Most folks will only ever use there river knife to cut apples and spread peanut butter. Swiftwater emergencies that require knife use often include gear and rope entanglement. In that moment having the right gear is critical. A good knife should be are be reliable, durable, and functional in high-pressure situations, offering kayakers, rafters, and rescue professionals the ability to cut ropes, lines, or other entanglements in a swiftwater emergency. In this article, we’ll compare four popular river knives on the market—the CRKT Bear Claw, Gerber EZ-Rescue, Spyderco Assist Salt, and NRS CoPilot—focusing on their quality, features, and specific advantages.
1. CRKT Bear Claw
Overview: The CRKT Bear Claw is a favorite among rescue professionals and whitewater enthusiasts because of its efficient design and ease of use in high-stress situations. It's a fixed blade with sheath. With zip-ties you can get really creative with the pfd mounting options. The handle has a quarter sized eyelet to put your index finger in for extra grip.
Features:
Blade Type: Blunt-tip, curved, claw-shaped blade made from stainless steel.
Length: 3.0-inch blade; overall length is 6.5 inches.
Handle: Glass-reinforced nylon with a non-slip texture, designed for secure grip even in wet, cold, or gloved hands.
Sheath: Compatible sheath that can be attached to a personal flotation device (PFD), belt, or harness.
Pros:
The compact, curved blade is ideal for cutting ropes and webbing quickly and effectively.
The handle’s ergonomic design and texture make it very comfortable to hold, even in slippery conditions.
The fixed blade provides more stability and durability than folding options.
Lightweight and easy to attach to gear.
Cons:
The small blade may not be as versatile for cutting larger or thicker materials.
Some users may prefer a more traditional straight blade shape.
Conclusion: The CRKT Bear Claw is a great option for swiftwater rescue situations where quick cuts are needed. Its curved blade is specifically designed to handle rope and webbing, making it a reliable tool for rescue professionals. However, it may not be suitable for tasks requiring a larger or more general-purpose blade.
2. Gerber EZ-Rescue
Overview: The Gerber EZ-Rescue is a lightweight, compact knife designed specifically for swiftwater rescue operations. It stands out for its easy-to-use design and its ability to cut through various materials.
Features:
Blade Type: Blunt-tip serrated blade with a sharp, non-slip edge.
Length: 3.4-inch blade; overall length is 7.4 inches.
Handle: Glass-filled nylon with rubber overmolding for superior grip.
Sheath: Folding, clip attachment
Pros:
Simple, functional, no nonsense design.
Long straight serrated edge allows for easy cutting of ropes, webbing, and other tough materials.
It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry.
Cons:
Mounting options are more limited due to the clip style attachment.
The blunt-tip blade might limit some users in tasks that require piercing or stabbing.
Some may find the handle design less comfortable to use.
Conclusion: The Gerber EZ-Rescue is an excellent tool for rapid deployment and cutting through entangled materials. Its blunt-tip design and serrated edge make it a highly functional rescue knife. It’s especially suitable for kayakers and rafters who prioritize safety and ease of use.
3. Spyderco Assist Salt
Overview: The Spyderco Assist Salt is a high-end rescue knife built with advanced materials and designed for high-performance. It is well-built and expensive. Known for its corrosion resistance and versatility, it’s ideal for professional rescuers, and adopted by recreational whitewater enthusiasts.
Features:
Blade Type: VG-10 Serrated stainless steel blade with a blunt-tip and large finger choil.
Length: 3.3-inch blade; overall length is 7.3 inches.
Handle: Lightweight, fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle with ergonomic design.
Sheath: Folding, clip attachment
Pros:
The high quality stainless steel blade offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
The blunt tip provides safety during rescue operations, while the serrated edge handles tough materials like rope.
The knife’s overall quality and durability make it a long-term investment for serious rescuers.
Cons:
The higher price point may not be suitable for casual users or those on a budget.
The larger size and profile might not appeal to those who prefer more compact knives.
Conclusion: For those seeking a top-tier knife for swiftwater rescue, the Spyderco Assist Salt is hard to beat. Its exceptional corrosion resistance, comfortable design, and excellent blade quality make it a favorite for first responders and rescue professionals.
4. NRS CoPilot
Overview: The NRS CoPilot is a budget priced one quiver river knife designed specifically for whitewater paddlers and rafters. Known for its solid build and ease of use, the CoPilot is an affordable option for those in need of a reliable tool for emergency situations.
Features:
Blade Type: Blunt-tip, serrated blade made from stainless steel.
Length: 2.5-inch blade; overall length is 6.5 inches.
Handle: Molded rubber handle for a secure, slip-resistant grip.
Sheath: Custom sheath that attaches to a PFD
Pros:
Easy to use. Compact size.
The affordable price makes it an excellent option for recreational paddlers or casual users.
Cons:
Bulky sheath.
The blade is smaller compared to other knives on this list, which might limit its versatility for more challenging cutting tasks.
The blade material is stainless steel, which may not be as corrosion-resistant as high-end materials like VG-10 or titanium.
Conclusion: The NRS CoPilot is an excellent option for recreational kayakers and rafters who want a reliable, compact knife for basic rescue needs. While not as high-end as the other models, it offers a solid balance of performance and affordability.
Final Verdict:
Each of these river knives has unique features that make them suitable for different users and needs:
Best for Professional Rescuers: Spyderco Assist Salt – Superior corrosion resistance, top-quality blade material, and an ergonomic design make it the best choice for professionals who rely on their knife in extreme conditions.
Best Value for Recreational Paddlers: NRS CoPilot – A reliable, affordable knife for casual users who need something compact and functional without breaking the bank.
Best for Quick Access and Safety: Gerber EZ-Rescue – Its blunt-tip, serrated design makes it one of the safest and most effective knives for quick, emergency cuts during swiftwater rescues.
Best for Cutting Tough Materials: CRKT Bear Claw – Its curved blade excels at cutting through ropes and webbing, making it an excellent tool for those who need precision in tight situations.
Ultimately, the best river knife for you will depend on your specific needs, whether you prioritize blade quality, handle comfort, size, or safety features.
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