Fixed Sheepsfoot w/Fold-Out Spike?

[redsquid2]

So being a weekend knife maker, I was doodling recently, and I was drawing a sheepsfoot, fixed blade, in which the blade is fixed, but a spike folds out of the handle. The spike would be used for loosening up tight knots. I thought the best configuration would be with the spike deploying perpendicular to the handle, protruding between the fingers when in use.

I have never seen such a knife, so I don't know exactly how the spike device would work, in terms of keeping it inside the handle when not in use, and/or locked perpendicular to the handle when in use.

I am thinking it is likely available in a production knife, but I have never seen one like that.

If you can describe how that works, and/or post pictures, that would be awesome. Thanks.

Andy

 

[gooeytek]

You're basically designing a Marlinspike (or Marline spike) folder with something a little different. Usually Marlinspike folders will have a sheepsfoot blade with the spike at the other end folding from the spine side. Your marlinspike will pivot from the middle of the handle, like a SAK's Philips screwdriver? I would think it'll be hard to incorporate a lock for the spike, unless you intend for it to be a slipjoint, like a SAK.

 

[HoosierQ]

I like your idea a lot. I don't like the perpendicular idea. The way a marlin spike is supposed to work to loosen the knot is for the rather dramatic taper of the spike to be pushed it between the strands and force it apart like a wedge. As such, you're going to want to be able to use the whole length of the spike to do that. If you go parallel (like the often criticized Victorinox Phillips) you are going to loos that.

Again, I love your idea. But I would lay it along the length of the handle and have it deploy from the opposite end. I'd be a little worried about having that blade expose when using the spike but that'll be a problem with either configuration.

 

[redsquid2]

Your marlinspike will pivot from the middle of the handle, like a SAK's Philips screwdriver?

Yes. I was dreaming it up and putting a rough sketch on paper. Maybe it hasn't been done after all, and maybe there's a reason for that

 

[phillipsted]

That seems like it might be kind of awkward to use. Personally, I have a Myerchin stand-alone marlinspike which I use quite frequently. It is make of stainless steel (not sure what type), is 6.65" long and weighs 2.5 oz. And it comes with a nice leather belt sheath. This thing goes with me on every camp out - I can't tell you how useful it is. And you can have your regular camp knife and pocket knife with you - and don't have to haul along the marine knife just to get the marlinspike.

Great stuff - and a very elegant solution (plus it is drop-dead gorgeous...).

TedP