kayaker

C

Cricket

Joined
Sep 23, 2003
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132
My godson's a kayaker and I'd like to get him an appropriate knife. Anybody have a recommendation? I was thinking of one of those neck knives...but know zilch about this type of knife and even less about kayaking. Appreciate any help. Thought I'd narrowed it down to the blunt-tipped Emerson stainless Lagriffe, but they don't make that anymore, so I'd like to know what any kayaker's out there prefer/use.
 
One that doesn't rust and floats. I wouln't get him a nice one because it is very common to loose things when kayaking.
 
Benchmade makes one called a 100SH2O.
Gerber has several, their river shorty, river runner, and cliplock rivermaster.
 
Thanks to both of you. Great lead on Gerber (will probably go ahead with one of those) and also a good head's up about how easily things can be lost., which'll save me money.
 
A good kayaker knows to tether everything he/she doesn't wish to lose. That being said, I fish from a kayak in the Chesapeake Bay, the ocean, in freshwater, and I still never take a valuable knife out there. Even my $1 bait knife is tethered. I've never lost it either.
 
My brother's a big whitewater/ocean kayaker/creek boater and I know he's gone through several knives, starting with the Gerber versions. Currently he has the Benchmade river knife, and I personally think it's the best one he's ever carried. Just my two cents. Also, I think this comes with a sheath that can be attached to the PFD as does at least one of the Gerber models.
Lagarto
 
The ideal kayaking knife would be one that will not rust at all. For that you want Talonite, Stellite, Titanium, or H-1. Talonite and Stellite are the best of those, at least for most purposes, and they are also by far the most expensive. :rolleyes:

My first choice would be one of the titanium versions of the HideAway Knife (~$190). Titanium is completely impervious to rust and other corrosion, although it does not hold an edge quite as well as steel. The HideAway Knife is a really clever design that allows full use of the hand without any risk of dropping the knife. I am typing this while wearing mine. :) It is also very quick and positive to draw and is available with a variety of carry options, including a Mini-TekLok. Expensive but well worth it!

If that's too expensive, my next choice would be the Benchmade 100SH20 River/Dive Knife (~$60). It is made of H-1, which will not hold an edge as well as a premium steel, but provides adequate performance and is completely immune to rusting. (Even the best "stainless" steel will rust.)

Another great option will soon be available, when Spyderco begins shipping their Salt model. It is a folder, very similar in design to the classic Delica, but with a partial-sheepfoot serrated blade, a larger opening hole, and all rust-proof fittings. (The blade and lock are H-1).

Whatever knife you select, you should consider getting a custom sheath made for it by Mike Sastre of River City Sheaths. Mike is a whitewater veteran and he knows how to make a sheath that will be absolutely secure under the most extreme conditions.

--Bob Q
 
I tend to like the hawkbill blades. Attached by tether to all of our life-preservers are CRKT Bear Claws. They are relatively inexpensive and small, but with the finger hole, very give a very good grip. I usually carry a Spyderhawk as well.

I am reading alot about rust concerns - and they are legitemate; having a home on the ocean, find I can keep all of my metal hobby items rust free with decent care. So I don't see a need to go out and spend a lot of money. I keep the Bear Claws hair poppin sharp with my Spydie tools. They cut vines, weeds, and rope very well.
 
I've had the benchmade River rescue for a year or so. I bought it especially for ocean kayaking/fishing. I wear it around my neck, tip up. It's held secure in quite a good plastic sheath. I have noticed however that I miss a sharp point from time to time.

If I'm just popping out to check lobster pots on my Kayak I'll keep my Spyderco Military clipped to my shorts un-tethered. For more dedicated paddle trips I gear up and have the BM.
 
Benchmade river rescue 100SH2O, or, serrated spyderco SPOT VG10. I wouldn't worry about rust n corrosion in cold fresh water paddling. But the sea takes its toll on almost all metals.
 
They're probably right, it wouldn't pay to get a beautiful piece like this Dozier Canoe knife if it might get lost.
dk-k20s.jpg

(Aw, go ahead and get it anyway)
 
Thanks for the tips. I'm curious (Peshkabz) if you have the blunt or the pointed tip in the Bear Claw. I wouldn't think it would matter all that much in a kayak (unlike a river raft) but I don't know.
That HideAway is nice! And I'm looking at a Dozier Canoe for MYSELF, pingponging back and forth between that and the Companion. Leaning toward the Companion.
I have it narrowed (more firmly now) to the Gerber River Shorty or the CRKT Bear Claw--but since there is no rush on this I may wait for that Spyderco "Salt" - and then it'll depend on how much it costs.
 
Cricket,

I started making sheaths to attach rescue knives to PFDs in '91, while I was still working with the U.S. Whitewater Slalom Team. There are any number of suitable knives out there, but the most prevalent are Spyderco folders (several models), and the Gerber River Shorty. The Benchmade H2O seems to be a good choice as well. Whatever you decide to get, consider the knife and sheath as a system that must be able to withstand a possible swim and/or moving through heavy brush (if a whitewater boater) - your knife needs to be there when you need it. My personal preference is hawkbill folders (Spyderco Merlin or SpyderHawk) both for cutting efficiency and compactness. You'll want keep the possibility of snagging things, or things snagging you, to a minimum. I like to wear my knife on the side of my PFD, attached to the chest adjustment webbing. This keeps it completely out of the way for any movements I make, but instantly accessible at the same time.
 
Some good thoughts so far, a big yeppers to Mike's comments (and welcome back from the Riddle!). Over the years I'v worn a Spyderco Rescue, Harpy and most recently a SpyderHawk attached to my PFD with a RiverCity sheath. See the threads below for more input.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239905&highlight=kayak
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=164602&highlight=kayak
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=138024&highlight=kayak

SYOTR,
Clyde
 
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