River KNives

[superflyafro]

I want to start canoeing and Kyaking, and I want a decent river knife if there is a such of thing. I know gerber makes a few can anyone let me know if there is a better choice?

 

[E-M-P-I-R-E]

I HIGHLY suggest the Spyderco Salt series in H1 steel. If you dont know what i am talking about, you gotta go check it out. I have the Pacific salt and love it. The H1 steel will not rust and the knives in general were built from the ground up to be deploye in aquatic environments, while retaining that spyderco look and fee that we all love.

 

[superflyafro]

I want a fixed blade, I am sure the salt series are good knives but there weird looking.

 

[E-M-P-I-R-E]

I want a fixed blade, I am sure the salt series are good knives but there weird looking.

Alright ill admit that they are unique looks wise...but just to put it out there, there is a fixed bade in the salt series. IIRC benchmade had a river knife, but im not familiar with it, i would check that out if i were you.


EDIT: you really think the salt looks weird....the yellow one in back?

 

[Smash05]

Aqua Salt, and slow down! Also, Benchmade H2O

 

[barrabas74]

I have a benchmade dive knife H20 yellow handle that I keep on my chest and a Spydie salt in the pocket when I kayak. Knife doesnt do any good if its under my sprayskirt and I NEED it. The benchmade isnt very big and it doesnt get in my way while paddeling. I also dont like overly pointy knives due to the fact that your more likely to stab yourself, the subdued sheepsfoot tip on the benchmade isnt very pointy and I feel like i'd have to screw up alot more to actually stab myself with it. I have used it many times and its been a good knife with a secure sheath. Almost had to cut myself out of a situation once....luckily I didnt have too.

I would also suggest a lanyard on it. Some people dont like one, I do.

 

[ChapmanPreferred]

How about the Spyderco Caspian FB21? It is a fairly small fixed blade that would do well in your presented situation.

Take care,

Doug

 

[pvicenzi]

I'd go with a neck knife for canoeing/kyaking. They are much easier to deploy when sitting in a boat.

 

[gibbyx]

I'd go with a neck knife for canoeing/kyaking. They are much easier to deploy when sitting in a boat.

For MY preference, I disagree. I'd rather have something mounted and stable. Handle down, crossdraw on my PFD. Also, I like the idea of a folder clipped inside my waistband (think between hipside & belly) as a backup.
I really wouldn't want anything that could flop around or get cinched or twisted in a manner to put pressure on my carotids or windpipe, much less snagging, and thus, taking away my control/manipulation in some fashion or degree.
If no PFD is used, I'd still forgo the necker idea. Even calm water can become whitewater if you dump unexpectedly.

Just my .03 (had to add one for the CRISIS we're in)

Gibby

 

[gibbyx]

Hey Superfly, here ya go.
Have a nut...
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=whitewater knives&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

Gibby

 

[NirreBosse]

I have one of the gerbers. I dont say hurra about it. Not much of a knife really. Just my 2 cents. / Bosse

 

[Mike Sastre]

This subject comes up every four to six months. I've been a whitewater kayaker for well over 20 years, been involved in a few rescue situations, worked with rescue professionals, and this is what used and favored by more than just a few. http://rivercitysheaths.com/whitewater.htm

 

[Guyon]

I just got the Benchmade H20 and like it a lot. Shaving sharp with a great locking sheath system. Here is a first-run test fit on my PDF.

My Extrasport PFD has a lashing point (see below) designed to fit a knife sheath, and the secure attachment is great.

It was warm enough this past weekend that I was able to get out for some paddling and fishing.

This pic came out a bit blurry, but it's the only one from last weekend that shows the knife attached to my PFD. Stays put and is readily accessible.

Here's the Benchmade beside a Gerber River Shorty.

 

[Lycosa]

If you can afford a Mission Beta Titanium knife, do it. It will never rust and good luck trying to break it.

 

[Jeff S1]

I use a Mora 556 for my kayaking. I live about 2 miles from LI Sound and salt water is a bitch on gear. I removed the guard on the Mora with a file and zip tied it (in the sheath) to my shock cord, in the front of my cockpit. Work great, salt H2O resistant and cheap to replace if it goes to the bottom. Works great for stripers also!

 

[rescueknive]

:thumbup:Ive been a guide for over 15 years and have evolved from what looks cool to what I can use to cut someone free from rope , webbing ect entanglement w/out having to treat a laceration post rescue. The knive that accomplishes this well is the crkt bearclaw rescue. Inexpensive effective . I also carry one in my bunker gear when when on duty w/ the FD.