Best Rigging Knife for Sailing: Top Picks for 2023

If you’re a sailor or a boater, having a reliable rigging knife is a must. Not only is it a versatile tool for cutting ropes, but it can also be used for a variety of other tasks on board. The best rigging knives are designed to be durable, sharp, and easy to handle.

When choosing a rigging knife, there are a few critical things you should consider. First, the blade material should be strong enough to withstand the harsh marine environment. Stainless steel is a popular choice for rigging knives because it’s resistant to corrosion and can hold an edge well. Second, the blade length should be appropriate for your needs. A longer blade may be necessary for cutting thicker ropes, while a shorter blade may be more maneuverable in tight spaces. Finally, the handle should be comfortable to grip and provide a secure hold, even when wet.

After researching and testing several rigging knives, we’ve identified the top options for sailors and boaters. These knives are designed to meet the demands of the marine environment and provide reliable performance when you need it most.

Why You Need a Good Rigging Knife

As someone who learned to sail on the San Francisco Bay, I know firsthand the importance of having a reliable rigging knife on board. The Bay’s notoriously strong winds and currents can make sailing challenging, and having the right tools can make all the difference in staying safe and comfortable on the water.

I vividly remember one particularly windy day when I was out on the Bay with a group of friends. We were about to tack when we suddenly heard a loud ripping sound. It turned out that the jib sheet had become tangled in the rigging, and we needed to quickly cut it loose before it caused any damage to the boat or sails. Thankfully, I had my trusty rigging knife with me, and was able to quickly and safely cut the sheet free.

That experience taught me the importance of always having a rigging knife within reach while on the water. Beyond emergencies like the one I experienced, a good rigging knife can also be useful for everyday tasks like cutting lines, opening packages of food, or even just as a general tool for on-board repairs.

Of course, not all rigging knives are created equal. When choosing a knife for sailing, it’s important to consider factors like blade material, handle grip, and overall durability. In my experience, some of the best rigging knives for sailing are those that are made from high-quality stainless steel, have a serrated edge for cutting through tough materials, and feature a secure grip that won’t slip even when wet.

Best Rigging Knives

If you’re an avid sailor or boater, you know the importance of having a reliable rigging knife on board. Whether you need to cut through thick ropes, lines, or even fish, a good rigging knife can make all the difference. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best rigging knives available. From durable stainless steel blades to comfortable, ergonomic handles, these knives are sure to meet all of your boating needs. So whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting out, read on to find your perfect rigging knife.

Davis Instruments Deluxe Rigging Knife

If you’re looking for a reliable rigging knife for your boating or backcountry needs, the Davis Instruments Deluxe Rigging Knife is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Made from top quality stainless steel for durability
• Features a marlin spike, slot head screwdriver, and shackle key for versatile use
• Comes with a stainless steel loop to attach a lanyard for easy carrying

Cons

• The blade may arrive dull and require sharpening
• The hinge holding the knife and tools may be weak and prone to bending with regular use
• The blade may not be sharp enough to cut through rope out of the box

This sturdy rigging knife is a necessary tool to keep onboard your vessel or handy in the backcountry. The marlin spike, slot head screwdriver, and shackle key make it a versatile tool for sailors, powerboaters, fishermen, and survivalists alike. The stainless steel loop also allows you to easily attach a lanyard for safe and secure carrying.

While the blade may arrive dull and require sharpening, once sharpened, it is durable and can be used to untie stubborn knots and loosen stainless and galvanized anchor shackles. However, the hinge holding the knife and tools may be weak and prone to bending with regular use. Additionally, the blade may not be sharp enough to cut through rope out of the box.

Overall, if you’re in need of a reliable rigging knife with versatile features, the Davis Instruments Deluxe Rigging Knife is a great option to consider.

Meyerco Sailor’s Tool

If you’re looking for an affordable and multi-functional rigging knife, the Meyerco Sailor’s Tool is worth considering.

Pros

• The compact design makes it easy to carry around.
• The marlinspike is robust and great for picking lines and untying knots.
• The price is budget-friendly.

Cons

• The edges on the body could be smoother.
• The blade is shorter than expected.
• The marlinspike doesn’t lock.

This knife is perfect for anyone who needs a practical rigging knife that won’t break the bank. The compact design, including a marlinspike, shackle key, bottle opener, and ruler, makes it easy to carry around and use when needed.

The marlinspike is robust and runs along the spine, making it great for picking lines and untying knots. However, it doesn’t lock, which may be a downside for some users. Additionally, the edges on the body could be smoother, but this is a minor issue considering the price point.

Overall, the Meyerco Sailor’s Tool is a reliable and budget-friendly option for anyone who needs a practical rigging knife.

Maxam Sailor’s Tool

If you’re looking for a practical and affordable rigging knife, the Maxam Sailor’s Tool might just be the one for you.

Pros

• The honed blade and marlinspike make it efficient for cutting and picking lines.
• The compact stainless-steel body makes it easy to carry around.
• The 2-inch ruler on one side and 5-cm on the other makes it useful for measuring.

Cons

• The lanyard ring might not be sturdy enough for rough use.
• The blade might not be sharp enough for heavy-duty cutting.
• The handle might be slippery when wet.

With a durably robust marlinspike running along the spine and a lanyard ring for secure storage, the Maxam Sailor’s Tool is a practical rigging knife that can easily be utilized to pick lines as well as loosen all kinds of difficult-to-untie knots. Featuring a honed blade, marlinspike, shackle key, bottle opener, and stainless-steel handle with a 2”-ruler on one side, 5-cm on the other, this functional sailor’s knife measures 6.125” long when opened and 3.75” closed.

The Maxam Sailor’s Tool is a dynamic nautical knife that’s designed for fast/easy cutting access and is efficiently packed in a sleek ruggedly compact stainless-steel body. Elegantly sleek, affordably stylish, and packaged in a nice gift box, Maxam’s Sailor’s Tool makes for a thoughtfully memorable as well as economical gift that’ll show any outdoor enthusiast just how much they mean to you.

In conclusion, the Maxam Sailor’s Tool is a great choice for anyone looking for a practical and affordable rigging knife. Whether you’re boating, fishing, camping, or engaging in any outdoor activity, this cutting-edge adventure gear is sure to come in handy.

Camillus Ti Marlin Spike Pocket Knife

If you’re in need of a reliable rigging knife, the Camillus Ti Marlin Spike Pocket Knife is a great option.

Pros

• The Carbonitride Titanium Non-Stick Blade is incredibly durable and long-lasting.
• The Rigid Marlin Spike with Lock is perfect for untying knots and other rigging tasks.
• The Hand Crafted Bamboo Handle is comfortable to hold and adds a stylish touch to the knife.

Cons

• The handle is prone to falling apart, so you may need to tighten the screws occasionally.
• The locking mechanism for the spike can be a bit tricky to figure out.
• The knife may rust if not properly cared for.

This pocket knife is a great tool for sailors and anyone who needs a reliable rigging knife. The Carbonitride Titanium Non-Stick Blade is incredibly durable and long-lasting, making it perfect for cutting through rope and other tough materials. The Rigid Marlin Spike with Lock is also a great feature, as it makes untying knots and other rigging tasks much easier.

One thing to keep in mind is that the handle is prone to falling apart, so you may need to tighten the screws occasionally. Additionally, the locking mechanism for the spike can be a bit tricky to figure out at first. Finally, the knife may rust if not properly cared for, so be sure to keep it clean and dry when not in use.

Overall, if you’re in need of a reliable rigging knife, the Camillus Ti Marlin Spike Pocket Knife is definitely worth considering.

Maxam 8.5″ Rigging Knife with Marlinspike

If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality rigging knife, the Maxam 8.5″ Rigging Knife with Marlinspike is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The full-tang German stainless steel blade is incredibly durable and well-balanced, making it easy to cut through even the toughest ropes and bushes.
• The included marlin spike is a great tool for undoing knots and shackles, and the shackle key in the blade is perfect for sailing and camping.
• The solid teak wood handle is comfortable to grip and securely attached to the tang, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping out of your hand.

Cons

• The bonded leather sheath that comes with the knife is not the highest quality and may not hold up well over time.
• The marlin spike is quite large, which may make it difficult to use for finer tasks.
• The knife is on the heavier side, which may make it less comfortable to carry around for long periods of time.

If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality rigging knife that can stand up to even the toughest conditions, the Maxam 8.5″ Rigging Knife with Marlinspike is definitely worth considering. The full-tang German stainless steel blade is incredibly durable and well-balanced, making it easy to cut through even the toughest ropes and bushes. The included marlin spike is a great tool for undoing knots and shackles, and the shackle key in the blade is perfect for sailing and camping. The solid teak wood handle is comfortable to grip and securely attached to the tang, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping out of your hand.

However, there are a few downsides to this knife that are worth considering. The bonded leather sheath that comes with the knife is not the highest quality and may not hold up well over time. Additionally, the marlin spike is quite large, which may make it difficult to use for finer tasks. Finally, the knife is on the heavier side, which may make it less comfortable to carry around for long periods of time.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality rigging knife that can stand up to tough conditions, the Maxam 8.5″ Rigging Knife with Marlinspike is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations and make sure it’s the right choice for your needs before making a purchase.

Get Our Free Sailing Gear Deals Guide!

Download this cheat sheet to sail faster, cheaper and smarter.

Download

By subscribing, you agree to get emails from me, Matt Giovanisci. I'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best rigging knife, there are a few key features that you should look for to ensure that you get a product that meets your needs. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Blade Material

The blade material is an essential factor to consider when choosing a rigging knife. The blade should be made of high-quality stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion and rust. Look for blades that are made of high-carbon stainless steel, which is known for its durability and strength.

Blade Shape and Size

The blade shape and size are also important factors to consider when choosing a rigging knife. A serrated blade is ideal for cutting through tough materials like rope and webbing, while a straight blade is better for slicing through softer materials. The blade size should be appropriate for the task at hand, so consider the types of materials you will be cutting and choose a blade size that will be effective.

Handle Material and Design

The handle material and design are also important factors to consider when choosing a rigging knife. Look for handles that are made of durable materials like rubber or plastic, which provide a good grip even when wet. The handle design should be ergonomic and comfortable to hold, so that you can use the knife for extended periods without experiencing fatigue.

Blade Locking Mechanism

A blade locking mechanism is an essential safety feature that prevents the blade from accidentally closing on your fingers while in use. Look for knives that have a secure locking mechanism that is easy to operate with one hand.

Additional Features

Some rigging knives come with additional features, such as a marlin spike or a shackle key. Consider whether these additional features will be useful to you in your work, and choose a knife that has the features that you need.

In summary, when choosing a rigging knife, look for a product that has a high-quality blade made of durable stainless steel, an ergonomic handle design, a secure blade locking mechanism, and any additional features that will be useful for your work.