Marlin Spikes

AG Russell sells a folder with a marlin spike and I believe a warncliffe or sheepfoot blade, serrated, knife has a bail.
 
I think Camillus still makes one in the 20 to 30 dollar range.
 
Back in my younger days I worked as a rigger in construction. My knife of choice was a riggers or sailing knife. I have the Buck Yachtsman and the AG Russell knives with marlinspike. Both have a wharncliff style blade, the Buck is plain edged and the AG Russell is serrated. Both have a bail and locking marlinspike.
The Buck served me well and is now over 25 years old. The serrated edge of the AG Russell offering is great for rope, but not for the general cutting chores commonly seen on construction sites. Also for splicing/cutting some nylon ropes the wharncliff blade does not cut as cleanly as the plain edge blade.

Just my .02 cents, but I preferred the Buck Yachtsman.



Steve
 
I have been waiting for the Spyderco Yachtsman (Europa) for about 20 stinking years! (Model 6 circa 1984).

Rumors about prototypes of a revived design have been about the forums the last 2 or 3 years - but has anyone actually seen this proto?

Anyway, in the meantime, take a good look at Myerchin (www.myerchin.com)
they make a nice line of lightweights and heavyweights in 440C steel. They work very well.
 
I've handled one of the Myerchin full-size 'spike folders, and own one of the fixed blades. The folder is BIG and HEAVY, not something you want in a pocket, but would be fine in a belt sheath. The spike can be a little awkward to use on the back of the blade, but it's very functional and has a good tip on it (not too sharp, not too blunt). The fixed blade is one of the most comfortable knives I've ever held, and the spike is very useful. I used it to tie rope ratlines for a friend's 37' sailboat, and have tied and tightened many monkey's fists for keychains with it.

I own one of the Camillus knives, and it seems like it will definitely do the job, and costs less than the Myerchin, but the Myerchin is nicer.

Now if only Swamp Rat would make a marine knife. The "Water Rat"? "Salty Rat"? :D (You could use Busse's INFI Icepick as a marlinspike, btw...)
 
Camillus makes an excellent marlin spike folder.
I did a review of mine awhile back--you should be able to find it with a forum search.

BTW, the awl on the Wenger SAKs have no sharp edges and makes a very nice mini-marlin spike.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Well, I hate to show my ignorance... but what is the marlin spike used for? I'm assuming it has something to do with tying knots? Maybe somebody can post a pic of a marlin spike being used in action?
 
Mongo said:
Well, I hate to show my ignorance... but what is the marlin spike used for? I'm assuming it has something to do with tying knots? Maybe somebody can post a pic of a marlin spike being used in action?
Click to expand...

Used for separating strands when splicing, for loosening tight knots to untie them, for grabbing loops in knots to pull and tightening them, etc. I use them to make decorative knots, such as fobs.

Here´s some instructions on knot tying (fobs with star knot and little lump knot) with pictures and tools:

http://knotical-arts.com/star1.html

http://knotical-arts.com/knot.html
 
The new AG Russell one is pretty cool. Aluminum frame, not sure what the blade material is. Both the blade and spike lock open. The blade is serrated on the tip portion, instead of at the rear. Pretty cool knife. Its still in the proto stage, IIRC.
 
Myerchin seems to have some nifty items indeed. Even a stand alone spike. I may just have to place an order with those good people.

Thanks guys! :D
 
Buzzbait said:
I was I always told that Myerchin was THE brand for marlin spike folders.
Click to expand...

I have a Myerchin folder with a marlinspike and stainless steel handle. Beyond its being the last Christmas gift I was given by my late mother, I'm fond of it because it really is a well-made knife.

When it was ordered, I didn't know of and hadn't looked for any other companies making such knives. I was at the time under the same impression you mentioned, Buzzbait. I don't see it as incorrect, either. The Myerchin line will do nicely for anyone who needs this kind of knife, I think.

-Jeffrey
 
Architect said:
I have been waiting for the Spyderco Yachtsman (Europa) for about 20 stinking years! (Model 6 circa 1984).

Rumors about prototypes of a revived design have been about the forums the last 2 or 3 years - but has anyone actually seen this proto?

Anyway, in the meantime, take a good look at Myerchin (www.myerchin.com)
they make a nice line of lightweights and heavyweights in 440C steel. They work very well.
Click to expand...
Proto was on display at blade last week.
 
Pet Peeve Alert!!!

Disclaimer: this is NOT a spelling flame!

I prefer to spell it marlinespike, although marlinspike is an acceptable variant. I think using the "marlinespike" spelling is more accurate because it is somewhat descriptive of the tool's use in working with lines, splicing, and untying knots, etc. "Marlinspike" always makes me think of something you might use to stab a fish.

OK - I'm done now.
 
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