Is This Slot Called a Shackle-Breaker?

[wlwhittier]

This knife is one of several of Don Norton's that I'll be offering on eBay soon...but I'm afraid to list it until I know the purpose of that slot. I've seen tools for divers and mariners called shackle-breakers, but most are a tapered pin for insertion into the hole in the shackle pin head.
This slot could slip over the head, and be used to loosen the pin...but I'm not sure enough to make that claim. I have never seen a knife with this feature in the blade. Are any of you familiar with the true purpose?

Slot is 1⅜'' long; big end is ~¼'' diameter, small end is ~⅛'' diameter.

Thank you!

 

[NJBillK]

It does look like one. Though that is a fancy knife to be banging around metal equipment and salt water.

 

[wlwhittier]

It does look like one. Though that is a fancy knife to be banging around metal equipment and salt water.

Agreed...leather sheath and all.

And there was some rust on the tang, so it's carbon steel...not a mariner's tool, I'm thinking.

Thanks...Warren

 

[joeldworkin307]

It's entirely possible. I used to live in Port Townsend and it is a boat building and shell fishing town. Anything maritime related would be likely.

 

[91bravo]

Looks like a built in nail puller...

 

[Twindog]

I'd guess you're correct. That shackle breaker/key/wrench is the same design as many on dive knives.

And as Joeld says, Port Townsend has a lot of boat builders and repairers.

This is a shackle wrench on an Extrema Ratio

 

[NJBillK]

Since you know the maker, you could always shoot himm an email directly, if he is still alive that is. I mean, technically speaking, you can still send him one if he passed away, but the duration til response will be much longer (hopefully, for your sake)

 

[BladeScout]

That is a good looking knife.

It certainly looks to me like a 'shackle key,' which I believe is the term.

 

[mete]

A shackle KEY is used to loosen the shackle pin.
A church key is used to open a beer bottle.
Land Lubbers don't know very much! Do you at least know the difference between a winch and a wench ?

 

[NJBillK]

Do you at least know the difference between a winch and a wench ?

In a pinch, they can both be used for a quality tug?

Wait, you said differences...

 

[tim37a]

Blade scout is exactly right.
A winch is used to pull a sheet, while a wench is used to warm the sheets.
Tim