Ask and ye shall receive…
Note on Generation 1 vs. Generation 2 Myerchins: Generation 1 (retired) were made in Japan. There are a few differences , but the easiest way to identify a Gen 1 is by the very substantial lanyard attachment point, which is also the means to unlock both blade and marlin spike. These are getting more difficult to find. Generation 2 (current) are made in China or Taiwan. They have only a small piece of wire for a lanyard attachment point, and feature more conventional frame locks or liner locks (depending on handle material). Because Gen 2 are current production and much more readily available, I’ll be talking about Gen 2 models, unless I specifically state Gen 1.
The Ti Crew (PE) has been riding in my hiking & camping bag for years. I really carry it for the marlin spike, which is a bit short (but long enough for the rope and cordage I generally deal with). It is nicely curved (which I prefer over a straight spike), and polished so it slides easily against the rope. The point of the spike is not as sharp as some other marlin spikes that I own, which has both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, you’re much less likely to accidentally pierce either the rope or yourself. On the negative side, it can’t be used as an awl or punch to put holes in things, and it is also not as effective for finer cordage, jewelry chain, etc. (Though in my experience, the fine stuff is best handled with a SAK corkscrew or even straight pins, depending size and material.)
The blade is also quite short. Much shorter than I prefer, especially for an outdoors knife. The shackle key is cleverly located to also serve as a thumb hole to OHO the blade. Additionally, the blade has a flipper tab, but the blade is too light for this to work really well. The flipper is much more effective on the larger Captain. YMMV, but I would probably recommend the larger Captain over the smaller Crew to anyone considering carrying a Myerchin as their primary knife.
I’m not wild about the modified sheepsfoot blade shape for general utility, and would like to see a clip point or spear point option, even if it meant losing the shackle key. But I understand the design choice for a rigging knife.
Blade and spike both lock via independent frame locks on Ti models (liner locks on models with other handle materials).
The pocket clip is quite serviceable, but is configured for right-hand tip-down carry only. There is a minor issue with the frame locks on Ti models snagging pocket material on the draw, but not a dealbreaker IMO. Models with other handle materials don’t have this issue and are also more comfortable in hand than the Ti models; but the Ti weigh less and are easier to clean.
The lanyard attachment point is just a bent piece of wire. I don’t think I would trust it for anything. If they were going to be that lazy/cheap with it, they should have either just put a through hole in the handle or left it off entirely.
Overall quality is pretty decent though. Lockup is generally solid with no play. I have about half a dozen Myerchins altogether, and the only real issue I’ve encountered is that the spike on my Ti Crew Pro is more difficult to unlock than it ought to be; I suspect the lock clearances are just a bit off of what they should be.
I’m not usually a sheath or belt pouch guy, and these knives are no exception. But they do come with a nylon sheath with velcro closure. It is designed to accommodate either vertical or horizontal belt carry.
Ultimately, at only 2.4 oz, the Ti Crew (PE) was a worthwhile addition to my gear for the marlin spike alone, though I didn’t really use the blade. I’m typically carrying other blades that are better.
The recent change is that I’ve swapped out the Ti Crew (PE) and swapped in the Ti Crew Pro (CE). If nothing else, it will give me a CE/mostly SE option when the rest of the knives I’m carrying are probably PE. And if it proves to be good for feather sticks, it will be a worthwhile upgrade indeed.
Clockwise, starting at 12:00…
Gen 2 Ti Crew
Gen 1 Black Captain Pro
Gen 2 Ti Crew Pro
Gen 2 Ti Captain
Gen 2 Black G10 Crew
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