The Best Knife For Kayaking In 2024: Recommendations & Advice

Hailey Abbott By, Hailey Abbott
Updated
Best knife for kayaking
Best knife for kayaking

Our Top Picks

1. Best Of The Best: KastKing Bait Knife and Fillet Knife, 7 inch Fillet Knife

KastKing has designed high quality fillet knives that will maintain their edge longer than any other knife in both fresh and saltwater applications. The new 7" and 5" fillet knives utilize premium, razor sharp G4116 German Stainless-Steel blades with a beautiful black finish. They are the perfect size for all your fishing needs. Read Review

2. Best Performance: NRS Pilot Knife (Orange)

The NRS Pilot Knife is a versatile, lightweight, and durable folding knife. With glass-reinforced nylon sheath and smooth & serrated blade sections, the Pilot Knife can take on heavy duty jobs with ease. The steel retention clip holds the blade securely in place when not in use. Read Review

3. Budget Pick: Gear Aid Akua Blunt Tip Resuce Knife with Serrated Blade and Sheath

Ideal for self-defense and rescue, the Gear Aid Akua Blunt Tip Resuce Knife with Serrated Blade and Sheath includes a sheath mountable virtually anywhere with the removable belt clip, lash tab mount, and MOLLE compatible 1 webbing mount. The blade is lightweight and weighs only 5.6 ounces and includes a bottle opener and glass breaker at the opposite end. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Use: NRS Co-Pilot Knife Yellow One Size

The Co-Pilot Knife is a multi-functional knife that has been designed for outdoor enthusiasts. This knife comes with a blunt tip and a bottle opener which makes this knife perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing and more. Read Review

If you have ever been on a kayaking expedition, you must know that the environment on water is very different from the one on land. You cannot just use your regular kitchen knife to cut through the rope or skin of an animal that you are trying to catch. Therefore, it is essential for you to pack a good quality kayak knife with yourself before heading for any such excursions.

If you are planning to explore remote lakes and rivers by kayak in the future, it is best not to panic now. Packing a quality kayak knife will not only give you peace of mind but will also help keep you safe and secure during such expeditions. Here in this article, we will discuss some of the top tips that can help you choose the perfect one for your needs.

We have chosen many of the good items currently available, including KastKing Bait Knife and Fillet Knife, 7 inch Fillet Knife - our favorite one. We also provide you with NRS Pilot Knife (Orange) model that you may consider if the top product is not your choice.

You will be surprised at the information we are about to share below! Let's explore the special features of products from famous brands including Kastking, Nrs, Gear aid, Morakniv, Gerber gear, Aqua lung, Scuba choice, Northwest river supply right here.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 KastKing Bait Knife and Fillet Knife, 7 inch Fillet Knife
Our Score:
9.9
KastKing
  • Razor Sharp Stainless Blades – All new KastKing fishing fillet knives and the 5” Bait Knife utilize premium, razor sharp G4116 German Stainless-Steel blades with a beautiful black finish. KastKing fillet knives will maintain their edge longer in both fresh and saltwater applications and make the job of cutting baits, filleting fish of all sizes and steaking large game fish easier than ever before.
  • The Right Knife For The Job - The 5” Bait Knife is stiff and strong, it has a serrated top edge that makes cutting frozen bait quick and easy. The razor-sharp leading edge allows the fisherman to easily prepare both chunk and cut plug style baits. The 6”, 7” & 9” Fillet Knives are not only sharp and but also have the perfect flexibility so the knife will follow natural contours for perfect fillets. The 9” Steaking Knife is a powerhouse for steaking big game fish like salmon, tuna and more.
  • Includes Protective Knife Sheath – Each knife includes a light-weight and durable sheath to protect the blade and keep you safe in between jobs. The unique design of the sheath will lock the handle in for safety but removes easily when needed. The open slots in the sheath are design to allow water to drain easily so that your knives stay dry and sharp.
  • Affordable Innovation – KastKing fishing knives are available in the most requested lengths and shapes so that you’ll always have the right tool for the job. Available from a beautiful 5” bait knife all the way to a tough 9” steaking knife for the biggest game fish. All KastKing fishing tools are covered by our total peace of mind warranty against the workmanship and materials for the original owner. We have total confidence in the quality of all KastKing fishing tools and so will you.
  • Non-Slip Super Polymer Grip - We use the most comfortable and slip-resistant, super polymer grips for your safety and comfort. These handles feel great in your hand and ensure that you always have a solid grip on your fillet knife. These handles also clean up easily and stay looking good longer.
TOP Choice #2 NRS Pilot Knife (Orange)
Our Score:
9.8
NRS
  • Glass-reinforced polypropylene w/ TPR over-molded handle
  • 4.9 oz, 420 HC stainless steel blade w/ mirror finish
  • Steel retention clip
  • Glass-reinforced nylon sheath, Smooth & serrated sections of blade
  • Rope cutting hook, Blunt tip/flathead screwdriver
  • Easily access the fixed blade knife with the quick release sheath, simply press the thumb tab and pull
  • Its sheath mounts virtually anywhere with the removable belt clip, lash tab mount, and MOLLE compatible 1 webbing mount
  • Lightweight, full-tang knife weighs only 5. 6 oz. and includes bottle opener and glass breaker at the opposite end
  • The stainless-steel and blunt tip blade won’t pierce inflatables; use it as a screwdriver or to pry open shellfish
  • Titanium-coated 3” blade is armed with a line/cord cutter and straight and serrated edge to cut rope, fishing line, and food
4 NRS Co-Pilot Knife Yellow One Size
Our Score:
9.4
NRS
  • Doubles as a screwdriver
  • Smooth and serrated edges
  • Squeeze on both sides to open
  • Blunt safety tip
  • Bottle opener
  • Blade thickness: 0.078 inches, blade length: 3.7 inches, total length: 9.25 inches, net weight: 2.7 ounces
  • Cork overlayed polymer handle offers floatation and grip, while high-visibility orange color makes it easy to locate the knife if lost in the water
  • Serrated blade is designed for cutting rope, fibers, nylon, and other materials; rounded blade tip and finger guard prevents injury
  • 3.7-inch fixed-blade floating knife, with serrated stainless steel blade and blunt tip, for boating, fishing and marine applications
  • Includes hard plastic quick-connect Combo-Sheath for attaching a second knife and sheat; made in Sweden
  • Sheath with quick release lock
  • Blunt tip, serrated blade made with high polished, corrosion resistant 420HC steel
  • Built in the USA
  • Glass filled nylon handle
  • Limited Lifetime warranty
  • Comes with variable mounting options including; Molded belt clip and buoyancy compensator pocket mounting hardware.
  • 340 stainless steel.
  • Patented Locking mechanism securely locks knife in sheath, but releases easily with a squeeze of the handle.
  • Nylon with fiberglass fill handle and sheath for superior impact and abrasion resistance.
  • 5.1cm (2 in.) blade, 9.5cm (3 1/2 in.) overall length, 18.4cm (7 1/2 in.) including the handle extension webbing.
  • Back mounted webbing clip on the sheath
  • Available colors: Black and Blue
  • Blade length: 2-3/4"
  • Blade material: Stainless Steel #304
9 NRS Green Knife Green/Black One Size
Our Score:
8.5
Northwest River Supply
  • Holds a clean edge
  • Won't weigh you down or crowd your pockets
  • Tough all-purpose boating and camping knife
  • handy bottle opener includes a lanyard hole
  • Opens with one hand
  • The sheath clip attaches firmly to your PFD lash tab
  • A razor-sharp smooth section for finer cutting
  • The hybrid blade includes a serrated section for quickly cutting rope and webbing
  • Lightweight, stronger than steel and holds a sharp edge
  • A low-profile, friction-release sheath holds the knife securely

What Are the Most Critical Aspects of best knife for kayaking That You Should Concentrate on?

You must know the best knife for kayaking to make a substantial purchase. There's a slew of additional issues which have to be looked at and assessed. Each commodity has its own set of difficulties. As a result, you can rely on us to give you comprehensive counsel and support.

You might quickly become overwhelmed in your quest for the best knife for kayaking because there are so many models and features. Avoid being suffocated by an expensive item that only serves to take up room in your cupboard by following our advice.

Visibility

Diver knives can often come in brightly-colored designs. The knife was not designed to be worn with your swimming trunks, contrary to popular belief. Bright colors can be easily seen if your knife is dropped while you dive. The same rules apply if you are in need of a knife during an emergency.

Foldable Or Fixed

You have two options for the dive knife: foldable and fixed. There are many benefits.
The use of fixed knives is very simple and quick. You can simply remove the fixed diving knife from its sheath and you are ready to go. This is a quick and easy process.
While folding knives can be difficult to open, it is possible to store them more conveniently. Because they are much less likely to be damaged or lost, folding knives can also make diving knives safer.
Both fixed and foldable dive knives can be used effectively and are both sufficient. However, each has its own benefits.

Attachment Features

You will have to attach the dive knife to your body in some manner. You can attach the knife to your body with straps, a belt, a lanyard or pocket clip.
Straps are the best way to attach your dive knife. The sheath will have two straps, one at the handle and the one on the blade. For quick access, this will ensure that the sheath is securely attached to your leg.
You can attach the knife to your body via a lanyard, tether or rope. The lanyard can be held by string or rope to ensure it does not sink to the bottom.
A locking mechanism is another feature that may be found on knives. This will ensure the knife stays in its sheath. It is essential as this will protect the knife against accidental fall out of its sheath when diving.

Blade Size

Your dive knife will most likely be used underwater so it needs to be easy to open and use. It will be much easier to use a small knife underwater than a larger one.
A dive knife's blade should measure between 3 and 5 inches. A blade that is more than five inches in length can make it difficult or dangerous to use underwater. Blades of 3 to 5 inches are not likely to work underwater.
To be effective and most easy to use, a diving knife blade should not exceed 3 inches in length but must not exceed 5 inches.

Blade Edge & Tip

Diver knives can be purchased with either straight or serrated cutting edges. For cutting through dense materials and sawing, serrated knives work well. Straight edges can be used for more precise cutting.
You can find dive knives with both blunt and sharp tips. The blunt tips of dive knives are very useful for prying or digging. Because you don't want to accidentally poke anything, blunt tips can be useful when working in tight spaces. The cutting edge of sharp tips curves towards the end and has a very long length. They are useful in any circumstance where the horizontal cutting edge is not possible. Tanto blades are also worth mentioning.

Blade Material

The knife blade will rust easily from saltwater and sand. The knife blade must be capable of withstanding saltwater submersion without becoming rusty. Titanium and stainless steel are the best materials to resist corrosion and rust.
Titanium is more resistant to corrosion and rust than stainless steel. You will need to clean stainless steel after every dive, as saltwater and sand could quickly corrode the blade and make it dull.
Titanium has a higher resistance to corrosion and rust than other metals. Although titanium may be more expensive upfront, the rewards will outweigh it.

FAQs

Should I Choose A Black Blade For My Dive Knife?

Divers can also be attracted to or scared off by shiny knives. This will usually not cause any problems as your knife will stay in its sheath. If you plan on using your knife frequently, you may want to opt for a dark blade. This will prevent you from being bitten by any underwater predators. A black knife is more difficult to find than shiny metal ones in case a diver drops it.

How Many Knives Should I Carry?

Two knives are a must for experienced divers. In case one or both of them get lost, it is a good idea to have a second knife. One knife should be within reach of you right hand, such as your inflatorhose. The other one should be within reach of your left (such like your BCD waistband or weight belt). You will be able reach the knife you need even if your arm gets caught up. Do not carry too many knives. This can make you feel awkward and could lead to weight gain.

Can I Use Dive Knives Against Sharks?

It is crucial that you don't provoke underwater predators like sharks or barracudas when you dive. They won't attack you unless you feel threatened. If they do, they will most likely snap at your face and flee. The water pressure in depth can make your movements slow and clumsy, making it very unlikely that you could use your knife to defend yourself against the lightning-fast attacks of underwater predators. Even if you were able to fight back, it would make matters worse since more predators would be looking for blood. You need to be able to safely dive with sharks. If the situation becomes dangerous, it's time to get out of the water.

How Do You Care For Dive Knives?

They are strong and will last for many years if they are well maintained. Soak the sheath, strap and knife in cool water after every dive. It will remove any grit, salt or chemicals that could cause damage to the material. Before you store it, dry everything completely. Use a bit of silicone oil to coat the knife. If you've been using the knife a lot, it may be necessary to sharpen it before storage. Sharpening knives is an excellent idea after each dive to ensure they remain sharp for your next diving trip. Keep knives out of reach of children.

Are Knife Straps That Go Around Your Leg Safe To Use?

The knife should be low-profile and flush with the leg. Most experienced divers prefer to place their knife inside the leg, particularly those diving in wrecks and other areas susceptible to entanglement. This will keep the knife in between your legs and prevent it from becoming entangled. You can attach smaller diving knives to your BCD/inflator hose, so you are able to reach them more quickly if they get caught up. Divers often carry more than one knife or cut tool, with one attached to the BCD and one for the inner leg.

What Type Of Dive Knife Should I Use?

Divers can choose from a variety of knives, each with a different purpose. A combination of a regular and serrated knife is best for cutting tough ropes like those used in fishing nets. This knife can also be used to cut thin fishing lines with its line-cutting notch. Consider what type of diving you do before you purchase a second blade. A stiletto knife is useful for spear fishers as it will quickly kill the catch and keep them from being spooked by predators. You can purchase more durable blades that can be used for different tasks, such as sawing and prying.

After all, it's time for you to pick up your buddy based on the things above. Don't waste your time at any unreliable site. As mentioned above, our website includes not only interesting information but authoritative one, so that you should come to us as regularly as possible.

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About Hailey Abbott

Hailey Abbott
Hailey Abbott is an outdoor enthusiast and freelance writer for CampfireHQ. She has a passion for hunting and fishing, which she often enjoys with her family and friends. Hailey also enjoys staying active through sports such as golf, basketball, and softball. Hailey has worked as an editor for several years, providing content that is both accurate and engaging. She has also had the opportunity to interview numerous experts in various fields. This wealth of experience gives her a unique perspective when writing about the outdoors and other topics.

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