Below is a chart comparing some of the currently offered sailing knives that I own. The list does not include older patterns that are out of production or currently produced knives that I do not own. It is not my place to say which knife is going to best suit your needs. However, the chart is a check list of the most common features sailors look for in a sailing knife. The overall finish is based both on price and quality of build. For the sake of brevity, some characteristics use an A-F grading system:

• A=Excellent
• B=Good
• C=Fair
• D=Poor
• F=Awful

Usefulness is based on the quality of the build, versatility, and its ease of use. Thus a one handed knife is seen as easier to use because of its ease of use, however if it lacks vesatility or is poorly built, then it isn't really that useful. In the case of Usefulness, the grading system translates

• A=Comfortable, versatile, well made and easy to use in almost any situation,
• B=Comfortable, well made and versatile but needs two hands to operate
• C=Well made, not very versatile, needs two hands to operate.
• D=Don't waste your time.

As you can see from the chart, some great looking knives are not necessarily useful. You will also see that some knives that aren't really versatile are still rated high in usefulness. Usefulness is based on the the ease of employment, locking blades or spikes, number of tools, and the overall quality of the build. In the end, the individual sailor will determine what knife is most useful. This is just my opinion of the small collection of currently offered sailing knives that I own. Click on the name of the knife if you would like to read more about it.