best gift for my Cal-fire son

[c hanna]

Hi folks,
Im brand new here , but need to know what the best knife would be to gift my son who works for Cal Fire here in Northern CA.
I'm looking at the Rescue 79, but I can't tell if it has the window breaker on it. I think he would want this??
Any ideas would be very helpful!
Chris

[hunterseeker5]

I worry a bit that people will stereotype him as wanting JUST rescue feature knives. While one of the rescue knives I'm sure would be great he might also just want a knife like the rest of us. The Para2 is popular for a reason.

The rescue 79 does not have the glass breaker, its the assist with that feature:
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=634

[Minibear453]

Only the Spyderco Assist has the window breaker, and to be honest, I think a spring loaded one would be a lot safer. With the assist, you have to swing, and may be cut by the broken glass shards. With the spring loaded, it's just place and press. And the department will probably supply way better tools. However, for rescue, a blunt tip would be nice, since stabbing the person you're trying to rescue is not the brightest idea. :D

[SQSAR]

The Rescue is a nice knife, no doubt about it. However, the 79 is a bit small. Maybe the Rescue 93 would be a better option. The glass-breaker of the Assist might sound like a 'cool' option, but really how often would he use that particular feature? No matter what Spyderco you choose, it will be a fine knife. Personally, ,I agree that the Para2 is really hard to beat for a good all around knife.

[DrChimRichalds]

+1 for the Assist.

[angusW]

I'm no fireman but I think your son would enjoy the Spyderco Assist very much. I don't own one but I've read of firemen who do. I believe tonydahose made a video of him breaking a car window with the Assist. It looks like he put zero effort into it yet the window shattered easily. I can't find the video but here's one where some people are using different window breaking tools. One of the tools is the Assist and the window breaks with no problem. Now they are hitting it in the centre of the window but from what I understand it's best to hit it on the bottom corner where there will be the least amount of flex.

And welcome to the forum Chris. Hope you enjoy your stay :)

[Domanfp]

I would go with a jumpmaster. H1 is best in a nasty environment.

It is only a matter of time till our resident fire expert Tony chimes in with his sentiment.

[c hanna]

You guys are awesome to chime in with your thoughts about this. It looks like the assist is in the lead here.
I do like the look of the Jumpmaster, but it's kind of spendy, and the Para2 looks like a great knife. In fact, I think I want one for me to replace my $15 special I got from Big 5. But, I want a seatbelt cutter with blunt tip for my son, so, I'll be proud to give him the Assist for his birthday.
Thank you very much guys!
Chris

[Blerv]

The assist is very cool :) . Almost makes me want to change my career!

[The Deacon]

Think the Assist is a great choice. I'll just add that you should try to find one the orange ones.

[BAL]

Welcome C hanna, IMO, the assist would be a great choice for your son. I would agree with Deacon on the orange, it looks great and is easy to locate in a hurry.

[TheNeedyCat]

salt 1!!!!! plain edge! he will love it

[ranger51]

There are some great choices out there. I am short you will find the right one.

[c hanna]

So, I ended up getting my son the orange Assist. Dang, that's a nice knife, and he seemed to really like it. Spyderco was great to work with as well, and a small folding pocket knife came with the Assist as a gift. Now THATS how to make a happy customer and returning customer.
Thanks to all for your replies to my initial inquiry.
Chris

[dj moonbat]

The Assist is one of those knives that's so cool, it almost makes me wish I needed to cut myself out of a burning car.

[Blerv]

Thanks for the report back! Glad it was a success :)