Sailing comes with handy work like tackling stubborn shackles, and knotty ropes. A sailing knife is an essential tool that a sailor should own to help in their duties. In most cases, These knives are multi-functional. The best sailing knives are more than a water-resistant cutting blade.
This guide provides some of the knives available in the market today and things you should look out for when selecting one for you.
Fast Answer: The Best Sailing Knife
Camillus G10 Handle Folding Knife is my choice out of the selected best sailing knives. I like 2 more knives from Camillus and Old Timer for me. These 2 are Camillus Ti Marlin Spike Pocket Knife (bamboo handle) and Old Timer Folding Pocket Knife.
Brief Comparison For The Best Sailing Knives 2021
| Sailing Knife | Blade | Handle | Use | Check On Amazon |
| Camillus G10 Handle Folding Knife | VG10 Japanese super steel, 2’27” | High-quality G10 handle | Sailing knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Camillus Ti Marlin Spike Pocket Knife, Bamboo Handle | Very hard & sharp, AUS-8 steel, 2’5” | Nice bamboo handle | Sailing Knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Victorinox Swiss Multitool | Large & wavy edge | Strong and thick | Multi-purpose | Check Price On Amazon |
| Maxam Sailors Knife | Sharp & plain | Stainless-steel handle with a ruler | Multi-purpose | Check Price On Amazon |
| Five Oceans Rigging Knife | Sharp & plain | Stainless steel | Rigging knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Davis Instruments Standard Knife | Stainless steel sharp blade | Stainless steel | Rigging knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Meyerco Sailor’s Knife | Stainless steel sharp blade | Stainless steel | Versatile knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Myerchin Generation 2 Rigging Knife | Stainless, partially serrated, sheep foot blade | Titanium handle, nylon belt sheath | Sailor’s knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Spyderco Atlantic Serrated Knife | Serrated & made of H-1 steel | Safe grip, fiberglass-reinforced-nylon handle | Sailing knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Sea Dog Rigging Knife | 304 stainless steel, sharp blade | Stainless steel | Multi-purpose | Check Price On Amazon |
| Phoenix Finds Treasures Rigging Knife | Stainless steel plain blade | Beautiful handle | Sailing/rigging knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Old Timer Folding Pocket Knife | High Carbon Stainless steel, 2’80 inches | Safe handle | Sailing/rigging knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Mil-Tec German Navy Deck Knife | Stainless steel, 3-inch blade | Plastic handle | Sailing/rigging knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Navy Knife with Marlinspike made in England | Stainless steel, 2’25” sheep foot style blade | Stainless steel | Sailing/rigging knife | Check Price On Amazon |
| Marbles Black Knife | High-carbon stainless steel | Safe & beautiful handle | Multi-purpose | Check Price On Amazon |
| Antonini Nauta Blue Handle Knife | 3’35’’, Hardened AISI 440A Steel HRC 56/58,
partially serrated |
High-quality aluminum | For nautical use | Check Price On Amazon |
| Rough Rider Yellow Sailor’s Knife | High-performance stainless steel, strong | Safe and stylish handle | Multi-use | Check Price On Amazon |
Features Of The Best Selected Sailing Knives
1) Camillus G10 Handle Folding Knife
This effective knife with a lifetime warranty comes with a marlinspike. The G10 handle and the VG10 Japanese steel make the knife a super working tool. The blade has a Carbonitride Titanium coating that protects from rust and corrosion.
The steel is ten times harder than normal non-treated steel and that’s why the VG10 is known as a super steel.
Pros
- Does not lose sharpness easily
- Safe lock system
- Great for nautical works
- Super hard and durable
Cons
- No disadvantage is observed
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2) Camillus Ti Marlin Spike Pocket Knife, Bamboo Handle
This is another knife by Camillus with a limited lifetime warranty. The beautiful handmade bamboo handle makes the knife an attractive one. It comes with a necessary rigid marlinspike.
The blade is made of AUS-8, high-quality Japanese steel that keeps the blade sharp, hard, and rust-resistant. The Carbonitrite Titanium treatment makes the blade more perfect and durable.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Super hard and durable
- Beautiful handle with a great gripping surface
Cons
- I do not see any problem with the knife
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3) Victorinox Swiss Multitool
This beautiful provides full capabilities in your hand. Measuring (1 x 6 x 9) in, Victorinox combines a lockable marlinespike and a lock blade for a nautical adventure. This model has a lustrous orange lanyard for visibility in stormy weather. The design also has a 3mm screwdriver, tweezers, keyring, can opener, marlinspike, lockable wire stripper, and a toothpick.
Pros
- Contains shackle opener and other useful tools
- Gorgeous
- Large
- Has a lanyard
Cons
- Prone to rust if not well rinsed and oiled after use
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4) Maxam Sailor’s Knife
This powerfully effective knife features an easy/fast cutting access and thus suitable for hunting, fishing, and camping. It measures(3.8 x 1.8 x 0.8) in. It comes with a bottle opener, shackle key, honed blade, stainless-steel handle, and a marlinspike and is excellent for rigging.
Pros
- Compact
- Multi-tool
- Maintains a lustrous look
Cons
- It may be too small in the hands of some users
- The marlinspike might develop rough edges
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5) Five Oceans Rigging Knife
Made entirely of weather-resistant stainless steel, this rigging knife from Five Oceans is very useful and durable for many years of service. It also comes with a bottle opener, a sharp blade, a shackle key, a loop for lanyard attachment, and a marlinspike.
Pros
- Affordable
- Stainless steel
Cons
- Some users found the flat blade unusable
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6) Davis Instruments Standard Rigging Knife
If a blunted blade is your preference, this rigging knife from Davis Instruments is an excellent choice. It is entirely made of stainless steel and includes a marlin spike, shackle key, and a screwdriver. It is also very affordable for sailors on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable
- Stainless steel
- Blunted blade
Cons
- The blade is pretty thin
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7) Meyerco Sailor’s Knife | Best Rigging Knife
Even with the marlinspike and blades adapted for marine rigging, this sailor’s knife is versatile for use on land. The design has a stainless steel handle featuring an engraved ruler. It also comes with a bottle opener, honed blade, spike, and shackle key.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Well made
Cons
- Blunt blades
- Rusty with long exposure to salty water
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8) Myerchin Generation 2 Rigging Knife Review
This rigging knife comes with a serrated blade for easier rope cutting. It has a belt clip for accessibility outside your pocket. It is made from high-quality materials: Stainless pocket clip, and titanium handles. The design also features a marlinspike, a thumb slot, and a patented double lock.
Pros
- Durable
- Hang packaged
- Sturdy blades and spike
Cons
- Some users found it less heft and not tight enough
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9) Spyderco Atlantic Serrated Knife Review
Made from H-1 Japanese steel, the Spyderco Atlantic knife gets tougher with use. It is rust-resistant and is tested for durability and quality. It has a hollow-ground serrated edge for safe and secure blade lock up.
Its handle yellow fiberglass for high visibility with a texturized pattern for better grip. This knife also has a titanium pocket clip to support right or left-side tip-up carry.
Pros
- Great gripping
- Durable
- Very sharp
Cons
- No multi-tools
- Too sharp for some users
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10) Sea Dog Rigging Knife
Ground from 304 stainless steel, this handy knife from Sea Dog includes a shackle key, bottle opener, sharp blade, a loop for lanyard attachment, and a marlinspike.
Pros
- Affordable
- Multiple usable tools
Cons
- Prone to rust if not well oiled after use
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11) Phoenix Finds Treasures Rigging Knife
This vintage rigging knife from Phoenix Finds Treasures features one sharp blade and a substantial marlinspike to tie and untie stubborn knots. The blade is made of stainless steel.
Pros
- Easy to pop with one hand
- Reliable
Cons
- Needs oil application to avoid staining
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12) Old Timer Folding Pocket Mariner Knife
This elegant mariner knife is ground from 7Cr17 high-carbon stainless steel marlinspike and blade with nail pull. It features a saw cut handle with nickel and silver bolsters for an improved grip. This Old Timer knife also has brass pins, and it’s back springs are heat treated.
Pros
- Great quality for the price
- Beautiful
- Durable
- Good grip
Cons
- Marlinspike may need filing to be efficient
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13) Mil-Tec German Navy Deck Knife
The Mil-Tec Navy Deck Knife has a sharp stainless steel blade and a black plastic handle. It features an eyelet for attachment to equipment or clothing. It also includes a marlinspike which has a safety catch to protect the user from injuries.
Pros
- Solid construction
- The spike and blade lock tightly
- Tight and well-rounded pins for durability
Cons
- Some users reported flaws in the plastic handle
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14) Navy Knife with Marlinspike made in England
The Ibberson, a reputable cutlery firm, makes this Navy knife, which is incredible for rope work. This knife is all-steel construction. The blade design is exceptionally strong. It has a steel shackle and a hooked blade suitable for ripping. The handle is engraved “British Army.” The knife also features rugged tools.
Pros
- Strong handle
- Stainless steel
- Rugged tools
Cons
- No lanyard hole included
- To some users, the engraving takes away from function
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15) Marbles Black Sailing Knife With Marlinspike
This unique knife is made from high-quality durable material. The blade made from stainless steel has more carbon for extra edge retention and hardness.
It also has additional alloys to stand unfavorable conditions and prevent corrosion. It is compact and safe to carry around. It has a strong marlinspike and is beautifully crafted. It has a loop to help with attachment.
Pros
- The package comes with a free eBook
- Durable
- Sharp blade
Cons
- The blade opens easily, so be cautious
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16) Antonini Nauta Blue Handle Knife
The Antonini brand has been manufacturing quality knives since the 19th century. This blue handle Marine Search and Rescue knife is no exception. Its handle is made of blue anodized aluminum. The blade is partially serrated and has a slot for easy opening. It also features dual locks. Other features include a lanyard hole, ¼ magnetized hex bit holder, bottle opener, and a marlinspike.
Pros
- Good grip
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Some users found it too small
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17) Rough Rider Yellow Sailor’s Knife
This stylish sailing premium pocket knife is ideal for self-defense, outdoor adventure, fishing, and camping. For excellent edge retention and hardness, the stainless steel blade contains more carbon. It has a marlinspike for roping and convenient usage. The yellow handle has a lanyard for easier spotting. It is great for emergencies and onboard maintenance. Every purchase comes with a free eBook.
Pros
- Compact
- Beautiful design
- Sharp blade
Cons
- Limited usable tools
How to Select a Sailing Knife
What makes a quality sailing knife? Here are tips to help you buy the right knife for sailing. Those who don’t know even the basics of sailing, also like to have a sailing knife sometimes. This guide is for all.
Blade tip
There are blunt and pointed blade tips. It depends on your style preference. Pointed blade tips could be dangerous on slippery occasions, but their puncture power is useful during an emergency. Blunted blades are safer but have less puncturing ability.
Blade Material
The weather at sea can be harsh, not to forget the salty water. It is crucial to buy a knife that can withstand these conditions. Cobalt, titanium, and stainless steel are the best corrosion-resistant materials.
Blade Lock
The blade lock holds the knife in a closed or open position. A proper lock keeps the blade in position to prevent accidental closing and thus injuries. Sailing knives with lever locks are safer and easier to operate.
Blade Operation
À quality sailing knife has a pin, notched surface, or hole to open the blade singlehandedly. Without this, the knife might not be as efficient during emergencies
Blade Edge
The blade edges can be serrated, straight, or a combination of both. A straight edge allows even pressure throughout with less work. Serrated edges are ideal for quick cuts. Go for straight edges if you need clean cuts.
Belt Clip/ Knife Sheath
Some knives are not equipped with a belt clip or sheath. Those that do may have sheaths and belt clips that are not convenient and comfortable to wear. Belt clips are mostly attached to the hip, and the sheath is strapped to wet weather gear. It all depends on how you carry your knife.
Knife Grip/ Design
A proper sailing knife should be comfortable for holding. A handle that has a surface or texture offers additional comfort for a good grip. A good grip is crucial for use, mainly in wet conditions.
Ability to Cut
Can the blade cut through rope? This determines whether a sailing knife passes the test. The cutting ability is highly influenced by the blade design, the grip, and the sharpness, which is dependent on personal preference.
Extra Features
Some sailing tools come with additional tools for more versatility, such as shackle key, marlinspikes, corkscrews, and magnifying lenses. Ensure you check that the multi-tools are made of quality metals to avoid a jack-of-all-trades but a master-of-none tool.
Beauty & Style
If you have a stylish and effective knife you will feel proud and comfortable with your knife. It is always less recommended to work with an ugly tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a knife a requirement in a boat?
To operate or sail any boat, a lot of ropes and rigging is involved. For easier rope management and cutting, a knife comes in handy in case of emergencies.
How do I determine the blade’s sharpness?
This can only be determined by testing. If you struggle to cut a rope, the blade is not sharp enough. It needs sharpening to perform effectively. Customer reviews on the seller’s website are also a good guide.
How do I clean my sailing knife?
For most knives, cleaning only takes rinsing with fresh water. Check out the brand’s instructions for any special directions for caution.
Conclusion
The best sailing knife should be easy to use and reliable when its performance is required. This guide takes away the confusion and mystery associated with sailing knives. Paying attention to the knowledge provided above will help you buy the right sailing knife for your satisfaction.
A sailing knife is related to sailing, boating safety, and possible emergencies. Review your safety system and keep some of the boating distress signals with you. The best way to enjoy safe sailing is by having proper sailing education. The proper education will make you ready to face any sailing danger. The ASA (American Sailing Association) can make it easy for you. Have fun in the water!
