Description:
A fixed-blade river knife that rides on your PFD and comes out with one thumb. The NRS Pilot Knife (NRS item 47300.04) pairs a 3.6 inch partially serrated stainless blade with a blunt safety tip, so swiftwater and flood rescue crews, raft guides and boaters can cut rope, webbing and line without stabbing the person they are trying to free. It lives in a low-profile sheath on a PFD lash tab, and it is just as handy in a vehicle or gear bag. Find more blades in our water rescue knives.
Features
- Nickel-plated 420 HC stainless blade: the coating helps resist corrosion for long service in fresh water.
- Thumbs Up Sheath: a low-profile, quick-release sheath that holds the blade securely and lets it go with a one-handed flick of the thumb.
- PFD lash tab mount with lanyard point: the sheath locks onto a lash tab, and a lanyard hole at the end of the handle adds a backup against losing the knife in rough water.
- Partially serrated edge: a plain section for clean cuts plus reverse scallop serrations that bite into tough fibers.
- Blunt tip and asymmetrical shape: the handle and blade shape help you orient the edge by feel, and the blunt tip helps prevent injury.
- Jimping on the spine: gives your thumb a secure spot so your grip does not slip.
- Rubber-overlay handle: a glass-reinforced polypropylene handle with rubber for a sure, comfortable grip when wet.
- Oxygen tank valve wrench: built into the center of the handle.
Specifications
- Total weight: 4.4 oz (knife 3.65 oz, sheath 0.75 oz)
- Blade material: Nickel-plated 420 HC stainless steel, tumble polish
- Handle material: Glass-reinforced polypropylene with rubber overlay
- Sheath material: Glass-reinforced polypropylene with rubber touch points
- Total length: 7.25 inch
- Blade length: 3.6 inch
- Blade edge: Smooth and serrated
- Blade tip: Blunt
Sizes & options
- Color: Black, Flare, Red, Safety Yellow
Choose the handle color you want.
Questions about the NRS Pilot Knife
Can I use the Pilot Knife in salt water?
The Pilot is built for freshwater boating and rescue. For saltwater or brackish water, NRS makes the Titanium Pilot Knife with a corrosion-resistant titanium blade.
How does the Pilot Knife attach to a PFD?
The Thumbs Up Sheath attaches firmly to a PFD lash tab. You can also run a lanyard through the attachment point at the end of the handle as a backup.
Why does the Pilot have a blunt tip?
A blunt tip lets you cut close to a person, a rope or a raft tube with less risk of puncture or injury. The asymmetrical handle and blade also help you hold the edge the right way without looking.
Can I buy a spare sheath?
Yes. The NRS Pilot Sheath Replacement fits the Pilot, Titanium Pilot and Pilot SAR knives, so you can keep a spare or move one knife between PFDs.
Is the Pilot Knife rated for fire or high heat?
No. It is a water rescue knife, not structural firefighting PPE, and it is not flame resistant, not NFPA 1971 certified and not rated for fire or high-heat use.
Where can I buy the NRS Pilot Knife?
Right here. The Public Safety Store is an authorized NRS dealer. Outfitting a rescue team or need help with sizing? Contact us. Every order is covered by our price match guarantee and easy 30-day returns.
