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Sailing Knives and Tools
Published: November 10th, 2025
Life on the water demands tools that can handle unpredictable conditions, sudden emergencies, and the daily wear of salt and spray. A good sailing knife or multitool is more than just an accessory; it’s a safeguard, a problem-solver, and often the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation. From cutting lines under strain to prying open stubborn fittings or escaping entanglement in rough seas, sailors rely on gear that performs without hesitation. In this article, we take a closer look at knives, rescue tools, and multitools designed specifically for maritime use. Each one offers a balance of corrosion resistance, visibility, and practical features that make it indispensable on deck. Whether you’re a weekend sailor, a seasoned mariner, or someone preparing for offshore adventure, these tools are built to keep you ready when conditions change as quickly as the tide.
Knives
Spyderco
Manix 2 Lightweight Salt
The Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight Salt is designed for the harsh marine environment, combining cutting strength with exceptional corrosion resistance. Its 3.37" CPM MagnaCut stainless steel blade with a satin finish handles heavy rope or wet sailcloth with ease, and the steel’s unique balance of toughness and edge retention ensures dependable performance even in saltwater exposure. A 4.66" bright yellow FRCP handle provides a secure grip and makes the knife easy to spot on deck or dockside. Spyderco’s round thumb hole allows quick one-handed opening, while the ball bearing lock keeps the blade solidly in place when the boat is moving. Weighing just 2.9 oz, it disappears in the pocket yet delivers a full 8.03" overall length when open, making it equally practical for precision cutting and tougher jobs. Finished with an ambidextrous wire clip and lanyard hole. Made in the USA
Benchmade
Adira (Stonewash MagnaCut | Depth Blue)
The Benchmade Adira is built with the sea in mind, pairing corrosion resistance with strength for dependable performance in the harshest conditions. Its partially serrated 3.88" CPM MagnaCut stainless steel drop point blade wears a rugged stonewash finish that shrugs off scratches while cutting confidently through rope, sailcloth, or marine line. The 5.12" Depth Blue Grivory handle offers a secure grip even when wet, with stainless steel liners reinforcing its lightweight build. An orange thumb stud adds high visibility while allowing quick ambidextrous opening, and Benchmade’s AXIS lock provides safe, one-handed operation when the deck is pitching. Weighing 4.23 oz, the knife balances light carry with the substance needed for hard use, opening to a full 9" overall length. Finished with a reversible black oxide deep-carry clip and an orange paracord lanyard, it’s a reliable companion for sailors who demand readiness at sea. Proudly made in the USA.
Morakniv
Floating Knife (Hi-Vis Orange)
The Morakniv Floating Knife is made for sailors and anglers who need reliability in wet, unpredictable conditions. Its 3.7" recycled Swedish stainless steel blade with a satin finish features aggressive serrations and a rounded tip, cutting through wet rope, nylon, or netting while minimizing accidental punctures. The 5.55" cork handle ensures the knife floats if dropped overboard and provides a warm, slip-resistant grip even in cold or wet hands. Bright orange accents on both the handle and sheath add visibility, making it easy to spot on deck. At just 1.73 oz, it feels featherlight yet stretches to 9.25" overall, offering full utility without bulk. The included Hi-Vis Orange polymer sheath features Morakniv’s Smart Button System, allowing for multiple knives to be locked together, and features a belt clip for quick access. A practical, safety-driven choice for life at sea.
Rescue Tools
Benchmade
8 Hook
The Benchmade 8 Hook is a purpose-built rescue tool that earns its place aboard any vessel. Measuring 6.50" overall and weighing only 1.50 oz, it carries effortlessly yet delivers instant utility when emergencies arise. Its 440C stainless steel hook blade slices cleanly through rope, harness straps, or webbing, with a shielded edge that protects both the user and the victim during use. The black Cerakote finish enhances corrosion resistance, an essential feature in saltwater environments. An integrated O2 wrench adds versatility, giving divers and sailors the ability to open scuba tanks or oxygen valves in critical moments. A bottle opener rounds out its design for off-duty practicality. Secure carry is handled by a MOLLE-compatible nylon sheath, ensuring the tool is close at hand when needed most. Light, durable, and highly specialized, it’s a rescue hook every sailor will be glad to have within reach. Proudly made in the USA.
SOG
Rapid Rescue (Midnight Blue)
The SOG Rapid Rescue is compact peace of mind for anyone who spends time on the water, where seconds can matter in an accident. Measuring just 2" overall, it’s small enough to ride unnoticed on a keychain or lanyard yet tough enough to perform under pressure. Crafted from full-tang 3Cr13MoV stainless steel, it features a textured GRN handle that stays secure in wet or gloved hands. On one end, a shielded razor edge slices cleanly through belts, webbing, or harness straps, a vital function if entanglement occurs on deck or in a cabin. On the other, a tungsten carbide glass breaker delivers quick, decisive strikes against tempered glass, helping sailors escape confined spaces in an emergency. The anodized aluminum pull-ring guides the hand naturally, while the Midnight Blue sheath provides quick-release access. Lightweight and discreet, the SOG Rapid Rescue is a safeguard every sailor will be glad to have when conditions suddenly turn dangerous.
Gerber
Strap Cutter 2.0
The Gerber Strap Cutter 2.0 is a compact rescue tool designed for fast, controlled performance when accidents strike on the water. At 4.375" overall and weighing just 3 oz, it carries lightly but delivers immediate utility in an emergency. Its 420HC stainless steel hook blade is shielded for safety yet slices cleanly through straps, webbing, or rope with a single pull, giving sailors the ability to free themselves or others from entanglement in seconds. A tempered glass-breaking tip at the base adds another layer of security, providing a quick way out of enclosed cabins or hatches. The extra-large finger loop and molded rubber grip ensure a secure hold even with wet or gloved hands, while jimping along the spine adds further control. Finished with a hi-vis orange nylon sheath and lanyard hole, it’s a dependable tool for any sailor who values preparedness at sea.
Multi-Tools
Victorinox
Skipper Pro
The Victorinox Skipper Pro is built with the sailor’s needs in mind, combining Swiss precision with tools tailored for life at sea. Its 3.37" partially serrated Wharncliffe blade, made from stainless steel with a satin finish, slices confidently through rope and cordage while offering the control needed for finer tasks. A secure linerlock keeps the blade steady in use, while the thumb hole ensures smooth one-handed opening even with wet hands. The 4.37" blue polymer handle carries comfortably and houses a full suite of maritime essentials, from a heavy-duty marlin spike for working knots and rigging to a reamer, screwdrivers, and a wire stripper. Weighing 6.9 oz, it balances portability with substance, ready for the rigors of deck work. Finished with a lanyard and key ring for easy tethering, the Victorinox Skipper Pro is a compact toolbox that belongs on every voyage.
Leatherman
Skeletool CX (Guava)
The Leatherman Skeletool CX strips a multitool down to the essentials, delivering just what you need without weighing you down. Built from 154CM stainless steel with a DLC-coated blade and striking Cerakote Guava handles, it blends corrosion resistance with toughness, an important balance for saltwater use. Closed, it measures 4" and rides easily on a belt loop or clipped to gear with the integrated carabiner, ready to unfold into pliers, wire cutters, and a large bit driver. The 2.6" plain-edge clip point blade deploys one-handed through a thumb hole and locks in place with a linerlock, giving it the feel of a dedicated knife within the multitool’s 6" overall frame. At only 5 oz, it disappears until needed, but the onboard bit storage and combination of cutting, gripping, and fastening tools make this Leatherman a capable partner on deck. Proudly made in the USA.
Gerber
Center Drive Rescue (Black)
The Gerber Center Drive Rescue is engineered for emergencies where reliability can’t be compromised. Built around a 3.25" 420HC stainless steel blade with a black coated finish, it opens one-handed through a thumb slot, locking solidly into place for controlled cutting in high-stress situations. The 4.75" closed frame houses an array of rescue-focused tools, from a strap cutter that slices quickly through harness webbing to a pry bar and nail puller for forcing open compartments. A magnetic center-axis bit driver keeps screws aligned like a full-sized driver, while an awl, file with coarse and fine sides, and a bottle opener add everyday utility. Measuring just under 5" closed, it carries comfortably yet delivers full-size plier strength when opened, with replaceable wire cutters integrated into the jaws. Secured in a MOLLE-compatible nylon sheath, the Gerber Center Drive Rescue offers sailors a versatile multitool designed to answer both sudden emergencies and routine deck work. Proudly made in the USA.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.









