There is a tool for every use and a use for every tool, maybe multiple uses. That is what we look for when purchasing new tools and equipment for our small-boat fleet. Myerchin’s Sailor’s Tool serves several needs in a small package. Its construction quality is excellent, and it is lightweight and surprisingly affordable.The P300 Sailor’s Tool Generation 2 was designed for sailors by bluewater sailor John Myerchin, who has designed nautical knives for 38 years. The Sailor’s Tool has aluminum handles on a 440C stainless-steel frame and blade. It weighs 4.5 oz and has an overall length 5″ closed, and 9.25″ with both blade and spike open. The sheepsfoot blade is 2.25″ long and has a liner lock that positively engages the blade to keep it open. The liner lock can also be released one-handed, and there is no spring to snap the blade closed, so accidental injury from closing the blade is minimized. The thumb pin on both sides of the back of the blade is of good size and well placed for smooth one-handed opening. The end of the blade is straight and useful for small work such as cutting whipping twine. The remainder of the blade is serrated and cuts line easily, and the tip shape minimizes accidental puncture of people and gear such as inflatable PFDs and life rafts. The marlinespike doubles as the upper handle for the Sailor’s Tool pliers. The spike tip is rounded to keep from piercing skin but still serves well as a marlinespike.
Opening photograph, SBM; all others by the authors
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Although it looks perfect, I find the underside of the grip hurts when applying pressure, and the thin curved end of the marlinspike is where I’m trying to press on the blade. The knife is just too thin (though not as bad as the standard flat metal “rigger’s knife”). Liner lock, while common, is scary to use one-handed in the dark (I think it is better done with a button on the side pushing in the liner lock instead). The blade’s deep serrations shred line. The pliers are oddly clumsy, because the handle (composed of the knife body and the open marlinspike) has to be completely shut for the pliers to be completely shut. On most pliers completely shut leaves an inch or two between the handles. So, no, I’m not buying more of them.