Sailor´s Knife

The History Knife & Tool Sailor’s Knife is one of the most authentic and enduring knives in maritime history—an essential tool of international merchant shipping and naval service. Its design remains so effective that the German Navy continues to issue a nearly unchanged version today, defined by official military specifications.

At first glance, the Sailor’s Knife appears simple, but that simplicity is its greatest strength. The clean, purposeful form delivers exceptional functionality and universal usability, proven over generations at sea. Traditional saltwater-resistant ebony handle scales, secured with brass rivets and a brass lanyard hole, ensure durability and secure carry. A robust black leather sheath with belt loop completes the classic maritime package.

The heart of the knife is its thin, flat-ground drop-point blade, mostly straight with a subtle belly—ideal for rope work, utility cutting, and general shipboard tasks. Its archetypal outline closely mirrors that of the famed Kephart Knife, developed by outdoor pioneer Horace Kephart, underscoring the timeless efficiency of this design.

Functional, understated, and steeped in tradition, the HKT Sailor’s Knife stands as a true working classic—built not for display, but for dependable use.