Show your *traditional* Boat/Sailor's knives

Nothing quite beats an old marine pattern slip joint does it guys. My first introduction to the type was when my grandpa bought a knife with a marlinspike on it. It wasn't traditional but it sparked my interest in marine-type knives. Sorry but I don't currently possess a traditional boating knife :(
 
Here is one that was made in England by G.Ibberson&Co. They are still in business but this knife can be dated by the title on the side, the word "Barlow" was removed off the newer knives. The odd part is that the Marlin Spike is square not round.



 
Some great old examples here. :thumbup:
Here's a Rough Rider I bought a while ago to try my hand at scrimshaw:
scrimshaw003_zps9cd9e567.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
scrimshaw002_zpsa79ad497.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
I don't sail, but it's my beer making knife. Opens up grain bags, and the marlin spike makes a handy icepick :D
 
r8shell said:
Some great old examples here. :thumbup:
Here's a Rough Rider I bought a while ago to try my hand at scrimshaw:
scrimshaw003_zps9cd9e567.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
scrimshaw002_zpsa79ad497.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
I don't sail, but it's my beer making knife. Opens up grain bags, and the marlin spike makes a handy icepick :D
Click to expand...

Hey, I really love your handywork on that RR r8shell. Its transformed it in to something beyond a 'cheap' knife.
 
Just one question from a German member: how do you define "traditional" in this thread? Does it mean traditional design or old production dates?
Thank you and best regards
Michael
 
EMDI said:
Just one question from a German member: how do you define "traditional" in this thread? Does it mean traditional design or old production dates?
Thank you and best regards
Michael
Click to expand...
Traditional design. With folders that means no pocket clip or thumb-stud, though thumb holes are OK if they call themselves Scagel holes.
For fixed blades there's no bright line rule at all. (My paraphrase from memory.)

There's a "sticky" at the top of the sub-forum main page that lays it out officially.

Here's a recent iteration of an old British Admiralty pattern. I like your sheath better.
9xumaFB.jpg

KiIgskd.jpg
 
Last edited:
screened porch said:
Traditional design. With folders that means no pocket clip or thumb-stud, though thumb holes are OK if they call themselves Scagel holes.
For fixed blades there's no bright line rule at all. (My paraphrase from memory.)

There's a "sticky" at the top of the sub-forum main page that lays it out officially.

Here's a recent iteration of an old British Admiralty pattern. I like your sheath better.
9xumaFB.jpg

KiIgskd.jpg
Click to expand...
Thank you for your explanation and the photo of the wonderful knife!
Regards Michael
 
screened porch said:
You're welcome and thank you.
I don't have a boat, but I have a pair of oarlocks all ready for when I find a boat.

This one was made for a maker of marine epoxies:
OOkeobs.jpg

Somebody put some pretty heavy grease on it.
Hg6HuQp.jpg
Click to expand...
We have a saying: "it squeaks due to too much grease" 🤣 By the way: I don't own a boat either, my knife collection stays in the way.
 
This Camillus 18589 Marlin Spike with bamboo scales is no longer produced since GSM Holdings Inc. aquired Camillus Nov. 2023. In my opinion it was the right decision. The Linerlock mechanism does not work properly, the handle is too clumsy and the balance between bladesize and handle does not seem harmonic to me. Some knifes are still in stock at the dealers. Consequently I bought one for my sailor's knife collection to tell my garandchildren later: look, such a sh.... was produced when you were young! 🤣
Have a nice weekend, Michael

48510364de.jpg
 
Last edited:
This one may not be a classic example of a “sailor’s knife”, but it was owned (and clearly used) by my uncle, who was a merchant sailor and navy veteran:
Y0Rd4Oi.jpeg

There’s not a marking on it - I suspect maybe Pakistani origin. He died in the early 1990’s, and judging by the condition, it predates that by a while at least.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top