NRS Co-Pilot Knife
The NRS Co-Pilot Knife is a purpose-built freshwater rescue knife designed to live on your PFD and be there when seconds matter. Whether you're running whitewater, leading a guided raft trip, or operating as part of a swift water SAR team, the Co-Pilot is engineered around the realities of on-water emergency response.
Blade: Built for Rescue Cutting
The 7 cm blade is constructed from 420 HC stainless steel with a tumble-polished finish, giving it solid corrosion resistance in freshwater environments. The blunt tip is a deliberate safety feature — it reduces the risk of unintentional puncture during high-stress situations where grip and precision can be compromised.
The partially serrated edge combines a smooth cutting section with NRS's distinctive "reverse scallop" serrations, designed specifically to sever tough fibres — including rope, webbing, and cord — efficiently. Jimping along the spine provides a defined, secure thumb placement to prevent grip slippage with wet or gloved hands.
Note: For saltwater environments, the NRS Titanium Co-Pilot Knife is recommended for superior corrosion resistance.
Sheath: One-Handed Deployment
The Thumbs Up™ Sheath is the Co-Pilot's standout system feature. Its low-profile, lie-flat design mounts directly to any PFD lash tab, keeping the knife accessible without adding bulk or snagging. When you need it, a single upward flick of the thumb releases the blade — no second hand required, no fumbling.
The sheath is constructed from glass-reinforced polypropylene with rubber touch points, keeping it lightweight (20 g) while ensuring it holds the knife firmly in place through rolls, swims, and turbulent water.
Handle: Control in Wet Conditions
The asymmetrical glass-reinforced polypropylene handle with rubber overlay is designed to orient itself correctly in the hand even under pressure — the asymmetry tells you immediately which way the blade is facing without looking. This matters in rescue situations where you may be operating in low visibility or under physical stress.
A lanyard attachment point at the tip of the handle allows you to tether the knife to your PFD lash tab as a secondary retention system, guarding against loss in fast-moving water. The centre of the handle also incorporates an oxygen tank valve wrench — a niche but genuinely useful feature for first responders and professional river guides who carry supplemental O₂.
| Weight: |
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|---|---|
| Blade Material: | 420 HC Stainless Steel |
| Handle Material: | Glass-reinforced polypropylene w/rubber overlay |
| Sheath Material: | Glass-reinforced polypropylene w/rubber touch points |
| Total Length: | 15 cm |
| Blade Length: | 7 cm |
| Blade Edge: | Smooth and serrated |
| Blade Tip: | Blunt |
| Features: |
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Who Is the Co-Pilot For?
- Whitewater kayakers and rafters who want a reliable, low-profile safety knife mounted to their PFD
- River guides and instructors who need a knife accessible in an emergency for themselves or others
- Swift water rescue and SAR teams operating in freshwater environments
- Recreational boaters who want peace of mind without carrying a bulky or intrusive blade
No — for saltwater environments, NRS recommends the NRS Titanium Co-Pilot Knife, which offers enhanced corrosion resistance for marine conditions.
The sheath is designed to mount to a standard PFD lash tab. This is a common feature on most whitewater and rescue PFDs. Check that your PFD has a lash tab before purchasing.
Yes — the Thumbs Up™ Sheath is specifically designed for one-handed thumb release. However, note that the updated sheath design requires dominant-hand deployment; check current user reviews for the latest feedback on this.
The wrench integrated into the handle is sized for standard oxygen tank valves, making the Co-Pilot useful for first responders and river medics who carry supplemental oxygen.
The Co-Pilot is the more compact model in the NRS river knife range. It has a shorter 7 cm blade and lighter overall weight (99 g vs the full-size Pilot), making it better suited to PFD carry where low profile is a priority.
Specifications
| Colour | Red, Orange, Yellow, Black |