Page 19 - The Knot Bible

Tools of the trade

In the days of sail, there were only three items a rigger carried aloft: a knife,
a marlinspike, and a ‘horn’ containing a dollop of tallow for greasing the
rope. Anything else was a bonus. Nowadays, the advent of wire rigging
means the modern rigger has to carry a much bigger range of tools (cutters,
swagers, etc), but for most knot-tyers, only the basics are necessary.

Essential tools was a steel spike about 225–300mm shackle key in a holster kit. Either
The fi rst and only truly essential tool (9–12in) long, with a rounded head is adequate for the small and
is a knife. A traditional rigger’s knife and a hole at the top for attaching a medium stuff, but will be completely
is made of mild steel, with a wooden lanyard. This was used for opening inadequate for the larger stuff
handle and a squared off blade – you strands of rope while splicing, as (25mm [1in] diameter and over).
don’t want to stab yourself in the well as easing apart tight knots. A useful addition to the
arm while you’re swinging in the The rounded head allowed it to marlinspike toolbox is the fi d.
rigging. In truth, almost any knife be pounded with a mallet when Essentially a slender wooden (or
will do the trick, as long as it’s sharp working with stiff rope or wire. whalebone) cone, it is used in a
and preferably has a sheath to Nowadays, a diminutive marlinspike similar fashion to the marlinspike
protect it and you from any nasty is included in most pocket knives – but never with a hammer. Fids
accidents. designed for yachtsmen (such as the come in a range of sizes, from 75mm
The other classic rigger’s tool is ubiquitous Captain Currey Lockspike (3in) upwards, depending on the
the marlinspike. Traditionally, this Knife) or else combined with a type of work being done. As a rough

Seaman’s knife Wooden fi d Marlinspike Swedish metal fi d

Heaving mallet Palm
Serving mallet Parallel pliers

Waxed twine Various twines Sailmaker’s needles Hot knife

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