This is a direct response to a reader who asked me what one thing I would recommend that he purchase for everyday use as a police officer. If you have read my columns you know I am a knife aficionado. I have repeatedly told you to get an everyday carry knife (EDCK) for those utilitarian moments of life. If you watch NCIS then you will recall Gibb’s Rule # 9: Never go anywhere without a knife . So, here goes...
I know that there are some chiefs or sheriffs that have explicit policies governing or nearly prohibiting edged instruments. Now, granted some agencies and some states are taking stances on last ditched weapons, fighting blades and their usages. This leaves open the rescue, utility tool or smaller everyday use pocket knife. I am not going to address belt knives, boot knives, forward assisted, double edged, serrated teeth, titanium treated zombie-proof blades. I am talking about a daily use utility tool, that’s all.
An example policy could read:
The Anytown Police Department members may not wear any uniform item, accessory or attachment unless specifically authorized by the Chief of Police.
The exception of hand cuff keys, multi-tools, small auto rescue tools, tourniquets, approved personal first aid kits (IFAK), non-decorative, folding or tactical knives. Departments members may not carry any safety item, tool or other piece of equipment unless specifically authorized by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.
I watched an officer struggling with packaging evidence the other day. He had scissors out and was trying to cut, poke and shape a piece of cardboard needed to stabilize a fragile piece of property. Finally, I asked if he needed my pocket knife. He agreed and the process went smoothly, efficiently and probably safer. When you use items outside of their intended design, bad things will happen. Hint: don’t use scissors to cut like a knife they are not that sharp and you will make a mess of the project.
You can be doing something as easy as cutting a bagel in half or opening a package. In the daily rigors of police work, it could be cutting crime scene tape. You will need some form of a working blade. My general advice is to get your hands on a knife you find that fits your needs and hands. As there are many varieties of knife designs so are there many applications. I tell most officers to look for a Swiss Army multifunction type knife configuration. In addition to a blade, you will other useful other devices that come in handy. They do not have to be large, how does it carry in your pocket? There are other configurations for emergency service applications that fit the bill as well. Again, one knife does not fit all applications. Drop in an outdoor or camping store or hardware store to view the varieties of knives. Again, ask to see, feel and work them, this is a fit to you not the guy waiting on you!
The other thing is that this is a tool, so it must be cared for. Get a sharpener to touch it up. A dull knife is worthless and often will hurt you. Use the knife for what it is designed. I have seen far too many blades snapped by making it the pry tool that it is not designed to be; again this is a safety thing. I do not intend to turn you into an edge-head like me. What I want is for you to be efficient and effective in all you do. Don’t yet believe me? Go back to Gibbs Rule #9.
