yachting knife

10 Best Sailing Knives Available in the Market

A sailing knife on board can help you cut ropes, undo knots, and much more. When the tool serves many purposes, choosing a reliable one is a good idea. This post helps you with the same by listing the ten best sailing knife options you can buy. Not only that, the guide below helps you understand how to compare these knives.

Table of Contents

What should you know when buying a sailing knife?

Once you know the parameters to compare these sailing knives, choosing among them becomes easy.

Knife type:

A sailing knife can be a fixed, foldable, or multipurpose tool. The option you choose is dependent on personal preference. The sturdiness of the fixed knife makes it easy to cut ropes. The versatility of the multipurpose tool is what helps it stand out. In case you need an option between the two, choose a foldable blade knife with a long blade.

Blade material:

Ultimately it is the blade that will cut ropes and untangle knots. The shape and material of the blade matter a lot. Serrated blades are preferred over plain ones. The material should be stainless steel, carbon steel, or other metal alloys. Simultaneously ensure that the blade material isn’t susceptible to rust.

Blade length:

To cut rope easily, ensure the blade is at least 2.5 inches long. A longer blade is undoubtedly beneficial, but it also makes the knife challenging to store. Keep that in mind and choose the knife accordingly.

Go with a knife that offers a slip-resistant or easy-to-hold handle. By applying minimum pressure, you can cut the rope to untangle knots.

The knife should either come with a sheath or be foldable and come with a lanyard or carrying loop. It must be easy to store so that you can keep it with yourself at all times.

While comparing the sailing knives below, judge them on these parameters to pick the best.

1. Customized Sailing Gift Knife

• A thoughtful gift with your unique message. Makes a great birthday gift or Father's Day Gift.
• A handsome laser engraved rosewood handle and durable bead blasted stainless steel create a lasting design that can handle any job you tackle. Because every piece of wood is unique, the final engraved product may be slightly lighter or darker than pictured.
• Strong 3" stainless steel blade with partially serrated edge. Closed length is 5", open length is 8-1/4".
• This custom gift is made to your exact specifications. Engraving color may vary slightly, as each piece of wood is unique.
• Includes a practical nylon pouch with belt loop so your knife will always be at your side.

This knife ticks many boxes like a customised, stainless steel blade and foldable. The ability to engrave your vessel/boat’s name certainly makes it special. Stainless steel blade along with a serrated edge makes cutting rope easy.

Whether you prefer a gift item or for personal use, this sailor’s knife is a good buy. Using it with an open length of 8.25 inches and a rosewood handle is easy. It has a nylon pouch and a belt loop, allowing you to keep it handy.

• Custom engraving possible
• Sturdy blade
• Foldable design
• Rosewood handle
• Appropriate length
• Includes accessories
• The pouch can be better designed

2. Maxam 8.5″ Rigging Knife

• Get The Job Done - This sailing knife features a full-tang blade for optimum balance and leverage even under extreme conditions. Cut cordage and thick bushes easily with this fixed blade marine knife.
• Undo Knots & Shackles - This knife with sheath includes a marlin spike for splicing lines, loosening tight knots, and unlaying ropes. The shackle key in the knife blade is great for sailing/camping.
• Durable German Fixed Blade Knife - The knife tool and spike are made of German stainless steel that won’t break easily. It also features a solid teak wood knife handle that's sturdy and comfortable.
• Carry It With You Anywhere - This boat knife kit comes with a bonded leather sheath to protect both the blade and spike. The leather knife pouch is designed with a belt loop for added convenience.
• Secure, Non-Slip Grip - The wood grip knife is fixed with a solid teak wood handle that's sturdy and securely screwed on the tang. Its contoured design ensures you have a steady, comfortable grip.

Prefer a fixed-blade knife instead? If so, this full-tang stainless steel blade knife is a good choice. The handle provides you with a proper grip and makes it sturdy. Couple that with the leather sheath, and it is easy to carry this knife around.

The nonslip grip makes cutting rope easy. The overall length is 8.5 inches, and the blade length is 3.8 inches. The polished spike helps you undo knots. Sturdiness and grip are what help this knife stand out.

• Teakwood handle
• Extremely sturdy
• Heavy-duty stainless steel blade
• Comparatively heavy

3. PHAETHORNIS GUY Sailor’s Survival Knife

• 【Superior Quality】 All stainless steel construction for the main part of this sailor's survival knife, which features ultra-tough with high hardness and rust resistance for durability and great performance.
• 【Survival Multi Tool】 EDC multi tool will give you various options like screwdriver, can opener, knife, ruler, key ring and more when you need it, it can be used for home repair or outdoor survival need to ensure safety.
• 【Portable and Compact】 Compact hand-held pocket size emergency rigging tool get a contoured and compact shape which enables you to take it anywhere you wish without taking up a lot of space.
• 【Sailing-Specific Tool】 Embedded with a variety of practical tools, combining typical functionality with sailing-specific tools, perfect for knots that mock you and shackles that refuse to let go during boating and sailing outdoor adventure.
• 【Special Gift】 Our mariner navy knife will be a special gift for your father, husband, boyfriend who do boating or sailing, or other outdoor activity like exploring, hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, etc.

When on-board, multipurpose tool always serves well. This tool offers you a sailor’s knife, can opener, wire stripper, and screwdriver.

The versatility is what helps it stand out. The stainless steel blade and the compact design make it easier to use. The foldable design ensures you can keep it in your pocket when not in use. The embedded key ring helps you in hanging it.

• Multiple tools on offer
• Stainless steel construction
• Extremely compact
• The keyring can be bigger

4. Maxam 3 3/4 Inch Sailor’s Tool

• A DYNAMIC NAUTICAL KNIFE: The Maxam Sailor’s Tool is a powerfully-effective multi-sailing, -fishing, -camping and -hunting tool that’s designed for fast/easy cutting access—and is efficiently-packed in a sleek ruggedly compact stainless-steel body.
• THE PERFECT ECONOMY SAILING KNIFE: Featuring a honed blade, marlinspike, shackle key, bottle opener and stainless-steel handle with a 2”-ruler on one side, 5-cm on the other, our functional sailor’s knife measures 6.125” long when opened and 3.75” closed.
• A PRACTICAL RIGGING KNIFE: With a durably robust marlinspike running along the spine and a lanyard ring for secure storage, our affordable sailor’s tool can easily be utilized to pick lines as well as loosen all kinds of difficult-to-untie knots.
• AN IDEAL GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: Elegantly sleek, affordably stylish and packaged in a nice gift box, Maxam’s Sailor’s Tool makes for a thoughtfully memorable as well as economical gift that’ll show any outdoor enthusiast just how much they mean to you.
• CUTTING-EDGE ADVENTURE GEAR: Maxam creates high-powered multi-use sporting knives and reliable survival tools that are dependable, low-cost and come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

When sailing, a multipurpose tool always comes in handy. This one works as a nautical knife, shackle key, bottle opener, marlinspike, and honed blade. Couple this with a stainless steel handle, and it is easy to hold and use, with an overall length of 6.125 inches.

Since all the tools hold back into the knife and you get a clearing along with the knife, it is relatively easy to store. Stainless steel construction and its multipurpose design make it a worthy and reliable option.

• Multipurpose design
• Extremely versatile
• Easy to grip
• The knife length is a bit smaller

5. Myerchin Sailors Tool Linerlock

• Crafted from the highest quality materials
• Built for performance and durability
• Made in China

The combination of aluminium and stainless steel makes this knife stand out. The aluminium handle provides proper grip and durability. Cutting ropes is easy because of the stainless steel blade. The serrated design makes the blade more effective.

Knife is compact as it measures only 5 inches. The nylon sheath included with the knife enables easy storage. Sturdy construction and excellent grip give you no reason to complain.

• Extremely durable
• Excellent grip
• Comes with a nylon sheath
• Compact design
• Finishing can be better

6. BW German army mariner navy knife

• This is a army style knife from the German military bundeswehr marines. PREMIUM QUALITY
• The Marlin spike has a security lock system and lanyard loop
• This tool can be used for loosen difficult knots, the knife is especially popular with sailors
• The length of the blade is 3.15 inch, total length 7.48 inch
• The weight is: 120 g

Need an army-styled sailor’s knife?

The military-grade quality of the sailor’s knife makes it reliable. It comes with a locking system and a lanyard loop. Cutting ropes and untangling difficult knots gets done efficiently with this knife.

A blade length of 3.15 inches and a total length of 7.48 inches makes it easy to use. The blade and handle are metal-made, making it more durable than other knives. On the flip side, this increases the knife’s weight to 120 g. In terms of reliability, this best sailing knife is second to none.

• Military-grade quality
• Includes a locking system
• Sturdy metal construction
• It consists of a lanyard loop for easy storage
• Comparatively bulky

7. DULEES Marlin Spike Rigging Knife

• ⛵【Multifunctional Use】 One end of the rigging knife is a sheepsfoot blade, which is convenient for sailors, assemblers and shipbuilders to use daily on the ship, and is equipped with a shackle opener to open and tighten the screw pin shackles used on offshore rigging. A flat screwdriver bit is also arranged at the end of the knife.
• ⛵【Marlin spike knife】 The other end of the rigging knife is the marlin spike, which is the main tool for all ropes. It can quickly untie the rope for splicing and unknotting, particularly if the knot has been repeatedly soaked and strained over the course of time. There is also a lanyard loop for safe storage, which is flexible and convenient to use.
• ⛵【Selected material】 DULEES Sailor knife blade and marlin spike are made of 58-60C hardness stainless steel. With the correct precision, it will improve the hardness and wear resistance of Sailing Knife, corrosion resistance and durability. The non-slip scale patterned handle and comfortable grip make this rigging knife easy and safe to use. It is recommended to wash with water after use.
• ⛵【Convenient storage】 Rigging knife is equipped with a storage bag with a ring. When the operation is over or is not needed temporarily, the marlin spike knife can be easily stored on the belt to free your hands or other sailing activities when participating in boating, fishing or sailing.
• ⛵【Best Gift】 This is a great holiday gift, Christmas present, surprise for your husband, father, men and for women also who like to get the work done by themselves. Marlin spike knife is great for things like boating, sailing, fishing, camping. would make a great addition to your camping gear, boating gear, go-bag.

The multipurpose design of this knife ensures that you get a marlin spike, sailor’s knife, and sheep foot blade all in one. This makes this knife suitable for sailors, shipbuilders, and assemblers. A screwdriver bit further makes it versatile. A unique feature is the 58-60C hardened stainless steel blade. Even when dealing with thick ropes, the hardened blade comes in handy.

Since it comes with a storage bag, it is easier to take it with you on a sailing trip. The ring further helps you in keeping it close to you. With all the necessary features present, this versatile sailing knife is sure to grab your attention.

• Comes with a case
• Hardened stainless steel blade
• Lanyard loop available for safe storage
• Grip design can be better

8. Brass Binnacle Nautical Marine Sailor’s Bowie Knife

• This is a beautiful marine version of the famous Bowie Knife with solid brass fittings that will not rust.
• The design was used by sailors at sea, and would take into port where firearms were not permitted. The black handle is made from polished Buffalo Horn.
• The Marine Bowie's blade is made of tempered carbon steel and is .210 inches (5.3 mm) thick and 1 7/8 inches (4.8 cm) wide. This knife is very large and measures 16 3/4 inches (42.5 cm) overall and weighs 1 pound 11 ounces (754 grams).
• The thick high quality top grain leather sheath weighs 5.6 ounces (159 grams). The blade is shipped unsharpened but can easily be sharpened to a razor sharp edge.
• The top edge can be left partially sharpened or fully sharpened for back slashing.

Many sailors prefer a more durable blade. The tempered carbon steel blade (rust-resistant) of this knife fulfils that requirement. The thickness of 0.210 inches and overall knife length of 16-3/4 inches makes it suitable for numerous applications. Razor sharp edge can be sharpened easily to cut ropes and untangle knots.

It comes with a leather sheath which makes storage easy. Excellent durability is why this life is on our list.

• Tempered carbon steel (rust-resistant) blade
• Easy to sharpen
• Comes with a sheath
• Bulky at 754 g

9. DULEES Multi-Function Sailor Knife

• ⛵【Navigation Helper】Do you like to drive your own boat out to sea during holidays? DULEES marlin spike knife is specially designed for professional sailors, sailing enthusiasts, sailing hunters and campers. If you want to experience a better sailing experience, you must bring a rigging knife, it will be a good helper for your sailing adventure.
• ⛵【Marlin spike】Marlin spike is the most important and practical function of marlin spike knife. It can quickly untie and splice the ropes on the ship, especially when we go to sea for a long time and the knots are repeatedly soaked and tightened by sea water, use both hands Unable to untie, the Marlin nail can easily help us untie all the ropes.
• ⛵【Multifunctional use】 The rigging knife is mainly designed for complex marine environment. ①Marlin spike quickly untie the tight rope. ②The serrated sheep's hoof knife cuts the rope safely. ③The shackle wrench can easily release the D-ring rigging shackle. ④A flat-blade screwdriver is designed on the end of the knife to facilitate daily screwing.
• ⛵【[Selected material】 The DULEES Sailor knife blade is made of 58-60 C hardness stainless steel, and the surface is treated with vacuum ion plating titanium to improve the surface hardness and wear resistance of the rigging knife, corrosion resistance, and improve service life.
• ⛵【[Best gift】 The surface of Sailing Knife is titanium-plated and presents starry sky gray, and the color and shape are more fashionable and beautiful.. Make it a great holiday gift. If your husband, father or friends around you like boating, sailing, fishing, camping, etc., this will be the most suitable gift for you.

The next one is a multipurpose Marlin Spike rigging knife. The titanium handle and stainless steel blade help this knife stand out. The overall blade length of 2.56 inches and serrated blade design cut through the ropes quickly.

Along with the knife, you get a shackled range, flat-blade screwdriver, and Marlin Spike.You get a hang buckle which makes storage easy. A titanium handle with a hardened blade gives it an edge over other options.

• Durable construction
• Hardened blade
• Multipurpose tool
• Inbuilt hang buckle
• Sharpness retention of the blade can be better

10. Davis Deluxe Rigging Knife for Sailing

• ⚓ Deluxe Rigging Knife (2 Pack) comes with a marlin spike, shackle key & screwdriver
• ️ Made of top-quality stainless steel to reduce rust
• ⛵ Dura-edged blade for precision
• Pocket-knife design for safety while at sea

Precision blade construction helps this sailing knife stand out. It includes a rigging knife blade, Marlin Spike, screwdriver, and shackled key. Of course, there is a clearing for easy storage. All these tools fold into the knife and make it compact.

Sturdy stainless steel construction keeps it rust-free and doesn’t give you a reason to complain. When looking for a pocket knife that can be used for cutting rope, this one fulfils all the requirements.

• Rust resistant
• Blade edge can be better designed.

The right sailing knife can make your job easier when on water. Refer to the buying guide to compare these ten best sailing knife options. Choose between these, and you won’t have to worry about tangled knots or cutting ropes.

You might also like to read-

• 10 Best Inflatable Life Jackets
• 10 Best Sailing Watches
• 10 Famous Yacht Marinas In The World
• What are Hydrofoil Boats?
• Main Types of Catamarans Used in the Shipping World

Disclaimer:  The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight.  Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

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About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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Knives: 23 tested

We put knives from gill, opinel, captain currey, force 4, gerber and more to the test..

No matter what type of sailing you take part in, some bits of kit are vital for sailors – a sailing knife can save your life.

But picking the right one from the huge range on offer can be daunting.

Our writer Duncan Kent got hold of a range of knives to see which is best for a sailor’s needs.

The UK Government’s Knife Law is outlined on its web page here .

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally is either 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. The UK Government says you’ll get a prison sentence if you’re convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once.

It is illegal to publicly carry any knife with a blade that can be locked open – regardless of blade length.

Readers of our magazines get a special discount on tickets to the Southampton International Boat Show. Find out more here .

The government strongly advise you speak with your local police force to confirm your knife is not only legal, but also that you have ‘good reason’ to be carrying it in public – ie. back and forth to your boat.

• taking knives you use at work to and from your workplace.

• taking knives to a gallery or museum to be exhibited.

• the knife is going to be used for theatre, film, television, historical re-enactment or religious purposes.

Most likely taking a knife to your boat would be covered in the first condition, but that has not always been proved correct and it will depend entirely on the way the law is interpreted by whoever stops you. If you are charged it will be down to the court to decide whether you had good reason to be carrying that knife at that time.

Note – prices listed below are correct at the time of publication.

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See all our sailing gear reviews

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FOLDING KNIVES

CAPTAIN CURREY LOCKSPIKE ‘BOSUN’, approx £28.95

Verdict: Not quite as good at rope or webbing cutting as a serrated blade, but still pretty effective and useful to have the locking spike as well.

Value: 5/10 Performance: 7/10

CAPTAIN CURREY LOCKSPIKE ‘CAPTAIN’,  approx £34.95

Verdict: Chunkier and heavier than the Bosun, but the separate shackle key is more user-friendly. It looks a bit smarter too, being polished stainless steel rather than just matt finish.

Value: 6/10 Performance:  6/10

FORCE 4 POCKET SERRATED , approx £12.95 [Best Budget Buy]

Verdict: Surprisingly sharp and effective for such a small knife and economically priced.

Value: 9/10

Performance: 7/10

GERBER Bear Grylls SCOUT , approx £24.99

Verdict: We liked this knife – it’s well balanced and very sharp, but not too big.

Value: 8/10

Performance: 9/10

GERBER EZ OUT , approx £34.95

Verdict: Light and very sharp, but a thumb stud would make it genuinely an ‘EZ Out’ device for one handed operation. A rubberised handle would also improve its grip.

Value: 5/10  Performance: 8/10

Verdict: Cheap and cheerful little pocket knife for odd little jobs, but clearly not up to the task of serious rope cutting.

Value: 6/10 Performance: 4/10

GERBER ULTRALIGHT , approx £17.99

Verdict: A bit too small for serious rope cutting, but handy to have in your pocket for a number of other jobs.

Value: 3/10 Performance: 5/10

GILL MARINE TOOL , approx £19.95

Verdict: Not the quickest cutter, but a nice looking tool and good value as well – especially considering the smart canvas belt pouch supplied.

Value: 8/10 Performance: 4/10

GILL PERSONAL RESCUE , approx £24.95

Verdict: Great to have a serrated blade and a webbing cutter in one and the one-handed opening is a boon for deck work.

Value: 7/10 Performance: 7/10

IBBERSON HEAVY DUTY , approx £28.75

Verdict: A fairly standard looking sailor’s knife, but from top quality stainless steel and is extremely sharp and effective at cutting all types of rope and webbing.

Value: 7/10 Performance: 8/10

INOX FLOATING , approx £12.65

Verdict: Surprisingly good cutter and handy if you particularly need a floating knife for the liferaft, say. Not very pretty, though, and a blade lock and lanyard would improve it considerably.

Value: 8/10 Performance: 8/10

OPINEL CARBON , approx £7.13

Verdict: Not really a yachtsman’s knife, but pretty sharp so would be okay as a GP knife for above and below decks.

SPYDERCO ATLANTIC SALT , approx £85.72

Verdict: A very good cutter, nice and light and easily gripped. Difficult to justify the cost though.

Value: 3/10 Performance: 9/10

WHITBY SAILORS LOCK , approx £11.53

Verdict: Okay for general use, but the 50/50 plain/serrated blade isn’t ideal for serious rope cutting.

Value: 5/10 Performance: 6/10

WICHARD BLADE AND SHACKLE , approx £21.50

Verdict: A pretty basic knife, but with above average cutting performance and the ability to see it easily in the dark is a bonus.

Value: 5/10 Performance: 8/10

SHEATH KNIVES

CPN CURREY SEAMAN’S SHEATH , approx £16.95

Verdict: A fine quality general purpose sheath knife with good cutting abilities and an attractive leather sheath.

Value: 8/10 Performance: 6/10

CPN CURREY RIGGING SHEATH , approx £16.95

Verdict: Looks ideal for clearing prop debris like netting and rope.

Value: 5/10 Performance: 5/10

FORCE 4 RACE RESCUE , approx £37.95 [Top Buy/Recommended]

Verdict: We like this knife for its simplicity, excellent hand grip, thick blade and positive sheath locking action. It was pretty damn sharp too!

Value: 7/10 Performance: 9/10

GERBER BG ULTIMATE , approx £70.00

Verdict: Not cheap but a lot of knife for the money and a serious rope cutting device in an emergency.

GERBER RIVER SHORTY , approx £49.99

Verdict: Good, strong general purpose knife with excellent cutting performance, although just a little short for prop clearing. Good for opening oysters though.

Value: 6/10 Performance: 9/10

GILL MARINE RESCUE , approx £34.95

Verdict: Nice to hold, well balanced and a stout blade, but not particularly sharp.

Value: 6/10  Performance: 4/10

MYERCHIN OFFSHORE/PRO , approx £76.74/£78.39 [Top Performer]

Verdict: Costly, but worth it for the quality of steel, handle and leather pouch. The Pro version was the top performer over all the tests.

WHITBY TEKNO RESCUE , approx £31.26

Verdict: A good all-round sailor’s/diver’s knife ideal for cutting rope from a prop.

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Better Sailing

Best Sailing Knives

Knives are necessary tools for all kinds of sailors, both for beginners and experienced. Knives are useful for many different purposes, and as practical on land as much as off, they’re a must-have item for any sailor worth his salt. Sailing knives come in different styles and can have different features, but most of them are multi-functional. Sailing includes a lot of practical work like tackling shackles, rigging, knotty ropes, etc. So, having a sailing knife will help you perform your sailing tasks, therefore a knife is a necessity for all sailors. So, let’s move on and see the non-exhaustive list of the best sailing knives in order to help you choose the best one according to your needs. Keep reading!

How To Choose The Best Sailing Knife

When looking for a sailing knife there are some important features that need to be clarified beforehand. Firstly, do you want a fixed or folding blade? Fixed blades are particularly strong, solid, and are able to perform more heavy-duty tasks. Soldiers and outdoorsmen choose fixed blades as they’re more practical and can even be used as weapons. Also, fixed blades are generally easier to clean. However, as fixed blades are bulkier, they require a sheath for safe storage and carrying.

On the other hand, folding blades are convenient and can be easily tucked away. Folding knives come with bottle or shackle openers, a locking or non-locking blade, and a marlinspike. The downside is that folding knives are harder to clean and tend to break easier. This is because the more moving parts, the more chances for something breaking. Lastly, both knives can be categorized into sharp tip or blunt-tipped, with serrated or non-serrated blades.

Blades’ Characteristics

• Blade Material: The blade’s material has to withstand the saltwater environment and harsh weather conditions. So, prefer a blade that is made of titanium, cobalt, and stainless steel; materials with high corrosion-resistance capabilities.
• Serrated Blade: Sailing knives need to have a serrated blade that is suitable for cutting ropes as well as a sawtooth hook, similar to the blade of a handsaw. Keep in mind that serrated blades are generally difficult to sharpen.
• Blade Tip: There are two types of blade tips, blunt and pointed. Blunt blades are generally safer but have less puncturing ability. On the contrary, pointed blade tips are risky to use on slippery surfaces, but their puncture power is much better than blunted blades. And, this is why you have to be very careful when using pointed blades and always keep them in a sheath.
• Blade Edge: As aforementioned serrated blades are the most practical ones for your sailing needs. But, there’s also the straight edge or the combination of a serrated and straight edge. A straight edge offers clean cuts and provides even pressure but serrated edges are sharper and can be used for all kinds of cuts.
• Blade Lock: The blade lock is important as it holds the knife in an open or closed position. A proper lock prevents injuries as it keeps the blade in position. Look for a knife with a lever lock as it will be safer and easier to use.

Features that a Sailing Knife should Have

• Shackle Tool: A knife should be equipped with a shackle tool which is practical for sailors as you can use it to attach sails to rigging. Having a shackle tool will help you unlock the clevis and perform all tasks required for rigging.
• Knife Sheath: It’s important to get a knife with a belt clip or sheath. Look for a sheath that is comfortable to wear and can be easily attached to your gear or body parts. Keep in mind that a sailing knife should be also comfortable while holding it. A good grip and a handle with a texture/surface are important in terms of usage, handling, and comfort.
• Multi-functionality: Sailing knives have to be versatile and multi-functional. With that said, it’s better to choose a knife with additional features like marlinspikes, a shackle key, corkscrews, and magnifying lenses.
• Marlinspike: Marlinspikes can be very helpful to quickly loosen up tight knots. They can also be used for splicing, untying knots, and drawing marline tight using a marlinspike hitch. They were used to unweave the rope strands in order to form a new shape, such as a loop. However, nowadays, most ropes are already pre-shaped into different loops. So, it is up to you whether you want your knife to come with a marlinspike or not.

Here Are The Best Knives For Sailing

Spyderco tusk high-performance mariners tool .

This knife is specifically designed for sailors that are constantly sailing overseas. This extremely corrosion-resistant knife has a marlinspike that can easily untie knots as well as a patented ceramic ball-bearing locking mechanism. This feature ensures that the spike won’t close up on your hand. Also, the knife is made of titanium and LC200N steel, materials that ensure its robustness and excellent cutting abilities. It might be an expensive option but trust me if you’re spending too much time on the water, it’s worth the investment. Check it out on Amazon .

Davis Instrument Stainless Steel Rigging Knife

A knife equipped with a quick cut sharp blade that is able to perform all works like slicing, splicing as well as cutting food products. Furthermore, it has a practical U-shaped tool, a marlinspike, and a flathead screwdriver on its end. The Davis Instruments Rigging Knife is made of stainless steel, but remember to rinse and coat it with lubricating oil one time per year, in case it’s constantly exposed to saltwater. This is a knife similar to the Swiss Army knife but for sailboat usage. They are pretty cheap and you can get one from Amazon here .

Boye Knives Folding Knife with Marlin Spike

This Boye knife has excellent cutting power as its 3″ serrated edge is made of Advanced Dendritic Cobalt. Another great feature is that it’s extremely rustproof and non-magnetic. As a result, there won’t be any interference around a compass or electronics. Furthermore, it has a lightweight design and comes with a belt clip and a textured frame to ensure easy gripping and handling. Its titanium marlinspike will quickly untie and loosen up the tightest knots. Check it out on Amazon .

Spyderco Atlantic Salt Lightweight Folding Knife

This knife is made from H-1 Japanese steel and ensures durability and a long lifespan. It is rust-resistant, very sharp, and has excellent gripping. Its lightweight grip and high-strength knife handle ensure high visibility with a texturized and formed pattern. Moreover, it features a hollow-ground serrated edge that safely secures the blade. Lastly, it comes with a titanium pocket clip that supports right or left-side tip-up carry. Some users have stated that the knife is too sharp. Another downside is that it’s not a multi-tool knife. In any case, it has excellent reviews on Amazon, an affordable price, and is perfectly suitable for all kinds of cuttings. Check it out .

Maxam Sailor’s Tool – Best Cheap Sailing Knife

This multi-functional sailor’s knife will cover all your sailing needs and comes at a reasonable price. It is equipped with a sheepsfoot blade and its stainless steel handle has a 5-centimeter rule as well as a 2-inch ruler, on each side. This ensures easy handling and comfortable gripping. There’s also a flat-tip screwdriver for more practical works. Moreover, the marlinspike will facilitate your rigging types of work. Another great feature is that you can use the shackle key and the marlinspike at the same time to unscrew threaded shackles. Also, the metal tooth can opener is able to pierce, hook and lift out the lid with great ease. However, the only downside is that you’ll need to replace it every few months when using it regularly, as it’s a budget knife. You can check some more details on the Maxam Sailor’s Tool right on Amazon .

Myerchin Generation 2 Rigging Framelock

This rigging knife is equipped with a serrated blade that facilitates rope cutting as well as all types of cutting. It has a sturdy spike and blades, as well as a belt clip that ensures easy access. Moreover, it has titanium handles and is made from high-quality stainless steel. Lastly, the knife features a thumb slot, a marlinspike, and a patented double lock. This knife guarantees great performance for your sailing tasks as well as a long lifespan. Check it out on Amazon .

Victorinox Swiss Army

This sailing knife is similar to the Swiss Army knife and offers versatility as it’s a multi-functional tool. The knife has a great design and comes with a sleek black carry case. It has a 3.9-inch one-hand blade and its 2/3 serrated lock blade is great for rope cutting. It has 22 functions and its main features include a key ring, tweezers, bit slot, a screwdriver, a wire stripper, a shackle opener, a marlinspike, and many more. As you can see, this knife earns by right the tile of a multi-tool!

The knife’s length is 130mm or 5.12-inches and it weighs 9.1oz (257g). Also, it’s made out of stainless steel and it’s extremely corrosion and rust-resistant. So, if you want a knife that will be your best mate for any kind of practical job then look no further! The Boatsman Victorinox is a great purchase for someone looking for a multi-tool sailing knife. Check it out on Amazon .

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Multitool

Myerchin Sailing Knife Combo Tool

The Myerchin Sailing Knife Combo Tool benefits from solid construction and provides ultimate versatility. Its blade uses Japanese steel and is able to slice through rope, wood, plastic, and other sturdy materials. You can operate it easily by using just one hand for the marlinspike or the serrated blade. Furthermore, it has practical pliers for dealing with shackles. Generally, this knife is excellent for people performing handy tasks and need a reliable knife that will help them carry out any job. The Myerchin brand is well-known for its high-quality tools which are specifically tailored to a sailor’s needs. With that said, you can completely trust the company for its durable sailing knives. Some users stated that its belt clip is a little big but I believe it’s a minor downside. Overall, the Myerchin Sailing Knife won’t let you down. So, go on and check it out on Amazon .

Camillus Carbonitride Titanium Folding Knife

Made from alloy steel and equipped with a coated carbonitride titanium blade, this knife provides the sharpest cutting for all sturdy materials and surfaces. Furthermore, its durable materials make it rust, stain, and corrosion-resistant. Its VG-10 stainless steel blade is 10 times harder than untreated steel therefore the knife will remain sharp-edged for a long period of time. As for its handle, it’s also made from G10 stainless steel and provides comfort when holding and handling it. Another great feature is that the liner lock is made of blue anodized titanium which helps you open the knife in a pinch and with just one hand. Along with manufacturers like Myerchin and Spyderco this knife is considered among the best high-end knives. You get an all-in-one sailing knife! You can check it out on Amazon .

The Bottom Line – Best Sailing Knives

A sailing knife is an essential tool for sailors as you can use it for most jobs on your boat. For example, handling ropes, rigging, untying knots, cutting, opening bottles, and of course, for emergency situations. So, what kind of features a sailing knife should have?

Well, the best sailing knife has to be a multi-tool knife and made of durable materials like stainless steel or titanium, in order to ensure rust, stain, and corrosion resistance. Also, as it will be constantly used in seawater and wet/cold conditions it needs to have a practical handle, easy grip, and preferably the ability to use it with just one hand. Furthermore, a great sailing knife must have a serrated blade, a shackle tool, a marlinspike, and a sheath for protection. I know that these might sound a lot but there are plenty of high-quality knives out there to choose from.

The above-mentioned list includes all versatile, durable, and reliable sailing knives that will meet the most demanding sailing needs. I hope that you found this article helpful and that you’ll be now able to make your purchase. I wish you good luck with your purchase!

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best sailing knife tested- Victorinox Skipper Pro

• March 25, 2022

Every sailor needs a knife or multitool that will deal with an array of situations, not just to 'hack and slice'. The Victorinox Skippers Knife has some well thought out tools onboard and is worth considering as an essential item to stow in your knife pocket. I've used it for well over 10 years am very impressed with it so far. It might even be the best sailing knife I've used.

Product Overview

Overall rating:, victorinox skipper pro knife.

• Robust construction, well balanced, good quality materials. Suitable for an array of sailing and boating purposes with versatile tools. Has stood the test of time very well.

Price as reviewed:

Victorinox Skipper Pro sailing knife long term tested. Best sailing knife five star review

In my family there’s a funny little tradition of crossing a palm with silver if you’re given a knife as a present. And so it was when my dad handed this knife to me years ago. I think I had to rummage about in my pocket for a silver coin, a twenty pence piece I think it was. The exchange was made and now this knife would never be used against me or so it goes.

Price: £52.90 / $106

Buy Victorinox Skippers Knife from Amazon.co.uk

Buy Victorinox Skippers Knife from Victorinox

Buy Victorinox Skippers Knife from Amazon.com

The Victorinox Skippers knife is balanced in the hand and reassuringly solid feeling.

The pliers have been used for so many tasks, from pulling on bits of cordage to removing staples from the back of upholstery boards, to unscrewing valves on inner tubes of a folding bike. They won’t replace a dedicated set of needle nosed pliers or conventional pliers but these will help you out in a whole host of situations where in a make do and mend mode. Rigging clips are a case in point.

The serrated knife blade has a locking release slide on the side of the main body. It pulls out easily but with good friction resistance stopping it from being loose and stows away again easily with the slide release button.  Although the button is plastic, you can see this button, having been in use for over 10 years is still in perfect working order and is still firm and positive in use. It’s still sharp despite plenty of action over the years. I used this to help cut away my running rigging after a dismasting. I have a few sailing knives, but I consider this particular one my best sailing knife.

One of my favourite tools, and perhaps the most used, is the shackle key and marlin spike/mousing spike. I’ve used this to mouse practically every line on my boat, ever. And also the lines on countless other boats I’ve worked on or been guest on. It’s tapered towards the tip allowing a really easy pass through even the most densely packed braids. It’s never deformed and, though it has signs of use, it is still going strong many years and hundreds of rope spikes later.

Hidden in the end of the tool is a pair of tweezers and a tooth pick. I’ve used the tweezers to pull out some fibreglass strands in the past but they usually get very little use.

Also in the Victorinox Skippers knife tool inventory is a Phillips screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, a bottle opener, can opener and a corkscrew.

Legal Disclaimer: In the United Kingdom it is illegal to carry a lethal weapon without a legitimate reason and a knife with a blade larger than 7.5cm or 3 inches that locks, such as the one in this review will require you to have a good reason to be carrying it. We always advise you seek clarity from local bylaws if you are unsure and to stow any bladed items well out of sight and out of easy reach in public when you must carry your knife to or from your home to your boat etc. Future cannot be held responsible for any legal action taken if you are found to be using or carrying this knife illegally.

If you liked this review, you might be interested in some of our other recommendations for sailing knives and multi tools.

7 of the best multipurpose blades for your boat – Yachting World

The best multi tool for boating –  Yachting Monthly

I love this Skippers knife from Victorinox and consider it one the most essential pieces of my skippers tool box, whether on my own boat or skippering someone else's. For value for money I really don't know of a better sailing knife.

Best Sailing Knives To Bring Aboard

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

August 30, 2022

One of the universal tools you will need on a sailboat is a sailing knife. With a wide variety of uses, having one could save your life.

There are many features that separate one sailing knife from another. So what makes certain brands of sailing knives different from others? They will have straight edge blades that are made out of carbide. You want ones that are easy to handle, comfortable to wield, and should be suitable to cut through heavy materials. Your sailing style will help you determine the right knife for you.

The best sailing knives to bring aboard are:

Spiderco Salt Series

Gill’s marine tool.

• Camillus Carbonitride Titanium 

Benchmade Bugout

Myerchin generation 2.

Finding a quality sailing knife could be key to your success while sailing. You want one that can help cut away lines in the event of an emergency or simply make adjustments as needed. 

According to coast guard safety regulations, sailors need quite a bit of material to be legal on the water. However, one of the most important pieces of equipment not required is a sailing knife of some kind. This could be argued by many, which is why you should consider having one.

Table of contents

‍ Five Best Sailing Knives on the Market

While there are plenty of sailing knives to choose from on the market, you can easily compare value online by price and quality. If you happen to be at a local shop that sells sailing gear, they are likely to have a good quality knife as well to fit your needs.

Either way, learning the differences and seeing what is best for you could prove to be your best bet. Every sailor is going to have their preferences depending on their style of sailing.

Spiderco knives cover just about every category you can imagine. Recently, they have developed quality knives in the marine industry that have excellent reviews online.

Their salt series knives feature H-1 Japanese steel that becomes tougher after every use. In addition, it is rust-resistant and has become a dependable name in the cutlery industry.

The blade has a serrated edge, which you will need when cutting through lines or rope. It also has a safe blade lock mechanism to keep it secure when moving around or when cutting in wet conditions.

• Around $100
• Quite sharp and high quality
• Easy to handle, especially using one hand to open
• Great for long term use
• Could be too sharp for some users
• Locking mechanism could potentially stick

Gill Marine has been in the business for over 45 years in providing quality gear to sailors or outdoor adventurists. Their rescue knife is a great first step in owning a knife to get the job done without breaking the bank.

While this blade does not completely advertise it can be for younger sailors, it is a perfect option to give to your kids while sailing. In the event of an emergency, assuming you have taught your children how to safely use a knife, they can have a quality knife that you can trust.

This way, you do not have to worry about them losing an expensive knife at sea or misplacing it. But for just $40, it might not hurt to grab one or two anyway, regardless if it is for you or your younger sailing companion.

• Stainless steel blade with titanium coating
• Multi-purpose tool for various use
• Easy to handle with one hand
• Great for emergencies or light use
• Recommended you clean after every use if around saltwater
• Might not work for long term daily use

Camillus Carbonitride Titanium

Camillus has a variety of quality knives on display, especially their carbonitride titanium online. With VG10 Japanese steel, it is 10 times stronger than untreated stainless steel found on most knives.

This is a knife that you can count on for long-term use, as it will remain sharp for a long time. In addition, it is resistant to rust, stains, and corrosion, which makes it a great knife to handle saltwater.

The handle is also made of G10 stainless steel, which ensures quality handling for years to come. If you purchase the one with a marlinspike as an added bonus, you cannot go wrong with this one.

• Quality blade that is shape and dependable
• Marlinspike is a great bonus
• Around $60, but sometimes on sale for much less
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Blade might spring open too fast for some users
• Some users found it not as sharp as expected for use

While the name of this blade does not sound anything like you would put on a boat, it is a quality knife that deserves some attention . This knife features a 530V stainless steel blade that is dependable against wear and tear.

The blade is sharp, but you could easily sharpen this with any tool you have handy. You also do not have to worry about it folding on you while in use, as it has a sturdy locking mechanism upon opening.

The textured handle improves grip and is great for wet conditions. While this is good to go on boats, you might want to clean after each use if you get salt water or sand on it.

• Quality blade that is sharp
• Good for long term use
• Lightweight
• Pocket-friendly
• Around $150, so a little high compared to other entry-level knives
• Might need to clean after each use around saltwater
• Exclusive to Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops, so a little harder to find

The Myerchin Generation 2 knives are setting themselves apart from the competition in a variety of ways. This rescue knife features a shackle slot, marlinspike that is locked in place, and a high-quality German steel with a sleek finish.

The handle is sturdy and provides an opportunity to have excellent grip when handling. In addition, the grip contains G10 stainless steel so it will last you quite a while.

The entire length of the knife when opened is roughly seven inches, so it is easy to handle for most users. It also comes with a black nylon sheath that does not interfere with handling on your body.

• Blade is insanely sharp out of the box
• Easy one handed operation
• Blade locks when it is opened
• Just under $100
• No lanyard hole in design for users that want this feature
• Marlinspike can open with ease and locks into place, so use it with caution

How to Find the Best Sailing Knife

When aiming to find the best sailing knife, there are plenty of factors to consider in your purchase. This is one of the most important tools any sailor will own, so it is crucial to have a good one.

Whether you are on board a yacht or simply tying up your dingy, the best sailing knives should be able to handle any situation. They should be easy to handle, comfortable, reliable for long-term use, and not break the bank.

Tip of Blade

The two categories for a blade’s tip that you should consider are either pointed or blunt. Many sailors have their preferences on either one, but it is up to you to decide which is best.

A pointed tip can be dangerous if you are trying to use it in a hurry and in wet conditions. However, this type of knife can be used to puncture things with ease and provide cutting power.

As for a blunt tip, you get the best of both worlds with safety and usefulness. While you may not have the best ability to puncture anything, you still have the option to get the job done.

Blade Locking Mechanism

A good quality sailing knife should be able to lock into place once it is opened and especially when it is shut. You do not want the blade easily moved when the blade is put up or when trying to cut something.

Having a good-quality locking mechanism built into the knife will help prevent injury or accidents. In fact, it could help the blade become more useful if you are trying to operate it with one hand.

Having a knife that requires you to click on a lever is much safer than ones that simply pop open. You also want one that will stand up to water and not go out on you over time.

Operating with the Blade

Most sailors love having a knife that you can use with one hand. Being able to multitask and free up a hand is a game-changer.

These knives will typically have a hole, pin, or something notched on the surface where a finger or thumb can easily navigate the blade out. Some knives are more complicated than others, so it is best to play with ones that you are interested in.

Depending on your desired sailing experience, you might want a knife that you can exclusively handle one-handed. If conditions are bad and you need something done in a hurry, this could make or break a bad experience.

Material of the Blade

There are a variety of blade materials you need to be aware of and what exactly you are paying for. Regular steel is going to be the cheapest, which you should avoid if you are trying to perform risky tasks that require heavy cutting.

Cobalt is great for resisting corrosion, and stainless steel is a much better option than regular steel. A combination of the two is about the middle of the road and is usually your best bet.

If you can get your hands on carbide blades, this might be the best out of those options. They continue to grow stronger after each use and can stand up to normal wear and tear.

Knife Accessories

While this is not a make-or-break deal, some knives come with complementary accessories. These include a sheath or some kind of belt clip that can make the experience of owning that knife much better.

Some of these accessories can be useful when attached to rain gear or lanyards. Your preference and how you want to wear your knife will make the biggest difference here. You may want to consider a knife that has tons of accessories if you think you need them in different situations.

Edge of Blade

The edge of a blade is one of the most important factors when choosing a sailing knife. These can either be straight, serrated, or a combination of both into one.

Serrated blades offer more force without much power, but lack the cutting edge to do it quickly. As for straight-edge blades, these have a slight curve to gain an even flow of pressure. This should provide a better balance of power to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

If you like cleaner cuts on ropes, in the event that you need to reuse the end, a straight edge will be your best bet. This could potentially save you more money down the road and allow you to make the most of your lines.

Overall Design and Grip

While no one wants the ugliest knife out of the box, the popular ones do tend to have cooler designs. Even though this is not the most important factor, you still want to grab the most appealing one you can find.

The knife has to be comfortable in the design, as no one wants an awkward handle while trying to cut something. The handle should have a good texture that allows you to have a firm grip in wet conditions.

Extras Like Marlinspike and Shackle Key

A marlinspike is mainly used to help undo a tight knot on a rope. This slightly adds weight and takes up space on the knife, so it might get in the way for some that prefer a less bulky knife.

Some knives have other features, like a utility knife, that have multiple purposes other than cutting. If you believe that it is handy to have a screwdriver and shackle key, then these knives could be for you.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Sailor’s Knives: 18 Blades Tested

One of the most important pieces of safety equipment you need at hand aboard a sailboat is your knife. for our money, in this round of testing, best buys are the spyderco salt i and benchmade 100sh20..

There can be no overstating the importance of a good knife to a sailor. It does everything from routine maintenance to saving life and property. Not only should every sailor carry a knife on his belt or in his pocket, but sharp knives should be strategically located around the boat to grab in emergencies. Whether you prefer the speed of a sheath knife, the convenience of a folding pocket knife, or the versatility of a multi-tool, don’t leave the dock without your own blade.

We last evaluated nautical knives in June, 2000 (“Sailors’ Knives: 14 High-End Blades Tested”). In that review, the Boye Dendritic Cobalt knife was a clear winner. In the years since, sectors of the knife industry have enjoyed a large increase in demand by the federal government for tactical, combat, and EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) models. This new business, and accompanying R&D, create product improvements of interest to us, e.g., greater corrosion resistance, lighter knives, and sheaths not only more suitable to the marine environment but wearable in varied positions. Thus, we thought it would be time to revisit both the knife market and the selection criteria that sailors might apply to knife purchases.

How We Selected the Knives Tested

We didn’t retest models that hadn’t substantially changed since our review in 2000, except to revisit two models that previously scored low. (Both appear to be unchanged.) Otherwise, the Boye knife and others that scored well in that review still receive a hearty recommendation. However, since the field is so large, we needed to sample further.

As we did in our last review, rather than limit our view to the chandlery shelf, we picked knives on the basis of usefulness over a wide range of tasks. At the same time we ratcheted the high end up a click or two compared to last time, while not rejecting entries on the basis of low cost alone.

We had considerable variety from which to choose, so consider the models here as representative of classes rather than unique. The attributes table lists variations available within each model.

Practical Sailor ‘s Knife Evaluation Criteria

To help you select a knife that you’ll find interesting and useful enough to carry every day, we provide a range of criteria and choices rather than simply a winner, although we do name what we would buy, based on our own criteria. You decide what’s important to you and make your choice. The performance table lists the ratings.

Cutting. To simulate an emergency we tried for one-stroke cuts using the full length of the blade and, as near as possible, the same pressure on the stroke. We used 7/16″ Sta-Set Polyester Yacht Braid, and 1/2″ polypropylene rope, the latter exuding a slight chemical sweat that reduces the bite of the blade.

Serrated edges usually have an advantage in such tests, but some plain edges were equally effective. Longer blades can compensate, but some short blades did amazingly well.

Portability. Think of this as a measure of how easy the designer/manufacturer has made it to follow our recommendation that you carry your knife at all times. Most folders will do better here, but this was not a given with all models.

Deployability. How easy is it to get the knife from its carried position to a using position-and to put away again.

Absence of magnetic influence. We observed how a compass reacted to each knife when brought into proximity with it.

Corrosion resistance is largely indicated by the percent of carbon in the alloy, but is also influenced by chromium, nickel and nitrogen, and heightened by coatings. Titanium is generally immune to corrosion.

Knives for Sailors Reviewed

Benchmade #100SH20. This fixed-blade model of low-carbon, high-chromium H1 stainless steel is claimed to be “impervious to the elements and 100% corrosion resistant.” H1 is a precipitation-hardened steel whose nitrogen content substitutes for the missing carbon, and doesn’t require heat treatment. The steel is further discussed under the Spyderco Salt I model below.

The sheathed knife can be carried on the belt point-down, point-up, or sideways, or it can be lashed to one’s arm, leg, or vest. A secure locking mechanism prevents loss. We found it comfortable to wear, especially in the conventional point-down manner, and convenient for drawing and replacing the knife with one hand. As with all Kydex sheaths, however, using it makes a little noise.

Benchmade Nimravus #140HSSR. We chose this second fixed-blade model from Benchmade chiefly to try its new M2 high-speed tool steel blade. Its sheath is now similar to the 100SH20’s. This medium-size model offers effective grip, and a full-tang blade that’s Teflon-coated to protect its high-carbon, low-chrome tool steel that also contains significant amounts of tungsten and vanadium.

We recommend the optional 100SH20-like belt attachment to bring the Nimravus’ handle closer to the body during belt-carry.

Benchmade #770BC1. This is a gent’s knife: it’s scaled down in most respects, smooth in the hand, has some exotic materials (carbon fiber scales, boron carbide-coated 154CM stainless steel blade), and would look at home with a business suit-yet, for all that, it still offers some tactical qualities.

Boron carbide is one of the hardest materials known, and the blade coating improves scratch and chemical resistance while imparting a shiny gunmetal color that not only complements the grayish scales but would look great on a Porsche.

Benchmade AFCK #806SD2. The venerable AFCK has been improved yet further. Benchmade replaced the former liner lock with the excellent Axis lock, made the clothing clip more versatile, and replaced Teflon pivot bushings with phosphor-bronze. The only take-away is the replacement of the thumb-friendly circular opening hole with an elliptical one which, in the black Teflon-coated model, is so smooth that your thumb tends to slip off during opening.

The former 154CM stainless has given way to D2, an ultra high-carbon, medium-chromium tool steel that’s coated for corrosion resistance. Compared to the previous AFCK blade, this one is much sharper.

We’ve kept a Benchmade with Axis lock in regular use now for four years, and have found no discernible wear or looseness in the lock.

Benchmade #942SBT. Somewhere between a full-size and a gent’s knife, this model offers some of the best of both: light weight, Axis lock, combo edge, clothing clip, innovative bead-blasted aluminum scales that provide excellent grip, and a color-anodized serrated titanium back spacer. The Teflon-coated, 154CM high-carbon, high-chromium stainless, reverse-tanto blade matches the subdued non-reflective black handle, making it correct for evening wear but also tactically capable. It’s a knife that will keep you trying to classify it.

Emerson SARK-BTS. Designed “specifically for emergency-use situations where safety and effectiveness are equally important,” the Search And Rescue Knife is an issue knife for Navy rescue teams. It’s distinguished by its hawkbill blade shape and rounded tip.

When needed, deployment can be dramatically accelerated by using the patented Emerson “wave” opening feature: a small wave-shaped hook formed in the spine of the blade just behind the opening disk: it catches on the pocket corner, and operates faster than a switchblade because the knife opens as it’s being drawn. To activate the wave feature, pull the knife back and down as you’re pulling it out of the pocket, while keeping your middle finger along the handle. For normal opening, pull the knife upwards and, as an additional measure, make sure your middle finger stays on the spine of the blade, which is where it would tend to be anyway. The wave feature requires some practice to master, but we consider it worth the small amount of effort needed to acquire the new muscle memory.

Edge serrations are of the unusual two-level type, like shark teeth, to maintain cutting ability longer. We were able to disassemble/reassemble the knife easily with a Leatherman tool.

Overall the SARK is an impressive combination of innovation, strength and safety.

Fllkniven U2. For fans of the traditional pocket knife, we include this “non-frightening urban folder” from a small Swedish company (pronounced “Fell-k’neeven”). Its blade is of laminated steel. Laminating is an ancient technique for making blades that are both sharp and tough. Laminated blades function in a way similar to a pencil of wood and lead: the soft wood sheath provides damping qualities for the writing core, which would otherwise break easily. The U2’s hard inner core is a powder-metallurgy steel, and the softer outer layers are 420 stainless.

If you’re going to stick with a traditional pocketknife, we believe it should have a locking blade, and should have exceptional cutting ability, and the U2 certainly does. It’s like having a 1-1/2- oz. folding, locking scalpel in your pocket.

Mission Knives #MPK. Mission produces serious work knives, chiefly of titanium, and sold mainly to military units that operate in/around salt water. High-strength titanium alloys have qualities most knifemakers want-wear and corrosion resistance, toughness, flexibility, and tensile strength. However, they’re difficult to work, hard on production equipment, and five times the cost of the best steels-so only a few specialty makers use it, and the end product is fairly expensive. Extensive research has yielded the capability to harden certain types of titanium alloys to about Rc 46-47, which seems soft compared to the steels of the other knives-until you use it.

Quite light for its size-titanium weighs 40% less than steel-this 10″ knife will not corrode in salt water, and has no magnetic signature, so it won’t affect a compass. The handle seems at first to lack surface treatment for grip, but it’s designed to be kind to hands that have been softened by long immersion in water. The sheath isn’t noisy, and its surface has enough grip to retain the knife without a keeper. An integral-handle version (MPS) and a folder (MPF) are also available.

Myerchin Offshore System #A508. In about 1984, John Myerchin produced the A500, a full-tang, fixed-blade version of the traditional rigging knife, eliminating the need for a folder’s pivot and lock. The A508 is a combo that includes an A500 integral-handle (no scales) version of the original, and a separate A008 fid/marlinspike, in a ballistic-cloth sheath with a compartment for each. Its thick blade has a sand-blasted handle, an index-finger cutout, and thumb lugs on a portion of the spine. The handle has a 1-1/2″-long shackle-keyhole, which also improves the balance of this all-steel model.

The black sheath supports point-down, point-up and sideways carry, and four eyes allow lashing to gear or body parts. The polished 6.9″ marlinspike is secured by a nylon keeper through a .8″-long shackle key hole at its wide end.

Myerchin Shark #A566P. This is an auxiliary/back-up version of their A500, with a neck sheath for quick draw. We found it comfortable to wear around the neck, but it can also be carried point-up or point-down on the belt, or lashed via six eyes. In view of the Shark’s smallish handle , the shackle key hole has been moved out to mid-blade.

One useful feature that should have been carried down from the A500, but wasn’t, is the sand-blasted handle. Instead, you have a mere 2″ of thin, polished steel to grasp in order to draw the knife. We’d recommend having this surface treatment done if you buy this knife.

SOG Flash II #STGFSA-98. Named after a Vietnam-era covert operation group, SOG Knives has since 1986 produced an expanding line of fixed-blade and folding knives as well as a variety of multi-tools. This folder is built around the technology of assisted-opening: initiate the opening sequence normally, using the stud on either side of the blade, and an internal mechanism finishes the job, including locking the blade open. Two controls are provided: a safety, which firmly locks the blade closed; and a release, which frees up an open blade for closing. Closing is not assisted.

Handle expansion at the pivot end, as well as cutouts and other lugs, enhance grip. Since the lock release operates by pulling it away from the blade, forward pressure on the handle won’t allow the blade to fold on your hand by mistake.

Assisted opening is probably a feature you’ve never tried. Since it’s the only way to open the Flash model, we suggest a hands-on session to find out whether it’s for you.

SOG SEAL Pup #M37. In 2000, SOG successfully competed with 13 other manufacturers to be a supplier of knives for West Coast Navy SEAL teams. The SEAL Pup is a scaled-down version of that fixed-blade knife.

Its blade has a generous choil, which allows choking up on the blade with the index finger in front of the hilt. The handle has an integral hilt, finger cutouts, thumb rest, and a sharply knurled grip surface.

Numerous loops, slots and eyes on the sheath allow carrying in several positions, including inside the belt. It’s tough, versatile-and noisy, as others of the type are. (The Navy-contract knives call for web sheaths.)

Spyderco Assist #C79PS2. This model features two crescent-shaped dips on the back of the blade for placement of the index finger during close work. The bulky, linerless handle is equipped with Bi-Directional Texturing (see D’Allara model below) and four deep finger cutouts, offering exceptional grip even in the water. Built into the handle is an emergency whistle. The Assist can also be used in a kind of scissoring motion for rope cutting: the rope is laid across the second finger cutout and the blade closed down on it.

Spyderco DAllara Rescue #C82SBK. Named to commemorate the late NYFD officer John D’Allara, this robust new folder employs a large spring-loaded ball bearing to lock the blade; it also allows the blade to be safely unlocked and closed without placing any fingers in front of the edged part of the blade. Although not a new feature, Spyderco’s Bi-Directional Texturing is more aggressive here, and should provide secure grip even underwater, resisting slipping in either direction by means of asymmetrical lugs cleverly molded into the scales. Stainless liners add strength to both lock and blade.

Its blade is of VG-10, a high-carbon, high-chromium steel also containing cobalt and vanadium. A large circular opening hole, one of Spydercos long-term signature features, makes the knife easy to open.

Spyderco Dodo #C80GSBL. Imagine a folder that seems to have been molded to fit a closed hand, with a short oddly shaped blade that stylists would probably reject out of hand, and you have the Dodo.

Starting from the outside in, the Dodo’s handle has finger cutouts including a 50-50 choil for the index finger. Locking is by means of Spyderco’s recent ball-bearing lock, also ambidextrous-although you’ll probably use a two-hand closure unless you have strong thumbnails.

The stubby blade is made of CPMS30V, an ultra high-carbon, high-chromium, high-vanadium powder-metallurgy stainless steel. Its reverse-S shape ends in a downward-pointing tip that excels in penetration. Ergonomic design and modern materials should protect the Dodo from extinction, but its strange (and completely misleading) visual impression could lead some to avoid it. On the other hand its ugliness may prove so seductive that it ought to have been named the Beetle.

Spyderco Rescue 79mm #C14SOR and 93mm #C45SOR. Spyderco’s popularity with firemen and rescue workers is due to a line of sheepfoot-blade knives which began in 1982.

These Rescues both have orange handles and large round opening holes. The humps around the holes have a serrated thumb ramp to apply pressure on the blade and prevent slipping. Their front locks have locking bars with a safety “dent” designed by David Boye for added security. A 50-50 choil formed by the intersection of blade and handle, reduces the likelihood of slipping when choking up on the blade.

These models offer significant cutting power in a small, lightweight and-after 22 years, traditional-format.

Spyderco Salt I #C88SBK. The new Salt I has a larger, 14mm circular opening hole, and is Spyderco’s first knife to feature the new H1 steel, a material which “doesn’t rust.” A similar claim is made for all the other steel parts of the knife. See the discussion of H1 under the Benchmade 100SH20 model.

Whereas low carbon content typically leads to poor cutting performance, Myodo Foundry in Japan has apparently discovered how to achieve hardness with a small amount of nitrogen in the alloy. Heat treatment is, we’re told, not required.

Our cutting tests revealed impressive performance.

West Marine Rigging Knife #3705613. From West Marine we bought this modern all-steel folder with one-hand opening and clothing clip, manufactured in China. Its fully serrated sheepfoot blade is of 420, a low-carbon stainless that we would expect to be noted more for rust-resistance than edge-holding. It’s also highly polished, which helps it resist crevice corrosion, but also makes it slipperier to handle. It was the only knife that failed to cut through the test rope after several strokes. The slim elliptical opening hole is too thin to engage the thumb.

Since we obtained this knife, West seems to have taken it off its shelves-or at least it’s no longer listed online. West offers other knives, including some mentioned here, that are superior to this one.

The Best Knives for Sailors

The “excellent” cutters in both types of rope were the 140HSSR from Benchmade, and the D’Allara and Salt I from Spyderco. If you don’t use rope as difficult to cut as polypro, the following join this group: Benchmade 100SH20 and 806SD2, Emerson SARK, Fllkniven U2, Mission MPK, Myerchin A508, and Spyderco Dodo and Rescue models. Among these, the “excellent” in both portability and deployment were the 100SH20, 806SD2, SARK, the Rescues and the Salt I. To narrow the group further, the two that were the lowest in magnetic influence were the 100SH20 and the SARK-and both of these are in the medium-low price range.

Alternatively, you could select corrosion resistance as your prime criterion. The best here were the Mission MPK, Benchmade 100SH20, and Spyderco Salt I.

For absence of magnetic influence, the MPK is the clear choice.

Fastest in deployment was the Emerson SARK, with its “wave” feature.

If price must be your major criterion, consider the U2 and Salt I-both of which were among the top cutters. If you want an all-round model that rated “good” or better in every category except price, consider the 100SH20, the SARK, and the MPK. Factor in price and you have the 100SH20.

For the greatest number of “excellent” ratings (4), including cutting performance, and their low prices, we nominate as Best Buys the Spyderco Salt I and Benchmade 100SH20, in that order.

Dull knives are dangerous, especially to the user, and all knives, without exception, eventually need resharpening. If you don’t know how to sharpen, don’t hand your fine knife to the guy down the street with a grinding wheel. Return it to the manufacturer, who will probably charge only a nominal fee, plus return postage, to bring back that edge.

Also With This Article “Knife Attributes and Performance.”

Contacts Benchmade, 800/800-7427, www.benchmade.com Boye Knives, 800/853-1617, www.boyeknives.com Emerson, 310/212-7455, www.emersonknives.com Fllkniven, 46-921-544-22, www.fallkniven.com Mission, 714/777-7881 www.missionknives.com Myerchin, 909/463-6741, www.myerchin.com SOG Knives, 888/764-2378, www.sogknives.com Spyderco, 800/525-7770, www.spyderco.com West Marine, 800/262-8464, www.westmarine.com

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A sailing knife is one of the most important hand tools that any sailor should own, whether on board your boat or while rigging up your dingy onshore. Designed as a multi-tool in many cases, the best sailing knife is, more often than not, more than just a sharp cutting blade.

In this guide, we will introduce you to the many different features that the best knife for boating may contain. We will also discuss the other aspects that should be considered when shopping for one of these tools for your boat.

Finally, we will provide a snapshot look at some of the top sailor’s knives through reviews of each. In addition to a short description of each knife, we will highlight both the benefits and disadvantages associated with each.

Considerations When Choosing A Sailors Pocket Knife

A sailing knife is one of the most important tools that any sailor should own, whether onboard a yacht or while rigging up your dingy onshore. The best sailing knives are easy to open, have a comfortable grip, and don’t cost a fortune. The best sailing knives are also versatile and can be used for a number of necessary tasks.

Here is a closer look at the many features that you should consider when looking for the best sailing knife:

You have two main choices in the category of blade tips. Either it is pointed or blunt. A pointed-tip knife can prove to be dangerous when used in conditions that include wet decks and slippery surfaces.

However, when survival skills are put to the test, a pointed tip knife can provide puncturing power or delicate cutting. Otherwise, a blunt tip is generally a safer option, and depending on the racing events you plan to participate in, may be a requirement.

The purpose of a blade lock is to hold the knife in the open or closed position, depending on how it is being used. A reliable lock will keep the blade in place preventing injury from accidental closing.

The blade lock can also be a handy feature if you find yourself having to open or close your sailing knife one-handed. Knives that have lever locks are easier to operate and perform opening and closing safer.

Blade Operation

Since we’ve already mentioned single-handed opening and closing of sailing knives, we have to tell you how that can be performed. Most good-quality sailor’s knives have a hole, a pin, or a notched surface where a single finger or thumb can pop the blade open.

It may take a bit of practice to master the single move required. However, knives that do not have this ability may not be as effective when you need them in bad sailing conditions. The decision will be determined by your sailing style and preferences.

Blade Material

There are a few different blade materials used in sailor’s knives. They include cobalt and stainless steel. Cobalt will resist corrosion. Stainless steel can as well, with high-quality stainless steel performing better than cheaper low-quality steel. Carbide blades continue to get harder with use.

Knife Sheath/Belt Clip

First off, not all knives come equipped with either a sheath or belt clip. However, for the ones that do, you may not find them all that comfortable or convenient to wear. Sheaths can be strapped to the outside of wet weather sailing gear and belt clips can be worn on the hip. Your personal preference will determine how you will carry your knife.

There are three basic types of knife blade edges. They can be straight, serrated, or a mix of both. Serrated edges provide more force but less cutting edge than a straight edge. Straight edge blades with a slight curve allow even pressure throughout a complete stroke with less work.

If you require quick cuts to the rope then a serrated edge may be your best bet. If you are cutting rope and intend to keep the cut clean for whatever reason, a straight edge would do this for you.

Knife Design/Grip

Although you are not likely to be holding your sailing knife for extended periods of time, the design still needs to be comfortable to hold. In addition to comfort, the handle should have a texture or surface that provides a good grip for when you do need to use it. A good grip is especially important for use in wet conditions.

Cutting Ability

We’ve mentioned the different types of sailing knives available and how they differ. What will really pass the test is whether or not the blade can actually cut through rope when it absolutely has to. This has a lot to do with the grip, blade design, and sharpness. We prefer a straight-edge blade with a comfortable sturdy grip, but this can come down to a matter of personal preference.

Other Extras

One thing you need to not get confused about when looking for a good quality sailor’s knife is the added tools and features that come with each type. Other extras that the best sailing knife may incorporate include:

Marlin Spikes

A marlin spike or marlinspike can come in handy and are used to insert into a tight sailing knot to help to undo it. However, it can take up an extra room (adding to the overall size of the boat knife) and add weight, and as such many people prefer not to have this included in their favorite sailing knife. It’s a “nice-to-have” feature (like most of these other extras), but you may not use it that often.

Shackle Key

Depending on the type of sailing you do, a shackle key may come in handy. You can get stand-alone shackle keys, or they can be built into other tools, such as sailing knives. As mentioned above, this will add to the size and weight of your sailing knife but can be handy especially for dinghy and small yacht sailors.

Screwdrivers

Similar to above, screwdrivers (both flat head and Phillips head) can be built into your boating knife. However, many people find full-size screwdrivers a better option.

Bottle Openers, Corkscrews, Magnifying Glasses, etc

If you are someone that likes to have every tool under the sun on your boating knife, then there are options out there to keep you happy. But for many, these just add to the size and weight and as such, you may want to go without these.

Carefully examine the extras that are built into the multi-tool designs of several of these knives and decide which you can benefit from and which ones you can do without. Shackle keys and a nice firm grip may outrank a pretty design and other extra features you may only use once in a blue moon.

Reviews of Some of The Best Sailing Knives

There are many sailing knives available on the market, and it is hard to know which one is the best. Here is a look at a handful of our favorite sailing knives that are currently available:

Spyderco Atlantic Salt Serrated Edge Knife

This boat knife features a blade that was ground from H-1 Japanese steel which gets harder and tougher with use and is resistant to rust. The product is tested for quality and durability and is made by the most trusted name in the cutlery industry.

The knife comes complete with a hollow ground serrated edge blade, and a high-strength back lock mechanism which ensures a secure and safe blade lock up. The handle contains high visibility yellow fiberglass reinforced nylon with a textured pattern to improve grip.

The pocket clip is black and made from titanium and can accommodate left side, right side, and tip-up carrying.

Maxam Sailor’s Tool

This could be the best knife for boating. It features a honed blade, spike, bottle opener, stainless steel handle, shackle key, and a double-sided ruler (2-inches on one side and 5-centimeters on the other). All of these items are carefully fitted into a compact and rugged stainless steel body.

It measures 6 1/8-inches when open and 3 ¾-inches when closed. It is called a Sailor’s Tool but it really is useful for much more than just sailing. For example, this tool would be handy for fishing, hunting, or camping as well. Maybe even for one of your do-it-yourself projects.

This sailor’s pocket knife tool comes complete with a limited lifetime warranty.

Camillus Carbonitride Titanium Folding Knife

This boat knife features a carbonitride titanium non-stick blade constructed from VG10 Japanese steel, which is ten times harder than untreated steel. It will stay sharper longer and will also resist rust, corrosion, and staining.

The handle is made from G10 stainless steel, has a marlin spike and a liner lock. It is lightweight and sturdy.

Myerchin Generation 2 Captain Pro G10

Here is a handy sailing rescue knife that includes a shackle slot, a locking marlinspike, and a blade made from German steel. The blade has a standard edge and satin finish. The handle is black and made from G10 stainless steel.

The bolsters are of stainless steel, and it comes complete with a pocket clip. The knife measures 4.5-inches when closed and has a 3.25-inch sheep foot (curved) blade. It includes a black nylon belt sheath.

Davis Instruments Deluxe Rigging Knife

This is easily one of the best boat knife options. It features a stainless steel blade, screwdriver, marlin spike, shackle key, housing, and lanyard loop. It is well made and constructed in a compact package that will prove to be both handy and useful.

In fact, this marlin spike pocket knife is durable enough and has enough features to make it effective when used hunting, fishing, hiking, or when you need it at home for a personal project and need a sharp edge or a screwdriver in an instant.

Gill Marine Tool

This Sailor’s pocket knife features a serrated blade that is made from Marine Grade 420 stainless steel and has a titanium coating for strength and corrosion resistance. The handle is made from G10 composite and allows for reliable gripping wet or dry.

The knife folds and has a liner lock to prevent accidental closure when in use. Additional features include a shackle key, webbing cutter, spanner, flathead screwdriver, marlinspike, bottle opener, a protective pouch, and belt loop. This knife measures 165millimeters/ 6.5 in open with a 70-millimeter/ 2.76-in blade.

Personalized Laser Engraved Survival Knife

This is called a survival knife and it features a rosewood handle that you can have laser-etched with a personalized message. The stainless steel blade is bead blasted and has a partly serrated edge.

The knife measures 8¼ inches open and is just 5inches when closed and the blade is 3 inches. It contains added features including a hook knife. The knife comes complete with a belt loop and nylon pouch.

A sailing knife is an essential tool for any sailor. It is an extremely versatile tool that will come in handy for a variety of tasks.

The best sailing knife is the one that you can use easily and is reliable when you need it to perform. Not just any knife will do as the demands of sailing require a specialized tool to address situations that can only occur when boating.

You really want to have the best knife for boating, as anything less can be difficult to use or downright dangerous. Fortunately a number of knife manufacturers have created tools made specifically for sailing. Whether you’re looking for a sailing knife for your dinghy or your ocean-going yacht, we hope that you’ve found the information in this article useful. And hopefully, we have taken away some of the mystery and confusion associated with sailing knives.

Have you got a contender for the best sailing knife? What’s your favorite knife? Please share below…

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About Brendan

Brendan has over 30 years experience sailing dinghies, yachts, and windsurfers, but has recently started Laser sailing. "I found it difficult to find all the information that I needed when I started sailing my Laser, and I am sure that others have had the same problem. So I combined all the information I could into this website to help other Laser sailors get the most out of this sport. If you have any questions or comments, let me know... I will get back to you as soon as I can."

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Best sailing knife: best sailing knives for 2021.

Knives on a sailboat are a necessity. I probably have more knives on our sailboat than any other single item. I carry cooking knives, filet knives, pocket knives, dive knives as well as purpose built sailing and rigging knives.

Each knife has a specific purpose, and the sailing knives I carry serve multiple purposes. First and foremost is safety. You never want to have someone get tangled in a line without being able to slice through that line in a split second with a razor sharp knife. A sailing knife is an indispensable tool aboard any sailboat.

Additionally a sailing knife is useful for general rigging, splicing ropes, undoing knots, and tightening or untightening shackles.

There are several features I want on a sailing knife:

Corrosion resistance – I want a knife made from 316 stainless, titanium or cobalt. Everything on a sailboat is in a constant state of deterioration. Knives are no different. You want something made from a material that is highly corrosion resistant.

Normal steel, or high carbon steel is what many folding or hunting knives are made of. This type of steel is perfect for most sporting knives not specifically used on the water. It is relatively corrosion resistant, easy to sharpen and keeps an edge. When you introduce a knife into an aquatic environment a high carbon steel blade is not ideal. It holds up ok with limited use in a freshwater environment, but in a saltwater environment it will rust within days.

Sailboat rigging and fixtures are made with 316 stainless steel, there are other types of stainless, but they are not as corrosion resistant as 316. Most dive knives are made of either titanium or 316 stainless for a reason, they are highly corrosion resistant. You want a sailing knife made out of the same materials.

Locking blade – Every knife I have on board has either a locking blade, or is a straight blade. Manipulating a knife in a seaway is dangerous enough, I don’t want to have to worry about it accidentally closing on me miles from emergency services at an inopportune time. A locking blade is mandatory.

Razor sharp blade – Dull knives are dangerous and useless. It is one thing to sit down at a table to splice or whip a line, it’s entirely different when it’s an emergency situation and you need to cut a line immediately. For this purpose I try to keep my knives razor sharp, especially ones near the helm and cockpit that might need to be enlisted into service as an emergency implement.

Sheepfoot blade – The sheepfoot shaped blade originated with mariners due to their working conditions in pitching seas. It is easy to drop a knife and a pointed blade goes into the foot a lot easier than a sheepfoot shaped blade.

Device for manipulating shackles – Aboard a sailboat, or most boats for that matter, you are eventually going to have to tighten or un-tighten a shackle. You can dig a pair of pliers out of your took kit no problem. However, if you are up the mast, or need to do it quickly it’s nice to have this option on your sailing knife.

Marlinspike – A marlinspike is the big spikey looking thing found on a lot of sailing and rigging knives. You can also purchase a standalone marlinspike, but I like to have one on a sailing knife. Originally a marlinspike was used to manipulate three strand line by sailors. Three strand line used to be the main type of line found on sailing vessels. Nowadays, most sailboats use double braid line for most of their running rigging.

In modern times the marlinspike still has its uses. It is used to help you undo pesky knots that don’t want to come undone as well as splicing lines. If you are up the mast in a bosun’s chair and you cannot seem to get a knot undone a marlinspike is a must. For this reason I try to buy sailing knives with one included on the knife.

There are a lot of sailing knives out in the marketplace. Many of them are junk. I list some knives to avoid down below. The list below encompasses the best value for quality knives I could find in the marketplace. These are the best of the best.

The Top Picks

Leatherman Wave

Leatherman hit a homerun when they developed the Wave roughly two decades ago. They come razor sharp out of the box with multiple blade options that all lock. You can manipulate shackles with the pliers. You can open cans, saw wood, open beer, and punch leather among a host of other things.

The knock on any Leatherman is that they do a bunch of things ok, but nothing great. I would have to agree with this assessment, yet I still find them indispensable and often carry one on my belt or in a pocket. It just has so many tools and uses it’s hard to beat.  It is a staple of any emergency kit.

What it doesn’t have is a marlinspike. For the utility I can let this slide. If you were only going to have one sailing knife, the Leatherman Wave makes a great case for itself.

Tons of features

Indispensable up a mast

It will eventually rust a little

No sheepsfoot blade

Boye Knives Folder

Boye knives makes three different knives, that’s it. Two are sailing knives. So I think you could call them a purpose built sailing knife company.

As far as quality, this is the finest sailing knife on the planet. Boye uses a cobalt alloy to manufacture their knives, it is guaranteed not to rust. There is a lot of thought that goes into how these blades are built. This could possibly be the last sailing knife you ever need, as long as you don’t drop it overboard.

The Boye folder has a razor sharp blade that is easy to sharpen and keep sharp, it has a marlinspike, and imbedded in the marlinspike is a slit purpose built for opening and closing shackles. This knife has it all.

This knife will not rust

Easy to sharpen

Lots of features

It is expensive

Spyderco Atlantic Salt

The Atlantic Salt has a lot going for it. Spyderco has been around for a long time, and builds quality knives that will last your lifetime.

The Atlantic Salt has a highly corrosion resistant H-1 blade. It features a sheepsfoot blade, and it even has a shackle key built into it’s handle. It doesn’t offer a marlinspike however. For years I have been waiting for Spyderco to offer an Atlantic Salt with this option, but they have never done so. Overall, this is a great knife, and a lot of sailors carry one. It’s great if you can overlook the lack of the marlinspike.

Spyderco H-1 blade

No marlinspike

Myerchin Gen 2 Crew Pro

Is this the best value for money sailing knife on the market. I think it just may be.

The body of the knife is made from titanium, which will not rust. The blade is made from corrosion resistant stainless.

Myerchin was founded by a sailor and has been making sailing knives since 1984. They sell knives to the US Coast Guard and US Navy.  I have heard this is the knife coast guard cadets carry, but I cannot confirm this. What I can confirm is that this is a great knife.

The Gen 2 Crew Pro has a partially serrated blade that comes razor sharp. It also has a partial assist for the blade that helps it open in adverse conditions.

For the money, I think this is the best value knife on the list.

Marlinspike

Great value

The only niggle I have with this knife, as with many knives with a clip, is that the clip leaves the knife hanging out of your pocket a little.

BEWARE OF THE CHEAP SAILORS KNIFE!

There are several sailing knives out there such as the Camillus Sailing Knife, Maxam Sailors Tool or Davis Instruments Deluxe Rigging Knife, they retail for $12 to $30 usually and at first glance seem like they would be ok. These are not quality products and I think you would regret buying one of these. They do not contain quality stainless steel and do not lock. These are dangerous and should be avoided.

So which one is the best? The Boye is the ultimate sailors knife, there is no doubt about that. The cobalt alloy material is space age stuff. However, you would be pretty ticked off if it fell overboard. You could purchase at least two or three of the other knives on this list for the price you are going to shell out for the Boye. Many people are going to have a problem with that.

If mine ever falls overboard I probably won’t replace it. I like it a lot, but for the price I cannot justify buying two in my life. I think it is the best knife on this list, but it may not be right for you.

For the money, I don’t think you can beat the Myerchin. I bought mine for less than $50. It is also a knife that will probably last you the rest of your life. As far as value for money, you cannot beat the Myerchin. And if it falls overboard you’re not going to beat yourself up about it.

As illustrated above, when you need a knife sometimes you need it immediately. For that reason I try to keep one on my body while sailing, but sometimes I’m only wearing boardshorts with no pockets. What do I do then? Well, that’s why I have several razor sharp dive knives around my boat. I keep one at the helm, one in the cockpit, and one in the anchor locker.

I have been on or around boats for 30 years, and I try to keep a very safe boat. But, emergencies happen when you least expect them, specifically for that reason I keep knives all over the boat. You never know when you are going to need to cut a line in an emergency.

Also not to be discounted for corrosion resistance are dive knives. I’m not going to go into any specific knives, but I like to keep a dive knife or two near the back of the boat. They are nearly indestructible and deal incredibly well with corrosion, which is a constant battle.

Final Note: Once you land on the perfect sailing knife for you, learn how to maintain it and keep it sharp. All of these knives come pretty darn sharp right out of the box. With regular use all of them are going to dull, some faster than others. It is paramount to learn how to sharpen a knife.

For a non serrated blade I prefer some type of sharpening system that holds a perfect angle. I personally own a Wicked Edge sharpening system, but there are many good systems out there.

A lot of people steer away from a serrated knife because they are perceived to be difficult to sharpen. The best way to sharpen a serrated knife in my opinion is with a ceramic rod. Ceramic rods are not very expensive and nearly last forever. I have had one for more than a decade and it is still perfect.

Regularly rinse your knife in fresh water and oil it with a shin oil to put a protective film over it.

Jason Koslow

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Sailingmates

A site for sailors, by sailors, best sailing knives, the best sailing knife, how to choose the sailing knife that’s right for you.

A sailing knife is a very personal thing. You can start an good argument in any yacht club bar by saying that the knife you carry when on board is the best.

Basically, sailing knives come down to two types, folding or fixed. They are further divided into serrated blades and non-serrated blades, sharp tip or blunt tipped. Folding knives are also available with or without marlin spike, and with a locking or non-locking blade

And even though they’re all marked as stainless steel, check for any magnetic interference with a small magnet before you buy a knife.

Modern high tech line is difficult to cut, and your knife’s ability to cut this line may one day save your life. Good cutting performance should be right at the top of your list of “must haves” in a sailing knife.

Lastly, the most efficient, useful knife you can own is the one you have on you when an emergency arrives. The best knife in the world is useless if you’re not wearing it when you need it.

Personally, I would wear a good fixed blade serrated rigging knife and martin spike when sailing and have a quality serrated blade folding knife in my pocket. With lanyards on both. Here’s what you should look for in a sailing knife

Fixed blade knives

Remember, fixed knives are easier to grab and use in an emergency

• High quality stainless steel blade, preferably serrated or half serrated
• Blunt (sheepsfoot) blade
• Comfortable non-slip handle with thumb stop
• A lanyard ring or hole in the handle for a lanyard
• An opening in the handle (NOT the blade) to use as a shackle key
• A separate marlin spike in the same sheath
• Non-magnetic steel

Folding blade knives

• Both blade and marlin spike must lock in open position
• A lanyard ring
• Must be able to open with one hand – even with sailing gloves on
• Should include a marlin spike – very useful
• Preferably include a key for opening shackles

When it comes to cutting high tech line, there have been some tests conducted over the last few years and the makers that stand out appear to be SPYDERCO, MYERCHIN, and BOYE

Spyderco Atlantic Folding Sailing Knife – my personal choice

The hollow- ground blade is available fully serrated or non-serrated. Both blades offer exceptional cutting performance. The large14mm Round Hole makes one-handed opening easier with gloved or wet hands.

The fiberglass-reinforced-nylon handle has Volcano Grip texturing to ensure a slip-free grip, and comes in black or marine yellow. A strong back lock mechanism with David Boye’s locking lever dent provides secure, reliable blade lock-up.

This is the best folding sailing knife in my opinion. You won’t regret it if you get the fully serrated yellow handle model. Easy to open when wearing gloves. Makes a great gift.

Myerchin A200P Generation 2 Offshore System – My personal choice

The Myerchin A200P Generation 2 Offshore System of knife and marlin spike looks good and works well. The three quarter serration blade allows the tip portion to have a tradition fine ground blade. Cuts synthetic line easily. Comes with a Lifetime warranty and serial number.

The A200P features a natural wood handle. The length: Overall: 8.25″ / Blade: 3.5″ / Spike: 6.65″ Weight: Knife: 7.5 oz / Spike: 2.5 oz Made from high quality 440 C stainless steel Comes with a black leather sheath

I love these knives. This is the classic sail and riggers kit brought up-to-date with 21st century technology. Every man or woman with salt in their veins wants one.

Myerchin Knife A100N Natural Bone Handle Limited Edition – YES PLEASE!

The Classic Sheepsfoot blade design is a modern version of the classic knives used by seamen for centuries. The kit includes a heavy leather sheath, knife, and Myerchin marlinspike.

A note about natural bone knife handles: The real beauty of a natural material comes from the unique qualities of each piece. Every handle has slight color differences, natural stress lines, and the ability to weather and age gracefully as it is handled by the owner. You can scrimshaw the material, protect it with a natural carnauba wax, or just let nature slowly change its patina.

Boye knives – The Best, but Expensive

If I could justify the investment I wouldn’t hesitate – I’d own both a fixed and folding Boye. Drop some heavy hints before your birthday or Christmas

Or treat yourself – Boye Knives

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10 Best Sailing Knives In 2023

Reviewed By Herb Benavent / Boating Editor

OUR TOP PICK

Spyderco Atlantic Serrated Edge

Editors choice.

Camillus Carbonitride Titanium Folding

Maxam Sailor’s Tool Powerful Multi-Use

The top 10 sailing knives in 2023.

• 1. Spyderco Atlantic Serrated Edge
• 2. Camillus Carbonitride Titanium Folding
• 3. Maxam Sailor’s Tool Powerful Multi-Use
• 4. Davis Instruments Deluxe Rigging
• 5. Maxam Sailor’s Tool 3 ¾ Inches
• 6. Myerchin Silver Sailor’s Tool
• 7. Personalized Gifts Engraved Survival
• 8. Myerchin Generation 2 Captain Pro
• 9. GILL Marine Titanium Red Tool
• 10. Myerchin Generation 2 Crew Pro

Ropes and knots are essential knowledge for sailors and their sailboats. There’s a lot of hard work that goes into sailing with complicated ropes, lines, and ties. To assist sailors in their duties, a sailing knife is an excellent tool to have onboard for safe sailing.

Sailing knives come in a variety of styles. A sailor’s knife should be easy to use and comfortable to hold. But there are a lot of cheap designs that won’t last.

Our guide is designed to help you find the best sailing knife that you’ll love to take on every adventure. Below we have some important features, as well as a list of the ten best sailing knives.

Spyderco is a well-known manufacturer that uses the highest quality materials and tests their knives for durability. The Atlantic Serrated Edge Knife is rust free and made of H-1 steel. The high-strength lock mechanism ensures you are always safe. For visibility, the handle is a vibrant yellow. There is also a pocket clip included in the design, so you can easily attach it to your sailing shorts .

• Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
• Serrated edge
• Highly visible handle

Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 2.5 x 1 inch Weight: 1.6 ounces

For a non-stick blade, the Carbonitride Titamium Folding Knife stands out as the best choice for a boat knife. This design by Camillus has a smooth cut and is made of Japanese steel. The drop point blade makes it sharp and reliable. It has a liner lock for safety and a spike for easy puncturing.

Product Dimensions: 10 x 6 x 1 inch Weight: 0.32 ounces

For a complete knife design, Maxam has their dynamic Sailor’s Tool design to offer. This nautical knife is powerful and effective. It is made of stainless steel and is the perfect rigging knife. Included in the design are a honed blade, marlinspike, shackle key, and bottle opener. It is ideal for any cutting-edge adventure.

• Stainless steel

Product Dimensions: 3.8 x 1.8 x 0.8 inches Weight: 2.2 ounces

Davis Instruments Deluxe Rigging

If you feel safer with a blunted blade, then this Deluxe Rigging Knife would be an excellent tool for you. Davis Instruments offers a stainless steel knife design that has a safe blade. It also includes a screwdriver, marlin spike, and shackle key all made out of stainless steel as well. It is an affordable price, so any sailor can get the tool of their dreams within their budget.

• Blunted blade

Product Dimensions: 6 x 4.5 x 0.5 inches Weight: 1.76 ounces

Maxam Sailor’s Tool 3 ¾ Inches

Maxam makes our list again with a different design that is extremely compact and portable. The smaller version of the Sailor’s Tool is under 4 inches, which makes it perfect for taking anywhere. It is a practical rigging knife that is made of durable stainless steel. It is also a multi-tool and has additional features like a shackle key and marlin spike. This small design can be easily added to your sailing bag and taken on any adventure.

Product Dimensions: 3.8 x 1.8 x 0.8 inches Weight: 5.6 ounces

Myerchin Silver Sailor’s Tool

If the traditional set of sailor’s tools aren’t enough, this Silver Sailor’s Tool by Myerchin has a unique design, which includes pliers. The marlin spike of this sailor’s knife works as a handle to operate the pliers. There is also a serrated blade in the design, and everything is made out of stainless steel to ensure the best performance and durability.

Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches Weight: 7.2 ounces

Personalized Gifts Engraved Survival

If you are gift shopping, this Engraved Survival Knife would be perfect. The wood handle of this design can be engraved and personalized to make for a thoughtful present. The knife features a strong stainless steel blade and the wood handle adds a unique touch.

• Wood handle
• Custom engraving

Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.2 x 2.8 inches Weight: 6.1 ounces

Myerchin Generation 2 Captain Pro

Myerchin makes the list again because of their high-quality materials and excellent performance. This durable knife has a serrated edge for easily cutting rope. A liner lock ensures it says open and a strong handle gives you power. For easy carrying you can use a lanyard or pocket clip.

• Strong handle

Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches Weight: 12 ounces

GILL Marine Titanium Red Tool

• Maintenance and emergency use
• Wet/dry grip

Weight: 0.32 ounces

Myerchin Generation 2 Crew Pro

To top off the list, Myerchin offer their pro version of the Generation 2. This knife is made of a German pro marine stainless steel, which is durable and strong. It has a serrated edge and can be easily carried using a lanyard.

• German stainless steel

Product Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches Weight: 8.8 ounces

How To Choose A Sailing Knife – Buying Guide

Out of all the knives available on the market, sailing knives tend to stand out as the most popular choice for any sailor or boater because they are durable and function well.

Here are some features that will help you determine what makes a quality knife for sailing. These tips will make the buying process effortless, so you can focus on rigging your boat.

Blade tips come pointed or blunt and you will have to decide which style you want. A pointed blade tip can be dangerous in slippery conditions, but in an emergency situation, puncture power may be useful. Blunted blades are much safer and may be required in official events, but you will lose puncturing power.

Most nautical knives are folding to save space, which means it also needs a reliable blade lock to keep it open. The blade lock will ensure your knife never closes while it is being used, but should also be easily disengaged with one hand, so the knife can be folded again.

Blade Operation

The best rigging knife will have a smooth blade operation that allows you to swiftly engage the blade. Most often there is a feature like a hole, pin, or notch that can be used with one hand to extend the blade.

It may take you some time to learn how to perfectly use your blade, especially in bad sailing conditions, but once you have mastered how to open your blade it’ll become second nature.

Blade Material

Salt water and air are extremely harsh elements that your marine knife will have to be able to withstand. The best materials that are resistant to corrosion are cobalt and stainless steel. Stainless steel is the most popular choice because it performs better than other low-quality metals.

Knife Sheath

Not all rope cutting knives will come with a sheath, which can be disappointing. Knife sheaths are extremely helpful for holding your boating knife because it keeps the body protected and allows you to easily carry it.

An alternate to a knife sheath would be a minimalistic belt clip. This may not have an entire sheath to encase the knife, but would still allow you to attach the knife to your sailing life jacket for quick and easy access.

The three most common types of blade edges are straight, serrated, and a combination. A straight edged blade will be smooth with a slight curve, which will apply even cutting pressure along its entire length.

A serrated edge is best for cutting rope because the teeth allow the knife to grip and tear the fibers, but you will have less force in the blade. A combination blade will be partly straight but have a serrated edge, usually towards the handle of the knife. These designs are very popular because it allows you to do everything you want with your yacht knife.

You might also like:  Perfect Marine VHF Antennas 

There are many different design options available for nautical knives. You can get folding and non-folding designs, as well as blades made of a variety of material. Some design may look or tactical and others closer to that of pocket knives . You will have to determine what design you feel comfortable with using.

You should be steady in your grip when holding your marine knife, even if you are using sailing gloves. Grip is important and you want to ensure that your knife feels comfortable in your hand.

Cutting Ability

For sailors, it really comes down to being able to cut rope, because that will usually be the toughest material your knife will have to face. A top rated rigging knife should be sharp enough to effortlessly cut through any rope.

Some nautical knives have additional features like marlin spikes, shackle keys, screwdrivers, and bottle openers. If you want more than just a sailor’s knife, look at designs that resemble multi-tools to get all the feature you want.

Q: Why do I need a knife on a boat?

In order to sail or operate any boat, there are a lot of different ropes lines and rigging involved. A knife will make cutting and managing rope easier and it is a great tool to have in case of an emergency aboard your sailboat.

Q: How to determine the sharpness of the blade?

You can really only test a knife by trying to use it on material that you intend to cut. If you ever struggle to cut a rope, your knife may not be sharp enough. If you’ve used your knife for a while, it may just need a sharpening to get back to its best performance.

You can also check sailing knife reviews to see what other customers have to say about their experience with the knife and how sharp or reliable the blade is.

Q: How to clean my knife?

Most knives for sailing can be easily rinsed with fresh water to clean them. You should be cautious of using any detergent and if you want specific instructions, look at any brand provided care instructions for the best advice.

Q: Is it legal to carry a knife on a boat?

Yes, but if you are on a boat in public waters, it needs to have a blade 4 inches or smaller. Most sailing knives are perfectly legal to be on boats, especially when they are used as a tool to assist in rigging. However, if you are on any privately-owned water space, you can legally carry what you want, and the owner allows.

Globo Surf Overview

A top rated rigging knife will always be a popular choice for sailors and boaters to manage their boats. Sailing knives offer versatility, durability, and function. With the best sailing knife, you will feel confident in sailing the high seas. The best rigging knife would even make an excellent gift for sailors and boaters.

More Boating Accessories Reviews:

•   Anemometers  
•   VHF Marine Radios
•   Distress Flare Lights
•   Gifts For Boaters
•   Boat Launching Wheels
•   Bimini Tops For Boats
•   Boat Underwater Lights
•   Boat Ladders
•   Boat Speedometers
•   Outboard Motor Covers

More Knife Reviews:

• Dive Knives
• Fishing Knife
• Fish Fillet Knives
• Kayak Knives

Sailing knives

The final cut The poor cutting ability of some knives surprised us, but a surprise on the dock is better than a surprise at sea. We recommend sailors test their sailing knives on a scrap of line or webbing before an emergency strikes. Slashing at a painter a dozen times to free a life raft from a sinking boat would only add to the stress of the situation and expose the sailor to the risk of falling off the raft. Cutting ability isn't the only consideration for a good sailing knife. An average cutter that is conveniently carried within quick reach is superior to any knife buried in a galley drawer. One option is to wear a small folding knife when weather conditions make for safe sailing, but change up to a sturdier knife in bad weather. Or keep a good knife permanently attached to a life jacket. When the weather calls for a life jacket the knife gets carried too. A final consideration is balancing cost with quality and blade longevity. We didn't test durability, but an expensive cobalt or titanium blade will last longer under salt exposure than a moderately priced steel blade. Some knives with rust-proof blades may have stainless pocket clips that corrode fast in wet foul weather gear. What our tests showed is that there are compromises with any knife-whether it be with ease of use, cost, durability or extra features. Sailors need to take these advantages and disadvantages into consideration and choose the knife that best fits how they expect to use it.

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Sailing Knives

The classic Sailing Knife is characterized by two special functions. The marlin spike helps with untying knots in ropes or lines and the shackle opener is essential for all nautical adventures. Many sailing knives are made from highly corrosion-resistant materials. Many models are equipped with a serrated sheepsfoot blade to make cutting rope easier.

•   Fox Knives
•   Magnum
•   Pocket Knives
•   Jens Anso
•   440A
•   N690
•   Stainless Steel
•   Titanium
•   Flipper
•   Manual
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•   Slipjoint
•   Grey
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•   Uncoated
•   Asia
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• Pocket Knives
• Stainless Steel

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Tested: Palm Folding Knife

• Duncan Kent
• September 8, 2020

Every yachtsman needs a really sharp knife to hand at all times, especially one that can be opened easily with one hand

The Palm Folding Knife is lightweight (49g) and measures just 110mm long when closed, enabling it to fit neatly into a knife pocket of a PFD or sailing jacket.

It features a single, 70mm (2.75in) long, gently curved serrated blade made from highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel.

The blade locks in the open position, but is rounded at its tip – both are essential safety elements for a sailing knife .

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On the top of the blade is a shackle key and a hypalon tab intended for opening the knife with one hand, with the aid of your teeth, when absolutely necessary!

The knife has a bright red handle that is made from glass fibre-injected nylon and has a very grippy, deeply-knurled pattern for maximum purchase in cold and wet conditions.

A lanyard is also supplied to ensure it stays with you when you’re battling the elements.

Palm Folding Knife

Pros •    Sharp serrated blade •    Very grippy handle •    Round-nosed for safety

Cons •    Not very easily opened with one hand

Price as reviewed £12.95

Verdict The Palm Folding Knife is a simple design but it works well and is very sharp – its serrated blade cutting through 10mm line quickly and cleanly.

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Sailing & Rigging Knife Collection

Currey Lockspike Bosun Knife

2-Piece Rigging Knife & Marlinspike Kit with Leather Sheath

Made in England.

$48.88 $43.88

3-Piece Rigging Knife Kit w/ Marlinspike + Leather Sheath

$64.88 $59.88

5-Piece Rigging Knife + Tool Kit w/ Leather Sheath

$92.80 $87.80

Victorinox® Skipper Rigging Knife w/ Marlinspike

made in Switzerland

Victorinox® Skipper PRO Rigging Knife w/ Marlinspike

Currey Lockspike 'Captain' Rigging Knife

$78.95 $73.95

Sheffield Bowie Knife w/ Marlinspike + Leather Sheath

hardened stainless

$62.88 $57.88

Currey Knife Lanyard

sliding turks head knot

Rangergrip Boatsman® Rigging Knife

Victorinox A.G. - Switzerland

4-Piece Rigging Knife Kit w/ Marlinspike + Leather Sheath

Genuine US Navy Mark 1 Deck Knife

Rigging Knife with Leather Sheath

Sharpening Stone / Kit

Made in USA

From $13.95

Currey Marlinspike / Fid

Genuine Currey Ltd. Made in England.

From $17.88

#15 Black Seizing Twine

for whipping, seizing & lashing!...

Sheffield Bowie Knife w/ Leather Sheath

Captain Currey "Deckhand" Sailing Knife

Currey's MK-1 Deck Knife

hi-carbon British steel

Snapshackle Key Ring FOB

#316L stainless steel

Waxed Sail Twine / Sewing & Whipping Thread

1/4 lb. bulk spool

Rigging Knife Sheath

options available

Deluxe M-724 Paratrooper Switchblade Kit

genuine US government issue

MX-991/U Anglehead Flashlight ("Moonbeam')

US Government Issue

From $24.95

1/8" New England Vintage 3-Strand Rope

DIY lanyards, ropework, etc...

Canvas Water / Tool Bucket

available in 2 sizes

From $19.00

Classic ZIPPO Lighter - Solid Brass

100% pure organic

Sail Needle

M&B SHIPCANVAS CO.

Ashley's #1322 Rope Bracelet

1.25" wide - genuine New England rope

A/O Sailor Ditty Bag

with storm flap + cargo pocket

From $229.00

1/8" New England Braided Dacron Cord

high strength lashings, etc.

'Chunky Monkey' Heaving Line Knot

1/3 pound x 11" length

$44.95 $37.95

Spun Dacron Heaving Line w/ Monkey's Fist

available in 60' or 100'

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leather bottom + shoulder pad

$329.00 From $277.00

550 Paracord

available in 8 colors

Nantucket Sailor's Bracelet

1" wide - genuine New England rope

M-2205 Military Issue Pocket Knife

From $74.95

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Rigging Knife F.A.Q.'s

What is a "sheepsfoot" blade?

Throughout history, sailors, riggers and shipwrights have relied upon the traditional  "sheepsfoot blade" for everyday use aboard the ship. It is named after its blunt, rounded tip and flat bottom edge which closely resemble the profile of a sheep's foot. It is not a fighting blade or weapon, but in the application of a rigging knife, it is understood to be one of the best blade designs for cutting rope.

Unlike a sharp-tipped hunting blade (drop point; clip, Bowie, etc.), the idea is to reduce the possibility of getting accidentally jabbed while working and moving around aboard the ship. The other advantage is that a true sheepsfoot blade carries a perfectly straight cutting edge. This enables the rigger to place a line on a cutting block or flat surface... then set the blade on the line exactly where he wants it... and then strike the top of the blade with a mallet. With a little bit of practice, this produces an extra-clean cut without sawing and damaging the line.

Centuries later, the "Sheepsfoot Blade" is probably still one of the best for cutting rope & lines. Notice how the handle has been drilled to attach a lanyard. Perfect!

What is the marlinspike used for?

The marlinspike is the primary tool for everything rope-related. It should be tapered to a fine point, but not quite so sharp as to damage or cut the individual fibers of the line or rope. It is often used to help free up jammed knots in a hurry, particularly if the knot has been repeatedly soaked and strained over the course of time. The other use is for rope-splicing, where the spike will be inserted between strands to loosen things up and create working room for the tucks while completing the splice.

A proper rigging knife will also have a "lanyard bail" (or a ring, or sometimes a drilled hole) for attaching a light line or pull loop. With a lanyard, the knife can be tied to its owner and is always ready for action without risk of getting dropped overboard.

What about serrated blades, or combination straight/serrated blades?

Serrated blades have a very specific range of cutting applications in which they excel. The serrated blade cuts quickly and is ideal for high-tech rope materials such as Dyneema, Kevlar, and Spectra. It also does well as a safety knife for fast cutting in emergencies. However serrations work by "sawing rather than slicing," and so the fibers of the rope react differently, especially with smaller diameters, or when rigging and splicing. 

So depending on how the knife will be used, there is a case to be made for both straight-edge and serrated type blades. The combination of both  is also a possibility. 

What is your advice on getting a folding knife vs. a sheath knife?

It really depends on the application because they both have their place. Personal preference is also a major factor here, as well as the size (diameter) of line that you might be expecting to cut. Of course a folding knife offers superior portability and convenience because it can be easily slipped into a pocket or pouch. And as long as its kept sharp, a good folding knife can do just about anything that a sheath knife can do.

However a sheath knife offers the quickest, one-handed operation, which can be an important safety consideration. Also the sheath knife, due to its usually greater length and mass, is able to cut larger diameters of line faster , and with fewer strokes . I also like the fact that a sheath knife can be combined into a tool kit... holding real and proper full-size tools that are durable enough for everyday use aboard the ship.

In nautical terms, what is the difference between a rope and a line?

Technically speaking, "rope" is synonymous with the term "cordage", and is the most correct, general term to describe the finished material itself, i.e. "a spool of rope." Rope becomes "line" once it has been assigned a specific purpose, such as a dockline, anchor line, heaving line, jackline, etc. Running rigging and sail controls are 'lines' as well, including halyards, sheets, reefing lines, topping lifts, downhauls, outhauls, cunninghams, preventers, and most boom vangs (except hydraulic). The list is far from complete.

Of course there are just enough exceptions to keep things interesting, because we also have bolt ropes, foot ropes, luff ropes, bell ropes, rope lanyards, etc... some of which are really, of course, lines! :)

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Moscow concert attack: More than 60 reported dead; ISIS claims responsibility

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What we know about the Moscow concert attack

• Men in camouflage broke into a Moscow concert hall and opened fire, shooting an unknown number of people, Russia’s prosecutor general said.
• The terror group ISIS has claimed responsibility but did not provide proof of the claim, which was made on ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.
• Russia's Investigative Committee said that more than 60 people are dead after the attack at Crocus City Hall. Officials have said more than 100 others were injured.
• A fire also started inside Crocus City Hall, a large concert venue northwest of central Moscow. Firefighters have evacuated about 100 people from the basement of the building and efforts are underway to rescue people from the roof, Russian emergency officials said.
• Russia officials said they were investigating the attack as a terrorist act.
• A popular rock band was scheduled to play what appeared to be a sold-out show at the venue, which has a maximum capacity of more than 9,000 people.

Three children among those killed, state media reports

Chantal Da Silva

Three children were among the more than 60 people killed in yesterday's attack at Crocus City Hall, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported, citing the Russian Ministry of Health.

Officials have warned that the death toll connected to the deadly incident may increase as the investigation continues.

Xi sends condolences to Putin

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday after a deadly shooting at a concert hall near Moscow, saying China opposes all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns terrorist attacks.

China firmly supports the Russian government’s efforts to maintain national security and stability, Xi said, according to CCTV state television. 

Moscow bloodshed comes two decades after some of worst attacks in Russia

Phil Helsel

The shooting attacks in Moscow are the latest in a series of deadly terror attacks in the country since the 2000s.

In 2004, militants from Chechnya and elsewhere took hostages at a school in Beslan in southern Russia.

The militants demanded a withdrawal from Chechnya. Hostages were kept in a gymnasium, and 334 died — half of them children — when gunfire and explosions erupted when it was stormed. Hostages’ families were critical of the rescue operation. Russian prosecutors later cleared authorities .

Two years prior, in 2002, Chechen separatists attacked the Dubrovka Theater in Moscow and took more than 700 people hostage. Russian forces used gas, and 129 hostages died. The attackers were killed.

More recently, in 2017 a suicide bomber from Kyrgyzstan killed 15 people as well as himself in an attack on a St. Petersburg subway. In 2013, two bombers killed a combined 34 people in attacks on a railway station and a trolleybus in Volgograd.

The group Islamic State, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the attacks Friday at the Crocus City Hall venue.

Putin wishes victims well, deputy prime minister says

President Vladimir Putin is thinking of those injured in today’s attack and thanked doctors, a Russian government official said according to state media.

State media TASS reported that “Putin wished all those injured in the emergency at Crocus City Hall to recover and conveyed his gratitude to the doctors, Golikova said,” referring to Tatiana Golikova deputy prime minister for social policy, labor, health and pension provision.

More than 60 dead, and death toll could grow, Russian agency says

Russia’s Investigative Committee said Saturday that more than 60 people have died in the attack, and warned the number may increase.

“The bodies of the dead are being examined. It has been previously established that more than 60 people died as a result of the terrorist attack. Unfortunately, the number of victims may increase,” according to the Investigative Committee, which is a federal state agency.

Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs and the security agency FSB are continuing to investigate, the committee said in a statement, and weapons and ammunition have been found.

U.S. warned Russia about planned terrorist attack in Moscow, NSC says

Monica Alba

The United States shared information about a potential terrorist attack in Moscow with Russia’s government earlier this month, a spokesperson for the National Security Council said.

The U.S. Embassy in Russia on March 7 warned U.S. citizens to avoid crowds and said it was monitoring reports that extremists might attack large gatherings in Moscow.

“Earlier this month, the U.S. Government had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow — potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts — which prompted the State Department to issue a public advisory to Americans in Russia,” NSC spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

“The U.S. Government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding ‘duty to warn’ policy,” Watson said.

Putin recently dismissed ‘provocative’ warning about potential attacks

In remarks that aired three days ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the West of “provocative statements” about potential terror attacks in Russia, and dismissed them.

“I’ll remind you of recent, let’s say directly, provocative statements of certain official Western structures about potential terror attacks in Russia,” Putin said.

“All of this looks like obvious blackmail and an attempt to intimidate, destabilize our country,” he said before the state security agency FSB.

Putin in those remarks did not specify a country or warning. The U.S. embassy in Russia on March 7 warned U.S. citizens to avoid crowds .

“The Embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours,” the U.S. embassy warned.

Guards at concert hall didn't have guns, state news says

The Associated Press

Guards at the concert hall didn’t have guns, and some could have been killed at the start of the attack, Russian media reported.

Some Russian news outlets suggested the assailants fled before special forces and riot police arrived.

Reports said police patrols were looking for several vehicles the attackers could have used to escape.

U.S. had been gathering intelligence that ISIS could attack Russia

Ken Dilanian

The U.S. had been gathering intelligence for months that ISIS could mount a mass casualty attack in Russia, two U.S. officials confirmed to NBC News.

That information led to a March 7 warning issued by the U.S. embassy in Russia about possible extremist attacks, including at concerts, urging people to stay away from large gatherings, one of the officials said.

That official said the claim of responsibility today by ISIS appears to be genuine, though no final assessment had been made about who was responsible.

Some Moscow concertgoers filmed events as they unfolded Friday night, when gunmen opened fire inside a theater and people ran to take cover in fear for their lives.

Witness says gunfire was first thought to be construction noise

A witness to today’s armed attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall told a state news agency that they first mistook the gunfire for sounds of an installation being dismantled.

“First, we started hearing typical loud pops, but it was impossible to understand that they were gunshots. We thought that something was falling, as exhibitions were being dismantled at that moment, and someone seemed to be dropping something large,” Mikhail Semyonov told TASS .

“Then, the bangs were getting more and more frequent. Suddenly, there was a scream, and the bangs started to be heard as bursts. Then it became clear that it was shooting,” he said.

ISIS claims responsibility for attack but does not provide proof

The terror group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack in Moscow.

The group, also known as ISIS, did not provide any proof of its claim, which came from ISIS-affiliated news agency Amaq on Telegram.

The group’s members have carried out a number of terror attacks, including the 2015 attacks in Paris that killed 130 people.

Children among the victims, Russia's children commissioner says

Yuliya Talmazan

Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, said children were among the victims of tonight's attack.

"Information about their condition is regularly updated," Lvova-Belova said on Telegram. "Any additional assistance will be provided immediately."

She later told Russia 24 TV channel that at least two children had been injured, including one boy with a gunshot wound.

Earlier, Russian officials released a preliminary casualty toll of at least 40 people dead and more than 100 injured.

France, U.K., Germany condemn attack

Officials from France, the U.K. and Germany were among those who expressed their condolences to the victims of the attack at the Crocus concert hall.

"The images of the terrible attack on innocent people in Crocus City Hall near #Moscow are horrific," Germany's Foreign Office said on X . "The background must be investigated quickly. Our deepest condolences with the families of the victims."

"We condemn the terrorist attack in the Crocus City Hall near Moscow," the U.K.'s embassy in Russia said . "This is a terrible tragedy."

Meanwhile, France's foreign ministry called for "full light" to be shed on "these heinous acts."

Public events across Russia called off after attack

Several regional leaders across Russia, including in the annexed Kherson region of Ukraine, have canceled public events this weekend over security considerations after the deadly concert attack in Moscow.

Shortly after the attack, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin canceled all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend. State news agency TASS also quoted Russia's cultural ministry as saying that mass and entertainment events in federal cultural institutions have been canceled in the coming days.

Zelenskyy adviser speaks out about attack

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s adviser denied that Ukraine was involved in the deadly Crocus concert hall attack.

“Ukraine certainly has nothing to do with the shooting/explosions in the Crocus City Hall (Moscow Region, Russia),” Mykhailo Podolyak wrote on X. “It makes no sense whatsoever.”

No evidence has emerged to suggest Ukraine may have been involved, but Ukrainian officials may be trying to pre-empt accusations, as some Kremlin hawks have already started pointing at Kyiv. 

Asked whether the shooting was at all tied to the war in Ukraine, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: “There is no indication at this time that Ukraine, or Ukrainians, were involved in the shooting, but again, this just broke. We’re taking a look at it, but I would disabuse you at this early hour have any connection to Ukraine.”

Videos posted to social media appear to show chaos inside Moscow's Crocus City Hall during and after a terrorist attack.

Some videos include what sound like gunshots and show men with rifles, as concertgoers frantically try to exit the venue.

State Department issues warning to Americans in Moscow

Jason Abbruzzese

The State Department said that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is aware of the terrorist attack on Crocus City Hall and that U.S. citizens should avoid the area and follow the instructions of local authorities.

"The U.S. government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for U.S. embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates in Russia," the State Department said in a message posted to its website .

'What a nightmare in Crocus,' Widow of opposition leader Alexei Navalny condolences about concert attack

Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny who died in prison last month, expressed her condolences about the attack Friday.

"What a nightmare in Crocus," Navalnaya wrote on X. "Condolences to the families of the victims and quick recovery to the injured. Everyone involved in this crime must be found and held accountable."

320 firefighters, 3 helicopters working to put out fire

Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said the number of rescue crews responding to the attack is growing and now includes more than 320 firefighters, 130 emergency vehicles and three helicopters dumping water on the burning concert venue.

Moscow regional governor says 40 dead, more than 100 injured

Moscow Regional Governor Andrei Vorobyov said on Telegram that at least 40 people are dead and more than 100 injured in the terrorist attack, confirming figures previously reported by Russian state news.

Putin informed about concert venue attack 'in the first minutes,' Kremlin spokesperson says

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin was informed about the shooting at the Crocus concert hall "in the first minutes" of the attack, Russian state news agency RIA reported.

The president is receiving information about what is happening and the measures being taken through all relevant services and is giving necessary instructions, Peskov said according to RIA.

Russian journalist was inside concert venue when gunmen entered

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said on Telegram that one of its reporters was inside the venue when gunmen entered and began shooting concertgoers.

The journalist said that at least three unmasked gunmen in camouflage entered the hall a few minutes before 8 p.m. Moscow time. They shot people point-blank and threw incendiary bombs, according to the journalist.

Russia's foreign ministry spokesperson calls incident 'bloody terrorist attack'

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's foreign ministry, called the Friday night incident at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow a "bloody terrorist attack" as she called for "strong condemnation" from the international community.

"Now, as the Russian authorities have stated, all efforts are being devoted to saving people," Zakharova said. "The entire world community is obliged to condemn this monstrous crime!"

U.S. national security spokesperson says embassy has told Americans to avoid large gatherings in Moscow

Kyla Guilfoil

National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby addressed the attack in Moscow at a White House press briefing Friday afternoon, calling it a “terrible, terrible shooting attack.”

“The images are just horrible and just hard to watch and our thoughts obviously are going to be with the the victims,” Kirby said.

Kirby added that the U.S. embassy has notified all Americans in Moscow to avoid large gatherings, concerts, shopping malls, etc., and “stay put where they are” for their safety.

Russian media says 40 dead, more than 100 injured at concert attack

TASS, Russia's state-owned news agency, and RIA Novosti are reporting that Russia's FSB security agency has put the preliminary casualty count at 40 dead and more than 100 injured by a terrorist attack on a Moscow-area concert venue.

NBC News has not confirmed those casualty numbers.

Roof of concert venue at risk of collapse, Russian media says

Russian news agency RIA Novosti said on Telegram that the roof of the building near the concert venue's stage has begun to collapse.

Video posted to Telegram by RIA Novosti showed fire continue to blaze inside the venue.

Moscow area governor says more than 70 ambluances at scene of attack

Andrei Vorobyov, Moscow's regional governor, said on Telegram that more than 70 ambulances have been dispatched to the scene of concert venue attack.

“Everything is being done at the scene to save people," he wrote in the Telegram message. "The Special Rapid Response Unit (SOBR) has been deployed. There are over 70 ambulance carriages near Crocus, doctors provide the necessary assistance to all victims."

Nigel Chiwaya

Russia’s prosecutor general office says number of victims still being determined

Russia's prosecutor general said on Telegram that officials are working to determine how many people have been killed or hurt in the concert attack.

“On behalf of Igor Krasnov, the prosecutor of the Moscow region has gone to the scene of the incident at Crocus City Hall to coordinate the actions of law enforcement agencies," the prosecutor general's Telegram account posted. "Tonight, before the start of the event in the concert hall in Krasnogorsk, unknown men in camouflage clothes broke into the building and started shooting."

"The number of victims is being determined, a fire started in the entertainment center building, and citizens are being evacuated."

Moscow's mayor cancels weekend events

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that he was canceling all public events in Moscow this weekend.

"I have taken the decision to cancel all sports, cultural and other public events in Moscow this weekend," he said. "I ask of you to treat this measure with understanding."

Popular rock band was to play sold-out venue that can hold 9,500

Tim Stelloh

A popular rock band was scheduled to play what appeared to be a sold-out show at the Moscow concert hall where there were reports of gunmen in combat fatigues opening fire.

Picnic, formed in 1978, was to play at Crocus City Hall, west of central Moscow.

The multilevel facility in Krasnogorsk has a maximum capacity of 9,527 people. Booking sites show the event was sold out.

Russia's aviation agency says additional security added to Moscow airports

The Russian aviation agency Rosaviatsiya said that additional security measures are being introduced in Moscow airports

"Due to increased security measures, we ask passengers to arrive at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports in advance," the agency said on the Telegram messaging app.

Moscow's emergency ministry says it is working to extinguish fire

Moscow’s emegency ministry said it was working to extinguish a fire that began at the music venue.

The ministry said about 100 people were evacuated from the building, and it was working to rescue people from the roof.

Russian media says state security taking action

Russia's news outlet RIA Novosti said that the country's security agency, the FSB, is taking measures to respond to the shooting at a concert hall near Moscow.

Videos posted by Russian media show men with rifles moving through area

Extended rounds of gunfire could be heard on multiple videos posted by Russian media and Telegram channels. One showed two men with rifles moving through a concert hall. Another one showed a man inside the auditorium, saying the assailants set it on fire, with incessant gunshots ringing out in the background.

Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, said he was heading to the area and set up a task force to deal with the damage. He didn’t immediately offer any further details.

Russian media reports said that riot police units were being sent to the area as people were being evacuated.

Russian news outlets report gunman opened fire at Moscow concert hall

Several gunmen in combat fatigues burst into a big concert hall in Moscow on Friday and fired automatic weapons at the crowd, injuring an unspecified number of people, Russian media said.

Russian news reports said that the assailants also used explosives, causing a massive blaze at the Crocus City Hall on the western edge of Moscow. Video posted on social media showed huge plumes of black smoke rising over the building.

Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency reported that at least three people in combat fatigues fired weapons. The state Tass news agency also reported the shooting.

U.S. warned of imminent Moscow attack by ‘extremists,’ urges citizens to avoid crowds

Patrick Smith

U.S. citizens in  Moscow  had been warned to avoid large gatherings earlier this month because of heightened fears of a terrorist attack.

The U.S. Embassy in the Russian capital said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and U.S. citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours.”

U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, monitor local media for updates and “be aware of your surroundings,” it said in a brief  online update .

Read the full story here.