Knife question for paddlers...

R

RH

Joined
Jan 31, 1999
Messages
2,094
For you paddlers, what do you think of the new knives geared or marketed for water use, with sheaths made (or adaptable) to be lashed to a PFD? I’m talking about the:

Benchmade R&R
CRKT Stiff KISS
CRKT Bear Claw
CRKT Polkowski Companion
Camillus Talon

How do you think they compare with one another, and with the old standard Gerber river knives? Compare on the basis of:

- suitablity to task
- size
- blade style
- blade material quality
- handle suitability
- safety
- sheath sytem
- accessability
- corrosion resistance

Also, if I want to use a Stiff KISS on the water, what would you suggest as a handle treatment (if any)?
 
I recommend the Benchmade 100 R&R if you are looking for a combination of emergency knife AND useful utility knife.

The Stiff Kiss is okay, but you can't beat the contour grip of the B-10 handle on the Benchmade.

If you are just looking for a serrated ripping knife, go for the Bear Claw.

One man's opinion.
 
Well...
It depends on what you are doing. If you are wearing a survival suit your options are different. If you are wearing a PFD and your knife is lashed to it, that knife will be relatively small. I always have a second larger knife ready somewhere, [preferably on me] but exactly where depends on whether I'm in a kayak [in which case I won't wear the larger knife] or a canoe [with or without sprayskirt, in a canoe I usaully wear the bigger knife]
I used a double edged Gerber for a long time and I never really liked it. The sheath was awkward to operate under pressure, especially in the cold with gloves, and the knife itself had lousy steel and extremely uncomfortable handle. A really good kydex or concealex sheath is solid enough and dirt simple to use.
I have never used the precise knives you describe, but I do have the Polkowski Companion [custom]. It's a touch big for a pfd knife. It's designed as a fighter but it's such a light, slim yet solid knife that it wouldn't be a bad choice and if the production knife is similar, that might be a very good one. Bud Nealy's knives are smaller and lighter, but I've heard some disturbing things about the production versions. A Pesh Kabz would probably be cool and if the Specialist is well done, and you like tantos, that's a possibility.
I prefer double edges with one serrated, but that's a matter of personal preference. However, if you're going anywhere near salt water and will be out on the water for extended periods, your stainless steel will rust. I prefer stellite or talonite.
My current steady is a double edged custom stellite knife made by NEIL BLACKWOOD. It is superb. Well worth the investment if you are serious about paddling and knives. The sheath is also first rate. A similar model was also made for Gus K., with Gus's own personal preferences and touches. He had some first rate ideas. For when I'm not wearing the PFD or simply prefer a neck knife, I use one of Neil's smaller tactical in talonite. Also superb.
 
gerber's river shorty sheath offers lots of attachment possibilities, and it's easy to yank the knife out when you need it, yet it stays secure when it's in the sheath.
you may want to try kershaw's version, i think it's called the river rat(?). might be a bit too dagger-like for your taste, though.
i'd go with a crkt bear claw, for the convenient and safe finger-hole. helps you retain good control over the knife in rough conditions.
peace.
aleX.
 
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