How to Use a Serrated Rescue Knife for Emergencies
By Unplug. Connect. Outdoors. That's UCO | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn step-by-step techniques for using a serrated rescue knife to cut seatbelts, webbing, and rope during emergencies. Includes safety tips and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
A serrated rescue knife is designed to cut through tough materials like seatbelts, nylon webbing, and rope using its saw-like edge. Focus on controlled slicing motions and avoid using the blunt safety tip for prying.
Why choose a serrated blade for rescue cuts
Unlike a plain edge that requires a slicing draw, serrations catch and tear fibers more aggressively. This makes them effective on synthetic materials that tend to melt or bind against a straight blade. The trade-off is that serrations are harder to sharpen in the field and less precise for fine work.
Knives like the Companion Serrated Rescue Knife pair a serrated blade with a blunt safety tip to reduce the risk of accidental puncture during adrenaline-fueled rescues. The high-friction grip helps maintain control even with wet or gloved hands.
Know your tool before an emergency
Practice deploying the knife from its sheath one-handed before you need it. Many rescue knives include a belt clip or sheath retention system that can be operated under stress. Familiarize yourself with the blade length and grip texture so you can index the knife without looking.
How to use a serrated rescue knife step by step
- Assess the scene and access the material: Position yourself so you can see the material you need to cut (seatbelt, webbing, rope) without straining. Remove any slack so the material is taut. A common mistake is trying to cut bunched or loose material, which causes the blade to skip or bind. Always cut against a firm surface or pull the material tight.
- Engage the serrated edge near the anchor point: Place the serrated section of the blade against the material close to where it connects to a buckle or fixed point. Use a short sawing motion—push forward and pull back—letting the teeth do the work. Do not force a heavy chop. Common mistake: sawing too fast, which can cause the blade to slip or bind. Short, controlled strokes are more effective than long, aggressive ones.
- Maintain a safe cutting angle and hand position: Keep your non-cutting hand clear of the blade path and brace the material away from your body. Angle the blade so the serrations face slightly away from the direction of pull—this helps the teeth bite without grabbing. Common mistake: holding the knife too close to the blade or letting your fingers drift into the cutting zone. A secure grip with two hands on the knife (when possible) prevents accidental slips.
- Complete the cut and re-sheath safely: Once the material parts, immediately move the blade away from the victim or yourself. Wipe off any debris and return the knife to its sheath, engaging any retention mechanism. Common mistake: leaving the knife open or placing it loose on a surface where it can be knocked or grabbed by a panicked person. Always re-sheath or close the knife after each cut to maintain safety.
Product fact
- COMPANION SERRATED RESCUE KNIFE: The Companion Serrated Rescue Knife features a patterned high-friction rubber grip and a serrated blade made of Swedish cold-rolled special stainless steel, with a blunt safety tip. The high-friction grip gives you control in wet or stressful conditions, while the blunt tip reduces puncture risk when cutting close to a victim’s skin.
COMPANION SERRATED RESCUE KNIFE
