Looking for a Marlin Spike

[swonut]

Here's the deal. I've got the distinct pleasure to have a my team NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge), a Bosun Mate Senior Chief Petty Officer, retiring from the Navy after 26 years of service and I wanted to get him something unique that will commemorate his service as well as his job in the Surface Navy. (Senior's the fourth guy from the left) So, what better to present to a guy whose career has seen the passage from Manila line to polyester, to nylon, and now Kevlar than a special marlin spike. He knows I'm a knife guy, but I really would love to present him a spike upon his retirement. I've searched marlin spike, but only came up with folding knives that have a spike, but not just a marin-spike. What I envision is a pair (I'd like to have one as a reminder of what Senior has taught me and the trials an travels we've had over the last year) of marlin spikes about 7-9 inches long and 3/8 to 1/2 in diameter to present him on his retirement in June. I'm figuring about $200.00 total and envision some file work or fancy work or something that makes them unique. Holy grail would be a turks head filed to look like fancy work into the knob on the end with some twisting or embellishment on the shaft. He is an east coast sailor and speaks fondly of his time in Haiti and the Mediterranean as well as Afghanistan and Iraq. Anyone willing to take up the challenge or point me to someone who does this type of thing. Please shoot me a PM. Thanks!

 

[fast14riot]

Sounds like a great gift. I am after a custom spike for myself, and I am having a custom rigging knife made right now. I have specs and detailed descriptions of great working spikes if you need, designs that I have used for 15+ years as a semi professional racer and part time rigger. Depending on cost I might be willing to jump in if a maker would need a larger order to justify the time.

Good luck and thank you for your service!


-Xander

 

[ScottRoush]

Xander.... as a licensed boat captain (dive boats) and ex-live aboard sailor.. and now a custom knife maker and smith... I have an interest in stuff like this. I think you once started a similar thread on rigging knives??? Do you have any pictures of your spikes? I'm attracted to these sorts of things. I think it would be fun to make some from stainless/high carbon laminated steel.