Helmsman

[Sea Monster]

As some of you (LOSERS!) might be aware, I won a contest (not really a contest, I got lucky) for a Vic Helmsman from Gadget Guy.

After a small situation with my office mysteriously being unreachable by fat men on little red bikes (on account of me working from the TARDIS), it arrived last week.

This is my second 111mm, with the first being an OHT I purchased from the Catman. Followers of my brave journey through Multitool ownership will know this was not a match made in heaven.

I've now been carrying the Helmsman for more or less a week, and I do declare my affections openly.

It's the same thickness as the OHT, with the same nylon scales (though somehow they feel more solid and don't give a hollow sound when I tap them)

The three major differences are.

Marlinspike (sort of) with shackle key instead of woodsy saw.
No Linerlock (another kind of lock which drops a pin into a nook in the backspring, preventing it from bending back within disengaging the lock. It works!)
and your regular Vic cap lifter, instead of the spade you get with the OHT.

a minor difference is the keyring comes off a backspring instead of a Liner, for some reason I find this appealing.


The marlinspike (sort of) while wonderfully nautical, and presumably functional, doesn't give that same piratey feeling you get from a BAK, and since I have a set of hand made fids it has limited practical use for me.

Still, it is great for poking stuff, and performing a range of poking related tasks.

Caplifter/can opener: no comment.

Main blade:
Now this is surprisingly fun!
Serrated at least 3/4 of the way, starting at the tip, I have served myself some nice boston bun with this every morning since getting it (oh, and, umm, cutting through some rigging during a storm on my tallship also)
It doesn't have one handed opening, but I don't see that as a major issue.

on the backspring it has your usual Awl & Phillips.
I've never loved the Vic Phillips, usually preferring corkscrew, but in either case they're rarely used, so no loss or gain.
the backspring reamer has also earned my ire on occasion, but it's better than not having it at all.



I'm not sure if that constitutes a useful review, so much as my rambling, I'll make it up to you with some pictures tonight


(I've added this knife to my EDC, but have not taken my Soldier, Squatter, or Classic away, I'm starting to clank a little when I walk, on the upside, if I put them all in one pocket, I can astound people by my knife being a different colour every time I use it!)

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Glad your getting on with it mate

[Gareth]

I can astound people by my knife being a different colour every time I use it!

He-he. 

Nice right-up, looking forward to seeing the pics.

[Sea Monster]

Pics will have to wait until tomorrow

[Dunc]

The Helmsman is a great knife .The marlin spike included a shackle opener which I found quite usefull . I must get another another one at some point .

Dunc

[Neil]

I have a Helmsman sat on the shelf but due to local legislation and the fact I rarely wander too close to water it stays dusty.  Sad really I should trade it.  I like the spike on it but only because it looks cool, never used it, I am slightly off kilter though

Neil

[Gareth]

I have a Helmsman sat on the shelf but due to local legislation and the fact I rarely wander too close to water it stays dusty.  Sad really I should trade it.  I like the spike on it but only because it looks cool, never used it, I am slightly off kilter though

Neil

Only slightly? 

[Dunc]

I have a Helmsman sat on the shelf but due to local legislation and the fact I rarely wander too close to water it stays dusty.  Sad really I should trade it.  I like the spike on it but only because it looks cool, never used it, I am slightly off kilter though

Neil

Did you know they are also called Mariners in some countries .If I come across something you might like Neil I'll give you a shout .

Dunc

[Neil]

I have a Helmsman sat on the shelf but due to local legislation and the fact I rarely wander too close to water it stays dusty.  Sad really I should trade it.  I like the spike on it but only because it looks cool, never used it, I am slightly off kilter though

Neil

Did you know they are also called Mariners in some countries .If I come across something you might like Neil I'll give you a shout .

Dunc

I've just written your name on it Dunc (in the dust).

and Gareth..    .. there, now I feel a bit better

Neil

[Gareth]

Glad I could help. 

[Dunc]

I have a Helmsman sat on the shelf but due to local legislation and the fact I rarely wander too close to water it stays dusty.  Sad really I should trade it.  I like the spike on it but only because it looks cool, never used it, I am slightly off kilter though

Neil

Did you know they are also called Mariners in some countries .If I come across something you might like Neil I'll give you a shout .

Dunc

I've just written your name on it Dunc (in the dust).

and Gareth..    .. there, now I feel a bit better

Neil

Cool , thanks    I'll get searching


Dunc

[Gadget Guy]

I'm just glad it made it!  (for the second time  )

[Sea Monster]

The serrations are neato for tearing through webbing.

Everyone at work has had a look now (apparently people notice when I change knives?)

Some people are struggling to believe it's a SAK. (I never got into carrying my OHT, so they have not seen a 111mm before)

[Benner]

Glad to hear this finally arrived.