For centuries, sailors have put to sea with some kind of edged weapon near at hand. While the need to repel boarders is (hopefully) no longer a major concern, the need for a reliable and dependable cutting tool remains whether you are a recreational day sailor/racer, coastal cruiser, or a blue-water globe trotter. In the course of sailing our boats, lines need to be cut, whipping lines trimmed, tape removed or replaced, and so on. Perhaps most importantly, a handy and sharp knife may mean the difference between life or death in some emergency situations when a person becomes entangled in a line or needs to cut a harness free. Nautical knives come in a variety of shapes, forms, and prices. Some blades are stainless; others carbon steel. Some are pointed while others are sheep-footed. And the blades come with an assortment of companions: pliers, screwdrivers, awls, saws, bottle and can openers. Bare bones stainless rigging knives sell for a few dollars while sheath knives with exotic bone handles may cost many hundreds of dollars. What has been your experience with your knife at sea? Have you ever had to use one in an emergency? Do you carry one every time you sail or only now and then? And finally, what are the characteristics that make a knife "the perfect knife?" Tell us about your experiences with your nautical knife and then take the quick quiz on the home page. (Quiz material provided by Warren Milberg)
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Hanging in a lock
I was traveling along the Erie Canal (NYS Barge Canal System) and met an incredible female sailor. Each year she would bring a Hunter 420 from Toronto to Florida and back. I would actually love to get in touch with her if she happens to read these posts. She told me about one passage she was captaining where she left an uninformed crew member in charge of a line in one of the locks along the canal. The lock was dropping them down a dozen or so feet. In an effort to be helpful, the crew member tied the lock line onto a cleat midship and stepped away as the doors slammed shut and the water level went down. Within seconds, she noticed what was taking place. The boat was attached to the side of the lock under such stress that the line could not be undone. As the water went down the boat was left literally hanging inside the lock. Luckily for her (as she was always well-prepared in any situation), she kept a large knife at the helm. She leapt to the line and essentially tapped it with the knife and set the boat free (in an ungraceful splash). Since hearing this story I always make sure I’m wearing my Leatherman tool.
I was traveling along the Erie Canal (NYS Barge Canal System) and met an incredible female sailor. Each year she would bring a Hunter 420 from Toronto to Florida and back. I would actually love to get in touch with her if she happens to read these posts. She told me about one passage she was captaining where she left an uninformed crew member in charge of a line in one of the locks along the canal. The lock was dropping them down a dozen or so feet. In an effort to be helpful, the crew member tied the lock line onto a cleat midship and stepped away as the doors slammed shut and the water level went down. Within seconds, she noticed what was taking place. The boat was attached to the side of the lock under such stress that the line could not be undone. As the water went down the boat was left literally hanging inside the lock. Luckily for her (as she was always well-prepared in any situation), she kept a large knife at the helm. She leapt to the line and essentially tapped it with the knife and set the boat free (in an ungraceful splash). Since hearing this story I always make sure I’m wearing my Leatherman tool.
Wichard...
I bought a 2-blade Wichard knife 25 yrs ago for about $12 and carry it every time I'm alfoat. This knife does it all, from cutting lines to cutting limes. It may not look like a Myerchin, but the price was right and it does the job -- even glows in the dark! BTW, I see Defender now sells this knife for about twice what I paid for it and it's still a bargain.
I bought a 2-blade Wichard knife 25 yrs ago for about $12 and carry it every time I'm alfoat. This knife does it all, from cutting lines to cutting limes. It may not look like a Myerchin, but the price was right and it does the job -- even glows in the dark! BTW, I see Defender now sells this knife for about twice what I paid for it and it's still a bargain.
The perfect knife
My knife is somewhere between 40 and 50 years old. It is German made and has a razor sharp blade and a marlin spike. It was my fathers knife and when he stopped sailing he gave it to me. It may not be a thing of beauth but if I needed it in an emergency I know it will cut a line with ease. It is always on board and close at hand.
My knife is somewhere between 40 and 50 years old. It is German made and has a razor sharp blade and a marlin spike. It was my fathers knife and when he stopped sailing he gave it to me. It may not be a thing of beauth but if I needed it in an emergency I know it will cut a line with ease. It is always on board and close at hand.
I use a Leatherman
Knife for emergency line cutting, pliers for stubborn screw pins, marlinspike for breaking knots, etc.
Knife for emergency line cutting, pliers for stubborn screw pins, marlinspike for breaking knots, etc.
I keep...
.. a variety of knives near at hand on my boat: multifunction tools, Swiss Army types, big sheath knife, etc. All have a place on board and all get used now and then. But while on board, I always carry a small, very sharp, stainless knife (maker unknown)that I can open with one hand in an emergency.
.. a variety of knives near at hand on my boat: multifunction tools, Swiss Army types, big sheath knife, etc. All have a place on board and all get used now and then. But while on board, I always carry a small, very sharp, stainless knife (maker unknown)that I can open with one hand in an emergency.
Ready next time
I was sailing thru an area with shoaled spots when the wind really piped up. I went to ease the jib and discovered that the stripper had broken and allowed the sheet to double up around the winch. I couldn't free it so I decided to cut the sheet. My pocket knife was so dull that it took at least half a minute to get it cut. I made it out of that problem but I decided then and there that the next time I wanted to cut something it was going to happen NOW!!! I got a Spiderco knife with a serrated blade and a spring loaded clip that clips to my belt loop or onto a harness d-ring. When I sail, that knife sails with me. I have tried it once, and I know it will cut a 1/2" line with one stroke.
I was sailing thru an area with shoaled spots when the wind really piped up. I went to ease the jib and discovered that the stripper had broken and allowed the sheet to double up around the winch. I couldn't free it so I decided to cut the sheet. My pocket knife was so dull that it took at least half a minute to get it cut. I made it out of that problem but I decided then and there that the next time I wanted to cut something it was going to happen NOW!!! I got a Spiderco knife with a serrated blade and a spring loaded clip that clips to my belt loop or onto a harness d-ring. When I sail, that knife sails with me. I have tried it once, and I know it will cut a 1/2" line with one stroke.
*bzz Leatherman for sure!
I carry a Leatherman Juice (blue). I usually have it in my pocket whether I'm on the boat or on dry land. It's an extremely handy item.
I carry a Leatherman Juice (blue). I usually have it in my pocket whether I'm on the boat or on dry land. It's an extremely handy item.
Swiss
I carry a Swiss Army knife, a Tinker, all the time, not just on the boat. It's pretty versatile. I cut off the shrink wrap with it yesterday. One time I replaced the outside rearview mirror on a car with it. I have an assortment of other knives and tools six steps away on the boat, but this one's always in my pocket. I know it and it knows me.
I carry a Swiss Army knife, a Tinker, all the time, not just on the boat. It's pretty versatile. I cut off the shrink wrap with it yesterday. One time I replaced the outside rearview mirror on a car with it. I have an assortment of other knives and tools six steps away on the boat, but this one's always in my pocket. I know it and it knows me.
The right knife seems to find its way
on board. I have had a 5" hunting knife that is now about 50 years old on board in my tool kit since I started owning sail boats. There is nothing magic about it other than its layered Swedish steel blade holds an excellent edge. It gets used for every kind if cutting and scrapping task, it just always seems to be the right choice. Funny how it is with something you have held in your hand so often- it just always seems to fit the task.
on board. I have had a 5" hunting knife that is now about 50 years old on board in my tool kit since I started owning sail boats. There is nothing magic about it other than its layered Swedish steel blade holds an excellent edge. It gets used for every kind if cutting and scrapping task, it just always seems to be the right choice. Funny how it is with something you have held in your hand so often- it just always seems to fit the task.
Knives
I always keep a leatherman in my pocket. There is no telling when the need for such a tool can arise. I also keep a dive knife handy. Has about a 6" blade, very sharp, and serrated on the back side. Also has a heavy, flat head on the handle that can be used for a small hammer in a pinch.
I always keep a leatherman in my pocket. There is no telling when the need for such a tool can arise. I also keep a dive knife handy. Has about a 6" blade, very sharp, and serrated on the back side. Also has a heavy, flat head on the handle that can be used for a small hammer in a pinch.
the modern materials need scissors...
That description of whipping lines and historical stuff was all very touching, but as a practical matter most modern rigging consists of either high-tech synthetic that you whip with a lighter or "liquid rope whipping", or wire. Sharp stainless steel scissors are the safest and easiest cutter to use with lines and rigging tape, and wire cutters are needed to work with wire rigging. Knives are probably the least useful cutting tool on a boat any more and not what you would want to have when the cutting project is sail repair...
That description of whipping lines and historical stuff was all very touching, but as a practical matter most modern rigging consists of either high-tech synthetic that you whip with a lighter or "liquid rope whipping", or wire. Sharp stainless steel scissors are the safest and easiest cutter to use with lines and rigging tape, and wire cutters are needed to work with wire rigging. Knives are probably the least useful cutting tool on a boat any more and not what you would want to have when the cutting project is sail repair...
The Good Ole Knife...
Just because we cruise a bunch around the St. john's River, and just beyond, we use a good ole Swiss Army Knife. Kind of advanced model, with several knives, scissors, a phillips and flat head, etc..so we have about every tool in "the ready."
Just because we cruise a bunch around the St. john's River, and just beyond, we use a good ole Swiss Army Knife. Kind of advanced model, with several knives, scissors, a phillips and flat head, etc..so we have about every tool in "the ready."
Emergency Knife
A Leatherman is very handy onboard but impossible to use if you have one hand caught in a line.A knife that can be opened one handed (and positioned on you) to be accessible with either hand is a must!
A Leatherman is very handy onboard but impossible to use if you have one hand caught in a line.A knife that can be opened one handed (and positioned on you) to be accessible with either hand is a must!
must hav ea good knife
I CARRY ON BOARD AND USE A TACTICAL LOCKING FOLDER. I PAID $10 FOR THIS KNIFE FROM A SAILOR WHO ALSO DEALS IN KNIVES, IT IS THE MAXAM 7 INCH LOCKING FOLDER AND IT IS BY FAR THE BEST KNIFE I HAVE EVER HAD HERE IS THE # TO CALL IF YOU WANT ONE 386- 383-4288.
I CARRY ON BOARD AND USE A TACTICAL LOCKING FOLDER. I PAID $10 FOR THIS KNIFE FROM A SAILOR WHO ALSO DEALS IN KNIVES, IT IS THE MAXAM 7 INCH LOCKING FOLDER AND IT IS BY FAR THE BEST KNIFE I HAVE EVER HAD HERE IS THE # TO CALL IF YOU WANT ONE 386- 383-4288.
Wouldn't be
without my good old (McGiver)Swiss Army knife, plus a Leatherman in their respective pouches on my belt, both on and off the water. Don't know how I got along all those years (60+)without them. Use them around the yard, car/truck, etc.
without my good old (McGiver)Swiss Army knife, plus a Leatherman in their respective pouches on my belt, both on and off the water. Don't know how I got along all those years (60+)without them. Use them around the yard, car/truck, etc.
How can you exist w/o a Knife in your pocket?
I have carried a pocket knife since I was a Cub Scout and cannot imagine being w/o one...except on airplanes. I carry a single blade Old Timer at all times to cut string, rope, envelopes, etc. And the occasional chunk of cheese or sausage after suitable disinfection. On board I have in conjunction with my Old Timer a good, folding sailors knife w/locking blade and a marlinspike, and a rather large Leatherman. I cannot imagine being without a good and trusty knife of some kind very close at hand.
I have carried a pocket knife since I was a Cub Scout and cannot imagine being w/o one...except on airplanes. I carry a single blade Old Timer at all times to cut string, rope, envelopes, etc. And the occasional chunk of cheese or sausage after suitable disinfection. On board I have in conjunction with my Old Timer a good, folding sailors knife w/locking blade and a marlinspike, and a rather large Leatherman. I cannot imagine being without a good and trusty knife of some kind very close at hand.
Blade
I carry(for some decades) an opinel french pocket knife (4" blade) because it has a locking blade and a pearwood handle (floats). Reasonably good carbon steel blade, doesn't hold an edge forever, but sharpens up quick. Wood swells up if the knife gets wet, put it in the pocket of your jeans and into the drier with it, comes out a perfect flick knife again. I live in crabtrapland. Need a good knife. Regards, Jim
I carry(for some decades) an opinel french pocket knife (4" blade) because it has a locking blade and a pearwood handle (floats). Reasonably good carbon steel blade, doesn't hold an edge forever, but sharpens up quick. Wood swells up if the knife gets wet, put it in the pocket of your jeans and into the drier with it, comes out a perfect flick knife again. I live in crabtrapland. Need a good knife. Regards, Jim
Almost lost it
While returning from a cruise in the Abacos, I had some gear in a travel bag. In it was my hand held VHF and GPS alond with some cruising guides. After passing thru customs, I realized that my rigging knife, swiss army knife, and leatherman were also in that carry on. Noboby cared in Marsh Harbour or US Customs. Fortunately, we got our bags back between customs and our domestic flight and I had a chance to stow them.
While returning from a cruise in the Abacos, I had some gear in a travel bag. In it was my hand held VHF and GPS alond with some cruising guides. After passing thru customs, I realized that my rigging knife, swiss army knife, and leatherman were also in that carry on. Noboby cared in Marsh Harbour or US Customs. Fortunately, we got our bags back between customs and our domestic flight and I had a chance to stow them.
the cops took it!!!
I use to carry a small rigging knife with me when I got my first boat in 1980. A sunfish. I was on my why home from the lake when I got pulled over for a tail light out on the tralier. when I pulled out my wallet out from under the sseat, my knife was with it. I was then pull out of the car by my hair, long then, and put into the back of the police car. I was charged with conceald wepon along with a tail light out on the treailer. I did get out of the charge of the wepon but not the tail light. I now carry a leathermen on my venture 25. I leave it on the boat!!!
I use to carry a small rigging knife with me when I got my first boat in 1980. A sunfish. I was on my why home from the lake when I got pulled over for a tail light out on the tralier. when I pulled out my wallet out from under the sseat, my knife was with it. I was then pull out of the car by my hair, long then, and put into the back of the police car. I was charged with conceald wepon along with a tail light out on the treailer. I did get out of the charge of the wepon but not the tail light. I now carry a leathermen on my venture 25. I leave it on the boat!!!
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