After a couple of PMs, here is a quick knife comparo:
Top to bottom, my favorite SAILING knives, with a focus on rescue..
The Spyderco H1 SALT - Great knife -$90
Locking sheepfoot blade. One hand open. Serrated blade. Clip. Totally non-rusting blade.
On me whenever I'm on a boat.
Byrd Meadowlark - Almost great - $25
Locking sheepfoot blade. One hand open. Serrated blade. Clip.
My travel knife.
Wichard Safety knife - Good but crazy bulk -$80
Locking sheepfoot blade. One hand open. Serrated blade.
Lives in my PFD. No clip and too bulky for that anyway. World class locking marlinspke and shackle key. Has a 'magic' locking blade. You can tell a world class sailor by his/her ability to 'fold' a Wichard knife!
West Marine (made by SOG) sailing knife - $30
Sheepfoot blade. Serrated blade. Clip.
Has a great locking spike, crazy but the blade does not lock!
Victorinox Mariner- $40
The Swiss Army of sailing knifes
Locking blade. Serrated blade. Clip.
All the things you'd expect in a Swiss Arm knife.
The outlier:
Benchmade/Mel Perdue Griptilian Survival Knife $120
Locking droppoint blade. One hand open. Serrated blade. Clip.
NOT a sailing knife, because of the 'pig sticker' droppoint blade. But easily the best
knife I own. Anytime I'm in the outdoors that baby is with me.