li-orca:
I was looking for a good rescue knife, and was very disappointed with the NRS options (like the Pilot knife). The issue with their knives is that you need 2 hands to pull the knife, which is unacceptable. Imagine your kayak flipped, and you’re holding on to it with one hand, and trying to cut the down rigger line that got tangled in your leg with the other hand.
Now, the second problem is the sheath. There was no good way to put it on my PFD. And the third problem is that these knives cannot double as a regular knife in case you need to cut fish or whatever. I’m not saying you should use your safety knife for regular duties, as it may get dull, but it’s nice to have a safety knife that can be dual purpose.
I didn’t even bother getting the NRS knives, and tried the Gerber River Shorty instead. It’s a very nice rescue knife, but not for the ocean. It was getting rusty after just one trip. Also, it was too short, not sharp enough, and the cutting surface was small, which means many back and forth before you cut anything. So I sent it back.
At last I was ready to shell some $100 for a Spyderco knife. I got the Atlantic Salt. And let me tell you, this thing is amazing. Firstly - it’s extremely sharp. I bet I could cut a Cabezon head off with this knife, through the bone, no problem. Secondly, it’s super light and made of non rusting proprietary H1 steel. Divers swear by it. Thirdly, there’s no sheath, it just folds like a pocket knife, and can be flip opened with your thumb. The clip on the handle is perfect for any placement on your PFD. And to prevent it from falling into the water during operation, I added a Boom fishing lanyard (T04 version) with a barrel swivel for extra maneuverability.
SRJ:
I second Spyderco knives!! Have used them and have them for many years both as a fisherman and as a professional rescuer! Don’t skimp on a good knife...may just save your life some day!
BsHawk:
Spyderco knives are great. I've carried one for work for years. Very durable and extremely sharp.
li-orca:
I forgot to mention - Spyderco has an amazing customer service. One diver said he would regularly send the knife for sharpening (free service; you pay for shipping). But after many years of doing that and the abuse on the handle, they just sent him back a new knife. Wow
FishingAddict:
Looks like a great knife, its a new one to me. An observation is your lanyard could get in the way. You may want to use a retractor instead or use none at all.