Recommendation? Fixed blade for work?

Polynikes01

Polynikes01

Joined
Dec 31, 2016
Messages
505
Let me start by saying I am a commercial fisherman. I work on a 67x24’ trawler, we fish for dungeoness crab and pink shrimp. I carry a streamlight flashlight in my left pocket, a Spyderco Salt 2 in my right pocket and usually a small disposable-ish victorinox fixed blade taped inverted to the left shoulder strap of my rain gear.
I don’t realy like the H1 steel on the salt line or I’d just get an Aqua Salt... but I want to ditch the folder for a fixed blade that’ll actually get used because the folder never gets touched.
The things I’d use it for would be anything from cutting up blocks of frozen squid for bait, to cutting rope. Probabaly end up using it on land as well.
I prefer to have a full plain edge blade, in my experience (and in my opinion) a properly sharpened plain edge actually cuts better than serrations. That being said I’m open to a partially serrated blade, I like black blades too so that’d be a plus. 6 inch blade maybe, give or take an inch. And no leather or nylon sheathes, injection molded is fine...
So what do you guys think? If you were me, what are some knives you’d use on the ocean? Open to other gear suggestions too... I’m always looking for a new excuse to try out some new kit items :)
Especially when it’s a tax write-off!
Thanks in advance fellas
David
F/V Jeanette Marrie
Built in 1988 by Giddings Boat Works
110 ton, 67x24 feet
Set up for Pink Shrimp in this picture
qVvLjN2_d.jpg
 
I used to be a dock builder in the rivers and bay of the N. New Jersey shore. My first "real" taste at a hard days work, and I loved it!

I didn't know squat about knives or steel back then, my first "good" knife (and I didn't even know why back then other then brand name), was a Benchmade Griptilian, and I remember the day I watched it vibrate across the deck and, "ploop", into the drink it went.
Into 15-20' of heavy current salt water to rest with Davey Jones, along with many a socket, wrench, and even at least one sawzall....

However I digress. Knowing what I know now about hard work, steel/metal, knives, etc, if I still worked as a dock builder, or if I could go back and give my 21-25 yr old self a knife to work with on that barge, (mostly rope cutting but occasional misc. prying, fishing, and crabbing, as we often kept crab traps and fishing poles on the rig), also knowing how tough salt water can be on a steel knife, even a stainless, I would definitely give myself a fixed blade, and I would seriously consider giving myself a knife specifically designed for salt water use.

At 4" which is a great size for edc, not too large to get in the way but not too small to tackle "big" jobs, a Boye Basic 3 cobalt knife would without a doubt top my list.
https://www.boyeknives.com/pages/boye-cobalt-basic-3
 
strategy9 said:
I used to be a dock builder in the rivers and bay of the N. New Jersey shore. My first "real" taste at a hard days work, and I loved it!

I didn't know squat about knives or steel back then, my first "good" knife (and I didn't even know why back then other then brand name), was a Benchmade Griptilian, and I remember the day I watched it vibrate across the deck and, "ploop", into the drink it went.
Into 15-20' of heavy current salt water to rest with Davey Jones, along with many a socket, wrench, and even at least one sawzall....

However I digress. Knowing what I know now about hard work, steel/metal, knives, etc, if I still worked as a dock builder, or if I could go back and give my 21-25 yr old self a knife to work with on that barge, (mostly rope cutting but occasional misc. prying, fishing, and crabbing, as we often kept crab traps and fishing poles on the rig), also knowing how tough salt water can be on a steel knife, even a stainless, I would definitely give myself a fixed blade, and I would seriously consider giving myself a knife specifically designed for salt water use.

At 4" which is a great size for edc, not too large to get in the way but not too small to tackle "big" jobs, a Boye Basic 3 cobalt knife would without a doubt top my list.
https://www.boyeknives.com/pages/boye-cobalt-basic-3
Click to expand...

I completely forgot about Boye knives!
I will definitely give this a consideration.
I’ve dropped plenty of tools in the bay/ocean in my 8 years as a fisherman. One more recently where another deck hand was saying “don’t drop that end wrench in the water” just as it slipped off and I basically threw it over board. Lol
I grew up around the industry, the Jeanette Marrie belongs to my father. He bought it March 8th 1993, just a week after I was born. As for the hard work, I can’t see myself being satisfied in a “normal” job.

Thanks for the recommendation,
Keep ‘em comin’ guys!
Feel free to tell stories of work, past or present and what knives you had or wished you had in doing it. A commercial fisherman is a jack of all trades in a way. So your work experience likely falls into a category I might have to tackle at one time or another.
 
I have definitely seen plenty if things go overboard into the drink, especially off the deck of of a completely flat decked river barge. Myself included, more then once... Tape measures were the most common though, we used to buy the cheap tapes by the case because the salt water destroyed the insides and edges of even the best top $ tapes. $40 or $7.99, within a month it was a rusted p.o.s., or swimming with the fishes...
Ah, the good ol' days... lol. Hindsight is 20/20

I actually enlisted into the army to become an 88L, but my background and timing, I wound up 11B, (not even close). I got out and returned to the shore and then nearly 10 years ago left the shore as fate, (and circumstance), would deem fit, and have since held a job for a few years in a steel foundry where my knowledge of steel/metal grew, and my love for sharp pointy tools was rekindled by said new knowledge. But fwiw, while the "normal" job is satisfying in the sense that it supports my family and lifestyle, and their security and happiness supercedes mine, there will always be a part of me that yearns for the salt water air...

Today I'm in the glass business, far from the shore, but that salt water still runs in my veins, and I'm still a dock builder at heart, and part pirate I'm sure....
 
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strategy9 said:
I have definitely seen plenty if things go overboard into the drink, especially off the deck of of a completely flat decked river barge. Myself included, more then once... Tape measures were the most common though, we used to buy the cheap tapes by the case because the salt water destroyed the insides and edges of even the best top $ tapes. $40 or $7.99, within a month it was a rusted p.o.s., or swimming with the fishes...
Ah, the good ol' days... lol. Hindsight is 20/20

I actually enlisted into the army to become an 88L, but my background and timing, I wound up 11B, (not even close), and then nearly 10 years ago left the shore and have since held a job for a few years in a steel foundry, where my knowledge of steel/metal grew, and my love for sharp pointy tools was rekindled by said new knowledge.

Today I'm in the glass business, from from the shore, but that salt water still runs in my veins, and I'm still a dock builder at heart, and part pirate I'm sure....
Click to expand...
I think there’s a little pirate in everyone who’s worked around the sea. Lol
Pretty much all of my knowledge of steel comes from here, and experimentation.
I considered enlisting after high school, always wanted to see if I had what it takes for SF. But I have asthma, and a handful of other lame excuses and never did it.
My family thanks you for your service, sir. Much respect to you, and all who serve be it military/LEO/EMT/etc.
 
88L = watercraft engineer, (boat mechanic)
11B = infantry


While I don't regret for 1 second taking the contract that was offered me, (everything happens for a reason), had I gotten the 88L contract I originally signed up for, and was originally "promised", I'd probably still be serving today.
 
I eat seafood, I have been on a boat, and I have seen every episode of Gilligans Island so I feel totally qualified to make a recommendation :p

I'll still try...

Have you thought about contacting one of the makers here @ BFs for a true custom? You could pick your steel, blade length and shape (sheepfoot?), handle length & thickness, etc. Plus you can get a custom kydex sheath to fit your carrying preference.

My first thought was a Bradford Guardian in 3V. He makes a 5.5" and 6.5" for $200ish. They come with DLC coatings to help against rust. I would think a good quality stainless + coating would be sufficient. I would imagine you and your friends are good at maintaining your tools properly.
 
Speaking only for myself, not knowing what the OP's personal habits are, I know the pirate in me likes rum, (and whiskey), and while regular upkeep will keep even a non-stainless steel rust free, on the sea, all it takes is one 3 or 4 day storm that leaves you docked, and you forgot your knife on deck, and you're now cleaning spots even on most "stainless" vatieties.

Living close to vs. making a living on the sea, are 2 totally different animals...
I've done both.
It's Like owning a go-fast car vs. being an actual professional racecar driver...

3v and 4v are great steels, and with proper care and attention, (like any steel), can last a long long time, but anyone with the sea in their veins knows, "the sea always wins".

Bradford Guardian is another great choice, for sure, but, if you make your living on the salt water I would without a doubt recommend one of their stainless offerings...
 
strategy9 said:
88L = watercraft engineer, (boat mechanic)
11B = infantry


While I don't regret for 1 second taking the contract that was offered me, (everything happens for a reason), had I gotten the 88L contract I originally signed up for, and was originally "promised", I'd probably still be serving today.
Click to expand...
Such is life it seems.
Sounds like they like to promise things they can’t deliver (at least the recruiters) on frequently. I have a friend in the arms that’s been in for, 5 years now if I’m not mistaken and he’s still waiting on the promised opportunity to attend Ranger school.

gazz98 said:
I eat seafood, I have been on a boat, and I have seen every episode of Gilligans Island so I feel totally qualified to make a recommendation :p

I'll still try...

Have you thought about contacting one of the makers here @ BFs for a true custom? You could pick your steel, blade length and shape (sheepfoot?), handle length & thickness, etc. Plus you can get a custom kydex sheath to fit your carrying preference.

My first thought was a Bradford Guardian in 3V. He makes a 5.5" and 6.5" for $200ish. They come with DLC coatings to help against rust. I would think a good quality stainless + coating would be sufficient. I would imagine you and your friends are good at maintaining your tools properly.
Click to expand...

I haven’t considered a custom from someone here, I’ll have to look around the craftsman side of things here on the forums and see what I can get.
As for the Guardians, I had a 4, and (bare handed at least) I found them uncomfortable for “hard” use... loved it for normal stuff though.
Proper tool maintenance has been engrained into me from birth, being the son of a logger from the redwood forest turned to local commercial fishin legend, a neglected tool has always been blasphemy. Lol
Along with “buy once cry once, if you need it go get it, you get what you pay for, and it’s all about how bad you want it, no matter what it is”.
 
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Polynikes01 said:
Let me start by saying I am a commercial fisherman. I work on a 67x24’ trawler, we fish for dungeoness crab and pink shrimp. I carry a streamlight flashlight in my left pocket, a Spyderco Salt 2 in my right pocket and usually a small disposable-ish victorinox fixed blade taped inverted to the left shoulder strap of my rain gear.
I don’t realy like the H1 steel on the salt line or I’d just get an Aqua Salt... but I want to ditch the folder for a fixed blade that’ll actually get used because the folder never gets touched.
The things I’d use it for would be anything from cutting up blocks of frozen squid for bait, to cutting rope. Probabaly end up using it on land as well.
I prefer to have a full plain edge blade, in my experience (and in my opinion) a properly sharpened plain edge actually cuts better than serrations. That being said I’m open to a partially serrated blade, I like black blades too so that’d be a plus. 6 inch blade maybe, give or take an inch. And no leather or nylon sheathes, injection molded is fine...
So what do you guys think? If you were me, what are some knives you’d use on the ocean? Open to other gear suggestions too... I’m always looking for a new excuse to try out some new kit items :)
Especially when it’s a tax write-off!
Thanks in advance fellas
David
F/V Jeanette Marrie
Built in 1988 by Giddings Boat Works
110 ton, 67x24 feet
Set up for Pink Shrimp in this picture
qVvLjN2_d.jpg
Click to expand...

There is only one choice if you are working on salt water and don’t want to go H1.

David Boye Boat Knives. They are made from high carbide dendritic cobalt and cut forever, will not rust and still sharpen easily. They are made exactly for the task you desrcibe.

boye-knives-cobalt-basic-3-fixed-blade-knife-39.png

It even has that flat at the heel that is inline with the edge. So it is super easy to sharpen even on a rocking boat.

Please, do yourself a favour, you deserve this knife. It’s really not that expensive for what you get. Post lots of photos ;)

Just search David Boye boat knives in google.
 
Strategy9 suggested the same,
I am leaning hard in that direction, it will be some time before I can spare the extra money for one. The fishing industry isn’t one that produces consistent paychecks all year round. I haven’t made any money since late July. Dungeoness crab season has been delayed for going on 6 weeks now due to Damond acid and low meat content. The fleet is negotiating price now, so hopefully in the next week we will be able to take the gear out. February I should be able to pull the trigger on a new knife. And I will post a picture or two here of what I get.
 
+1 on a Mora. Look at a Companion, or a Craftsman Pro S, or any other in the Craftsman line. The handles remain comfortable through prolonged hard use, the Sandvik stainless steel will stand up to corrosive sea salt and hard use and is then easy to sharpen. You can afford to lose one or two off the boat, and you don't have to save your pennies to get one NOW. If it turns out that you don't like it, having used one for a while is likely to give you a real clear idea of what features you must have in a more expensive replacement -- and since you haven't broken the bank, you will b able to get that other new tool soon. But the Moras are no toys -- quality materials and craftsmanship where it counts. Don't be surprised if you find that you replace the Mora you lose with another Mora.
 
Its been mentioned but my first thought was also a mora. Not expensive ($20) and touches all of the requirments you stated, as well as being easily replaceable. See photo below
 
Polynikes01 said:
Strategy9 suggested the same,
I am leaning hard in that direction, it will be some time before I can spare the extra money for one. The fishing industry isn’t one that produces consistent paychecks all year round. I haven’t made any money since late July. Dungeoness crab season has been delayed for going on 6 weeks now due to Damond acid and low meat content. The fleet is negotiating price now, so hopefully in the next week we will be able to take the gear out. February I should be able to pull the trigger on a new knife. And I will post a picture or two here of what I get.
Click to expand...

Until then check out the Rough Rider marlin spike knife. I know it’s a folder and that is not
Ideal for you but just to tide you over till you can get a Boye knife. Then you will always have a backup folder and spike anyway.

It is surprisingly a great knife for so cheap.
 
Lapedog said:
Until then check out the Rough Rider marlin spike knife. I know it’s a folder and that is not
Ideal for you but just to tide you over till you can get a Boye knife. Then you will always have a backup folder and spike anyway.

It is surprisingly a great knife for so cheap.
Click to expand...
I’ll give it a look, thank you
Always looking for excuses to get my paws on any new knives lol
 
With the chance of dropping it in the water my first choice would also be a Mora. For the price you can always have a spare. If you want a 6" stainless blade and synthetic sheath a Fallkniven A1 fits the bill. You can get it with or without a black coating.
 
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