Knife for the marine environment

Here is one for the group. Yesterday an approaching thunderstorm had everyone in (good) batten down mode or (bad) flight mode. Not a really big deal on the Potomac River. Just let out some more anchor scope, stow everything, and get to shore to ride out the storm. Grabbed my leatherman, knife, light, phone, VHF, etc. Now the fun part, someone elses boat is dragging, and the storm is not even here yet, and fouls on our anchor line. So back into the water to separate the boats. Grabbed my knife and clipped it to my bathing suit. It is a CRKT M16 compact w/ combo blade and tanto point. It is more than sufficient for what I need usually.

Now I did not have to cut the other boat away, but it got me thinking, and this is for the collective knowledge of the group. What would make the best folder for the marine environment. Folder because I normally only have on a pair of shorts. Corrosion resistance vs. edge holding, need a combo blade since this is not strickly a rescue knife, one handed opening, good grip since is is used wet as well as dry.

Regards,
Bill

When I read your post, my initial response, my initial response was Spyderco Rescue. Having considered further, The new Doug Ritter knife or any decent ( Gerber, Sog, Spyderco, Benchmade) combi-edge ( half serrated) will do. Handle shape is more important than fancy rubber grips.

No personal experience, but have heard good things about the Salt series from Spyderco in H1 steel:
http://spyderco.com/catalog/list.php?category=4

Also think i read somewhere here that Myerchin knives are good for marine applications...

I would find something Spyderco has that is made from H1 stainless steel that suits you. I carry the RSK MkI for EDC, and I was thinking about supplementing it with a Tasman or Atlantic SALT serrated blade with a yellow handle for when boating and such. The only combo I have now is a SEAL Pup by SOG. I just find the serrations on knives are always in the way for what I use knives for.

Maybe a combo blade to suit you can be found made from H1? I haven't seen one yet, maybe I haven't looked hard enough. The Tasman and Atlantic SALT H1 knives by Spyderco come in either fully serrated or plain edge. Anybody own one of these knives and used it any? By the way, the Tasman does actually look like something Hannibal Lecter would use.

I'm thinking dive knife, Columbia comes first to mind. Good for cutting, they have a blunt tip for prying, and colored handles that can be seen in the water if they are dropped. I'm not sure if there are floating models.

I'd go for a small fixed-blade knife. If it is mainly for cutting lines etc it doesn't need a big log-splitting blade - something like an RSK would surely be overkill. One of the knives designed for neck carry might work They don't have to be carried around the neck, and they can be small.

O.K...I heard the part about it needing to be a folder. Your call! I second the recommendation for any of the Spidy SALT series. If you want a bit more of an upscale set of choices, look at http://www.myerchin.com/

Could be worth looking into a Boye Knife. Definately more marine use, with a shakle key and marlinspike. I was looking at one for a while because I do a lot of knot tying as a hobby, but they're not quite as compact as other folders. Also couldn't find a local dealer at all to hold it first.

But, the advantages are the steel is something a bit different that gives it a great rope cutting ability in a straight edge. That's something to think about on a boat. High corrosion resistance, as expected. Bright handles are also available.

If you do end up with one, let us know how you like. I'm still curious.

J

I agree with the posters who recommended the Spyderco Salt. That was my strong initial reaction before even reading your post. Serrated H1 blades hold a great edge, and you could literally leave it underwater for weaks without any noticable blade damage. There have been some interesting experiments done with this on the Spyderco forum...

Those look nice.

I agree with the H-1 steel by Spyderco. I have a salt H-1 serrated and like it very much. It has aggresive serrations and will easily rip/cut through rope. Another thing I like about the Salt with serrated blade is... it still has aprox 3/4" of straight blade at the tip for fine work.

Dread

Another vote for the Salt. I have one clipped to my drysuit, it is easy to open one handed and cuts marine line easily.

I have seen those in a magazine and like them in theory. Will probably pick one up at some point. I already have a Meyerchin fixed blade with separate marlinespike, but it is too much for what I am looking for right now. I like the feedback on the Spyderco. Sheepsfoot or mod spearpoint??? I will probably lean towards the sheepsfoot, and probably in serrated as well. It should be flat enough to tuck inside the waistband and not be too obtrusive. Yellow handle, but if you have seen the Potomac River, once it is deeper than 2 inches, you can't see anything anyway.

Thanks for all the input.
Bill

Bill
I probably have 200 knives in my collection and the Boye folder is the one that I have been carrying every day for the last 6 years. As a matter of fact this is my second Boye knife as the first one was stolen. This knife is very easy to sharpen with an Easy Lap diamond rod and it's edge will stay sharp longer than anything else I own, it just won't stop cutting.
It does have its limitations because of the fact that it is a cast blade, like I would never try to split larger wood by hitting it with a baton or use it as a pry bar. Don't get me wrong this knife sees daily use and is very well built for what it is intended for a mid sized pocket folding knife.
But for shear cutting power, ease of sharpening and corrosion resistance this knife is hard to beat