Top 5 Military Knives for Maritime and Naval Use

When salt, spray, and chaos define your environment, only the most durable tools survive. Every sailor, Marine, and naval operator knows this: the ocean punishes metal, weakens edges, and tests every piece of gear to its breaking point. That’s why military personnel who operate in maritime or naval environments demand more than a knife — they demand a tool of trust.

This is where veteran-owned knives like those crafted by Stroup Knives prove their worth. Made in USA, battle-tested, and field-driven, these knives are designed not for shelf display but for real-world survival when the ocean turns hostile.

Below, we’ll break down the Top 5 Military Knives for Maritime and Naval Use, exploring why corrosion resistance, grip, balance, and material integrity matter — and why veteran-owned knives are leading the charge in performance and pride.

The Maritime Challenge

Before diving into the top blades, let’s set the stage. Saltwater is the arch-enemy of steel. Even the strongest tool steels will corrode quickly without the right materials and coatings. Add to that the constant exposure to humidity, fish oils, fuel, sand, and the demands of rope cutting and emergency rescue, and you realize this: a knife at sea must be overbuilt to survive.

For that reason, veteran-owned knives companies like Stroup Knives have learned from service experience. Their designs emphasize stainless and tool steels with high chromium content, full-tang strength, and textured G10 or micarta handles that hold tight when your hands are wet, cold, or gloved.

Ranking Criteria

The following knives were evaluated based on:

Corrosion resistance under salt and moisture exposure
Grip and ergonomics with wet or gloved hands
Edge retention and ease of sharpening in the field
Sheath design and secure retention under motion
Real-world use feedback from military and maritime professionals

With that in mind, let’s get to the lineup.

1. Stroup Knives – The GP Maritime Combat Knife

At the top of the list stands a prime example of veteran-owned knives excellence: the Stroup GP Maritime Combat Knife. Designed and built in the USA, this knife was created by veterans who understand what it means to trust your blade when every second counts.

Specs & Features:

Made from 1095 high carbon steel with a durable cerakote finish
Full tang construction for superior strength
G10 handle scales for unmatched grip
Custom kydex sheath with adjustable retention

What sets Stroup Knives apart is the hand-forged durability and attention to real-world usability. Every Stroup knife is Made in USA, and every one is crafted by veterans who’ve used blades in real combat and survival scenarios. Their maritime model resists corrosion better than most carbon steels due to its coating and meticulous heat treat.

When you buy from veteran-owned knives makers like Stroup Knives, you’re not just getting steel — you’re supporting American craftsmanship and military experience translated into functional art.

2. Spyderco Salt 2 – Rustproof Workhorse

The Spyderco Salt Series is legendary among naval units, divers, and rescue crews. Made with H1 or LC200N steel, the Salt 2 is virtually rustproof — a feat few knife steels can claim.

With its FRN handle, Spyderco’s iconic thumb hole, and lightweight design, it’s the perfect blade for quick deployment, rope cutting, and utility work. While Spyderco isn’t veteran-owned, it’s a benchmark used by many veterans who also own and collect veteran-owned knives for more mission-critical roles.

3. KA-BAR USMC Fighting/Utility Knife

A timeless legend, the KA-BAR USMC knife has seen service on ships and shorelines for decades. Originally issued to Marines in WWII, it’s still revered for its robust construction, balance, and multi-purpose design.

Made in USA, the KA-BAR’s stacked leather handle can be replaced with polymer for maritime service. Its 1095 Cro-Van steel holds an edge exceptionally well, and with modern coatings, it can resist corrosion longer than ever.

Many veterans who collect veteran-owned knives also own KA-BARs as part of their gear legacy — a nod to history and American grit.

4. Benchmade 112SBK H20 Fixed Blade

The Benchmade H20 was purpose-built for rescue divers and shipboard operations. It uses N680 stainless steel — high in nitrogen content — giving it near-complete corrosion resistance even after repeated saltwater immersion.

The sheepsfoot blade shape minimizes risk of accidental injury during rescues. Its bright handle ensures visibility underwater, and its sheath allows rapid drainage.

While Benchmade isn’t a veteran-owned company, its designs have influenced many veteran-owned knives makers, including Stroup Knives, who took these principles and elevated them with American hand-craftsmanship and combat-ready customization.

5. Emerson CQC-7BW – Tactical Reliability

Designed by Ernest Emerson and used by Navy SEALs, the CQC-7 is a tactical folder that has seen real-world maritime combat. Its titanium liners and corrosion-resistant blade options make it ideal for humid or salt-heavy environments.

Emerson’s field experience inspired an entire movement — one that paved the way for smaller makers like Stroup Knives to build veteran-owned knives that surpass factory standards in quality, resilience, and soul.

Why Veteran-Owned Knives Matter

Let’s talk values. Buying veteran-owned knives means supporting those who have served, who understand the realities of combat, and who bring that mindset into every detail of their blades.

For Stroup Knives, being a veteran-owned, Made in USA brand isn’t just marketing — it’s mission-driven craftsmanship. Every grind, every edge, every sheath is built for a reason: to perform under pressure.

When you hold a Stroup, you’re holding the mindset of the soldier, the sailor, and the craftsman combined — a tangible extension of service and American excellence.

Made in USA: Pride That Performs

There’s something inherently powerful about gear that’s Made in USA. It ensures tighter quality control, ethical labor, and materials that meet defense-grade standards. Companies like Stroup Knives prove that veteran-owned knives can be both patriotic and practical — tools that serve their owners as faithfully as the veterans who forge them once served the nation.

Maintaining Your Maritime Knife

Even the best veteran-owned knives deserve care. After each saltwater exposure:

Rinse thoroughly in freshwater
Dry completely with lint-free cloth
Apply a thin coat of oil
Store in a dry environment, not sealed in plastic

Proper care ensures your knife — whether Stroup or otherwise — stays ready for the next mission.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cutting lines in a storm or prepping gear for deployment, a dependable maritime knife is mission-critical. The Stroup GP Maritime, Spyderco Salt 2, KA-BAR USMC, Benchmade H20, and Emerson CQC-7BW all earn their place on the deck.

But when it comes to combining craftsmanship, patriotism, and field-tested design, Stroup Knives and other veteran-owned knives rise above the tide.

Made in USA. Forged by veterans. Ready for anything the sea can throw at you.