Spyderco AssistI carry three things with me every time I go on deck. A Pelican Flashlight, Channel Locks and my knife. I have tried many and my absolute favorite knife is the Spyderco Assist!
What makes this the best knife?

  • Thanks to the sheepsfoot blade I know I’m not going to acciently stab myself in bad weather
  • It has a built in (really loud) whistle in case I go overboard.
  • It’s designed to open with one hand
  • Sypderco are simply the best quality knifes.
  • The combotip allows you to have the benefits of both a straight and serrated edge.
  • See the ridges on the back of the blade and again on the front of the handle? If you open the blade just enough to get a line in then squeeze the blade against the handle you’ll very safely cut the line.

How sharp does the knife have to be for the last “trick”? Very sharp but spyderco has Free Sharpening for life and a broken blade will never cost you more than $25 to replace. If you are looking for a simpler/thinner knife be sure to check out the Leatherman Rescue.
Leatherman Wave
If I don’t have my spyderco on me it means I’m carrying my second favorite knife; the Leatherman Wave. A great multipurpose knife since leatherman has an excellent warranty, each knife has both a straight edge and serrated blade. These blades are located on the outside of the knife so they are easily accessible with one hand.

With the Spyderco Assist being sold at Amazon for $59 and the Leatherman Wave on sale for $65 you can probably afford both and thank us the next time a storm rolls through during lines.

Amazon Links:

For more on this topic, check out the “Mariners Carrying Knives” discussion on gCaptain’s FORUM

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26 Responses to The Best Knives for the Pro-Mariner

  1. avatar Rich says:

    I have an old spyderco rescue for deck work that I used. But I also like the myerchin L300P for bumming around the quarters. Its the one with the pen light and marlin spike. Blade is not as sharp or as durable as the spyderco though.

    http://www.myerchin.com/L300P.html

  2. avatar Rich says:

    I have an old spyderco rescue for deck work that I used. But I also like the myerchin L300P for bumming around the quarters. Its the one with the pen light and marlin spike. Blade is not as sharp or as durable as the spyderco though.

    http://www.myerchin.com/L300P.html

  3. avatar Adam says:

    I like the myerchin too but I don’t like the pointed tip… at least not on deck

  4. avatar Adam says:

    I like the myerchin too but I don’t like the pointed tip… at least not on deck

  5. avatar celesticomper says:

    I agree, spyderco makes the best knifes!

  6. avatar celesticomper says:

    I agree, spyderco makes the best knifes!

  7. avatar Fred Fry says:

    Myerchin and Gerber knives for me. But I have never tried a Spyderco. I did break the blade of my first Myerchin while working as a damage inspector in the Port of Helsinki. Now that I know it is not indestructible, I treat the second one with a little more respect.

    Gerber does a great ‘Leatherman’

  8. avatar Fred Fry says:

    Myerchin and Gerber knives for me. But I have never tried a Spyderco. I did break the blade of my first Myerchin while working as a damage inspector in the Port of Helsinki. Now that I know it is not indestructible, I treat the second one with a little more respect.

    Gerber does a great ‘Leatherman’

  9. [...] / Sea of Azov disasters.gCaptain has “A Viking Ship Redesigned for Modern Use”gCaptain also has “The Best Knives for the Pro-Mariner” just in case your wondering to get your favorite sailor. I prefer Myerchin knives as well as [...]

  10. avatar CheckSix says:

    Based on the product review here for the Assist, I ordered one. Exceeds my expectations. Please note that the photo above represents an older model. The new Assist has a blunt squared off tip. Very sharp combo blade. I tested the rope cutting feature and it performs as reported. Apply Locktite to the clip anchor point, a drop of Breakfree CLP to the hinge lock point, and loop 12″-16″ of orange or red paracord to the knife.

  11. avatar CheckSix says:

    Based on the product review here for the Assist, I ordered one. Exceeds my expectations. Please note that the photo above represents an older model. The new Assist has a blunt squared off tip. Very sharp combo blade. I tested the rope cutting feature and it performs as reported. Apply Locktite to the clip anchor point, a drop of Breakfree CLP to the hinge lock point, and loop 12″-16″ of orange or red paracord to the knife.

  12. avatar Robert Hart says:

    When I worked on tall ships I used to carry one of Myerchin’s sheath rigging knives. It was a great blade that stood up pretty well. I’ve also used their folding knives before. The blade is excellent and the marlinspike is good for light use. However, if you’re going to be using the marlinspike for heavier duty actions like breaking shakles I wouldn’t reccomend it, I always feel like I’m going to break it off every time I put pressure on it.

  13. avatar Robert Hart says:

    When I worked on tall ships I used to carry one of Myerchin’s sheath rigging knives. It was a great blade that stood up pretty well. I’ve also used their folding knives before. The blade is excellent and the marlinspike is good for light use. However, if you’re going to be using the marlinspike for heavier duty actions like breaking shakles I wouldn’t reccomend it, I always feel like I’m going to break it off every time I put pressure on it.

  14. avatar Justin Bell says:

    I would have to say SOG knives are some of the best made.

  15. avatar Justin Bell says:

    I would have to say SOG knives are some of the best made.

  16. avatar bartvdv says:

    When working on deck, i swear by an Opinel knife.
    They are very resistant to grease and dirt, stay quite sharp, i like thus for my work on 'dirty dredgers'.
    (they dont have a spring-locking system)
    Above all they won't cost more then 15$.
    If you dislike the pointed shape, grind it away (goes without saying…)
    Ow, yeah, they float too, because of the wooden handle.

  17. avatar bartvdv says:

    When working on deck, i use Opinel knife.
    They are very resistant to grease and dirt, stay quite sharp, i like thus for my work on 'dirty dredgers'.
    (they dont have a spring-locking system)
    Above all they won't cost more then 15$.
    If you dislike the pointed shape, grind it away (goes without saying…)
    Ow, yeah, they float too, because of the wooden handle.

  18. avatar bartvdv says:

    When working on deck, i swear by an Opinel knife.
    They are very resistant to grease and dirt, stay quite sharp, i like thus for my work on 'dirty dredgers'.
    (they dont have a spring-locking system)
    Above all they won't cost more then 15$.
    If you dislike the pointed shape, grind it away (goes without saying…)
    Ow, yeah, they float too, because of the wooden handle.

  19. avatar bartvdv says:

    When working on deck, i use Opinel knife.
    They are very resistant to grease and dirt, stay quite sharp, i like thus for my work on 'dirty dredgers'.
    (they dont have a spring-locking system)
    Above all they won't cost more then 15$.
    If you dislike the pointed shape, grind it away (goes without saying…)
    Ow, yeah, they float too, because of the wooden handle.

  20. avatar bartvdv says:

    When working on deck, i swear by an Opinel knife.
    They are very resistant to grease and dirt, stay quite sharp, i like thus for my work on 'dirty dredgers'.
    (they dont have a spring-locking system)
    Above all they won't cost more then 15$.
    If you dislike the pointed shape, grind it away (goes without saying…)
    Ow, yeah, they float too, because of the wooden handle.

  21. avatar bartvdv says:

    When working on deck, i use Opinel knife.
    They are very resistant to grease and dirt, stay quite sharp, i like thus for my work on 'dirty dredgers'.
    (they dont have a spring-locking system)
    Above all they won't cost more then 15$.
    If you dislike the pointed shape, grind it away (goes without saying…)
    Ow, yeah, they float too, because of the wooden handle.

  22. avatar m scease says:

    I have to weigh in on the SOG, but Spyderco is the finest for straight purpose built. I love the clip, great for holding folding money on trip ashore and nothing better than having your knife handy on deck. When your balls are caught in the main sheet, nothing is worse than having to dig in your pocket for a knife.

  23. avatar m scease says:

    I have to weigh in on the SOG, but Spyderco is the finest for straight purpose built. I love the clip, great for holding folding money on trip ashore and nothing better than having your knife handy on deck. When your balls are caught in the main sheet, nothing is worse than having to dig in your pocket for a knife.

  24. avatar weski says:

    Great graduation presents and for those off for their sea terms!

  25. avatar weski says:

    Great graduation presents and for those off for their sea terms!

  26. avatar Gadget Newz says:

    [...] The Best Knives for the Pro-Mariner [...]