Benchmade 8 BLKW Rescue Hook

I was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for over twenty years and a Police Officer (PO) for ten. I still maintain certifications in CPR/AED and Advanced First Aid.

Back when I was a PO and EMT I responded to hundreds of motor vehicle accidents and medical emergencies. Back then our tool of choice was either a pair of EMT shears for cutting away clothing or seatbelts.

Eventually, in the early 2000s, rescue hooks started coming out from companies like Benchmade, I immediately purchased one of the early ones. I can’t recall the model number or name but I carried it for years in my medical gear. Until an overzealous TSA Agent decided it was a weapon.

Since then I had been looking for a replacement so when I was given the opportunity to review the Benchmade 8 was I glad.

Benchmade 8 Video demonstration

The Benchmade 8 has a black nylon pouch that can be attached to a MOLLE-compatible webbing or a belt via a MALICE clip. The 8 measures about 6.5” long, is made from 440C steel.

With a black finish and includes a notch that can open the valve on an oxygen tank. The handle, although thin, remains secure in your hand, especially when hooking a finger into the loop.

Practical testing

I tested the cutting ability of the hook on three mediums; 550 cord, a Spec Ops Brand belt which is similar in consistency to a seatbelt, and blue jean denim.

These are fairly common materials that a first responder will come into contact with on a crash scene. The hook cut through all of them like butter as you can see in the accompanying pictures and videos.

There was a little hesitation in getting through the bottom seam of the blue jeans, which was due more to the angle than any failure of the tool.

These tests prove that the 8 is a valuable tool for first responders or for self-rescue.

The 8 will now be part of my vehicle EDC and is attached to a molle panel on the back of my front passenger seat where I keep other items that I want nearby in my vehicle.

I strongly recommend the Benchmade 8 for first responders, police, military personnel, or people use where the need for safely cutting away clothing or other materials safely is part of the criteria.