Marlin Spike Knife

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freedoom

freedoom

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I'm interested in knives with marlin spikes. I don't own one but i'm curious about them. Any well known brands have patterns with marlin spikes? What should i look for when i'm looking at knives with marlin spikes? also, post some pics of your knives with marlin spikes!
 
There was a recent thread asking about Rough Rider knives and I saw they make some really nice looking amber bone marlin spike. That is one brand you can check out.
 
Here is some old Bucks (made under contract by Camillus) still found on ebay. 300

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They're such cool knives... I've just never owned one 'cause I haven't a use for it. Don't they generally run 3.75"+?

Mike
 
The Bucks are 4 3/8s, this Japan knife is less. It is well made dispite its orgin. 300


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OK, since no one has asked...... What is that spike used for? I imagine, and stab in the dark that it is to slip into rope knots to get those buggers un done...... Alright, am I close? Anyone? Anyone? Ferris.......Ferris Bueler? :-)
 
Right, the spike is for undoing knots. most lock open and pressing on the bail releases the lock. with used ones, this locking mechanism is often no longer working and spike is then a bit loose in the open position.
Schrade and Camillus made ones show up on ebay fairly often. the knives are the same, both brandings having been made by Camillus.
roland
 
The spike is also used for forcing apart strands of rope during splicing. Basically you unwind the strands, turn them back against the standing part, and weave them through the standing part. The marlinspike enables you to open up the rope enough to pass the strands through.
It can also be used as a handle in rigging applications to get a better grip on ropes & lines.
 
These are two circa WWI knives with marline spikes. The first made by Schatt & Morgan and the second the British Navy Admiralty Pattern 301.

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Wow! Those vintage knives are outstanding! Beautiful bone and stag! Nice little leather pouch, too. Is the bail on that last one made of copper?
 
Beautiful collection S-K!!! That's the first sheath I've seen with an actual buckle on it, very cool.

Eric
 
Here's my old BSA knowledge coming out after 30 + years.

A fid is a dedicated tool used in splicing. Eyes, loops, backsplices, etc. can be made using the spike or fid on a Marlinspike knife. Fid is usually used for the special tool and marlinspike is the catch-all name.

The second photo is something you would make an wear to secure you knife. Sometimes you see one with short piece of brading or weaving that sticks out of your pocket or hangs out of your sheath which gives you more to hang on to in slippery conditions......I sail only a prairie sea now......but there good for makin' lasso's too.

To answer the OPs question, watch for loose spikes or locks that don't work.
300Bucks

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I only have one...an inexpensive Rough Rider but I do use the spike when working with paracord...makes things much easier.

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Hello,
I have some german marine knives with marlin spike.
These are from different makers as Dr.Feike (made by FOX italy), Otto Förster Witzhelden, Jürgen Stamm, Hubertus, FOX, Hugo Köller...
bundesmarine_2.jpg

These knives are RUGGED, brass liners about 1,2mm strong.
Here are the specs http://daten.bwb.org/AG-Bund/TL/Daten/51100001.pdf
You can find these used as me for about 6,-€ - 15,-€ or get a new one made actually by FOX
http://www.foxcutlery.com/k/en/eur/...ategory=1&q=230&imageField.x=0&imageField.y=0

Regards
surfer
 
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