The new MAK-1 (Multiple Access Knife) was created by James McGowan, who is a professional firefighter in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Due to his career in one of Canada's busiest fire halls and his passion for the outdoors, he started making hard-working knives and joined the Canadian Knifemakers' Guild in 1998. Drawing from his extensive real-life fire and rescue experiences, he has designed the CRKT production MAK-1 emergency rescue tool, based on the day-to-day needs of the professional firefighter, EMT, and rescue volunteer.

The MAK-1 (Multiple Access Knife) is a rescue knife designed to meet the needs of a firefighter, made of tough 3Cr13 stainless steel. It is truly a multiple-use tool. The chisel pry-bar tip is designed for opening doors, windows, and prying open locks and hasps. The 3" Razor-Sharp knife edge is a useful cutting tool. The handle features a deep finger choil and textured black G10 scales to give an excellent grip in wet conditions and when wearing gloves. The end of the handle has a stepped groove which can be used as a window glass twist breaker and battery wrench. At the butt is a carbide tip breaker for instant shattering of window panes. An orange reflector lanyard is designed to keep the MAK-1 visible if misplaced or dropped. It comes complete with a Cordura sheath with a pocket designed to hold an Extrik-8-R tool.