MARBLES Stainless Rigger's Knife - Model MR551

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 Marbles is a familiar brand to many in the knife world, but as with most of my collection, it again sits on the budget end.  No apologies.  As I indicated in another post, inexpensive does not mean cheaply constructed.  Such is the case with this "rigger's knife".  It retails on Amazon right now for around $17.

As with many well-known knife brands, this once USA based company began to manufacture their knives overseas years ago. This particular knife is made in China and is so indicated on the blade. The company, Marble Arms & Manufacturing Company, technically of Gladstone, Michigan, was founded in 1892.  It manufactures a number of various specialty knives, even a reproduction of the US Army "Demo" Knife I have mentioned before.  

At first I didn't have any interest in purchasing a knife with a "marlin spike".  It seemed like a specialty knife geared toward those only in boating and work on ships.  But then I started thinking about the use and purpose of this special 'spike' used for untying stubborn knots, and recalled a time some months ago when we could not untie the rope securing our drop tank at a fire scene.  We ended up cutting the rope, but I realized there are other options.  This knife will go in my bunker gear for just such a moment should it ever occur again.  

The knife is substantial and hefty.  I was actually surprised by the size and weight when it was delivered today.  Constructed out of stainless steel (440A), it seems a good fit for work that involves a wet environment such as boating and firefighting.    

 

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