Among the most trusted allies of any spearfisher or diver, a reliable and sturdy knife is an absolute must. Whether it’s for dispatching a catch, cutting a line, freeing yourself from a tangle, or handling an emergency onboard, having a capable tool can make all the difference.

The Gunster is the latest release from MAC Coltellerie, a company with deep roots and nearly a century of expertise. Founded in 1964 by Giovanni Di Bon, it’s now led by the third generation of the family.
Handcrafted quality and technical innovation are the hallmarks of a brand that is proudly and entirely Made in Italy. All production stages – from mold development to metal cutting and plastic molding – are handled in-house at the factory in Maniago. A true example of short supply chain and total quality control.

As soon as you open the package, the Gunster presents a clean but assertive design. Light in the hand, it immediately gives off a sense of sturdiness. It's made from a single block of nitrogen steel, with no joints or weak spots, and features two holes in the handle area that help reduce weight and also serve practical functions—one of them even doubles as a shaft extractor.

This balance between strength and lightness is made possible thanks to the cryogenic treatment of the steel, which enhances its corrosion resistance and preserves its mechanical properties over time.
The material used (W 1.04060) provides a hardness between 56 and 58 HRC, with a 4 mm thick blade. With an overall length of 21.5 cm (22.5 cm with the sheath), the Gunster is a stiletto-style knife built for those seeking a versatile, action-ready tool.
The sheath attachment system uses two steel wings with teeth that lock the knife securely in place. Pressing them allows for a quick and smooth release.

It’s available in two versions: all-steel for those who appreciate minimalism, or with ergonomic handle scales (white, black, or military green) that improve grip and comfort—especially when wearing gloves. Even on dry land, the knife gives a strong impression of being lightweight, sturdy, and safe. The blade edge is well-sharpened, smooth on one side and serrated on the other.

The Gunster is a brand-new release, and it retails at €59.

In the Water

It was late summer, and during one of my last sea dives, I decided to put the Gunster to the test. From the very first dry-hand contact, I was impressed by its structure-to-weight ratio: surprisingly light, yet incredibly solid thanks to its monoblock steel design. The blade is straight and sharp, with a thin, piercing tip—ideal for quick, precise interventions, especially when it comes to dispatching freshly caught prey.

No unnecessary frills—just a serious tool designed for those who want pure functionality in a single piece.

After an initial attempt to wear it on my arm, I opted to mount it on my belt. Although the external bulk isn’t excessive, those who mostly dive freediving-style, like me, need to minimize gear to avoid bumping the bottom or creating noise. Hence the switch.
Attaching it to the belt is easy, thanks to the open buckles, which allow for quick fastening—even without removing the weight belt.

One clever feature, subtly integrated, is a hex screw insert that allows you to detach the buckle from the sheath and adjust the sheath’s angle, tailoring it to your setup for a more personalized and comfortable experience.

Although I usually wear knives on my arm, placing it on the rear of the belt caused no issues: the wide grip ensures a firm, intuitive hold, further enhanced by the ergonomic plastic handle scales—white, in my case.

Throughout multiple dives, there was no discomfort, no noticeable weight—I nearly forgot I had it. But it was during the capture of a fine grouper that the Gunster proved its worth.
The long, sharp blade allowed for a quick and accurate strike to the vital points, despite the size and bone density of the fish’s head. In such situations—where both respect for the catch and maximum efficiency are essential—a well-designed tool makes all the difference.

One noteworthy detail is the small notch on the handle that acts as a shaft extractor—an often-overlooked feature that can be a lifesaver when freeing a stuck spear, especially if you’re diving from shore with only one gun. A detail like this can literally save your dive.

Other useful features can be found in the upper part of the handle, such as a small groove to get a good grip on the spear shaft’s butt, and two holes that allow you to attach a lanyard for safer handling.

The plastic sheath deserves special mention. It's rigid, secure, and very practical. The quick-release system, using the steel wings on the knife, works flawlessly—ensuring both easy extraction and reinsertion of the knife. No accidental releases, no fumbling to get it back in place. After just a few dives, the motion becomes second nature.

During gear adjustments and other typical spearfishing activities onboard, the serrated part of the blade proved to be extremely useful for cutting ropes and cords of various sizes. While I fortunately didn’t face any emergency situations involving nets or lines in the water, knowing I had such a capable edge gave me great peace of mind.

The Gunster is one of those knives that does exactly what it promises: simple, solid, and reliable. Lightweight to carry, yet highly effective when needed. It's designed for real spearfishers—for those who need a tool they can count on in any situation.

A perfect combination of ergonomics, safety, strength, and versatility—proudly crafted by an Italian brand that stands as an industry benchmark.