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Old Riggers Knife

Has anyone seen one of these with the twisted metal device where the lanyard typically goes? If added as an additional tool it was done long ago as it has nearly the same wear and patina as the knife. The end is very smooth and worn as if it was used as an additional marlinspike? Help pull on twine or rope strands?

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on October 25, 2011 at 18:41

Maybe to back tie the rope when making loops

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on October 25, 2011 at 19:11

You may get some more comlete answers in this group here..Nautical Knives, Art, Collectables and Activities"

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Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on October 26, 2011 at 9:15

I've only seen 1 or 2 other pics of this type of knife before.

Definately looks like it was forged and added by the maker.

I was thinking that it may be a method of holding the blade open, when in use. The twisted metal would lay back against the handle and be held in place by the hand, keepind the blade from closing.

Just thinking out loud...

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Permalink Reply by Bud Brittain on October 26, 2011 at 10:28

I believe you may be right. It does indeed work well to hold the blade out and steady when the twisted piece is grasped with the handle. It allows the fingers to be further from the blade then when the thumb is used on the blade loop which is what you would have to do if the twisted piece were not there . (Or maybe it's owner lost a thumb in a horrible splicing accident?). The knife handle alone is kinda small in the palm for a good grip as well and the twisted piece provides a more comfortable grip. And it's length corresponds well with the handle when used in that function. There is a definite wear pattern wear the two meet when used this way. THANKS!!!

I have seen photo's of others and they either had nothing on the lanyard loop or had a ring in the lanyard loop to attach the lanyard. The knife is obviously hand forged. The twisted portion is pretty uniform and swooth. It does'nt have the hammer marks like the knife. I'm not sure if they were able to roll a rod/heavy wire that smooth in the mid 1800's. Maybe. Or it was added latter but obviously long ago.

Thanks again. Glad I found this site.
J.J. Smith III said:

I've only seen 1 or 2 other pics of this type of knife before.

Definately looks like it was forged and added by the maker.

I was thinking that it may be a method of holding the blade open, when in use. The twisted metal would lay back against the handle and be held in place by the hand, keepind the blade from closing.

Just thinking out loud...