Rough Ryder Marlin Spike

What a handsome, well-built knife! It doesn’t disappoint at all. Your friends will think you spent much, much more.This inexpensive Rough Ryder with a Marlin Spike actually has a much more expensive, even luxurious, feel to it. It really does. (You’ll know exactly what I mean when you get it in hand.) Its sleek contours and smooth finish just scream “high quality.”High quality indeed, from its stylish yet robust, solid stainless steel bolsters; to its gorgeous, burnt-amber, jigged-bone scales; to its impressive, 3 3/16” solid stainless-steel Marlin Spike; to its literally razor-sharp, 3” stainless-steel blade; to its overall splendid fit and finish, particularly for a knife at its low price point.I’ve been using this knife for quite a while now, and I couldn’t be happier with its performance. It handles well, cuts with no problem, and thus far seems to be quite durable. The blade arrives razor sharp, as in hair-shaving sharp, so be careful when handling. I’ve also used the Marlin Spike on several occasions to untie stubbornly tight knots in rope. I believe the Spike alone is worth the cost of the knife, especially if you deal with ropes and knots a great deal.Well, come to think of it, there is one way I could perhaps be happier with its performance. Ultimately I think it’d be better—and probably safer—for the Marlin Spike to have a locking mechanism. Although it IS quite stiff and strong when snapped into its extended position, I nonetheless have had my fingers squished a bit—when the Spike came out of its erect position and then moved toward its closed position—while trying to undo a really tight knot. (But there’s still the issue of my own carelessness, of course, meaning my fingers wouldn’t have gotten pinched if I had been more careful.) However, I suspect for the overwhelming majority of knot untying tasks, this problem won’t be an issue with this knife.All in all this is an excellent knife worth owning. While the prime use for this knife of course would be for the sailor or boat person, it would also be worth owning either by the collector for his or her pristine collection, or by the hobbyist for common daily cutting tasks as well as untying difficult knots. Five enthusiastic stars.

This is the same knife that was issued to me in the 90s when attached to the deck division on the USS Virginia. At least an exact look a like anchor included! So far it’s held its edge and the marlin spike is sturdy.

Fantastic knife, I own many other more expensive marlin spike folding knives, and believe it or not, this is now my #1 off shore folder! The larger size blade came shaving sharp and the overall fit, finish, and feel was amazing for such an inexpensive knife. The operation is smooooth and the springs hold well. The seller was quick to ship and all is perfect.

Haven't had this knife for long but it functions way better than my old British made (and more expensive) rigging knife. Was first disturbed by the 'made in China' label on the knife but then I thought of my Eastman guitar which is made by Chinese luthiers and is of extremely good quality. This knife appears to be of good quality. For the price you can't beat it.

Well made. I bought this as a gift for a Boy Scout and to be honest I am impressed with the quality. The blades open easily with a good snap and the marlin spike *does* lock nicely using the lanyard loop. The fit, finish and features remind me of well made American and British knives of the 1950s and '60s. I have plenty of excellent vintage knives but after seeing this one I am tempted to buy one for myself.

Great rigging knife. Well polished marlinspike. Very nice blade seems to hold a good edge (still only used it for a couple of weeks. Great price for such a good looking knife. I am still going to polish the spike to a mirror finish. I work a lot of line.

This is my everyday carry. I love this knife. It’s my 2nd time to purchase. Lost my first one, had to get another and this is the only folding knife I want. Holds a good edge.

It seems very good, but to be honest, I have not subjected it to hard use yet.