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Wash. firefighter designs ‘ultimate’ pocket knife

The folding blade fits perfectly in the side pocket of your turnout pants

A firefighter in Spokane, Wash., has invented what may be the largest pocketknife you’ve ever seen.

Tom Horne calls his product the “Jake Knife,” and it’s more machete than pocketknife. In a video posted to YouTube, Firefighter Horne demonstrates several possible uses for the knife, including hatchet, pry-bar, and hose coupling spanner.

The folding blade — measuring 9 inches long when closed and 16 inches when open — fits perfectly in the side pocket of your turnout pants.

Its large size allows you to open the blade even while wearing heavy-duty gloves.

According to Firefighter Horne’s website, the Jake Knife is sold with a scabbard that fixes the tool in your turnout pocket and minimizes wear.

The scabbard is fixed in place with Velcro and features a slot for a pair of lineman’s pliers.

The combination knife and scabbard will set you back $150, and can be ordered through Firefighter Horne’s website, www.jakeknife.us.


Drew Johnson’s contributions to the FireRescue1 editorial lineup focuses on new fire products, services, and technologies. A native of Oklahoma, Drew has previously written for both print and online media outlets on a wide range of topics, including finance, education, real estate, and politics. Contact Drew at drew.johnson@praetoriangroup.com.

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