Marlin spike

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983E0FC1-EAB1-4A6C-BF9D-36482678063E.jpeg Victorinox skipper pro. Might be a couple styles. The cork screw on other Swiss army knifes works for knots too.
 
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You may want to check out some flavor of Myerchin marlin spike or knife if you are serious about a history of seafaring blades that hold up. Myerco and Davis Instruments also have some history behind them.
 
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I have always has good luck using the pliers on my multi tool, both as a plier to grip and pull individual strands and as marline spike wedging the needle nose as a spike for stubborn knot removal.
 
It's Carbonitride Titanium;)
That term, which as you suspect has more to do with marketing than with wear resistance, is usually seen on a Camillus, which is a brand now owned by a company in China. So too with the fine old brand of Western and quite a few others. I see that some Myerchins are now made in China, but I believe the company is still US. In my experience, US companies are more likely to stand behind the product, regardless of where it was crafted.
 
Case is what this sailor grew up with.

There are those who will refer to a single 'spike' as a Fid, which, nautically, is more appropriate for a tapered conical section used for working with wire rope instead of natural fiber (although the wooden fid goes well back into the age of sail).
The modern maritime world will refer to the taper pin as something one uses with shackles & turnbuckles and the like.
 
I have that exact same camillus knife from amazon and im very happy with it, had it for 4 or 5 years. Apart from picking out knots or braiding rope the spike is very handy for taking sockets off of impact guns if they have the little locking detent.
 
Although this board is mostly about blades (in all their variations...) I must admit that I've just been using an ice pick for many years when doing rope work (and I do a bit of it working out of a small skiff where you actually get to watch how your eye splices, end splices and other work holds up -or doesn't....) over time and hard use...

For those wanting a rigging knife my only recommendation would be to look for one in stainless or other very corrosion resistant metals if you're planning on using it anywhere within 100 miles of salt or brackish waters... You'll be happier long term if you do... I've seen and admired rigging knives from Case, to Myerchin, and I believe Spiderco... All very well made - and for those wanting to get into rope work (practical or fancy) this is one of two info sources that I've used over the years...
http://www.frayedknotarts.com/lanyards.html

To dispel any mis-information.... I'm not skilled enough to do most of the stuff shown on the frayed knots site... I'm just a basic level user in my daily work...
 
50 years ago I had a couple of the British army knives with the spike. I always thought the spike was for getting boy scouts out of horses hoofs .
 
All very well made - and for those wanting to get into rope work (practical or fancy) this is one of two info sources that I've used over the years...
http://www.frayedknotarts.com/lanyards.html

Nice website! (a little klunky to meander through)….

His picture got me thinking:
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I have a Kabar in the Linder style…(Dad was into Kabar). Presently used as a cheese knife :what:

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The Case Yachtsman is a fine marlin spike version. I've had mine for over 35 years. That Ibberson with the shackle tool is a bonus. The Spyderco Tusk in LC200N is another nice one.

I always admired the Case Marlin Spike folder. Of course I really like sheep’s foot and wharncliffe blades so that is what first got my attention.

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Back when I had a boat, a Buck 315 Yachtsman was what I keptView attachment 1012015

Ok, found the photos of my old companion (I ought shoot some better ones)
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Seen a league or two over the sea and shore.
 
That folder with the "shackling tool" is outstanding... I've never needed a shackling tool since one of the most used tools on my person on the water is a stout pair of fisherman's pliers on my belt with a coiled lanyard that serves multiple purposes from removing hooks to opening shackles when needed (and everything in between - including opening beer bottles...).
 
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