Customer Reviews

Davis Instruments Standard Rigging Knife

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I was looking at both the Davis Rigging Knife and 'Cuttin' Horse Marlin Spike by Smith & Wesson. So I got one of each. At the price the two are cheaper than most other knives alone. Problem is both have a plus and minus side with no clear cut (bad pun) winner.
The blade does not lock on the Davis knife, But the spike locks in two positions,at 90 degrees, and straight out. Both blade and spike(only one position)lock on the S&W. I like the straight blade on the Davis, better than the Hawk-bill blade on the S&W. Also the handle fits my hand better. I like the S&W's spike. The steel seems better on the S&W than the Davis. Both say stainless, time will tell. For now if I had to pick just one I'd go with the Davis, mainly for the way it fits in my hand, I can open the blade easier when my hands are cold and I can sharpen the blade quickly.

This knife fits into the zip pocket of my pfd, providing both a knife and a marlin spike. When things get fubar onboard, these are the two most likely tools you will need to free or cut the rigging. Much lower cost than the alternatives via west marine.

I rarely write reviews unless I am really impressed - or really unimpressed - with a product. In this case I am VERY seriously UNimpressed. For $14, I didn't expect much, but I've owned a few marlin spike knives and handled many others and this model is fairly poor in comparison. I'd return it but for what it cost that is not worth my time. I'll throw it in a toolbox as a "last ditch" choice.

It's shiny - at least where it has been buffed out, but that's about it. The blade is somewhat thin for this type of knife and has not even been sharpened on both sides, and on the side that it has been sharpened on it has been ground unevenly, despite the touted "Dura-Edge Blade." It will cut carboard but tough marine lines might be another matter entirely. I'll have to see if I can put a better edge on it.

The riveting is adequate - I hope - but not well finished. The actual "marlin spike" is not curved so much as it just has a slight bend at one point, and has tool marks on it and a point much like that of a standard wooden pencil, rather than having a more effective gradual tapering point.

In other words, I expected "basic", but by that standard I am disappointed.

The spike will lock in a ninety degree position as well as straight out, which I suppose is a plus, but the shackle which releases the locked spike gets in the way when one uses the spike in the straight out position. A poor change on a time tested design that any manufacturer could have copied.

For a decent marlin spike, I would suggest a Camillus (a little hard to find) or a Case or a SchradeSchrade 735RPB Mariners Knife with Rope Blade and Marlin Spike, Red Pick Bone Handle, in that order (although that's just my personal preference - the three brands I've named are fairly close in quality.) The cost will be a bit higher but any of those should last you years. Don't waste your money on this!