RR: Rafting knives (Gerber, Schrade, Kershaw)

johnniet

johnniet

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Played with all of them, the kershaw is ok but feels pretty plasticy.

The BM river rescue seems to be a better choice. Pretty solid w/g10 scales and a pretty tight kydex sheath w/an extra safety. Just a few bucks more than the kershaw.


Jeff
 
They don't have a blunt tip (I guess a grinder could "fix" that, 'tho...), but the SOG Seal 2000 or SOG Seal-Pup were made to live in the water.:).
 
I really like the BM River Rafter also. I just got one in 440C, with a plain edge. The only thing that I don't like is the sheath. It has some sort of attachment for some piece of equipment that I've never seen, rather than a normal something I can put on a belt. The handle is rather small as well-very much like the Nimravus Cub handle. It's still a nice knife though.
 
If it's like a lot of other river knives, the attachment system may be a clip designed to fit in the mounts on most Personal Flotation Devices.
 
I have searched for years for the best raft/kayak/canoe knife. Seems to me the sheath and sheath mount are as important as the knife. For the last few years I have carried a partially serrated Benchmade Nimravus in one of Eric's On Scene Tactical sheaths. Great combination. Good upside down retention on my PFD [both knife and sheath]and the sheath easily comes off to wear on pants in camp at night. Blade is ATS 34 so there aren't many rust issues. Works great for me.
 
There is a guy named Mike Sastre who happens to be a kayak, raft, river guy. He owns http://www.rivercitysheaths.com He makes shaeths just for your purpose. I am telling you this, in case you find a knife and need a better sheath. BTW, IIRC, Mike likes a folder in a special sheath. A spyderco Merlin me thinks. Perhaops he will see this thraed.
 
Neil Blackwood made one for me and one for Gus K. Our designs were a little different but both are at least as good as anything else out there. That's because I think we've used them all and wanted something better. Mine is optimised for whitewater and ocean kayaking but it should work for rafting - unless you want to blunt the tip. Neil [Dr Lathe] makes an incredible knife, The sheath isn't a clip onto tab kind, but it is isn't hard to lash. I use two sheaths, one to affix to the PFD and another for carry. Great sheaths.
Ask Neil. Maybe Gus will chime in too. He knows his stuff.
I'm sure Mike S is a great idea too.
 
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