Years in the making, the new Tusk from renowned knife-maker Spyderco takes sailing-knife design to a point where engineering truly becomes art. Where to begin? How about the precision-machined titanium handle? Or maybe you prefer the locking 2.38in super-sharp blade made of LC 200 N steel—a nitrogen-alloyed steel providing state-of-the art toughness and corrosion resistance? Heck, even the 300-series stainless steel marlinspike is drop-dead gorgeous, with a “round-to-square” cross section to help loosen knots and Spyderco’s proprietary Ball Bear Lock to augment its toughness. Working with this knife is a joy, thanks to its smoothly functioning mechanisms. Bottom line: it may be pricey, but the Tusk is a must-have for knife aficionados! $399, spyderco.com
