Merchant Marine Custom Knife?

timos-

timos-

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 22, 2012
Messages
2,163
Hi all,

My bro will be graduating this year from the MMA and I would like to present him with a custom knife. I am not really familiar with the duties of a merchant marine, what is most important considerations for this type of knife? I would ask my brother myself but it is somewhat of a surprise.

Steel: stainless of some sort?
Blade length: 5" too long?
Blade type: Drop point, wharnie, clip point?
Handle: Safety Orange?
Marlin spike: Are these actually used?

If anyone has any input specific to the work of a merchant marine that would be great.

thanks,
tim
 
Not a Merchie, but I was in the Surface Navy for 21 years. I'd suggest a folder of smaller size as he will likely never be doing any rope work other than maybe cutting some small stuff (cordage). I'd imagine he would be opening boxes of supplies, sharpening pencils or maybe turning a screw or two.

The marlin spike is handy at times, so don't discount it. A lot of folks like the pocket clip and lots like a lanyard/fob. If it was me, I'd look toward something like what's represented in the Myerchin line-up. IMO, a blade in the 3-3.5 inch range is plenty big enough. A ship is basically an industrial environment with tools always pretty close by, so there is not really a need for a big blade.
 
Thanks for you imput swonut,

Id also like to add I believe my brother's major or focus is on safety and hazmat , like envoronmental cleanup and stuff like that.
 
I have been working on a rigging knife design with a Captain. He is licensed for the largest ships and he told me the knives have to be folding. I'm not sure if that applies to everyone, I need to find out.

general boater use - The classic designs work well... sheepsfoot blade, marlingspike and shackle opener all come in handy from time to time. Keep in mind these tools may need to be used in very rough conditions and need to be safe.
 
I spent 6 years in the Coast Guard and many years after that in marine construction. Like others have said, not much need for a large knife. General utility folder is well suited for most onboard tasks. I'd be looking for corrosion resistance and something easy to grip with a secure lock. Today, I carry a Spyderco Tenacious, it's $35 bucks and no big deal if it goes overboard. Many Bosun's carried a Leatherman on their belt , knife, screw driver and pliers all came in handy.
 
Maybe something bob loveless inspired, he served as a merchant marine and built his first knife on a merchant marine ship
 
A fixed blade will likely be contraband on any ship and/or inside most bases and dock areas. It could get him in serious trouble.
A folder with a sheepsfoot blade about 3.5" long would be the most useful. If you use a lighter colored wood or synthetic material, like the antique ivory color linen Micarta (or real ivory) for the scales, you can have an engraving shop laser cut a simplified MM logo and his name on one scale.
 
Tim,
Here is one I did for a friends son who was going to the fire fighter academy.

The blade was 3-1/2in long, partially serrated. Bronze bolsters and LSCF scales. Has my Sharkbite opener so you could open it with wet or gloved hands.

PM me inf interested,
Chuck
 
The Camillus thread [ Collectors Forums ] has a number of sailor/rigging/ types with blade and spike .Take a look and see the variations . Type blade , spike locks on blade or spike etc.
 
John Katt said:
Interesting law concerning fixed blades and the merchant marines, depends on the captain

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/46/11506

It would be interesting to see a loveless drop point design converted into a folder
Click to expand...



Yes, on shipboard the captain is the master. However, once the seaman steps off the boat in a port or onto the docks in a marine terminal, all sorts of national and local rules suddenly apply. On a military base, it would be a big problem.
 
It has been a while since I talked to the Captain but he told me strictly folders. He runs a huge freighter.

My brother in law and roomate were licensed small boat Captains in the Virgin Islands and that was a different situation... :D

I recently sold two Rigging Knives to crew on the Cutty Sark that were fixed.


Interesting story - my Grandfather left the mines in Scotland as a 14 year old and took a rowboat over the English Channel. :eek: He was caught doing this by the Merchant Marine and from what I understand had to serve on the boat for the next few years!
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Yes, on shipboard the captain is the master. However, once the seaman steps off the boat in a port or onto the docks in a marine terminal, all sorts of national and local rules suddenly apply.
Click to expand...

The same would apply to many kinds folding knives as well. Carrying a folding knife can be just as illegal as a fixed blade in many locals.
 
hi guys , i have been going to sea since the the early '80's and have always carried a fixed blade deck knife (normally a sheepsfoot) , as part of my kit i also carry a spike , screwdriver and pliers. Over the years i have seen rules brought in about the carry of knives onboard , it only takes one goose to cut themselves for the oh&s policies to change , luckily for us in Australia we are still allowed to carry as long as the knife is deemed "safe" ie. no pointed tip.
As far as blade size goes i guess it depends on what your job is at sea , a 4 to 5" blade is popular , the larger blade is good for cutting 8 stranded mooring rope from 54 to 76mm and tow ropes even larger up to 92mm , most of these ropes nowadays are polypropylene so a decent blade steel is a must , i use s35vn with a cryo at around 61rc
The marlin spike is handy for a range of duties but mainly used to undo shackles these days , earlier days were very handy for wire splicing but that job gets done ashore now and certified.
here's a couple of pics of what i have been making for the deck guys and girls down under
CIMG3485_zpsda07ee6f.jpg

IMG_3899_zpsfb5c2029.jpg
 
I have been putting off building my first folder until I have a small mill or at least an accurate drill press. Maybe it is time to just go for it.
Stacy, I happen to have some antique ivory micarta that has been sitting around waiting for a special project. Great suggestion.
John, If a loveless drop point were to be folderized I believe it should have a tapered backspacer :)
Swonut and NC Biker, thanks for setting me straight on blade length , yeah now that I think about it 5" would be considered more a weapon huh.
Daniel, that story sounds like it should be a book? How does the carbidized titanium hold up to salt water environments?
Mete, I saw that marlinspike cammillus knife you bumped in the collectors forum , cool knife, I wonder does the sheepsfoot blade have a lock?
Chuck, Ill drop you a PM, If Im gonna build a folder finally ,maybe I could get the specifics of the lock and bearing from ya :) thanks guys!

-tim
 
thanks for chiming in Aussiebosun! those are some beautiful blades and packaged so wonderfully. THAT is the type of knife I would like to make but now I dont know If he would even be allowed to use it on the job.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top