Marlinspike: Has The Time Come?

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JD Spydo
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Marlinspike: Has The Time Come?

#1

Post by JD Spydo »

This is not the first time we've talked about the possiblity of a Spyderco blade with a "marlinspike". It was even considered to be put on the open market at one time. I believe the name they had was the "yachtsman" and I believe it was to be the C-06 if my memory is correct.

For all of you newcomers who aren't aware of what a marlinspike is I'll try to describe it briefly. It is a solid metal tool that has an elongated, cone shaped geometry that comes to a perfect point. They are used a lot by the navy, seamen, fishermen, longshoremen and various other professions as an aid to un-tie knots that are difficult to untie.

They serve other various functions as well that they are used on. We used them in the tree business when I was still doing that for all kinds of equipment repairs and rope problems. With all of the rock climbing, white water rafting and other adventurous sports gaining ground this may be the time for a high quality marlinspike knife.

OK Spyderville let's hear your thoughts on it. Has the time come for a Marlinspike blade to be put on a high quality Spyder?
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kbuzbee
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#2

Post by kbuzbee »

JD Spydo wrote:For all of you newcomers who aren't aware of what a marlinspike is I'll try to describe it briefly. It is a solid metal tool that has an elongated, cone shaped geometry that comes to a perfect point. They are used a lot by the navy, seamen, fishermen, longshoremen and various other professions as an aid to un-tie knots that are difficult to untie.
JD, equally important to this is it's opposite. The point opens up the braid of a rope to facilitate various splices (jointing, eye etc).

By the way, I prefer the old term Marling Spike, as the tool has nothing to do with the fish. :D

I say yes. H1. Air entrained handle so it floats!

Ken
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MAT888
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#3

Post by MAT888 »

Adola here in the netherlands still makes marlspikes...

JD if interested just pm me

They got a folder and fixed blade with added marlin tool.
I dont know about the steel used probably Carbon steel.
;)
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Clay Kesting
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#4

Post by Clay Kesting »

IIRC Eric designed a prototype sailing knife, called the Tusk, some time ago. Not sure why it hasn't gone any further but I'd put my hand up for one in a flash.

cheers,
clay
"The best boats are either small enough to carry home, or big enough to live on." Phillip C. Bolger (1927-2009)
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McBain
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#5

Post by McBain »

I would grab a Spyderco Marlinspike knife in a heartbeat!! I have been looking at these from David Boye:
http://boyeknives.com/folders.cfm
they're made from Cobalt, with a spike that flips out at the back. A Spyderco H-1 version (a different design) would be awesome.
-The children are right to laugh at you Ralph, these things couldn't cut butter-
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wescobts
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#6

Post by wescobts »

I say nay, living on the water, and spending my fair share on watercraft, I have never seen the "spike" being used or even know anybody who owns one. Most knots are tired in such a manner that they can be untied without much hassle. I would like to see Spyderco stay with the simple and effective knives that made the name what it is today, K.I.S.S comes to mind. :D
learning it the hard way... :rolleyes:
JD Spydo
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What about this idea?

#7

Post by JD Spydo »

OK I kind of get the drift that most of you aren't overly excited about a blade with a Marlinspike. But what about a folder that would have 2 to 3 tools on it?

What I have in mind would be a folder with a top quality blade ( PE or CE), a Marlinspike, a Rescue hook blade like the ones they cut seatbelts with and possibly a small diamond file like the one in the original Spyderench? This I feel would be the ultimate maritime, sailor's tool.

Or maybe you all would like a different combo?
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Hookpunch
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#8

Post by Hookpunch »

wescobts wrote:I say nay, living on the water, and spending my fair share on watercraft, I have never seen the "spike" being used or even know anybody who owns one. Most knots are tired in such a manner that they can be untied without much hassle. I would like to see Spyderco stay with the simple and effective knives that made the name what it is today, K.I.S.S comes to mind. :D
Really? I have 3 or 4 books on rope work and a marlin spike is always recommended. I intended on taking sailing lessons at one time so learned a bunch of knots...then life got in the way (wife, kids etc.) , now I know a bunch of knots but never got around to sailing lessons.
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nicholaspoole
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#9

Post by nicholaspoole »

im currently on the market for a marling spike to replace one lost overboard and was thinking to myself "how awesome would it be if spyderco made a spike/SE combo in H1". heck, i dont even need a folder, a spike with an eyelet will do just fine

...sal, are you listening? christmas is right around the corner
denslen
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#10

Post by denslen »

I always wondered why it has not been done before. I've been sailing for quite a while, and although the spike is intended for splicing line, they are great at shoving in the middle of a knot that you need to untie in a hurry...I always wondered if it could not be made in some sort of Dyad configuration.
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Derek
JD Spydo
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H-1 Dyad with Marlinspike: YES!!!

#11

Post by JD Spydo »

denslen wrote:I always wondered why it has not been done before. I've been sailing for quite a while, and although the spike is intended for splicing line, they are great at shoving in the middle of a knot that you need to untie in a hurry...I always wondered if it could not be made in some sort of Dyad configuration.
cheers
Derek
Well Derek you're on the same page as I am for sure :) The word has been out for a while that they are considering an H-1 Dyad already. Wouldn't it be just great if they would also make an H-1 Dyad with a Marlinspike on it too. That would be the sailors, fisherman's and longshoreman's dream knife to be sure.

Other than a company known as Myerchin I don't know of any knife company out there that has made a high quality folder with a Marlinspike. But to put it in an H-1 Dyad series would be great for the needs of many knife users and boaters as well as many other people who could benefit from such a knife.
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denslen
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#12

Post by denslen »

I've not been a fan myerchin, the ones i've had all have been too heavy for the size, and qc was spotty.
i really like the boye cobalt, but don't want to spend that money on something that may be sacrificed to the sea gods.
i usually use a SAK skipper or yachtsman.
I have tried a wichard before and the locking system was horrible. to unlock one blade you have to open another. so to close the spike I have to partially open the blade. fun to do on a wet slipping deck of a j22 or flying scot...
i've long been on the quest for the perfect sailing knife. was surprised that spyderco had not had one out yet, since i thought Sal was a sailor...
cheers
Derek
JD Spydo
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Seagoing, waterfaring blades must have lanyard

#13

Post by JD Spydo »

Believe me Derek I know exactly what you mean when you say that you don't want to sacrifice a top notch blade to the "Sea Gods". Lord only knows that there are some super quality blades laying on the bottom of lake beds and sea floors :o . I've been fortunate in that department.

My good friend Ghostrider has the solution to that kind of potential travesty. He is a lanyard specialist and I agree with him that no one should get on a boat with a quality piece of cutlery without it being secured by a lanyard.

So with that being said it would be absolutely essential for a sea going blade of any variety to be equiped with a lanyard system.

Lanyards are even a great idea for someone that uses a blade much more than normal even on land. I think it's a knife user's aid that is much overlooked. But I got a feeling that is about to change.
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denslen
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#14

Post by denslen »

i would usually use some 550 cord and tie that to a retractable badge holder or whatever....just make sure the knife is closed, or you have a blade headed back to your midsection if it gets dropped!
I'm landlocked now, don't get much sailing done these days. but a spike is a usefull tool-for pushing holes, loosening knots, etc...
i've used them more on dry land than on boats.
cheers
Derek
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#15

Post by Carlos the Dwarf »

As a Rigger, I would be interested in something like this, especially since I am obsessed with Spyderco knives.
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