About Rigging Knives

Rigging knives are used by sailors to cut rope and line on board a water vessel. There are several types of rigging knives, and they have been used for centuries. Today, antique rigging knives are collectors items, but sailors and yachtsmen still know that a good rigging knife is essential to their sport.

History

It's impossible to know when the first rigging knife was made. Recovered boats and other sailing vessels have dated back to 3500 B.C., and knives were surely used by these early sailors. Antique rigging knives are made of a variety of materials, including teak, bone and ivory.

Function

Rigging knives have several functions. Foremost, a rigging knife has a blade that is sharp enough to quickly cut through ropes, lines and sheets. The blade is usually made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel to keep it in good shape even under harsh conditions. Rigging knives, especially the folding variety, often have other features that make them indispensable on a boat. For example, many rigging knives have a shackle key. The shackle key helps to undo shackle pins, which can be very handy. Some also have marlinspikes, which are very useful for untying difficult knots.

Types

There are two main types of rigging knives: folding and fixed. Many antique rigging knives are of the fixed variety. Fixed rigging knives resemble traditional knives with a handle at one end and blade at the other. Folding knives offer several benefits. They can safely be stowed in a pocket when not in use and they can contain other useful features, such as shackle keys, marlinspikes and even bottle openers. If you get a folding rigging knife, make sure it has a locking mechanism to keep it open while the blade is in use. This is an important safety feature.

Size

Rigging knives come in many sizes to suit the needs of various sailors. A small folding rigging knife can be as small as 3 or 4 inches long. On the other hand, a large fixed knife can be 7 to 8 inches long. If you are looking for the best size for your needs, go to a boating supply store or knife dealer and handle different rigging knives to find out what feels best in your hand.

Considerations

Some new models of rigging knives have glow-in-the-dark handles. This feature is especially useful at nighttime. Consider paying a little extra for this safety feature. It could reap big rewards on a stormy night.