During a recent earthquake rescue drill, high-speed steel (HSS) cutting knives demonstrated their unique value in extreme conditions. Rescuers found that this traditional tool performed exceptionally well when cutting through mixed materials—especially when power was unavailable and electric tools could not be used.

The key advantage of HSS cutting knives lies in their independence from external power sources and their ability to handle a wide range of materials. In rescue scenarios involving complex structures of reinforced concrete, metal pipes, and wood, these knives can adapt to diverse cutting demands by switching blade angles or adjusting cutting techniques.

“The greatest strength of HSS cutting knives is their reliability,” said a rescue team’s tool specialist who participated in the drill. “In harsh environments, simple and dependable tools are often more practical than complex equipment.”

Based on these findings, some rescue teams have begun reevaluating their tool allocation strategies and are considering adding HSS cutting knives as supplementary emergency gear. Additionally, certain teams are now exploring design improvements tailored specifically for rescue operations—such as integrating window-breaking tips and measurement markings onto the blades.