Benchmade: 916SBK Triage

 

Benchmade has brought us another top notch blade with this dynamic triple utility tool, the 916SBK Triage. The Triage includes a knife, safety hook and glass breaker perfect for first responders of all kinds.

 

The 916SBK Triage has a flat tipped blade that doesn't come out or appear as a threat. The flat tip is designed to function as a pry bar or it can be used safely against a person without fear of stabbing or cutting them in the event of a wierd angle (inverted, rolled vehicle, etc.). By blunting the generally sharp tip of the blade allows a bit more piece of mind and will help you move more quickly should you need it for its intended purpose which is as a rescue tool. The 916 has a serrated blade which is great for cutting and sawing through fabric or restraint devices such as seatbelts. There is also a 915 model available without serration, but I think that the serration is what allows this knife to be fully utilized in many different ways.

 

The safety hook/safety cutter is another tool great for safely getting in close to a person without harming them. The 440C hook-shaped safety cutter (58-60HRC) is perfect for safely removing seat belts and layers of clothing in a hurry. As seen above the blade portion of the hook is only in the inner gap of the bend which also creates a stronger pull force in the concentrated area allowing you to cut a restraint with out injuring yourself or a potential victim.

 

The Carbide glass breaker is a neat little extra on this knife located on the opposite end of the knife than the blade. It's great to have on you when you come across a situation where you need to safely break glass in order to either escape or aid someone else in escaping. This almost unnoticeable nub is designed to break windows with minimal force exerted and it is very effective. Many times vehicles are damaged so badly that the doors won't open and the only way you're getting to a victim is by going through a window. A firm hit from the glass breaker punctures the window clean and quick allowing you access.

 

Another overlooked component of the Triage is the rugged texture frame handle. It's well balanced and feels secure in your hand. Giving you a sure grip if your hand is wet or if conditions are not ideal.

 

While this knife is focused on the first responder or those in the rescue field, we think that it's usefulness in a gear collecting is not completely implausible and each of the features does have it's place in normal camp chores and duties. I don't see this knife as the perfect example of an all purpose blade but for what it is designed for makes perfect sense and it is a well thought out task specific tool.

 

Some other specs of the 916 Triage include :

 

 

Warranty: Benchmade stands behind their craftsmanship and will eagerly replace any knife that breaks or is deemed to be defective from manufacturing free of charge.

 

Menikmati,

 

Bunny