Peter- yeah that was a fun regatta from a few years back, we tied for third in our division. As for the rigger i am going to order, i am going to go with Daniel Fairly in Colorado. He's a super chill dude, i like his style and he grew up sailing, even though he's landlocked now.
Scott- good question about fixed v. folding spike. Personally i use both depending on the task, when building new running rigging i use a fixed blade and seperate spike, but often when on smaller boats i carry a myerchin lightknife. The features you describe would make for an interesting knife! I am thinking of going with a sheepsfoot or reverse tanto, dropped edge, slight belly evenly spread the length of the blade, 4.5" cutting edge, full tang and thick spine drawn back really soft for hitting it with a hammer to get through thick line better. Handle will be some sort of natural material. Spike will be 6.5" and tapered from 3/8" down to a "squid shaped" tip, which is a round taper that is flattened to create a small triangle wider that the taper like looking at the body of a squid with its fins out. Sheath is yet TBD.
Joe- that AGRussel is a nice looking knife, hadn't seen that one before. I really like the serrations up front where you need it most. I may have to get me one of those for grins and giggles!
Hopefully someone will post a custom knife here soon!
-Xander
