NRS Pilot Knife
- An excellent knife for freshwater boating and rescue. For saltwater use, choose the NRS Titanium Pilot Knife.
- The cutting edge has both smooth and serrated sections plus a rope cutting hook.
- The blunt tip design protects against unintentional puncture of your gear or yourself! Also doubles as a flat-head screwdriver.
- The unique sheath firmly locks the knife in place and only lets it go when you squeeze both sides of the release.
- The contoured handle and rubberized grip gives you maximum control of the blade.
- The sheath clip attaches firmly to a PFD lash tab.
- The handle has a built in glass breaking tip on the end.
- Also included is a bottle opener in the handle of the knife.
- Blade Material: 420 HC Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Glass-reinforced polypropylene with TPR over mold
- Sheath Material: Fiberglass-reinforced nylon
- Total Length: 7.38"
- Blade Length: 3"
- Weight: 5.5 oz
- Knife only Weight: 3.5 oz
- Blade Edge: Smooth and serrated
- Blade Tip: Blunt
-
Features:
- Matte finish on yellow handle model
- PVD coating on black handle model
- Rope cutting hook
- Glass-breaking point at handle end
- Square hole in handle doubles as a valve wrench for an Oxygen tank
- Bottle opener hole in handle
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 77 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
83%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable grip (59)
- Easy to use (54)
- Versatile (49)
- Sharp blade (47)
- Good weight (45)
Cons
- Poor craftsmanship (5)
Best Uses
- Kayak / canoe / rafting (61)
- Survival (30)
- Day trip (29)
- Backcountry camping (23)
- Camping (20)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (5), Avid adventurer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (66), Yes (9)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Knife
This is great knife to have on the river. First trip out with the knife I had to use it to cut down an old swing rope to help unpin a kayak under a rock...Read complete review
This is great knife to have on the river. First trip out with the knife I had to use it to cut down an old swing rope to help unpin a kayak under a rock. Having a knife on your vest every time you are on the river is extremely helpful. The holder keeps the knife tight and never budges. I would completely recommend this knife.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Awesome knife needs defect fixed
I work as a Paramedic in WA State. I recently purchased this knife for my swiftwater rescue gear and am very happy with it but must now send it back due to the soft rubber...Read complete review
I work as a Paramedic in WA State. I recently purchased this knife for my swiftwater rescue gear and am very happy with it but must now send it back due to the soft rubber on the handle peeling away from the blade. I am not one to complain but I purchased this knife last month. I would recommend using a harder rubber material on the handle. If this defect can be fixed, all the other features the Pilot has to offer makes this is an awesome knife.
Reviewed by 77 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-5
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Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Good Weight
Cons
Best Uses
- Backcountry Camping
- Campgrounds
- Day Trips
- River Trips
- Road Trips
- Survival
Comments about NRS Pilot Knife:
For my use (Daily Carry, Swift Water Rescue, EMS, Etc.) Find the item very useful and great for my profession.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- Easy To Use
- Sharp Blade
Cons
- Too large
Best Uses
- River Trips
Comments about NRS Pilot Knife:
Though the knife is exactly as described on the nrs website, when I attached it to my pfd, I realized why the co-pilot is offered. The knife is pretty big. I'm not unhappy with the product, but I wish I'd read the product description more carefully
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Good Weight
- Sharp Blade
- Versatile
Cons
- Better If Green
Best Uses
- Fire Dept Swift Water
Comments about NRS Pilot Knife:
Great knife and holster, easy to secure to vest or gear. The holster holds well and is easy to release when needed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Good Weight
- Sharp Blade
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Backcountry Camping
- Campgrounds
- River Trips
- Survival
Comments about NRS Pilot Knife:
I purchased mine in 2008 while working as a river guide. I have since used it both on and off the water as a professional rescuer and instructor. I have found that the grip is easily cleaned with baking soda and a toothbrush. I have had some surficial corrosion on the blade and handle but no significant rust. (Mine is not coated but rather a polished steel finish) The sheath/mount has held up longer than 2 PFDs. I have used all of the feature on the knife for their intended purposes and must agree that the handle is a little small when using the window breaker. As a river knife, there is none better. I highly recommend this knife.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Grip
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Good Weight
- Sharp Blade
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Backcountry Camping
- Campgrounds
- Day Trips
- River Trips
- Road Trips
- Survival
Comments about NRS Pilot Knife:
I use the knife on my rescue PDF for swifwater. I don't have to worry about the knife falling out of the holster and it's not a sharp tip, so if I drop it, no worries about the raft or other people getting hurt.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-5
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Do you have questions about this product?
get answers from real customers and in-house experts with AnswerBox.
- NRS Pilot Knife
Q:
in the description it says that the yellow one has a Matte finish and the black one has a PVD coating. Is one finish/coating better than the other? Is one of them easier to clean than the other?Asked on 5/11/2013 by mitch from the open road7 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
Not sure if one is better than the other. I purchased the black one and is seems to just be a matte finish and does not have any special coating. Good river knife I would recommend itAnswered on 5/13/2013 by Anonymous
A:
Mitch, there's no functional difference in the two coatings. They are both designed to minimize corrosion.Answered on 5/13/2013 by Clyde from NRSVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Hello
We use only the yellow ones for our marine activities, the are quite easy to clean, very durable, and an excellent product!
Mike Christie
ATREC Inc.
http://atrec-inc.comAnswered on 5/12/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I would say they are not any harder to clean than the other. The orange one
has a nice polish to it. The black one is more of a matt. But I wouldnt say
it effects how easy it comes clean. Great knives! I love mine.Answered on 5/12/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Both finishes protect the blade from corrosion and wear. You won't have
issues from either. The difference is cosmetics, so pick the one you like
best. This is an easy pick cause its a win-win scenario. You won't be
disappointed either way.Answered on 5/11/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I don't think the coatings are different. The black knife will be more difficult to find than the bright colors if you drop it in the river.Answered on 5/11/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Don't know about the different coatings/finishes. They're probably the same. I've got the black one (think they were sold out of the yellow at the time).
I use it in salt water, Pacific Ocean. Curious, I don't remember the titanium for salt water option mentioned when I bought it.
Mine rusts easily, but it doesn't spread, so it's not going to disintegrate.
It's easy to sharpen, seems to keep the edge.
I leave it attached to my PFD, hose it off after weekly paddles, don't do any other maintenance. Sharpen it once a year or so.
I don't maintain it as much as I should but I can count on it to do what it's supposed to do. (There's no tetanus risk from the rust)
Ideally I would sharpen it, then coat it with wax--or I should've got the titanium one.
The plastic parts, handle, mounting bracket are all bulletproof. I attached it to my PFD with plastic cable ties.
The bracket works good, it is one handed which is essential. It's never once popped out by accident.
I like the blunt screwdriver tip. In a kayak on the water a sharp point is more of a hazard than a help.
If you need a knife to cut lines in an emergency, get the hook knife. That'll hook the line or strap and then you just pull to cut. It'll also be safer if you jumbled and tangled. Firefighters and EMTs have these for seat belts.
I once used it to pry open a GPS to change batteries, calm day, flat seas. Little slip and cut myself. So if you need a screwdriver and a knife, get one of each, unless you're only going to pry or screw on the beach.
Be safe, see you on the water.
WillAnswered on 5/11/2013 by Anonymous
- NRS Pilot Knife
Q:
Would this knife be a good tool for a beach life guard as I need a rescue knife?(if not any alternatives)Asked on 3/27/2013 by Caleb from Florida10 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yeah just get ti model won't rust on you...
Sent from my iPhoneAnswered on 3/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
It's a great knife. I have three of them and take them down the river all
the time.
They are always in the water and do not tarnish.Answered on 3/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
It's great for urgent needs on whitewater...quickly cutting thru snagged
netting on the main fork of tye salmon river idaho so our raft wouldn't
flip...so I imagine it would fit most of your situations---unless you're
battling a great white sharkAnswered on 3/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
YES, I keep it on my life vest in case I need to cut a rope. Quick to get
out and use.Answered on 3/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
This is a great knife for moving water rescue where you may get boats hung up on sweepers, have to rig z-pulleys to free hang-ups and other line handling chores. My imagination can’t picture needing anything this hefty at the beach, however, myself, having never guarded any where but a waterfront on a lake, I think this is overkill. If this knife comes in a downsized version, I suspect it would be just perfect for the beach. Have a safe and happy waterfront career.Answered on 3/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
It is a great choice. I have used it as a marine patrol and lifeguard staff for a number of years.
Sent from my iPadAnswered on 3/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I am not familiar with all the needs of beach rescues, but it should work.. I have used it on a few river rescues. It has a rope cutting slot and one side of the knife has a sharp serrated blade. The sheath holds the knife secure. Not sure how you will fasten it to your speedo?Answered on 3/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I do not know the scope of life guard duties. I use(d) the pilot for a cutting tool as a rescue diver and for sea kayaking. It is a great tool. Easy to access, control and replace even with gloves on. I did have one of the the center mount keepers break off while ice diving. Very cold that day and I think it just got brittle. I would buy this again and have as a gift for a fellow diver and paddler.Answered on 3/27/2013 by AnonymousA:
It's a great knife. The sheath is designed to fit on a life jacket lash tab or a belt. If that doesn't work for you consider a folding knife, like the Wingman, Item # 2771, that you can slip in a pocket. If your duties are on salt water you should consider the Titanium Pilot, Item # 27571, for its corrosion resistance. The non-titanium Pilot will require regular rinsing and oiling to prevent some rusting in salt water usage.Answered on 3/28/2013 by Clyde from NRS
- NRS Pilot Knife
Q:
Can this knife be attached to a belt?Asked on 2/26/2013 by Lee from United States12 answers
VERIFIED BUYER
A:
I don't see why not.
Sent from my iPhoneAnswered on 2/26/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yes... you could attach the knife to a belt. Depending on how thick the belt is will determine how tight the knife clip is. I have mine attached to my PFD.
Hope this helps!
TedAnswered on 3/13/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yes. The plastic sheath has a clip that will attach to a belt.Answered on 3/9/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I suppose it could, provided the width of the belt is similar to the lash tab you would find on a PFD.Answered on 2/26/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I think it would clip on a belt ok. Maybe it¹d have to be a leather belt. I
have only clipped it to my life jacket in those clips on the jacket that are
specifically made for knife sheaths. Hope this helpsAnswered on 2/26/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yes the sheath is designed to go on a belt or lash point. If you are going to use it on a belt you may have to limit the width of the belt as the clip is rigid and non adjustable.
Craig
Sent from my iPadAnswered on 2/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
I imagine. I've got it on my PFD on 1.5 inch webbing, so a thicker belt should work fine. It does have a habit of coming loose, unless 2X checked for being clipped in. Found it in the bottom of a rubber raft once!Answered on 2/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Lee:
It works better attaching it to one of your back pack straps, up around
your chest is the handiest and most out of the way place I’ve found.
Attaching it to your belt can put it right where your arms go and be really
annoying, particularly since it’s going to catch on stuff.
RAnswered on 2/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yes this knife sheath has a traditional clip and not a closed belt loop. The clip itself is fairly wide so, if you are attaching it to a PFD Lash Tab it fits very snugly. At the end of the clip it also has a little stopper tab that will catch the bottom of the belt stoping it from sliding off. Love this knife.Answered on 2/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
Yes it can. It attached to a belt, a life jacket a strap on a backpack, a
fannypack any belt or piece of webbing.Answered on 2/27/2013 by AnonymousVERIFIED BUYER
A:
This knife is a slightly updated design from mine, so, I can only qualify my answer by saying what my knife is like.
There is a very strong clip on the back of the knife, however, I think it may be insecure if your belt was slick nylon.Answered on 2/28/2013 by Anonymous
- NRS Pilot Knife
Q:
I currently have a NRS pilot knife. What is the cost for an additional sheath?Asked on 2/19/2013 by Brad from Spring, TX1 answer
A:
Hi Brad, an extra sheath is $5.00, Item # 27551.Answered on 2/19/2013 by Clyde from NRS
