Our first impression of the Victorinox Rescue Tool is a good one. This is a very solid well made folding tool. The first thing you notice is the color. This is designed as an emergency tool, so its bright yellow (StayGlow) handles really stand out keeping this tool from becoming lost if dropped, The bright red and yellow sheath is also hard to miss. For more low key applications there is a black version available. The Victorinox RescueTool fits well in the hand and three of the most important blades are one hand opening and closing even with gloves. This could be a good all around knife. The specialized blades are still useful in other applications. For an EMT or Paramedic this would be a must have tool in my opinion. For a first aid kit or emergency bag this is also a great tool for the money.
The Rescue Tool is packaged in a plastic clamshell with sheath and descriptions of the blades and various uses for the tool. There is also an interesting quick history of the Victorinox company
The title of Knife of the Year 2007 was awarded to the Victorinox Rescue Tool during the IWA, the largest knife exhibition in the world. The IWA International Knife Award has become an international reference and quality label: the Rescue Tool was picked among 77 knives from 34 exhibitors coming from 9 countries.
The nylon sheath is almost reflective. Its bright red and yellow trim make it easy to see. The large belt loop runs the entire length of the sheath so it can work with emergency gear and slip onto straps of bags and packs easily. The knife fits in easy but does not have room to wiggle around or make noise inside the sheath. The flap is held closed with hook and loop (velcro). The folded / open bottom allows the sheath to be self cleaning and will not collect water or sand
The Rescue Tool has been developed by Victorinox in close collaboration with rescue and safety services. It can be operated with gloves and has luminescent handles. Crate opener and one-hand blade can be locked in place through Liner Lock.
Holding the flashlight in one place to create a glowing spot visible in room light
I charged the handles with a Surefire E2D 60 lumen flashlight. A few seconds was enough to make the handles glow bright green. This is really fun to play around with, and potentially very useful in low light / dark situations
In dark room / no flash
In low light room / no flash Note the green glow from the bottom handle
The charged handle in a low lit room with no flash, The handles glow green
Here is the rescue tool next to two other Victorinox Swiss Army knives for comparison. A Victorinox Executive and a Huntsman. The Executive is a 3" knife, the Huntsman is a 3-1/2" knife and the RescueTool is 4-3/8" long. The Rescue Tool is a bit large for pocket carry, but not too large to carry on a belt all the time.
The Victorinox Rescue Tool, Victorinox Huntsman and Executive side by side from top and bottom. All fit comfortably in the hand. Although the Rescue Tool is larger it is not much wider than the smaller Huntsman.
The Huntsman and Rescue Tool with their main blades open. Here the larger size of the Rescue Tool is more obvious
The Victorinox RescueTool is packaged with it's sheath, instructions in multiple languages and warranty information.
The instructions on keeping the knife and tools working well and the Warranty information are similar to what is included in other tools. An 800 number is included unlike some lesser knives who offer no contact information
The guide to the various Victorinox blades is interesting and makes you think of your next purchase.. soo many tools, so few pockets
Here are some sources we found to buy the Victorinox Rescue Tool in both yellow (as reviewed) and black
Search Tucson Car Repair
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