Let’s Talk About Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife
The Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife isn’t just another blade; it’s a purpose-built tool designed for emergencies. Made by Eickhorn Solingen, a company with a long history of producing high-quality German knives, the PRT II boasts a partially serrated blade, integrated seat belt cutter, and glass breaker, all packaged in a robust, red aluminum handle. Its rescue-focused design immediately sets it apart.
As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I often encounter situations where a reliable rescue tool is critical. I was looking for a compact, easily accessible knife with features specifically designed to aid in emergency situations, particularly those involving vehicles. The Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife seemed to fit that bill perfectly.
Upon unboxing, the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife impressed me with its solid feel and quality construction. The matte finish on the blade and handle gave it a tactical, non-reflective appearance, and the red aluminum handles provided a secure grip. The weight felt substantial but not overly heavy, suggesting a good balance of durability and portability.
Compared to other rescue knives I’ve used, such as the Gerber Hinderer CLS and the Benchmade Triage, the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife stood out for its compact size and integrated features. While the Gerber boasts a more aggressive seat belt cutter and the Benchmade offers a replaceable blade, the Eickhorn seemed to offer a better balance of portability and functionality for everyday carry. I chose the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife for its perceived quality, compact design, and the reputation of Eickhorn Solingen.
My first impression was one of excitement tempered with a degree of skepticism. Could such a compact tool truly deliver on its promise of being a reliable rescue knife? Only real-world testing would provide the answer.
Real-World Testing: Putting Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife to the Test
First Use Experience
I put the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife through its paces during a training exercise simulating a vehicle extrication scenario. I needed to quickly and safely cut a seatbelt, break a car window, and potentially use the blade for other tasks. The knife performed admirably in dry conditions, allowing for confident and precise cuts.
The integrated seatbelt cutter worked surprisingly well, slicing through the webbing with minimal effort. The glass breaker, while requiring a firm strike, shattered the tempered glass effectively. The knife’s spear point blade proved useful for maneuvering in tight spaces. I found the knife easy to use right out of the box, requiring very little time to get familiar with its functions.
After the first use, the only issue was a slight loosening of the pivot screw. A quick tightening resolved the problem.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of carrying and using the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife in various scenarios, it has held up remarkably well. The red anodized aluminum handles show only minor signs of wear, such as a few small scratches, and the blade remains sharp after repeated use. I’ve used it for everything from cutting rope and opening boxes to more demanding tasks like prying and light batoning.
The N695 steel has proven to be quite durable and corrosion-resistant, even after exposure to moisture and humidity. Cleaning the knife is relatively easy; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point is all it takes. Compared to other rescue knives I’ve owned, the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife
Specifications
- The Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife features a 3.25-inch matte finish Bohler N695 stainless steel partially serrated spear point blade. This blade steel provides a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
- The knife has a 4.75-inch closed length making it compact enough for comfortable everyday carry. Its overall length when open is 8 inches.
- The handle is made from red aluminum with a matte finish which provides a solid grip, and durability, while being lightweight. This improves handling in various conditions.
- The knife integrates a seat belt cutter and glass breaker for emergency situations. These specialized tools are designed for rapid response.
- It features a stainless steel pocket clip for secure and convenient carry. This allows for easy access in critical moments.
These specifications combine to create a knife that is both functional and reliable, suited for emergency responders and anyone prioritizing preparedness. The N695 steel blade will hold an edge while the integrated safety features enhance its rescue capabilities.
Performance & Functionality
The Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife performs its intended role as a rescue tool very well. The partially serrated blade makes quick work of fibrous materials like rope and webbing, while the spear point allows for precise cutting tasks. The seat belt cutter and glass breaker are effective and easy to deploy in emergency situations.
The primary strength of the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife lies in its robust construction and specialized features. The N695 steel holds an edge well, and the integrated rescue tools are genuinely useful. One area for improvement might be the aggressiveness of the serrations; they could be slightly more pronounced for even faster cutting of tougher materials. Overall, it meets and slightly exceeds expectations for a rescue-focused folding knife.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife is excellent. The materials used are high-quality, and the knife feels solid and well-assembled. The red aluminum handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet.
The knife is relatively user-friendly, although some practice may be needed to become proficient with the seat belt cutter and glass breaker. The liner lock is easy to operate with one hand, and the thumb lug allows for quick blade deployment.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and high-quality materials, the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife should last for many years with proper care. The N695 steel is known for its durability and corrosion resistance, and the aluminum handles are resistant to impacts and abrasion.
Maintaining the knife is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the pivot point are usually sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife comes with a gift/storage tin. There aren’t many readily available aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the PRT II. However, generic knife lubricants and sharpening tools can be used.
Due to the knife’s unique design and specialized features, customization options are limited. Users may consider replacing the pocket clip with a different style, but significant modifications are generally not recommended. The design emphasizes functionality and reliability over customization.
Pros and Cons of Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife
Pros
- High-Quality Construction: Built with durable materials like Bohler N695 steel and aluminum handles, this knife is designed to withstand heavy use.
- Integrated Rescue Tools: The built-in seat belt cutter and glass breaker provide essential functionality for emergency situations.
- Compact and Portable: With a closed length of 4.75 inches, the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife is easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
- Reliable Blade Steel: The N695 steel offers a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
- Secure Grip: The red aluminum handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions.
Cons
- Limited Customization: There are few aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife.
- Price Point: At $159.99, the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife is more expensive than some comparable rescue knives.
Who Should Buy Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife?
The Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife is perfect for emergency responders (firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement), EMTs, first responders, and anyone who wants a reliable rescue tool for their vehicle or everyday carry. It’s also well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize safety and preparedness.
This knife might not be the best choice for individuals primarily seeking a general-purpose folding knife without the need for specialized rescue features. Also, those on a very tight budget might find the price prohibitive.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality sharpening tool to maintain the blade’s edge.
Conclusion on Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife
The Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife is a well-designed, robustly built rescue tool that delivers on its promise of providing essential functionality in emergency situations. While it may be more expensive than some of its competitors, the quality of materials and construction, combined with the integrated seat belt cutter and glass breaker, justify the price for those who prioritize preparedness and reliability.
Yes, I would personally recommend the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife to anyone seeking a dedicated rescue knife. It’s a tool you can depend on when seconds count. Be prepared, be safe, and consider adding the Eickhorn Solingen PRT II Rescue Folder Folding Knife to your gear.