New Boating Knife Design. Marlin Spike??

Tanguay Custom Knives

Tanguay Custom Knives

Joined
Jun 15, 2003
Messages
1,500
Hi Guys,
Based on a recent Lobster Boat accident here in Maine, I'm working with some Lobstermen on a new knife designed particularly for use on the water, and around synthetic (and natural) lines. It'll be a 4" fixed blade, upswept (somewhat rounded) tip, stainless steel or coated tool steel, sculpted micarta grips (for retention and control), and will come with a custom Kydex sheath with multiple carry options including on the arm (bicep). It will be available with full serrations, half rear, half front, and no serrations.

Here's my question. I'm giving serious consideration to including a small marlin spike (which I will manufacture) with the knife. It'll fit securely into the sheath.

Since my time in the Navy, I have found these little tools to be extremely handy if you work with, or around rope. I carry one that I made in the side compartment of my Leatherman's pouch every day, and use it alot.

How many here think the marlin spike is a good addition, and is worth the extra cost (prob $20-$30)?

Would you, or would you not order it, if it were an option.

In addition, whether you work on the water, around lines, or not, any ideas you may have regarding this knife would be greatly appreciated

Thanks for your time.


Scott
 
I think it is a good idea, although a "Fid" might be more usefull than a marlin spike. The Marlin spike would fit easier on the sheath, but more people use rope than wire cable, I would think. The "spike " would make it very boat specific, where as rope is used in more places.
 
Scott,

This sounds like a very good design and one that I will be looking for on your site. The extra cost of the marlinspike sounds very reasonable as always. Update on my Little Prick: It had it's first light battoning/fuzz stick lesson yesterday!
 
Bumppo said:
I think it is a good idea, although a "Fid" might be more usefull than a marlin spike. The Marlin spike would fit easier on the sheath, but more people use rope than wire cable, I would think. The "spike " would make it very boat specific, where as rope is used in more places.
Click to expand...

I did a search and the fids I saw just looked like wooden marlin spikes (which are for rope/line/cord/etc). Do you have a link to what you're describing?
Thanks.

Mike! Glad to hear from you, and happy the LP is working out. Use the hell out of it! Say hi to your family from me. Enjoyed having you guys up for a visit.
Scott
 
I think it's a great idea to include a marlin spike. For my employer (a dredging company) I spend much time on the water, and I always carry a British army knife, which includes a folding marlin spike.
 
Tanguay Custom Knives said:
I did a search and the fids I saw just looked like wooden marlin spikes (which are for rope/line/cord/etc).
Click to expand...
Yeah, fids are just like marlin spikes except made of wood and meant for line, whereas a marlin spike can handle braided steel cable. And YES, I would pay an extra $20 or $30 for a Marlin spike.
 
Stick to a steel spike and make it like the blade, both should be stainless steel.
 
I've worked the water my whole life, over 40 years, I've had knives that had a spike that folded up. Frankly, I don't believe I've ever used it, and probably never will, I suppose some tasks would benefit from it, but I've always improvised around it. I make my own hollow fids for splicing that beats a spike.
For cutting any kind of rope, I think a full serrated blade is best, unless you have a replaceable razor multi cutter,(Sears has a good one) but your not making that. :). In any event, the knife needs to be readily accessible while wearing full foul weather gear, but not snag lines or webbing. Good Luck with the project.
 
Just curious because I'm a desert rat. Using Kydex as you mentioned, could the spike be an option in a separate sheath- bolted to the knife sheath through the rivet holes (or something similar)? Just a thought.
 
Hi guys,
Lots of great ideas and reasons for and against. Thank You all.

Straitshot, you read my mind. That's how this is shaping up. That way a person could just take the spike off and put it on as conditions warrant.

gcs,
Getting snagged on lines is exactly why that Lobsterman wasn't wearing a knife. Luckilly I live around many people who make their living on the water, and we can try out some different carry methods. The thing is, like in any outdoor job, their clothes come off and go on as conditions change throughout the day.

Nobody I asked was interested in neck carry, even with a breakaway dog tag chain. Too much swinging and flopping around as they bend and twist. I gotta agree there.

Thanks again and please, keep the ideas coming!
Scott
 
Scott, I was thinking of just that problem of where to wear the knife after I posted.
Most waterman wear at least the bottoms of their raingear all day no matter what else goes on or off, and even with the coat on it's a simple matter to reach in and grab the suspenders of the pants.
In my opinion, the best place for an emergency access knife, is on the left suspender, over your chest,(for right handed guys) with the handle facing down.
If the knife is flat and light, it should not get in the way, you could even tape a cheap serrated Victoriox ?sp,, twine knife to the suspender and not hardly notice it.
If you could come up with something like that, maybe the guys will actually wear it. George
 
Tanguay Custom Knives said:
Hi Guys,
Based on a recent Lobster Boat accident here in Maine, I'm working with some Lobstermen on a new knife
Click to expand...
Could you tell us about the accident, and how this is connected to your plans for a knife?


This summer here i watched a show about the crab fisherman guys who risk their lives at sea.
They have a crazy job, that have to be crazxy to work outside in such storms at sea.
At one point they guys on the boat were talking about the danger of getting caught in a line and being dragged over the side.
The older guy said that thats why you have to have a sharp knife handy.
and then he reached for his knife...it was a very short blade on a longer wood handle.
The blade was short I guess because you dont want a long blade , and I guess the wood handle was so it would float.
 
Scott,
The knife sounds great. I am a marine mechanic, so I spend allot of time on the water. Make sure you give some careful consideration to the lanyard hole as well. (nothing worse then a poorly placed or designed hole)

I always have a marlin spike on me. I defiantly think any type of boat knife should have one.

Good Luck!
 
Allan Molstad said:
Could you tell us about the accident, and how this is connected to your plans for a knife?


This summer here i watched a show about the crab fisherman guys who risk their lives at sea.
They have a crazy job, that have to be crazxy to work outside in such storms at sea.
At one point they guys on the boat were talking about the danger of getting caught in a line and being dragged over the side.
The older guy said that thats why you have to have a sharp knife handy.
and then he reached for his knife...it was a very short blade on a longer wood handle.
The blade was short I guess because you dont want a long blade , and I guess the wood handle was so it would float.
Click to expand...

Hi guys,
Here's a link to the story. Its worth the read. This is a perfect example of why we should all CARRY A KNIFE AT ALL TIMES!!! You just never know.
Scott
http://www.bangordailynews.com/news/t/news.aspx?articleid=147041&zoneid=5
 
I love the marlinspike on my David Boye folder- in fact it is a major reason that I carry it everyday- Marlinspikes come in handy for much more than water carry! So yes- I would pay more for a spike on the knife
 
being an old USN Boatswains Mate on PBRs papa boats and LCMs I would say add a strong marlinspike and make sure it has its own lanyard hole and a good flat head for pounding
 
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