Stainless Steel Bottle Opener & Marlin Spike Tool - 7" Size

I'm used to the Meyerchin marlinspike, and I tried this one out to compare it. It is a good substitute - it has several advantages and just one disadvantage. I would definitely buy another one.The only real criticism I have about this tool is the spike: it is VERY sharp. The Meyerchin spike is rounded just the right amount so it won't accidentally poke through clothing, sails, canvas work (or skin) but this one you need to be careful, it's dangerous. Also, the tip broke off quite predictably while I was using it to open a shackle. Now even though the jagged broken tip is a scratch hazard, it's actually an improvement over the needle-sharp thing that poked a hole in my ditty bag and left a gouge in my toe rail when it slid across the deck.If this tool had a rounded tip like the Meyerchin one, it would be hands-down a better tool. The shape of it is much more useful. It's the perfect shape to securely hold a marlinspike hitch for tightening down siezings or lashings, even if you have to let the marlinspike dangle for a bit. Even if you just quickly throw a couple of turns on it without actually tying a marlinspike hitch, the tool can be used effectively to heave on a small line without slipping, and the shape of it makes it much easier to hold without it rotating in the hand. The slot being much longer and bigger is also much more useful than the Meyerchin one, fitting a wider range of shackle tabs, wing nuts, and whatever else you need. And lastly, the best thing about this tool is the corrosion resistance. I've always been annoyed with the Meyerchin tool which inevitably ends up getting rusty when you forget to rinse it in fresh water or don't have any fresh water available. This tool has been left in the bottom of the dinghy overnight and otherwise abused and left exposed to sea water several times, but so far hasn't left a rust stain on the deck or developed any blemishes. Perhaps the alloy has more nickel and perhaps that's why the tip broke off, but anyway it's strong enough for everything I've needed it for so far, and I'm very happy that it hasn't rusted. If the tip were rounded off it would be 5 stars, but that tip really is pretty dangerous.

Useful for setting in and getting pulling leverage, helping to untie knots and it just feels good in the hand.

I work on a boat everyday and needed a tool to untie hard frozen deck lines and rope. I was between this item and a knife/spike combo tool. the Knife/spike tool was cheaper. I bought this after reading the reviews and examining the photos and decided I wanted a dedicated tool for working rope.The Bad:Tool is smaller than it appears in the photos. Tool needs to be a little larger to make working with it easier on your hands. The hard edges of the tool can be very rough on your hands when working a difficult knot. The base of the spike is almost cube shaped. If it was rounded or spherical, the tool would be better suited. The finish appears to be a smooth polish but in actuality, it has almost a "rock wash" finish with the surface covered in small dimples on the metal. Im concerned how this will wear over time. I suspect an intense amount of elbow grease would be needed if you wanted a smooth surface. Lastly, the Spike its self has a slight bend at the very tip. I dont think this is by design. When I received the item, the plastic packaging had been torn open. I suspect this was a returned item which is usually fine but I think someone probably tried to use it as a pry and bent the tip before returning it. I do not plan on returning because it will be more trouble than its worth.The Good:Tool is sleek and sexy to look at and hold in your hand. (Just not when actually working it) Seems to be high quality steel. Ive used successfully to untie many tough knots. Can be used on large rope and deck lines or small 550 cord. Shackle key works well and the tip has a flat head screw driver that is pretty useful.I ended up tightly wrapping 550 cord around the mid-section to make working it easier on my hands. I also drilled out a golf ball that can be attached to either end. The spike end is very pointy and I store it in a bag that I bring on and off the vessel. The golf ball acts like a cap for storage in this way. When attached to the shackle end, I am able to really twist down and work a hard knot using the spike. Over all the tool does the job but Im curious how the other marlin spikes would have worked out in comparison to money and easy of use.

It WORKS !!

Nice spike for use as a marlin spike. The fit and finish sits well in your hand

Wow - a total knockout in so many levels. It is a marine work of art, once yo see it in person. The handle is carefully crafted for perfect grip as a marlinspike - and, if you reverse it, you will notice that it is a perfect handle for the shackle key/wrench.My only complaint is that it did not come with a sheath.

Well made, but very soft metal. Tip bends easily, so do not use it on anything other than line.

This is a great tool. Very good quality.