NRS Pilot Knife

NRS Pilot is a fixed blade rescue knife designed for river rescue but also suited to everyday paddling. It is 18.4 cm long with a 9.1 cm blade and weighs 125 g with the sheath. The longer handle and blade give more power and control than the compact model. The blade is 420 HC stainless steel, so the knife is intended for fresh water.

Key benefits of the NRS Pilot knife

✓ 9.1 cm blade – a longer cutting edge for thick ropes, lines and straps

✓ Combination edge – reverse curve serrations cut tough fibres fast

✓ Blunt safety tip – lower risk of puncturing a boat or injuring someone in a tight spot

✓ Thumbs Up sheath – attaches to a life jacket and opens with one thumb movement

✓ Lanyard hole in the handle – extra protection against losing the knife in the current

✓ Scuba tank valve wrench – built into the centre of the handle

Construction and details

An edge for every cutting job
Part of the blade is plain and part is serrated. The plain section suits precise cuts, and the reverse curve serrations bite into fibres and cut rope or a strap with little effort. Jimping on the blade spine keeps your thumb in place, so your hand does not slip.

Thumbs Up sheath on your life jacket
The low profile sheath attaches firmly to a life jacket lash tab and does not snag on ropes. The knife is held securely and releases when you lift the handle with your thumb. You can draw it with one hand, even while the other holds a paddle or rope.

Asymmetric handle for wet conditions

The glass reinforced polypropylene handle is rubber coated, so it holds firmly in wet hands. The asymmetric shape of the handle and blade, together with the blunt tip, helps you orient the blade correctly even without looking. A scuba tank valve wrench sits in the centre of the handle.

Technical data

• Overall length: 18.4 cm
• Blade length: 9.1 cm
• Weight with sheath: 125 g (knife 103 g, sheath 21 g)
• Blade: 420 HC stainless steel, plain and serrated edge, blunt tip
• Handle: glass reinforced polypropylene with rubber
• Sheath: glass reinforced polypropylene with rubber supports

How does the NRS Pilot differ from the Co-Pilot and Pilot SAR?

NRS Co-Pilot is shorter (15.2 cm) and lighter, so it suits a life jacket with little space. The NRS Pilot has a longer blade and a bigger handle, so it is easier to work with thicker ropes. NRS Pilot SAR has a G10 handle and a glass breaker, and is made for professional rescuers.

Is the NRS Pilot suitable for the sea?

The manufacturer intends this model for fresh water. After every outing in salt water, rinse the knife with fresh water and dry it, and the 420 HC steel will stay clean for a long time. For paddling at sea, NRS offers the NRS Titanium Pilot with a titanium blade.

If the sheath loosens over time, tighten the small screw under the NRS logo with a #6 Torx key. Do not use other screwdrivers: you will damage the screw head, and such damage is not covered by the warranty.

Who is the NRS Pilot knife for?

✓ River kayakers and raft guides

✓ SUP paddlers and anglers who want a knife on their life jacket

✓ Rescue teams as a primary knife

✓ A car, boat or first aid kit

The NRS Pilot is a reliable choice for those who need a longer blade and a secure grip but do not want a big knife on their life jacket.