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[Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)

knifty · 22 · 1564
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Poll

What's more useful on a 93mm SAK?

Marlinspike / sacking needle
3 (9.4%)
Awl
29 (90.6%)

Total Members Voted: 32

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Offline knifty

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[Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
on: August 12, 2017, 01:08:07 AM
Thinking about my first alox and versatility is the key metric.


Edit: if you voted for the marlin spike, I'd love to know why!


Looking at a Pioneer offshoot, but wondering if I should opt for the seafaring ones with the marlinspikes, or stick with the tried and true awl. I rock climb, but the marlin spike seems too small for ~9.8mm climbing ropes (and we usually use carabiners to work out any stubborn knots).

Thanks for voting!
« Last Edit: August 12, 2017, 01:54:41 AM by knifty »

us Offline zrxoa1

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #1 on: August 12, 2017, 01:12:17 AM
As I've never used a Marlinspike, I guess I must vote for the Awl.   Inline, of course.


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us Offline theonew

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #2 on: August 12, 2017, 02:07:49 AM
Quote from: zrxoa1 on August 12, 2017, 01:12:17 AM
As I've never used a Marlinspike, I guess I must vote for the Awl.   Inline, of course.

We may need a 'Never Used a Marlinspike Club'. I could join as well.

us Offline ColoSwiss

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #3 on: August 12, 2017, 02:26:31 AM
Use the awl on occasion. Haven't done any splicing in decades.
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us Offline strmliner

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #4 on: August 12, 2017, 03:17:26 AM
I voted for the Awl, but really do want a 93mm Marlin Spike.

For the normal user, the awl would fit more needs than the Marlin Spike/Sacking Needle...hands down. When I splice 3/8" line (which is close to what you're using), I generally use the Marlin Spike on my G.Ibberson sailing knife or a fid from my splicing kit. The 93mm MS would work, but would be just a bit small and I'd be afraid of destroying it on larger line. I want the 93mm MS for doing paracord and smaller work...plus I think it's way cool.

When I used to climb/mountaineer, I used my SAK Champion carried in a belt sheath. In today's world I think I'd prefer a 111mm OH knife w/ a serrated blade. As I remember, I used the backside reamer and the opener layer (as drivers) quite a bit.
« Last Edit: August 12, 2017, 03:22:39 AM by strmliner »
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us Offline Nix

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #5 on: August 12, 2017, 03:23:56 AM
I don't have a marlin spike, but I can imagine multiple uses for it. I kinda want one...because I don't have one.

That being said, I seem to use the awl/reamer a lot. It come in handy for all sorts of poking, drilling, prying tasks. I use it daily. If noting else, to poke holes in coffee cups with lids or to clean my nails. I do carry a Cadet from time to time--great Alox knife!--but it weirds me out a bit not to have an awl with me.

Yeah, I'd be very cautious about getting an Alox knife...they are addictive.
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us Offline theonew

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #6 on: August 13, 2017, 12:47:57 AM
Who is the mysterious Marlinspike voter???

nz Offline zoidberg

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #7 on: August 13, 2017, 12:57:49 AM
Quote from: theonew on August 13, 2017, 12:47:57 AM
Who is the mysterious Marlinspike voter???

Wasn't me, I like spike a lot but the inline awl is hard to beat.

gb Offline daverobson

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #8 on: August 13, 2017, 01:09:56 AM
Quote from: theonew on August 12, 2017, 02:07:49 AM
We may need a 'Never Used a Marlinspike Club'. I could join as well.

I could also join the "Never Used a Marlinspike Club".
That's why I voted Awl. :tu:
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us Offline ironraven

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #9 on: August 13, 2017, 01:23:06 AM
If I need a marlin spike, I need the real thing. And a good sized nail, cord wrapped and filed/sanded smooth works just fine.
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ch Offline Etherealicer

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #10 on: August 13, 2017, 11:02:54 AM
Quote from: zoidberg on August 13, 2017, 12:57:49 AM
Quote from: theonew on August 13, 2017, 12:47:57 AM
Who is the mysterious Marlinspike voter???

Wasn't me, I like spike a lot but the inline awl is hard to beat.
I use neither a lot but the awl I use certainly more. The marlin spike I only use to undo knots.
It wouldn't be the internet without people complaining.

il Offline pomsbz

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #11 on: August 13, 2017, 01:19:58 PM
I'd kill for a marlinspike personally (on something affordable!). Perfect for undoing knots or prodding stuff.
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no Offline Steinar

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #12 on: August 13, 2017, 01:41:09 PM
The 93 mm marlinspike is very much more a sacking needle than a marlinspike. I think someone buying a knife for the marlinspike would be disappointed.

us Offline thatotherguy

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #13 on: August 13, 2017, 10:20:32 PM
Awl. A marlin spike can be handy if you're doing a lot of rope work or need a blunt pokey proddy tool but the awl can, with a bit of care to mind the sharp edge, do the same work as the spike as well as punching holes, scraping, and all sorts of other stuff you can do with a small sharp pokey proddy tool that you can't do with a large blunt pokey tool.

Eta: perhaps this opinion is colored by the fact that if I'm doing knotwork it's generally at home where I have needle nose pliers and a British navy jackknife with the marlin spike.
« Last Edit: August 13, 2017, 10:21:57 PM by thatotherguy »

wales Offline magentus

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #14 on: August 13, 2017, 10:26:43 PM
Voted for the awl as my single favourite tool on a Sak - I wish they would include an inline on the whole 91mm range instead of the small blade.  :cheers:
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us Offline El Corkscrew

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #15 on: August 13, 2017, 10:35:30 PM
How about a "now I want a marlin spike to find out" option?
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gb Offline AimlessWanderer

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #16 on: August 14, 2017, 12:10:53 AM
Awl!


The cantankerous but occasionally useful member, formally known as 50ft-trad

us Offline Alan K.

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #17 on: August 14, 2017, 04:41:34 AM
I find plenty of uses for the marlin spike on my rigging knives such as starting holes and of course breaking knots, but I don't own a SAK with one so I voted for the awl.  The inline awl especially will do most of the same tasks as the spike, you just have to be careful not to cut stuff you don't want to cut considering the sharp edge.
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us Offline theonew

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #18 on: August 14, 2017, 05:29:43 AM
Serious question: are most Marlinspike / sacking needle users embarrassed about their Marlinspike / sacking needle use :think:

nz Offline zoidberg

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #19 on: August 14, 2017, 08:00:21 AM
Quote from: theonew on August 14, 2017, 05:29:43 AM
Serious question: are most Marlinspike / sacking needle users embarrassed about their Marlinspike / sacking needle use :think:

Not at all, use it a lot, just find the awl more multipurpose.

il Offline pomsbz

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #20 on: August 14, 2017, 08:58:17 AM
Quote from: Steinar on August 13, 2017, 01:41:09 PM
The 93 mm marlinspike is very much more a sacking needle than a marlinspike. I think someone buying a knife for the marlinspike would be disappointed.

Given that I currently use the file on my Rambler to do the same task, I'd be happy for an upgrade! I have limited finger mobility and opening knots is really tough.
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Offline Eyegor

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Re: [Poll] What has more uses? Marlinspike or Awl (93mm SAK)
Reply #21 on: August 20, 2017, 12:21:41 AM
I voted awl but I want one with an eye. Far more useful and not all models have the "correct" awl.
T

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