Smith & Wesson Introduces a 'Must Have' Life Saving Tool for Every Vehicle (a different tool for different cities? - Naah)

Law Enforcement and Fire Safety Knife Available to Consumers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 24 -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (AMEX:SWB) , parent company of the legendary 151-year-old handgun maker Smith & Wesson Corp., and its licensee Taylor Cutlery, LLC introduce a lifesaving tool for auto owners, law enforcement and rescue personnel alike -- the Smith & Wesson 911 First Response(R) Knife. Already being tested by many law enforcement and fire safety professionals nationwide, the knife has been credited for saving the lives of accident victims across the country.

Taylor Cutlery designed an all-in-one tool that was easily portable, multi-functional and durable under water so law enforcement and safety personnel would not have to carry three separate tools -- a knife, window punch and seatbelt cutter -- to extricate accident victims from their vehicles. After consulting with custom knife designer and co-founder of the Knifemakers Guild of America, Walter "Blackie" Collins, the one-of-a-kind Smith & Wesson 911 First Response(R) Knife was created.

"The Smith & Wesson 911 First Response(R) Knife should be a standard piece of equipment for anyone who owns a vehicle," said Stewart Taylor, president and founder of Taylor Cutlery. "We have received testimonial letters from law enforcement, emergency personnel and accident victims who have used this tool successfully and now it is available to the public."

The Smith & Wesson 911 First Response(R) Knife has a piston mechanism that allows the user to safely break and force away an automobile window in the event the electrical system fails. The knife also has a custom manufactured serrated blade that can be used to cut through seatbelts should the seatbelt system malfunction and trap a passenger in a car seat.

Sgt. Earl Henley, A Shift Rescue Field Training Officer located in Johnson City, Tenn., has personally used the Smith & Wesson 911 First Response(R) Knife to save the lives of more than six accident victims since July 2002.

"In a recent accident, we used the Smith & Wesson 911 First Response(R) Knife to break through a mini-van's window, cut through the seatbelt and successfully extricate the accident victim all within the 'Golden Hour' - the hour between when an accident occurs and when the victim is treated at the hospital," said Henley. "The patient survived and is walking around today due in large part to the fact we were able to get him out of the vehicle quickly and efficiently."

Henley went on to add that all sergeants in his field training unit carries a Smith & Wesson 911 First Response(R) Knife and considers it an integral part of their lifesaving gear.

The Smith & Wesson 911 First Response(R) Knife retails for $62.95 and is available for purchase at the Smith & Wesson Web site www.smith-wesson.com. The Smith & Wesson 911 First Response(R) Knife is also available at Big 5 Sporting Goods, Gallians Sporting Goods, Tractor Supply and MSC Industrial Supply stores.

Smith & Wesson is a registered trademark of Smith & Wesson Corporation. Smith & Wesson and Taylor Cutlery are independently owned and operated. Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation and its affiliated companies do not endorse or assume any liability for the acts or omissions of Taylor Cutlery.

About Taylor Cutlery, LLC

Founded by Stewart Taylor in 1975, Taylor Cutlery has been manufacturing, designing and distributing high-quality stainless steel knives and accessories since its inception. Taylor Cutlery manufactures Smith & Wesson, Coleman, John Deere and Cherokee cutting tools. Taylor Cutlery is also renowned for specialty items and custom designed pieces such as the Texas Ranger Commemorative Knives celebrating the 180th Anniversary of the Texas Rangers, the oldest state law enforcement agency in the United States. Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and, most recently, law enforcement and fire safety professionals utilize Taylor Cutlery products. For more information regarding Taylor Cutlery and their products line, call 1-800-251-0254 or write to them at 1736 N. Eastman Rd., Kingsport, TN 37664.

About Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation is the parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., one of the world's leading producers of quality handguns, law enforcement products and firearm safety and security products. Law enforcement personnel, military personnel, target shooters, hunters, collectors and firearms enthusiasts throughout the world have used the Company's products with confidence for more than 151 years. Smith & Wesson Corp. also manufacturers and markets Smith & Wesson branded handcuffs and other products utilizing its metal working expertise. For more information, visit http://www.smithandwesson.com/.