Few knives designed for specific use ( ie sailing) reflect real world needs so much as perceived needs. I never carried a folder for use in the water ( note I said in, not on- a possibility.) Somehow I managed with carbon knives until worthwhile stainless steel products became available. One hand opening is a very valuable concept that was introduced with Spyderco. Until then it was switchblades or gravity knives and their social restrictions. Myerchins are great knives. But frankly I think their popularity owes much to those white micarta scales young Coast Guardsmen can scrimshaw. Thats a lot easier than tattoos <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />. A boating knife should have a lanyard and line, grips that have a slip resistance surface and SHARP. Stainless is nice, but not some line in the beach sand separating the good from bad. Remember too, fumbling for a knife inside a float coat pocket while Jaws is about to drag the S.S. Minnow under makes for bad form <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. If you buy a folder, put it in your pocket with a lanyard, jump into a pool and practise. Marlinspikes and shackle openers are nice features too, but unless your mizzen has splintered in a Nor'wester they can stow in your bo'sun's dittybag.