real survival knives

[savantuk]

Hello,

It's the standard British Army jacknife. Built, and designed to be as tough as possible in all circumstances, it has a 2.75". Even has a marlin spike fitted. All stainless - mix unknown, but having owned, and used one, for more than 30 years (still the original I was issued with in 1969), I can testify that it won't rust!! It was used in the Falklands, and a saltier atmosphere I can't imagine. It has been well abused, but still looks like new. Easily obtainable (re-issued) for next to nothing, say $10 just about anywhere in UK, or new for $20. Not particularly good looking, but a great bit of kit!!

 

[TT2Toes]

Prices may have gone up a tad Savantuk. This stainless steel knife sells for $29.99 at Actiongear.com, Knifeoutlet.com and at Onestopknifeshop.com. See links below:

http://www.actiongear.com/cgi-bin/t...tish army knife&backto=/agcatalog/results.tam

http://knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=LE71700

Good suggestion, however it lacks a shackle pin wrench. Course army blokes probably wouldn't need that.

Couple folks have asked me what a shackle is. See the pic below. The shackle wrench or key on the boat knives grip the flattened end of the pin, to leverage a stubborn pin that doesn't want to unscrew (or tighten).

TT2Toes

 

[savantuk]

OK... you have me with the price in US, but it's a lot less in the UK, but I suppose adding the postage would push the price up again. It's still a hell of a blade for the money.

Incidentally, I thought the marlin spike is the ideal tool for loosening the pin on a shackle?

Regards,

Doug

 

[TT2Toes]

savantuk:
The marlin spike is most often used (intended) as a fid for prying and separating twisted rope strands or wire cable. I find it an invaluable tool to work loose knots in wet rope that have had strain put on them. In sailing, you can't have a bunch of knots in the middle of your rope.

However, on large shackles with a big enough pin hole I often use the marlin spike to tighten or loosen the shackle pin as you suggest. On sailing boats in the size range I think TomW is talking about (up to 6 passenger), you'd likely find smaller shackles. The marlin spike won't go into the hole on these small shackle pins far enough to get much purchase for leverage. Hence the need for the shackle key.

Still your British Army Clasp knife would be a lot safer choice than some of the fixed blades that folks are suggesting to TomW.

Cheers,
TT2Toes

 

[fudo]

Benchmade makes a nice knife for this very purpose, the River rafter. The sheath has attachments common to marine equipment.