Ibberson Doublesharp Yachtsman's Knife

This rigging knife is made by Ibberson, one of the companies in Sheffield that makes British Army knifes, and it shows. It is clearly inspired in the three blades British Army knife that has a marlin spike.In this case, the marlin spike locks using the same system a the locking version of the British Army knife. Instead of a can opener/bottle opener blade, there is a shackle key with a bottle opener (fantastic!). The cutting blade does not lock and it is a serrated blade, very good for cutting rope, but horrible to sharpen. (I hate serrated blades). It also has the same screw driver as the British Army knife. It is made to a better standard of quality than the British Army knife, but it is as tough.It is a great pice of kit for any sailor to wear in his pocket. This is knife is made in England and it is more expensive than other sailing knives, also inspired in the British Army knife, and made in China (like Davis). This knife much better made than the Chinese's Davis and will last very long and very rough treatment.Ibberson makes another version with a one-hand opener that is very good, but it is 18 sterling pounds more expensive. Forget about the same version made by Ibbersons that hide the screws. They are twice as expensive just for that (well, and a presentation box). Here you are getting the knife a normal plastic/paper package.Honestly, I believe that this version by Ibberson is a fantastic compromise, probably one of the best sailing knives at the moment.

Over the 4 year life of this knife it has rusted terribly - now almost unusable.For the money I would certainly not recommend it.

The blade on this knife is sturdy and sharp, with a serrated edge that cuts through rope and canvas with little effort. The tool is sturdy, essential for the environment it is designed for. I have little fear of putting some weight behind the shackle spanner. My only criticism, and it is a minor one, is the locking mechanism for the marlinespike. It is easy to engage and disengage, the latter being the issue. When using the spike with some force, it is possible to disengage the lock without realising, and this could (has not yet...) result in the spike folding up during use.

I have a little collection of pocket knives, and this is by far the best. It’s just the things you need from a simple multi tool pocket knife but in a much more robust package which turns out to be much more versatile than you expected. For example...The slotted screwdriver at the bottom will also open philps screws, just use it at a 45 degree angle. You can open a bottle of wine by locking the marlinspike and twisting it upside-down. The easy-to-open knife/saw is nearly straight on one side and a saw on the other, so by changing the angle at which you use it, if you want to cut thick tape off a parcel or just mash through the cardboard, you can do both. It’s just really simple, efficient, effective and very tough.It’s also very ergonomic. It’s slightly odd shape is fun to fiddle with even when you have no intention of using it.

I chose this as my birthday present from my wife and it's excellent. As a fairly new sailor I was recommended this type of tool by the instructor on a course, though he didn't specify a make. So far I've had occasion to use all parts of it, the marlin spike being invaluable for undoing bowlines that had been subjected to repeated pulling and winching on the genoa sheets for over a year, which I would never have got loose otherwise, and the shackle key is very handy for shackles that have seized up under tension. It lives permanently in my jacket pocket now, safely secured to an internal d-ring by its beautifully made lanyard.

The photo did not accurately portray the Jack knife, I expected side grips not just a very basic unit, grossly over priced.

I especially like the serrated knife blade; excellent for cutting ropes in a hurry, eg round the prop or a jammed sheet. Integral shackle key is perhaps a bit small, but will fit shackles on most cruising yachts up to about 12m. The lanyard probably needs to be extended if, like me, you keep the knife permanently tied to your belt. Good value for money.

Had a bit of a problem, ordered one last week for a friend and it was great and much appreciated but when I ordered one for myself the blade was really hard to open and I split my thumb nail with the force needed. Loverly bit of kit so this perhaps just a rivet too tight. Will be ordering a replacement .