What is a sailors' knife?

[FRIZ]

"Still no sailors' knife, huh? Still in development, or has the model been dropped?"
by Grover

Hi Grover,

The maker in Seki couldn't do it. We're going to give it a shot in Golden, but there are a number of models in front of it.

sal

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showt ... 840&page=2

[JD Spydo]

Many years ago I had heard that Spyderco had a knife that they did not release called the Yachtsman. I have even read a little about it in the Spyderco Story Book by Kenneth Delavigne.

Most sailor's knives have what they called a "marlinspike". Which is a tapered rod that comes to a point. Sailors use that device to un-tie knots and other chores that must be done on a boat. I have 2 Ka-bar knives with marlinspikes and I find that they come in handy for quite a few chores.

I hope Spyderco eventually does come out with a knife with a marlinspike on it. Or even a knife that is specifically designed for maritime uses. Also I wish they would include a Hawkbill blade with it. :spyder:

[FRIZ]

Thank you. :)

[EarthDog]

The best "sailor's knife" I've seen so far is made by Myerchin. They have a pretty broad collection of both folders and FBs. Mine is a folder with a sheepsfoot blade (serrated) and marlin spike, both lock. Made in 440C. I think of it as a "bosun's knife."

[JD Spydo]

The best "sailor's knife" I've seen so far is made by Myerchin. They have a pretty broad collection of both folders and FBs. Mine is a folder with a sheepsfoot blade (serrated) and marlin spike, both lock. Made in 440C. I think of it as a "bosun's knife."

Hey Earthdog? I haven't heard of Myerchin in quite a while. I think their company is out in California somewhere. I think I remember most of their stuff coming from Japan with a few of them being made here. They do make a decent "marlinspike" knife. Tell me more.

[Vincent]

Im up for a sailor model.

[STR]

Sailors knives were typcially made with little or no point on the blade also. Many times they included a shackle tool or some other tool that was often needed on a sailing vessel. The Sheepfoot or Lambsfoot blades were common on them as well as Wharncliffs also that were more curved instead of pointed. The blunt tip blades were supposedly to keep the men from stabbing a shipmate on a rough sea or perhaps even stabbing themselves or parts of the ship by accident when being tossed around with an open blade in their hands.

By the way. Technically speaking the Salt series knives by Spyderco are all Sailors knives although not the traditional looking ones we are use to seeing like the one in the attatchment. The Atlantic is known for being a very rough sea and the Pacific a "passive" one hence the name origin. Notice the blunt tip on the rough sea model (the Atlantic Salt). Even the Salt 1 is a blunt tip like a true sailors knife.

It would be a natural extension for a future model to include a marlin spike and perhaps a screwdriver tool, and shackle tool along with the blade from the Atlantic Salt on a more traditional sailors knife..

[spydutch]

I'm into such kinda knife too...

[EarthDog]

Hey Earthdog? I haven't heard of Myerchin in quite a while. I think their company is out in California somewhere. I think I remember most of their stuff coming from Japan with a few of them being made here. They do make a decent "marlinspike" knife. Tell me more.

Here is a link to their site, JD Spydo:

http://www.myerchin.com/

I had to get out mine to see that it is indeed made in Japan and they are based in Calif. Cool tools.

I agree with STR that I would like to see how Spyderco would "innovate" the bosun's knife.

[Magic]

David Boye makes these....he'd be an ideal designer for the Spyderco model....since it would have my beloved Boye dent for sure! :p

Check out...

http://www.boyeknives.com

Then again, I'd rather Spyderco not make one, since I don't sail!

Ashame that it will be made in Golden, it seems like this knife screams for H-1.

[Mr Blonde]

I did see a sailor's knife proto during my visit to Golden. I guess the concept model evolved over the years to take advantage of newer materials and such. I do believe Sal still wants to try and offer one.

Wouter

[nominoe]

By the way. Technically speaking the Salt series knives by Spyderco are all Sailors knives although not the traditional looking ones we are use to seeing like the one in the attatchment. The Atlantic is known for being a very rough sea and the Pacific a "passive" one hence the name origin. Notice the blunt tip on the rough sea model (the Atlantic Salt). Even the Salt 1 is a blunt tip like a true sailors knife.
It would be a natural extension for a future model to include a marlin spike and perhaps a screwdriver tool, and shackle tool along with the blade from the Atlantic Salt on a more traditional sailors knife..

perfectly true. the atlantic salt IS a sailor knife, but there would be room for the marlin spike and the shackle tool. the shackle tool is sometimes included in the handle, not necessary on a separated blade. it can even be on the main blade, like a spyderhole. the whole thing in H1, spyderedge, yellow handle and we have the perfect sailing knife!

i think that pacific salt is a better choice for scubadiving.

and salt I seems to be good for both (that's why i'm waiting mine)

[OutofGum]

What is the shackle tool used for? I know pretty much nothing about sailing, but I'm curious about the knives.

[nominoe]

a shackle tool is used to unscrew these :

http://bosunsupplies.com/ProductShackle.cfm

shackles are everywhere on a boat, and replace knots.

very useful tool, when you don't want to destroy your fingers (especialy wet and cold fingers)

i've think of this thread for a few days and i'm definitely up for a sailor spydie. i would certainly buy it and it seems to be a lack in the spyderco catalog :rolleyes:

[hrdwrguy]

Magic beat me to it, I was just thinking that David Boye's knives would be a great prototype for a Spyderco model. I think that a Pacific with the H1 blade and a Ti marlin spike would be fantastic. I'd go for either a classic round spike like the Myerchins and my old Camillus have, or the flat fid that the Boye knives do. One other thing that is often missed is a Large strong lanyard loop, a pocket clip is great but it's nice to have a safety line too.
Mike

[Joyce Laituri]

Spyderco has had a sailing knife in development for several years and the original design was developed by Eric Glesser. It's been a challenging project that's not near completion but still in the concept stage. The proto has a marlin spike, shackle key and sheepfoot blade. As of now, we are slowed down by pricing. To include the features, blade steel and locks we prefer, placed the knife at a high retail level around $275. - $300.+. We're working on bringing that high price down and still keeping the features and quality. Sorry I don't have more details to offer but it is definitely another one of our "irons in the fire".

Joyce @ Spyderco

[Michael Cook]

:spyder: I would guess that most boat owners can afford a higher price point since they already own luxury items. :spyder:

[STR]

I would guess that most boat owners can afford a higher price point since they already own luxury items.

Yeah but what a drag when you drop a high dollar knife like that in the drink.

I guess that is just pocket change when you drive around in luxury boats or million dollar yachts though.

[224477]

The best Sailor knife IIRC was IMO made by A.G.Russell, it was a kinda blue one, sadly I dont remember the name of it right now. Try to check it on his page, you will find it for sure.

[STR]

The A.G. Russell knife is called the SeaMaster

http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_make ... aster.html