Marlen Spike-what was it used for?

wildromanian · Post by **wildromanian** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 5:46 pm

Anyone know what the primary working purpose was for the Marlen Spike?

mumblypeg · Post by **mumblypeg** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 5:49 pm

I think they use them to untie knots in ropes. Not sure, but I believe that's right.

jonet143 · Post by **jonet143** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 5:59 pm

also used to splice rope together.

longbeachbum · Post by **longbeachbum** » Sat Nov 18, 2006 7:01 pm

That's my understanding too -- untying knots, untangling nets, splicing rope, basically an all purpose tool for dealing with line.

mikek · Post by **mikek** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 6:40 pm

Case also sold the large folding hunter with the spike from the early 1940s till the mid 1970s and was designated the 147 pattern.The knife was sold on the ships store. Check out E-bay #160050922934,Mikek

mikek · Post by **mikek** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 2:41 am

Iam partly wrong. My previous post was not correct. The 147 pattern is a fixed blade hunting style knife with a wood handle.The knife on the e-bay listing is a 6265 large folding hunter. Both knives at one time or another have been sold with the spike.Hope this clears things up. Mikek

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:28 pm

CaseTested,

Very interesting and informative...

...thanks for sharing that.

Bill

bamabronco · Post by **bamabronco** » Mon Nov 20, 2006 8:24 pm

I always wanted one, especially whan I worked in the offshore oil industry in the '90's, would've been mighty handy at the timeWere they all stainless, with regard to salt water, etc.....???

Don Luis · Post by **Don Luis** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 12:01 am

Tools of the trade... I use a Marlin spike for decorative knots, fobs, bell ropes, etc., last week I tied a skipping rope for my 8 year old niece, came out pretty nice with four strands of different colors and fancy handles.

Here's some of my rigging knives, spikes and knots, I have a couple of large wooden fids somewhere but I can't find them now.

Luis

Edited: I have one of those open sheaths, which I got for my three dot 6165-L back in 1977, I used to carry a small sharpening steel in the spike slot but I put in my Myerchin spike for the picture.

Don Luis · Post by **Don Luis** » Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:43 pm

CaseTested,

Sorry I have to say that I'm no sailor, I just tie decorative knots as a hobby, and really not so much any more, the rigging knives and spikes have simply accumulated over the years. Sometimes I still carry my Captain Currey lockspike bosun rigging knife, flat and light yet strong, it makes a fine EDC.

Luis