A shove knife is most often used for what purpose?

A shove knife is specifically designed to assist in manipulating door locks, particularly outward swinging doors. Its shape and design allow firefighters to slide the tool between the frame and the door to disengage the locking mechanism without causing damage to the door itself. This capability is essential in emergency situations where gaining quick access to a building is critical, such as in a fire or rescue operation.

Using a shove knife effectively enables firefighters to open doors quickly and safely, facilitating entry for rescue operations or firefighting efforts. While other tools might be employed for tasks such as breaking windows or securing ladders, the shove knife is uniquely suited for the specific function of addressing the locking systems on outward swinging doors.