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The 7 most popular sailing knives 2024?

by Vinzent

sailing knife
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No boat should be without a good sailing knife! It is used for safety, as it can be used to cut ropes and lines in an emergency. Basically, a knife that is ready to hand is always useful when sailing.

Finding the right sailing knife:

Sailing knives are a dime a dozen, but which is the right one and what are the differences? In our Checklist, we show you at a glance what really matters when buying a sailing knife. We present the best sailing knives 2024 in our recommendations.

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best sailing knives 2024 reviewed.
  2. Checklist: What you should consider when buying.
  3. Bestsellers: The most popular sailing knives at a glance.
  4. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about sailing knives.

The best sailing knives 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

1. best sailing knife with 22 functions

Multifunctional
Victorinox Ranger Grip Boatsmen*

    The knife blade has a serrated edge that ensures precise cutting and prevents the knife from slipping. The knife handle is ergonomically shaped and has a non-slip surface.

    What we like:

    • Ergonomic design
    • 22 Tools
    • Large blade
    • Protective cover included
    What we don’t like:

    • Price

    Why we like it: The Victorinox knife is a true all-rounder. It has pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, corkscrews and much more. The knife is made from high-quality materials and is therefore robust and durable.

    Recommended for: With its 22 different functions, this knife is suitable for almost any activity and is a reliable companion on your next sailing trip.

    2. best aluminum sailing knife

    Very sharp
    Herbertz sailing knife*

      This knife is equipped with a powerful serrated edge for effective cutting. The blade is robust and resistant to rust.

      What we like:

      • Stainless steel
      • Robust
      • Low dead weight
      • Individual design
      • Compact
      What we don’t like:

      • The shape of the Marlspieker

      Why we like it: Since the knife is made of aluminum, it weighs in at a very light 162 grams. The option of having it engraved means it can be individually designed. Thanks to its compact design, it also fits in a small bag and can be taken anywhere.

      Recommended for: This Herbertz sailor’s knife with pliers and marlinspike is ideal for sailors and outdoor adventurers. This knife can be used to cut ropes easily and untie knots effortlessly.

      3. best small sailing knife

      Durable
      Victorinox, pocket knife, Skipper W*
      • 18 FUNKTIONEN: Klinge, groß mit Wellenschliff, Kapselheber, feststellbar,...
      • EXKLUSIV & FUNKTIONAL: Das robuste Messer begeistert durch sein praktisches Design...
      • VIELSEITIG & HOCHWERTIG: Egal ob beim Segeln, Outdoor-Trip, Survival-Training,...
      • LIEFERUMFANG & ABMESSUNGEN: 1 Skipper mit 18 Funktionen, Abmessungen: 23 x 111 x 31...
      • HÖCHSTE QUALITÄT AUS DER SCHWEIZ: Victorinox ist Hersteller von Schweizer...
      What we like:

      • Compact
      • 18 Functions
      • Fastening cord
      What we don’t like:

      • No scissors
      • Heavy

      Why we like it: The small size makes the pocket knife from Victorinox with its 18 functions a versatile and compact gadget for sailors. It can be attached to the body with the attached cord and will not go overboard even in strong waves.

      Recommended for: This handy sailing pocket knife is a perfect companion in any situation, be it sailing or an outdoor trip.

      4. best luminous sailing knife

      Blade lock
      WICHARD Offshore knife with Marlspieker night lights*

        This knife from WICHARD is characterized by its excellent cutting quality. It has an eyelet and a fastening strap, which makes it possible to attach the knife to equipment or clothing securely and within easy reach.

        What we like:

        • Light
        • Night visibility
        • Easy handling
        • Resistant
        • Hand strap
        • Corrosion resistant
        What we don’t like:

        • Weak glow

        Why we like it: This model from WICHARD has a serrated blade and an awl for removing knots. The knife is made of alloy steel and is particularly robust and hard-wearing.

        Recommended for: This knife is tailored to the needs and requirements of sailors and seafarers.

        5. best stainless steel sailing knife

        With shackle opener
        Magnum pocket knife Catamaran*

          This Magnum knife is made of stainless steel and is particularly robust and durable. With a weight of 155 grams, it is nevertheless very light and is not a hindrance during activities on deck.

          What we like:

          • Light
          • Marlspikler
          • Shackle opener
          What we don’t like:

          • Rust formation

          Why we like it: This pocket knife, which has a serrated blade, cuts through ropes effortlessly. It has a high-quality finish and has three indispensable tools on board.

          Recommended for: This pocket knife is useful for various outdoor activities such as sailing, climbing, hiking or fishing.

          6. best sailing knife with corrosion protection

          Hard blade
          Cuda,18092, Marlin AA8Spike sailor knife, stainless steel 1.4116, titanium nitride coated*

            Thanks to its non-slip handle surface, this knife sits securely in the hand. It has a hard cutting edge that ensures an improved cutting result.

            What we like:

            • Liner-Lock locking mechanism
            • Sharp
            • Robust design
            • Marlspicker
            What we don’t like:

            • No fastening option

            Why we like it: This sailing knife from Cuda has a partially serrated blade and a marlin spike. It is made of stainless steel, is very handy, compact and fits in any pocket.

            Recommended for: This pocket knife is ideal for activities on and in the water.

            7. best sailing knife for little money

            Handy
            Camillus Marlin Spike folding knife*

              This folding knife has a 7 cm long blade made from Japanese steel. It has a corrosion-resistant coating and is very sharp.

              What we like:

              • Low weight, only 125 g
              • Ergonomic handle
              • High quality
              • With locking mechanism
              What we don’t like:

              • Blade safety catches

              Why we like it: The main feature of this knife is its low price. The ergonomic handle is made of wood and is easy to handle. The special titanium coating makes the blade very hard and corrosion-resistant.

              Recommended for: As it is a compact model, this pocket knife is ideal for taking with you.

              Sailing knife Checklist: These features are important

              • Size: Under no circumstances should you buy a sailing knife that is too large, as these knives are a hindrance in practice. The knife should be large enough to be gripped firmly. A handy knife is quickly to hand and does not get in the way when carried on a belt, in a trouser pocket or on clothing.
              • Material: Most sailing knives are made of either stainless steel or titanium. Here you can find out how the two materials differ.
                • Sailing knives made of stainless steel: These knives are significantly cheaper than those made of titanium. Usually 300 or 400 grade steel is used here, the lower the number, the more resistant the steel is to rust.

                  Caution: Even if the steel is “rustproof”, the material can still rust, especially when exposed to salt water. It all depends on the right care.
                • Titanium sailing knives: Titanium knives may be more expensive, but they have a decisive advantage: they are significantly more resistant to corrosion from salt water and more resistant to breakage. However, sailing knives made of titanium are more difficult to sharpen and less hard than those made of steel.
              • Blade: The blade can take on different shapes, classic or saw-cut. Knives with a combination of a serrated edge and a normal blade are the better choice, as they can be used to cut ropes and lines quickly and easily.
              • Fixed vs. folding blade: There are two types of sailing knives, either with a fixed or folding blade. The fixed-blade knife is always ready for use and ideal for levering. Folding knives must first be unfolded, but can be transported without a sheath and take up little space.
              • Knife tip: The tip of the dive knife can be either pointed or rounded.
                • Rounded: A rounded tip is safe, because the risk of accidentally stabbing with it is low. In addition, the tip breaks off less easily and is therefore more suitable for levering.
                • Pointed: There is a risk of injuring yourself with the tip of the knife, but the tip can be used to make precise cuts.
              • Features: Various features can be installed on the back of the knife or on the blade itself. These features fulfill useful functions, but are not absolutely necessary.
                • Saw grind: Knives with a classic blade that are equipped with a saw grind are ideal for cutting ropes or cables.
                • Line cutter: With this small hook-shaped blade, lines can be cut in one go.
                • Marlin spike: Sailing knives with a marlin spike are used to work on ropes or wire ropes.
                • Shackle opener: The shackle opener can be used to open shackle screws.
                • Eyelet: A cord can be pulled through this small hole on the pommel to additionally secure or fasten the knife.
              • Holder: Every sailing knife comes with a holder or sheath. There are different types, all of which have one purpose: to store the knife safely.
              • Care: To ensure that the sailing knife remains functional, it must be properly cared for. After each use, the knife is cleaned with fresh water and dried completely. Folding knives are checked for functionality; if the mechanism no longer opens properly, it is lubricated with a little silicone.

              Also interesting: The most popular dive knives 2024.

              Bestsellers: The most popular sailing knives

              What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

              (**Last update 2024-11-21)

              FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

              What is a sailing knife?

              The sailing knife is part of the safety equipment of every (offshore) sailor. The knife can be used to cut ropes or lines in an emergency. But a good sailing knife is always a useful tool on board.

              What is a sailing knife used for?

              The sailing knife ensures greater safety, allowing ropes and lines to be cut in an emergency. But a sailing knife that is ready to hand is also always an advantage in everyday sailing.

              What is the best sailing knife?

              That cannot be said across the board. Top picks: Sailing knives that are equipped with both a normal blade and a serrated edge.

              How expensive is a good sailing knife?

              Decent sailing knives are available from around 30-40 $, high-quality models can quickly cost several 100 $.

              Where can you buy good sailing knives?

              On the Internet, for example on Amazon.de, or in stores for boat accessories and knives.

              Which is better normal blade or saw cut?

              If you cut two ropes for testing, the difference quickly becomes clear when you review the cut edge. A classic blade cuts smoothly, while the rope frays on the saw-ground blade. However, thicker ropes can be cut more easily with the saw blade.

              What is a lanyard hole on a sailing knife?

              A lanyard loop is used to attach the sailing knife to a rucksack or belt. This ensures that the knife is always available and is not accidentally lost.

              Where is the sail knife attached?

              The best place to keep the knife is on your sailing clothing so that it is always to hand in an emergency.

              What alternatives are there to sailing knives?

              A dive knife has been specially developed for use in the water and can therefore be an excellent alternative to a sailing knife. Dive knives are robust and corrosion-resistant, so they can withstand the humid maritime conditions.

              Which well-known manufacturers of sailing knives are there?

              Well-known brands of sailing knives include Wichard, Victorinox, Opinel, Herbertz, Laguiole and Gill.

              Is there a test from Consumer Reports or Öko Test on sailing knives?

              So far there has been no sailing knife test, neither by Consumer Reports nor by Öko Test. It is therefore impossible to name a test winner. If you want to save time when looking for a suitable model, you are well advised to use our comparison.

              Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

              *Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

              Vinzent

              Expert for paddle and SUP adventures
              Charlie doesn't surf, but Vinzent does. The books are thrown away and pens are swapped for board shorts. whenever his studies allow it. Otherwise, he likes to spend his time in nature, preferably by the water or in the mountains.

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