PETZL Spatha, Yellow, UNI

Product Information

Full-length knives (Spatha and Rope Tooth) use plastic handles that also function as a sheath when the knife is closed. The handles are still compact, but they allow for an easier and more familiar grip. Two ways to open the blade: with the notch in the blade if bare handed, or with the textured wheel when wearing gloves.

Most remarkable was the sheer cutting power: the Spatha sliced through most varieties of webbing in just one or two strokes. In line with current health and safety guidelines, we reserve the right to refuse any items that are (for whatever reason) not returned to us in a clean and hygienic condition. Although it has the longest blade of any knife in our test, the plastic handle is shorter than the Spatha’s and has no texture for grip. It’s still more versatile than the emergency knives, but it’s not reassuring during all-around use. Half straight/half serrated blade is nearly 3 inches long, making it useful for more scenarios than many of the shorter knives on this list.By nature of its size, the NIAD isn’t nearly as effective for all-around use, but it can manage in a pinch.

We destroyed a heap of webbing and cord to find out which climbing knife will cut when you need it most. The results were clear: The Petzl Spatha outclassed the competition in almost every way.

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When unfolded, the NIAD was an excellent performer in the cutting tests, bested only by the Petzl. A small divot at the base of the blade provides a place for the index finger to nest, which allows a surprisingly secure grip for such a small blade.