Today, the broad spectrum of knife design spans products ranging from simple single-bladed cutters to multi-function devices which effectively amount to all-in-one toolkits. The humble blade has come a long way since its invention, and even further in the last 130 years since the Swiss Army took delivery of its first consignment of the iconic knives which bear its name. For, as our pioneering ocean crossing forebears discovered many years ago, with the best sailing knife at your disposal a huge number of otherwise impossible tasks can be accomplished simply, quickly and efficiently. It’s one of the most valuable tools known to a seafarer, and for good reason. The 2.75-inch sheepsfoot blade-the only one of the test group without serrations-is VG-10 stainless steel with a black, carbonitride titanium coating.The sailing knife. The stylized, 4-inch frame is black G-10 with stainless steel liners. The Camillus Marlin Spike is a modern take on the original.

This is a big consideration if you need a knife that will step outside The Rope Zone. Example 3: Camillus Marlin Spike While the plain edge of the Camillus Marlin Spike’s sheepsfoot blade might not quite match the speed of a serrated edge, when it comes to wood it vastly out-carves the rest of the pack.

You’ll find a nifty shackle opener on the handle, also stainless steel, pinned to the frame. The 3.3-inch spike and 2.75-inch partially serrated sheepsfoot slip-joint blade are 440A stainless steel. The Boker Magnum Catamaran has the traditional profile of the old marlinespike folders, replete with a press-lock bail/shackle opener for the spike tool and a 4.375-inch stainless steel frame. The knot is attached to the Boker Magnum Catamaran’s spike in a scenario for which it can serve as a handle. Example 2: Boker Magnum Catamaran The marlinespike hitch is a simple, temporary knot that can be easily removed once it has served its purpose. The spike locks via a press-lock on the base, which also serves as a shackle opener and bail for a lanyard. The scales are a simulated brown jigged-bone Zytel and the bolsters are stainless. The locking, 440C stainless steel spike and partially serrated-a plain-edge version is also available-sheepsfoot slip-joint blade are both 3 inches long. Navy in World War I-with some modern touches. However, there’s more here than meets the eye: The Colonial Marlin Spike’s lock also serves as a bail and a shackle opener.Ĭolonial Knife’s Marlin Spike is a reproduction of the original marlinespike knife issued by the U.S. Example 1: Colonial Knife’s Marlin Spike The press-lock is a common blade release for marlinespike folders that dates back to the knife’s early days. Climbers, who use a lot of different knots in their endeavors, also find marlinespike knives useful. In fact, there is a knot dubbed the marlinespike hitch that serves as a temporary knot for various needs.Īlso known as rigging knives, marlinespike knives live today in the form of reproductions of the original folders and thoroughly modern send-ups. The blade is a sure-handed rope cutter, and the spike is made for working with knots and splicing rope.

These were combined into a single folder and have served many a sailor and diver well. It is a blend of the early rope knife-not the sunfish, but the wharncliffe version-and the singular, knitting-needle-like marlinespike. One of the more unusual patterns in the long history of folding knives is the marlinespike.

Yachting knife with marlin spike