Best Boat Knives

‍Are you tired of dull blades and flimsy handles? Discover the best boat knives for durability, sharpness, and comfort in our comprehensive guide.

The Best Boat Knives are the Maxam 8.5″ Rigging Knife, Gerber EZ-Out Rescue Knife, Victorinox Skipper Pro Swiss Army Pocket Knife, NRS Neko Blunt Knife, and Gate 14 Multi-function Sailing Knife. These knives are known to deliver exceptional performance in crucial situations.

With expert knowledge and feedback from real-world users, I’ll provide a selection of the best boat knives that will serve you well on your maritime adventures. These highly-regarded blades have been carefully chosen based on their functionality, durability, and usability, ensuring you have the best tool available. As such, my expert guide will lead you to the perfect choice for your needs.

‍Best Boat Knives

When it comes to picking the best boat knife, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, you want to consider the blade material. Look for stainless steel blades that won't rust in the marine environment. You don't want a dull knife when you need it the most.

Next, think about the blade design. Some knives have serrated edges, which are great for cutting rope, while others have straight-edge blades that work well for various tasks. It depends on what you'll be using the knife for the most.

Safety is also crucial, especially on a boat. Look for knives with blade locks to keep the blade securely in place while using it. This helps prevent accidents and keeps you safe.

A comfortable handle grip is also essential, particularly when dealing with wet or slippery conditions. Find a knife with an ergonomic handle made of non-slip material so you can keep a good hold on it.

Lastly, consider any additional tools or features that come with the knife. Some boat knives have shackle keys, marlinspikes, or even bottle openers. Think about what would be useful for your boating activities.

1. Maxam 8.5" Rigging Knife

The Maxam 8.5" Rigging Knife is an excellent choice for a sailing knife thanks to its stainless steel construction and multiple features that cater to various sailing needs. This knife is both practical and reliable, ensuring a secure grip while navigating the seas.

Specifications

This folding pocket knife boasts a compact design with an overall length of 8.5 inches and a blade length of 3.25 inches. Crafted from stainless steel, both the blade and handle offer durability and resistance to corrosion.

It's suitable for various cutting tasks with a versatile straight edge and a serrated cutting edge. The inclusion of a shackle key adds convenience for boating enthusiasts.

Additionally, this great knife features a blade lock for enhanced safety during use. Also, it doubles as a handy bottle opener, making it a versatile tool for outdoor adventures.

Performance

This knife features a sturdy stainless steel blade that offers a balance of strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for marine environments. The combination of straight and serrated edges ensures the knife is versatile enough to easily handle various tasks, such as rope cutting and opening shackles.

Additionally, its honed blade ensures a sharp and precise blade edge. Its belt loop keeps the knife securely attached to your person, preventing it from getting lost or accidentally dropped overboard.

What Sets It Apart

This sailing knife stands out due to its dual-edge and folding blade and additional features, such as the shackle key and folding pocket design. With this handy feature integrated into the knife, convenience is always within reach, making it a valuable addition to any sailor's gear.

Recent Updates

No recent updates have been reported for the Maxam 8.5" Rigging Knife.

Benefits

• Corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction
• Dual-edge blade for versatile cutting capabilities
• Multiple tools integrated into the design for convenience
• Secure and excellent grip

Drawbacks

• No sheath or belt clip included
• The blade may require frequent sharpening

Who Should Buy It

It’s a good knife ideal for sailors and boat enthusiasts who require a versatile and reliable tool with multiple functions. This knife's design and features cater specifically to marine environments, providing a dependable solution for your sailing style.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase these folding knives from various online retailers, such as Amazon and marine supply stores. Before purchasing, compare different sellers to find the best price and availability.

2. Gerber EZ-Out Rescue Knife

The Gerber EZ-Out Rescue knife is the best sailing knife on the market due to its versatility, durability, and ease of use.

Specifications

This personal rescue knife features a partially serrated edge made of high-carbon stainless steel, ensuring excellent durability and corrosion resistance. The handle is constructed with thermoplastic nylon and reinforced with fiberglass for a sturdy grip.

When closed, the knife measures 4.51 inches, making it compact and easy to carry. When fully open, it extends to a length of 7.89 inches, providing ample reach for cutting tasks.

Despite its solid build, the knife weighs a mere 2.6 ounces, adding to its portability.

Performance

This essential tool boasts a serrated blade made of high-carbon stainless steel, ensuring it remains sharp and resists corrosion despite frequent use in harsh marine environments. Its one-handed opening feature and comfortable grip make it an excellent choice for quick and efficient cutting tasks on a boat.

What Sets it Apart

Their serrated blades with a safety tip to prevent accidental punctures are what sets these knives apart from other tools. Also, their durable, grippy handles are made from thermoplastic nylon and reinforced with fiberglass.

Recent Updates

Although there aren't any recent updates to the Gerber EZ-Out Rescue knife, its consistently high performance and user satisfaction ratings speak volumes about its excellence.

Benefits

• Efficient cutting performance due to the serrated high-carbon stainless steel blade
• Easy one-handed operation, essential in emergencies
• Improved visibility and good grip are provided by the bright yellow handle
• Lightweight and compact design for convenient storage

Drawbacks

• Limited onboard tools compared to Sog knives
• Slightly higher price than some other alternatives

Who Should Buy It

If you are seeking a durable and corrosion-resistant knife for marine environments, this is the perfect knife. It's an excellent choice for boat owners looking for a reliable, easy-to-use cutting tool.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase the Gerber EZ-Out Rescue knife from Amazon or Gerber's official website.

3. Victorinox Skipper Pro Swiss Army Pocket Knife

The Victorinox Skipper Pro Swiss Army Pocket Knife is a top-performing tool with a strong build and reliable functionality. It is one of the best boat knives in the cutlery industry. Packed with useful features designed specifically for the marine environment, it's a must-have for any serious boater or sailor.

Specifications

This multi-functional pocket knife boasts a compact design, measuring 4.4 inches in length when closed and 0.9 inches in height. With an impressive array of 12 functions, it offers versatility for various tasks.

It features a lockable marlin spike, an orange lanyard hole for easy retrieval, and a range of onboard tools. It's crafted from stainless steel, ensuring durability and reliability.

Performance

This multi-tool is built to perform in marine environments, with stainless steel tools that resist corrosion. The lockable marlin spike is a standout feature, designed to quickly and efficiently work with ropes and knots on board.

Its other onboard tools are designed to cater to the needs of sailors and boaters, making it a versatile and functional option.

What Sets it Apart

Unlike other boat knives, it’s a high-build quality from a trusted brand. In addition, it has a lockable marlin spike for rope work and a stainless steel handle for durability and excellent grip.

Recent Updates

This knife continues to be a popular choice among boating enthusiasts, with no significant updates in recent years. Its design and features remain reliable and suitable for most boating tasks.

Benefits

• Durable and corrosion-resistant
• Tools catered for sailing and boating needs
• Compact and easy to carry with a bright orange lanyard

Drawbacks

• Heavier than basic knife options
• The pliers are small and may be less useful for certain tasks

Who Should Buy It

This is an ideal choice for boaters and sailors looking for a dependable and versatile tool for a variety of tasks, from rope work to onboard maintenance. Its marine-specific design, and durable materials make it well-suited for both hobbyists and professionals.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase the Victorinox Skipper Pro Swiss Army Pocket Knife through various online platforms such as Amazon and the official Victorinox website.

4. NRS Neko Blunt Knife

The NRS Neko Blunt Knife is a compact, versatile, and durable choice for boating enthusiasts seeking a reliable and effective tool for their on-water adventures.

Specifications

This versatile tool measures 2.25 inches in length, contributing to its compact design with a total length of 5.75 inches. It features both smooth and serrated sections on the blade, providing flexibility for various cutting needs.

Its blunt tip serves a dual purpose, acting as a flathead screwdriver when required. Also, this sheath knife has a handle that integrates a valve wrench and a bottle opener, adding to its functionality.

For convenient access and secure attachment, the tool comes with a friction-release sheath that can be easily deployed and attached to a PFD lash tab.

Additionally, it has a rounded tip to reduce the risk of accidental punctures or injuries, particularly when working with ropes, lines, or other materials on a boat.

Performance

It performs excellently for a wide range of boating tasks. The combination of smooth and serrated edges allows for precise cutting and sawing, while the blunt tip ensures the safety and doubles as a flathead screwdriver.

It's compact size and low-profile design make it a suitable choice for limited-space situations.

What Sets it Apart

One unique feature is the valve wrench integrated into the handle, allowing operators to open an oxygen tank easily. Additionally, the bottle opener adds an extra element of utility, making it a true multipurpose tool for boaters.

Recent Updates

There have been no major updates to this fixed-blade knife. However, staying informed about any potential improvements or changes made to the NRS Neko Blunt Knife or other related products is important.

Benefits

• Compact and versatile design
• Multiple functionalities in one tool
• High-quality stainless steel construction
• Easy one-handed deployment with friction-release sheath

Drawbacks

• Limited blade length may not be suitable for all tasks
• The blunt tip may not be desired by some users

Who Should Buy It

This fixed knife is ideal for paddlers, sailors, and anglers who need a compact, durable, and versatile tool for various boating activities. Its features make it particularly well-suited to saltwater environments or emergency response situations.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase the NRS Neko Blunt Knife can be purchased from Amazon or directly through the NRS website.

5. Gate 14 Multi-function Sailing Knife

The Gate 14 Multi-function Sailing Knife is one of the best boat knives in the market today, thanks to its high-quality craftsmanship and practical features catered to sailors' requirements.

Specifications

This knife features a 3.5-inch blade, ideal for a range of cutting tasks. With a closed length of 4.5 inches and a total length of 8 inches, it strikes a balance between portability and functionality. Despite its sturdy construction, the knife weighs just 6.1 ounces, ensuring easy carrying.

Performance

This knife is crafted from top-quality stainless steel, ensuring a long-lasting and corrosion-resistant tool. The multi-functional design includes a serrated blade for quick rope cutting, a shackle key, and a webbing cutter.

This combination of features allows you to easily tackle various tasks while sailing.

What Sets it Apart

This knife's well-thought-out design and various functional components catering to sailors' needs make it unique. The sturdy stainless steel construction offers exceptional durability and longevity, so you know you’re investing in a quality tool.

Recent Updates

There have been no recent updates to the Gate 14 Multi-function Sailing Knife, as the current design already addresses sailors' most common requirements satisfactorily.

Benefits

• Versatility in performing various tasks
• Durable and corrosion-resistant construction
• Ergonomic design for comfortable handling
• Compact design for easy storage

Drawbacks

• Slightly heavier weight compared to other knives available in the market

Who Should Buy It

It's the right sailing knife for both seasoned sailors and beginners alike. Its comprehensive set of features caters to the needs of anyone venturing out on the water, whether it's a leisurely sail or a more professional endeavor.

Where to Buy It

You can purchase the Gate 14 Multi-function Sailing Knife from online retailers like Amazon.

How Saltwater Affects Boat Knife Blades

Saltwater is a common element in boating environments, but it can also be a major factor affecting the durability and sharpness of knife blades. If you're looking for a boat knife that can withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater, it's important to consider the materials used in the blade.

To test the corrosion resistance of different knife materials, we conducted a series of experiments where we exposed knife blades to saltwater for a set period. We then measured the extent of corrosion on each blade and compared their performance.

Our results showed that blades made from high-quality stainless steel, such as LC 200 N and 154CM, had the highest corrosion resistance. These materials contain a high percentage of chromium, forming a protective layer on the blade's surface, preventing rust and corrosion.

On the other hand, blades made from carbon steel were more susceptible to corrosion than carbide blades. Carbon steel blades contain little to no chromium, making them more prone to rust and corrosion when exposed to saltwater.

In addition to blade materials, the knife's design can also affect its corrosion resistance. Knives with a full tang construction, where the blade extends through the handle, tend to be more corrosion-resistant than knives with a partial tang or rat-tail tang construction.

If you're looking for a boat knife that can withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater, we recommend choosing a knife with high-quality stainless steel and a full tang blade. Proper maintenance, such as rinsing the knife with fresh water after use and storing it in a dry place, can also help prolong the life of your boat knife.