In the prepper world, tools that serve multiple purposes are always welcome. The marlinspike is deceptively simple in design, and it can accomplish quite a bit.
The Marlinspike and Its Many Uses
It comes to us from the marine world. There, it has a long, proud history as a sailor’s tool used in ropework. In simplest terms, it’s just a steel spike. While there were some that stretched well over a foot in length, for EDC purposes, we’re looking at something about six inches long.
Why would you want to carry around a small metal spike? The marlinspike can be used in a few different ways.
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Knot Busting
The marlinspike’s traditional use has been with cordage. Its sharp point can slip into a knot and help pry it apart. It does the job far better than fingernails or teeth, that’s for sure. If you have children, odds are you’ve faced shoelaces that have been pulled and tightened into a Gordian Knot that frustrates every attempt at loosening. A marlinspike is a great tool for getting that job done with a quickness.
Awl
Anything you’d need an awl for, the marlinspike can handle the job. I’ve used it to punch new holes in an old leather belt, for example. It’s also created the occasional pilot hole when I’m working on rough carpentry projects, like building shelves in my garage.
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Prying O-Rings
If you work with rubber O-rings a fair amount, you’ll appreciate having a marlinspike to pry them up. It saves the point of your knife from damage.
Cleaning Boots
My wife and I do a fair amount of hiking. Some of the trails we’ve used were covered in gravel rather than dirt. Quite often, I end up with a rock or two jammed into the tread of my boot or hiking shoe. It’s not the end of the world, but it can be annoying after a while. However, trying to pry out the offending stone with my fingertips can be an exercise in frustration. The marlinspike pops them out very quickly and easily.
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Self-Defense
Okay, this isn’t a use I’d necessarily recommend or endorse, but it seems pretty obvious. If you have a sharp spike and you poke someone with it, they might stop doing whatever it is they’re doing that caused you to want to poke them. Think of it as a last-ditch, Hail Mary, “get off me” tool.
Carrying a Marlinspike
The model I have was produced as a collaboration between Vehement Knives and Kopis Designs several years ago. I’ve been carrying it in my pocket on and off ever since. I’m on my second leather sheath for it, both of which were made by Skin Bender Leather Works. There was nothing wrong with the first one. I just liked the streamlined look of the newer iteration.
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Amazon appears to have a wide range of marlinspikes available. Some of them are quite affordable, around ten bucks or so. There are also a few different folding knives and multi-tools on the market that incorporate some type of spike tool.
Tell you what, it’s the type of tool that once you realize its capabilities, you’ll wonder how you got along without it.
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