River Knife

D

dryflytrout

Joined
Jan 15, 2017
Messages
293
I'm looking for suggestions for a small lightweight fixed blade with a lash tab to attach to a PFD to take along while I fish, whitewater kayak, and work as a river guide. It seems like most of the other guide carry NRS knives like the co-pilot or Neko. While I don't typically prefer serrated blades, for this knife I think partially serrated is probably best. I'm sure the NRS knives are better than nothing, but I'd rather have a knife from a company known for making great knives if my life may depend on it someday.
Thanks!
 
Although it doesn't have a serrated edge, Spyderco has the new Waterway coming out soon. I intend it to be my next fishing knife when I can get one. As mentioned before, the Spyderco Salt series are probably what you are looking for.
43gp_1.png
 
You could contact some of the custom makers here and have a knife made of Vanax SuperClean, with the blade geometry and handle made to your specifications. Vanax is super stainless, very tough and with excellent wear resistance. I don't think you'll need serrations, unless you have some very specific application.

Why look for some production knife that approximates your needs when you can have a knife made specifically to your needs? A custom maker can also give you a blade with aggressive cutting abilities, such as edge shoulders 0.015 inches wide or less.
 
The Salt series is very close to what I'm looking for except I don't see a lash tab on the sheath to attach to my PFD. Possibly a Salt knife and a custom sheath could be the answer. I'd rather a fixed blade than a folder for a couple reasons. I'm left handed and I don't want a backwards knife, I just prefer fixed blades, and I'd rather not have it jammed full of sand and failing to open while I'm trapped underwater.
As far as having a custom commissioned, I don't really know all the geometry and shapes that would work best. I'm also new enough to kayaking and guiding that I'm not really sure what I'd use it for the most yet. Hopefully I wouldn't use it at really. But if I had to, a custom that someone else designed because I don't have the knowledge yet is pretty much the same as a production knife. It's still wouldn't be what I thought would be best for me.
 
I use the inexpensive Gerber River Shorty (small fixed blade). It has a blunt front edge for prying and serrated on one side. Take a look. One stays on my pfd all the time. It is there for river emergencies and little else. Did a search and they seem to be sold out most places but generally under $30 where available. I think I paid under $20 at Wallyworld when they had them in stock (ordered online and delivered to a local store).

Spydie Salt series would work, but I wanted a fixed blade as I will most likely still have my SAK in my pocket anyway.
 
Last edited:
I keep a Spyderco Pacific Salt on my PDF as my ECS. The Astral Norge has a pocket on it meant for a folding knife. Also, attached to the adjustment straps under my left armpit I have a Benchmade Rescue 8 hook.
 
dryflytrout said:
The Salt series is very close to what I'm looking for except I don't see a lash tab on the sheath to attach to my PFD. Possibly a Salt knife and a custom sheath could be the answer. I'd rather a fixed blade than a folder for a couple reasons. I'm left handed and I don't want a backwards knife, I just prefer fixed blades, and I'd rather not have it jammed full of sand and failing to open while I'm trapped underwater.
As far as having a custom commissioned, I don't really know all the geometry and shapes that would work best. I'm also new enough to kayaking and guiding that I'm not really sure what I'd use it for the most yet. Hopefully I wouldn't use it at really. But if I had to, a custom that someone else designed because I don't have the knowledge yet is pretty much the same as a production knife. It's still wouldn't be what I thought would be best for me.
Click to expand...
on salt folders. their midlocks. no issue for southpaws using but I get your other reasons.
 
I kayak fish and clip a Pacific Salt to my NRS Chinook lash tab and have a Dragonfly salt clipped in my pocket.

edit: whoops, saw you were looking for a fixed blade. Check out the hopefully soon to be released Waterway.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top