marlin spike?

N

Necroshine

Joined
Jan 12, 2006
Messages
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I was just looking through the A.G. Russell paper cataloge and came opon the A.G Russell "Sea Master". Apparently it makes a good knife for sailors, or so they say. My question is, what is that marlin spike used for? This is probably as dumb-ass question to ask, but, maybe I'm a dumb-ass.
 
"Marlin spike" is a corruption of "marling spike". Whatever it is called, its purpose is to open up the strands of a rope so that it can be spliced into a loop.
 
Yes it's needed when you're splicing rope but it's also very handy when working with rope to open a very tight knot.
 
I'm guessin' that ya could even stab a marlin in the brain with it to kill it after reelin' it into the boat.:D.;).:D.
 
glockman99 said:
I'm guessin' that ya could even stab a marlin in the brain with it to kill it after reelin' it into the boat.:D.;).:D.
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Who told you? It was supposed to be hush hush but actually Spyderco and Kershaw are collaborating on another joint venture. A tactical seafaring knife, code name : Marlin SpyKer.

Sorry, couldn't help that. Pardon me, I need a beer.

Gibby
 
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It ia also used for opening shackles on boats.
The bottom of the shackle has a pin with an eye.
The spike opens the pin.
 
Also handy for poking out the eyes of a coconut when you need to my the SO a pina-colada.
 
gibbyx said:
Whoa, that's a sweet setup. I want a job on a boat now just so I can wear this rig.

Gibby
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Yeah, pretty neat there. I like that sheath that holds both with the lanyard.:thumbup:
I'm in Oklahoma, aint no boat jobs here.
 
:rolleyes:Surely they wouldn't mind if I took one of those Disney World cruises and boarded with a BikerMike rig strapped to my hip.:p

Gibby
 
Actually it is a misnomer, marling spikes are for working cable, Fids are used for rope work, but over time the word "fid" has faded. a true marling spike looks more like a nail. but then, after all that, a rose is a rose is a rose. Early fids were tapered to pry open knots and to push rope through during splicing.
Anyway, we don't hear enough about rigging knives here, but you might want to check out the brand "Meyerchin" and look at there offerings.
 
This is what you do with the spike....

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of course big rope calls for big tools...lol...

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