Rigging knives

[markwesti]

In the circles I sail in not many have them , I on the other hand love them . In fact I'm a collector which for some reason did not sit well with Ms.westi , yeah I don't know either . I got rid of most but I kept a few . I'll start with this one , can I see yours ?

[a64pilot]

All I have is an old Buck, which apparently is not a real Buck as it will not stay sharp, got a recommendation? I value holding an edge over rust proof


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[markwesti]

[QUOTE=a64pilot;2261400]All I have is an old Buck, which apparently is not a real Buck as it will not stay sharp, got a recommendation? I value holding an edge over rust proof
The Buck 315 yachtsman is a pretty cool knife , I think . What have you been cutting with it ? The new synthetics will dull a knife real fast . To answer your question about what knife holds a edge , I hate to say this because it obsoleted all my knives the "new" ceramics are wicked sharp , cut the new stuff no problem and they are so cheap when they do get dull just get another one . But I still want to see your knives . mw.

[Sailmonkey]

I've got a Boye riggers knife.....it holds an edge exceptionally well when sawing on spectra, and hasn't rusted yet

https://boyeknives.com/images/knife-with-pointers.png

[roverhi]

I have not seen a knife that cuts all kinds of line from exotics to dacron better than a Boye knife. Unfortunately they cut into your wallet big time to buy. Will stick with my Myerchin till my rich uncle dies, forgot, he already died and left me with the funeral expense.

[brianlara 3]

WICHARD.

[StuM]

Left to right:
1. Wichard - main rigging knife, but not carried all the time.
2. Spiderco - always on my person, either clipped or in a pocket.
3. Ceramic paring knife - stays in the marlinspike dittybag for working with HMPE.
4. Cockpit knife - goes over the side if needed.
5. Cheapo from Whitworths - the one that I let others use.

[Paul Elliott]

Boye had a fire in their shop, and they had some of the cosmetically flawed blades for sale at a good discount. They may still be available. I love my Boye sheepfoot folder with the shackle key.

Re. Wichard, I bought some of the small stainless folders for my crew, and they didn't hold up at all. The locking mechanism jammed on some, and they all corroded way too quickly. Others have had great experience with Wichard, so perhaps my problems were specific to that particular low-cost model?

[conachair]

Originally Posted by markwesti

, can I see yours ?

Used for 99% of lx cable/ dyneema etc. Lives by the companion way. Always razor sharp with blades costing pennies.

[SVNeko]

I've got a bunch of 'em but I mostly use a leatherman.

[jdazey]

Mine is an old no-name with black plastic sides from the last century, maybe the century before that. It's carbon steel, needs a bit of attention from a scotchbrite pad and some WD40, but it takes and holds a very nice edge.

A Buck 55 is my everyday knife, but it's a pain to sharpen.

Cheers,

[chouliha]

Originally Posted by roverhi

I have not seen a knife that cuts all kinds of line from exotics to dacron better than a Boye knife. Unfortunately they cut into your wallet big time to buy. Will stick with my Myerchin till my rich uncle dies, forgot, he already died and left me with the funeral expense.

I second the response about Boye knives. We were given two of them as a gift by a cousin and I can't tell you how many times we say "Oh thank you Craig". What a fabulous piece of boat gear. I am so afraid I will drop the darn thing overboard.....

Safe Sailing

Chuck
Jacaranda
Tahiti

[markwesti]

This is my Myerchin , 440c blade holds edge nicely no rust of course . Marline spike is 303 ss I dropped the hole thing in the water once , washed it with fresh blade never rusted but the spike did it cleaned up though . A little Myerchin history . FAQ's About Myerchin

[Glenn C]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I've got a Boye riggers knife.....it holds an edge exceptionally well when sawing on spectra, and hasn't rusted yet

https://boyeknives.com/images/knife-with-pointers.png

+1 for the boyes. its amazing

[Suijin]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I've got a Boye riggers knife.....it holds an edge exceptionally well when sawing on spectra, and hasn't rusted yet

https://boyeknives.com/images/knife-with-pointers.png

I will vouch for this knife. I've had dozens of rigging knives and this is the best one, hands down. Boye is a legendary knife maker among knife aficionados, and the blade is made of his proprietary cobalt carbide. It's completely corrosion proof, is INSANELY sharp, and holds it's edge like nothing else I've ever owned. Because the carbide blade has some "tooth" in the metal composition, it cuts through virtually anything like butter, to the point of being dangerous. Will cut through 5/8" double braid with one easy stroke, and high tech lines with not much more than that.

Some other great attributes:
- It's thin and light. Easy to clip into shorts, a harness
- Belt clip and marlin spike are both titanium
- Super durable, hand-made quality

BUT, it's expensive. You could argue that the best rigging knife is the one you're willing to lose or drop in the drink and not get upset about it, but on pure performance and design, this one is king.



I'm not a Myerchin fan. Their stuff is so heavy and bulky that I find them more like nav table ornaments than anything else. Yes they are beautiful, but not so practical. I want something that I can keep on me that does not remind me constantly that it is there.

I also keep a couple of Morakniv SS Companion fixed blades, one at the helm and one at the mast. They are cheap at $15 each, sharp as hell, and moderately corrosion resistant if cared for. I coat the blades every couple of months as insurance since they are outside 24/7.