Stupid question..........or 3!!

Monofletch

Monofletch

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Jan 14, 2010
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I see all these beautiful knives with a MARLIN SPIKE. What the hell is that for? And why would you want one on a small folding knife? Are they that popular?

I hope it isn't so obvious that I overlooked the answer. I am guessing fishing. :o
 
it's technically a "mar-line" spike, renamed a "marlin" spike (because it does remind one of a marlin's spike). A mar-line is thinner rope woven around a thicker, much more expensive, mooring rope to keep it from being marred when it rubs against pilings, the dock, and hull. Every so often, sailors would have to replace the mar-line and use a spiked tool (mar-line spike) to loosen the weave so they could cut and replace it.
 
The marlin spike is definitely a sailor's friend. In addition to untying knots, it also makes for a handy shackle-breaker tool.
 
gooeytek nailed it. Now I'm smarter too. But I have used them to punch new holes in a leather belt.
 
gooeytek said:
it's technically a "mar-line" spike, renamed a "marlin" spike (because it does remind one of a marlin's spike). A mar-line is thinner rope woven around a thicker, much more expensive, mooring rope to keep it from being marred when it rubs against pilings, the dock, and hull. Every so often, sailors would have to replace the mar-line and use a spiked tool (mar-line spike) to loosen the weave so they could cut and replace it.
Click to expand...

Good answer to a stupid question.
 
Monofletch said:
I see all these beautiful knives with a MARLIN SPIKE. What the hell is that for? And why would you want one on a small folding knife? Are they that popular?
Click to expand...

timberweasel said:
I think it was a helpful answer to an honest question.
Click to expand...

Well, I wasn't wanting to be insulting, my answer relates to the thread title. Personally though, I'd have Googled it first, and maybe asked the question differently. Marlin spikes are hardly new, and I'd have thought their use was fairly obvious.
 
jump on a boat for a while, see how much fun it is to undo a knot without a fid or marlin spike
 
I would have guessed if you catch a "Marlin" you used it to stab the fish and pull it up over the boat. I live in the midwest- I doubt I will ever moor a boat- with special rope.

Thanks for your information and your sarcasm. I understood your answer JB.

I was going to buy a nice knife and it was available with the spike. I didn't know, so I asked. I always forget about Google.
 
Marlinspikes are just as useful on land as in a boat. If you ever mess with rope of any kind and have to undo a knot many times it will save you from having to cut the rope at the knot. I use one all the time. Ever try to undo a knot in 550 cord?Much easier with a marlinspike.
 
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