I want to get a knife for my "sailor" friend but haven't a clue as to what to get--what features are important etc. What are your favorites? Thx.
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Knives
If your friend is a true sailor, you might want to consider a knife which has a marlin spike and a good blade. Otherwise I don't think that you can go wrong with a higher end Swiss Army knife. I have both and use them frequently. The marlin spike and blade are not as feature packed as the SA knife. But remember it's the thought that counts.
If your friend is a true sailor, you might want to consider a knife which has a marlin spike and a good blade. Otherwise I don't think that you can go wrong with a higher end Swiss Army knife. I have both and use them frequently. The marlin spike and blade are not as feature packed as the SA knife. But remember it's the thought that counts.
My Preference
I have had sailing knives. However, I switched to leatherman. I received another as a gift: the Wave model. I not only use it on the boat, I carry it all the time unless I am wearing a tie or going through airport security. It has saved my bacon several times. I credit it with saving two masts for example and numerous potential calamities. Obviously, I recommend it and also recommend a large sharp knife for the tool box. Rick D.
I have had sailing knives. However, I switched to leatherman. I received another as a gift: the Wave model. I not only use it on the boat, I carry it all the time unless I am wearing a tie or going through airport security. It has saved my bacon several times. I credit it with saving two masts for example and numerous potential calamities. Obviously, I recommend it and also recommend a large sharp knife for the tool box. Rick D.
Knife suggestion
To cut lines quickly I would recommed that the knife be the locking kind with serrated edges. Cutting line with a dull knife without serrated edges is useless. Swiss Army makes a nice knife that has a shackle tool, serrated blade, and locks for about 35 bucks.
To cut lines quickly I would recommed that the knife be the locking kind with serrated edges. Cutting line with a dull knife without serrated edges is useless. Swiss Army makes a nice knife that has a shackle tool, serrated blade, and locks for about 35 bucks.
Had success with...
the swiss army unit model "skipper 111mm #53663" I have been using it for racing for more than 5 years and it never failed me...it carries the proper tools to fix things while underway, without having to run to the tool box and its blade will cut through any lines like they're butter. Their only problem: "they don't float", lost it overboard last summer in Rochester's habour...ever find it call me! Cheers, GG
the swiss army unit model "skipper 111mm #53663" I have been using it for racing for more than 5 years and it never failed me...it carries the proper tools to fix things while underway, without having to run to the tool box and its blade will cut through any lines like they're butter. Their only problem: "they don't float", lost it overboard last summer in Rochester's habour...ever find it call me! Cheers, GG
Excellent gift
Must be a great friend....I gave one to my dockmate in return for a gift he gave me and a lot of help getting our boat in shape after I bought it. I would highly recomend getting a riggers knife....One of the best Ive seen is by Myerchin...Here is the link. Fair winds
Must be a great friend....I gave one to my dockmate in return for a gift he gave me and a lot of help getting our boat in shape after I bought it. I would highly recomend getting a riggers knife....One of the best Ive seen is by Myerchin...Here is the link. Fair winds
Knife requirements
For a sailor there are a few requirements. It should be serated, be able to open with one hand and have a lanyard attachment point. The single hand opening is a key point. On our boat, all crew are required to carry one of these knives. Just recently read about a guy who fell overboaed and drowned because he couldn't detach his safety tether from the boat.
For a sailor there are a few requirements. It should be serated, be able to open with one hand and have a lanyard attachment point. The single hand opening is a key point. On our boat, all crew are required to carry one of these knives. Just recently read about a guy who fell overboaed and drowned because he couldn't detach his safety tether from the boat.
- Jan 22, 2008
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sheep's foot point
A sheep's foot point will allow you to insert the knife between the body (yours) without cutting your skin, and the line that is wrapped around your ankle, slowly drowning you. All of the other things previously mentioned are significant as well, floating, ss, bright color, grips well when wet, straight serrated cuting edge etc. Mine is not folding, but slides snugly into a PVC sheath attached to my pfd.
A sheep's foot point will allow you to insert the knife between the body (yours) without cutting your skin, and the line that is wrapped around your ankle, slowly drowning you. All of the other things previously mentioned are significant as well, floating, ss, bright color, grips well when wet, straight serrated cuting edge etc. Mine is not folding, but slides snugly into a PVC sheath attached to my pfd.
Leatherman Wave
Pratical Sailor has a review of sailing knives. I purchased the Leaterman Wave and it has become part of my Uniform of the Day.
Pratical Sailor has a review of sailing knives. I purchased the Leaterman Wave and it has become part of my Uniform of the Day.
Get a PRACTICAL knife
Look, you can follow the herd and get some overpriced 'hi-tech- thing that looks as though it belongs on a Saturday cartoon show...OR...you can get a design that has been proven and used by REAL sailors. I am talking about the simple riggers folding knofe. A heavy square shouldered blade, a fid, and a shackle wrench. You can find these made by ABI in all stainless steele at Jamestown Distributors fro around $7 or go on eBay and pay slightly less. Or go to West Marine and pay double, whatever, you will have a good looking knofe, of practicle size, proven useability and durability. And don't let anyone tell you a fid isn't useful unless you are a rope 'wizard. A fid has more uses than a shirt pocket.(grin) didereaux
Look, you can follow the herd and get some overpriced 'hi-tech- thing that looks as though it belongs on a Saturday cartoon show...OR...you can get a design that has been proven and used by REAL sailors. I am talking about the simple riggers folding knofe. A heavy square shouldered blade, a fid, and a shackle wrench. You can find these made by ABI in all stainless steele at Jamestown Distributors fro around $7 or go on eBay and pay slightly less. Or go to West Marine and pay double, whatever, you will have a good looking knofe, of practicle size, proven useability and durability. And don't let anyone tell you a fid isn't useful unless you are a rope 'wizard. A fid has more uses than a shirt pocket.(grin) didereaux
Leatherman is practical
We have been cruising in the Caribbean for a year and have found the most used tool aboard is our leatherman with the vise grips. I used the traditional boater knife for years. It know sits unused, but handy. We use the blade to cut line, the screw drivers, files, the vise grip pliers, etc, etc. It is always handy and worth every penny. I was never a big fan and belived that knife was all you needed. I was wrong. I have found things that needed immediate attention and have been able to deal with them without openning the tool box. Recommend, get a quality tool, try a few different types (they come in many confiurations), and take care of it.
We have been cruising in the Caribbean for a year and have found the most used tool aboard is our leatherman with the vise grips. I used the traditional boater knife for years. It know sits unused, but handy. We use the blade to cut line, the screw drivers, files, the vise grip pliers, etc, etc. It is always handy and worth every penny. I was never a big fan and belived that knife was all you needed. I was wrong. I have found things that needed immediate attention and have been able to deal with them without openning the tool box. Recommend, get a quality tool, try a few different types (they come in many confiurations), and take care of it.
Knives
Knives are really personal things. We all have our preferences. The key thing is to carry one whenever you are aboard. Prices range from bupkus to billions, take your pick. My personal preference is a Wichard, which has a nice serrated blade, shackle key, and bottle opener. I bought this knife about 25 yrs ago for about $12 and it has served me well. Defender and other places now sell this knife for about $25, and it's still a bargain.
Knives are really personal things. We all have our preferences. The key thing is to carry one whenever you are aboard. Prices range from bupkus to billions, take your pick. My personal preference is a Wichard, which has a nice serrated blade, shackle key, and bottle opener. I bought this knife about 25 yrs ago for about $12 and it has served me well. Defender and other places now sell this knife for about $25, and it's still a bargain.
Sailors Knife
My son in law gave me a Leatherman for Christmas a few years ago. I, like others did not think much of it. Was I wrong!The knife has been a constant fixture on my belt since the first use.I also ride a motorcycle and have helped out many of my fellow riders. I call it my American Express Knife. Don't leave home with out it.
My son in law gave me a Leatherman for Christmas a few years ago. I, like others did not think much of it. Was I wrong!The knife has been a constant fixture on my belt since the first use.I also ride a motorcycle and have helped out many of my fellow riders. I call it my American Express Knife. Don't leave home with out it.
My $.02
I have two knives that I keep handy: one of the $9 stainless steel West Marine specials, with a half serrated sheepsfoot blade, shackle opener and marlinspike; and a serrated blade folding knife that opens with one hand that I found at a flea market for $5. The moral of the story: while one can take great delight in finding inexpensive, useful items, one will also look like a cheap bastard if one gives the same thing as a gift. The leatherman is the way to go.
I have two knives that I keep handy: one of the $9 stainless steel West Marine specials, with a half serrated sheepsfoot blade, shackle opener and marlinspike; and a serrated blade folding knife that opens with one hand that I found at a flea market for $5. The moral of the story: while one can take great delight in finding inexpensive, useful items, one will also look like a cheap bastard if one gives the same thing as a gift. The leatherman is the way to go.
cant help adding my $0.02
one hand opening and closing. i always find i have one hand busy holding what i want to cut. large heavy blade only partially serrated and locking...(preferably with the new style lock up front so it is one hand unlockable/ closing.) if a belt clip, which is my preferance, keep the knife inside your wasteband with the clip to the outside or it is guaranteed to end-up overboard. my personal preferance is the kershaw whirlwind although this may be illegal in some states due to the "speed safe" opening feature which is a tortion spring assist that opens the knife INSTANTLY! the kershaw has 3 "decorative", decreasing size holes in the top of the blade that a local gunsmith has said he can join into a single oval for a shackle break. ...now if it just had a marlin spike...
one hand opening and closing. i always find i have one hand busy holding what i want to cut. large heavy blade only partially serrated and locking...(preferably with the new style lock up front so it is one hand unlockable/ closing.) if a belt clip, which is my preferance, keep the knife inside your wasteband with the clip to the outside or it is guaranteed to end-up overboard. my personal preferance is the kershaw whirlwind although this may be illegal in some states due to the "speed safe" opening feature which is a tortion spring assist that opens the knife INSTANTLY! the kershaw has 3 "decorative", decreasing size holes in the top of the blade that a local gunsmith has said he can join into a single oval for a shackle break. ...now if it just had a marlin spike...
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