Knife for everyday kayak fishing

Surfingringo

Surfingringo

Joined
May 25, 2013
Messages
3,700
Thinking about one of the benchmade h2o non-corrosive models, griptillian still done with x15? How is this steel? Noticeable difference in corrosion resistance? Edge holding compared to regular grip? Anyone use this in saltwater environment?
 
Also interested in the benchmade 111 folder. I don't have the option of laying my hands on one so would appreciate opinions on ergonomics from anyone who has one.
 
I am partial to the spyderco salts for folders. Have you considered how you will carry it? I am always afraid i will lose a folder thats not in my pocket and lanyards get tangled for me. There are a few rafting/diving type knives that have good sheaths for retention and attachment that you could secure on your PDF or the kayak within reach.
 
I am also looking at the spydercos. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the griptillian will have a metal liner in the handle where the spyderco will not? I'm a big fan of liners and the more solid feel, but I guess in a salt environment, the less metal the better. Not sure about the handle on the 111.

Not sure on carrying but considering kydex neck sheath. I've never used or seen one, but watched some videos and they seem to be more secure than I expected...so I guess I'd also like recommendations on best place to get one of those too. Man, i never even knew i needed all this stuff! This forum is expensive! ;-)
 
Ive got the H2O 551 with X15-TN steel. Ive used mine in saltwater and the steel is practically rustproof. I havent had problems with the rest of the hardware either. Mind you, i try to rinse it with freshwater when im done, but its not always i remember to do it. The steel takes a extremely sharp edge and holds it relatively well. Ive also got a 7 hook in X15 and ive used it for plastic strips, denim, etc. and the original edge is still nice and sharp.

Check out page 14 in this brochure about X15, where it is compared to the highly corrosion resistant 440C (even more so when polished). Both steels were subjected to a brutal 96 hour NaCl (saltspray) Q-fog test and the amount of rust on X15 was minimium.

http://www.aubertduval.com/uploads/tx_obladydownload/Brochure_X15TN.pdf

Note, that Benchmade has since switched over to N680 on their H2O line. I still think you can find the X15 at dealers though. Ive also got the 110H2O with the N680 blade. That steel is very rust resistant too. Ive got mine mounted on my weight belt, where it functions as my back-up spearfishing knife. I rinse it off with the rest of my gear after a dive, and its showing no signs of corrosion. Note that i dont even bother taking it out of the sheath when rinsing my gear.

Ive also got Spyderco H1 knives and in terms of edge retention id rank N680 first and then X15 with H1 taking last place.
 
By the way, the liners on all Griptilians are made of 420J, which is the steel almost all (IMO cheap) dive knives a made of.
 
Good information polecat thanks. I kind of like the 111 look but i think the grip will be more practical. I can think of several tasks on the water where i need a bit more point like the grip has. Lighter around the neck too...by an oz. or so I think.
 
This Winter I went kayaking with my titanium MPU as my kayaking knife.
Happy as a clam.
Knife sits in the pocket and is left there with no worries about corrosion, as its impervious to salt Water.
It only gets rinsed along with the vest after exposure to salt Water and that is more for the sake of the vest.



 
Hmm, I just ran across a knife called the spyderco catcherman! Looks ideal for my purposes as this knife is to see its use saltwater fishing from my kayak. Looks like the usn model was done in h1 too. Why is it that everything I want is discontinued?? Can these still be found new?
 
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