- A rubber grip handle, no slipping, and no sliding
- 2 in 1 package
Cons:
Outdated design and quite bulky.
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Blackhawk Hawkhook (CU)
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Blackhawk Hawkhook is designed to be solid and stylish at the same time. It’s made of AUS8A stainless steel for maximum durability. While the handle is made of 420J stainless steel with textured plastic for better and non-slippery grip. With the stout frame-lock mechanism, this rescue hook is very safe to use. Minimizing the blade to slip out by accident. Blackhawk Hawkhook has a partially serrated edge for extra convenience when handled.
What We Love
Stylish and very pocketable with the foldable design.
Pros:
- Features bottle opener
- Flat screwdriver makes it easy to be repaired
- Has a lanyard hole
Cons:
Hard to open one-handed because of the poorly placed thumb stud.
Gerber Strap Cutter (CU)
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Gerber has been in the industry since 1939. The quality of Gerber’s products is no doubt one of the best on the market. Gerber Strap Cutter is one of its bestsellers to date. With decades of innovation, Gerber creates products that more than just blades. Making it an advanced life-saving tool for everyone. Gerber Strap Cutter is very functional due to its quick-release friction sheath. One of, if not the easiest to use rescue hook you can get.
What We Love
Easy to handle one-handed, thanks to the quick access mechanism!
Pros:
- Integrated glass breaker and blunt hook
- Textured back edge for extra grip
- Extra-large finger hole for more leverage
Cons:
The tool doesn’t stay in the case when hung upside down.
Benchmade SOCP 179 (CU)
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Benchmade SOCP 179 offers a high-quality 3-in-1 rescue hook you can carry anywhere. Made of 440C high-carbon stainless steel, it’s tough and also rust-resistance. With the finger ring at the end, it’s easy to handle other things without putting down the tool. This rescue hook Benchmade features cutting hook, oxygen wrench, and carbide glass breaker. It’s a great multi-purpose rescue tool!
What We Love
Slim, lightweight, and easy to handle.
Pros:
- MOLLE compatible
- Easy to re-sharpen
- Weighing only 1.9 ounces
Cons:
Price is higher than products from competitors of the same category.
Magnum Compact
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Unlike other rescue hooks, Magnum Compact offers more than just a rescue hook. It also features a foldable knife for everyday use, making it a great alternative to your EDC knife. Overall, it’s a powerful cutting tool in a small and compact body. The blade is made of 440 stainless steel, serrated and black coated for rust resistance. With the liner lock mechanism, it’s always safe for everyday carry.
What We Love
Powerful small cutting blade with many extra features.
Pros:
- Includes foldable knife
- Integrated glass breaker
- Pocket clip for extra safety
Cons:
Must apply more force to open the blade when used one-handed.
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Gerber Vital Zip
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Gerber Vital Zip is the best seller rescue hook from Gerber. Its entry-level feature makes it handy for general everyday use. This product is a great rescue tool that you can buy for an emergency at home or store in your car. The orange rubber grip makes it easy to spot and handle. Making it accessible whenever you need it. The intuitive design and finger choil offer quick and easy use.
What We Love
Lightweight and simple design, perfect for everyday use.
Pros:
- Nimble razor blade
- Fabric sheath included
- Free 2 replacement blades
Cons:
Plastic material tends to easy to break.
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Benchmade 7
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Rescue hook Benchmade has been on the market for decades. Benchmade has been producing high-quality rescue tools since 1988. Making it one of the oldest and the most well-established knife companies in the world.
Benchmade 7 is the all-time top-selling item from Benchmade. It’s simple, to the point and very durable. Benchmade 7 is made of 440C high-chromium stainless steel with a fine edge that’s easy to re-sharpen. You never have to worry about the quality. Benchmade promises a lifetime warranty to keep your rescue hook in the best condition. Repair and sharpening are free forever!
What We Love
Simple, compact and serves its purpose without any distracting features
Pros:
- Black vinyl coating for extra durability and convenient grip
- Free nylon webbing pouch with velcro closure
- The large opening works well with gloved hands
Cons:
Doesn’t offer any other feature.
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