Maxam Sailor's Tool, a Powerful Multi-Use Survival Knife Ideal for Hunting, Fishing, Camping or Outdoor Activity, Silver

I really did not expect this knife to be this much knife for the low price, and the fact that it was made in china. But I was pleasantly surprised after examining the knife. It was well made and well finished, and with the american and english models costing so much more, I felt this was a really good purchase. The blade was very sharp as was the marlin spike, the can opener functional, and the shackle wrench actually worked. ( I know because I tried it on a real shackle on my boat.) The only complaint was to get it cheap I had to buy another item to get up to the free shipping mark...then I found it slightly cheaper with free shipping at e--y. In any event, this was a great little knife for any mariner, sailor, or someone who fools with ropes a lot on or off a boat. For the very cheap price, you just cant beat it. They are actually cheap enough to not worry about losing or to give as gifts to many people. Also, the standard and metric scales on each side were well stamped and cleanly done and were actually usable. The liner extends past the handle and i think is supposed to be used as a flat blade screwdriver but it cannot be used for that purpose as there are two liners right next to each other. You could grind one off so the other could be used for that purpose but this is not an important feature to me. In the companys defense they do not advertise the screwdriver feature, but I believe the more expensive american/english models do have this listed as a feature. The price is way higher however, and this is not a deal breaker for me as I could care less about the screwdriver feature anyway. Forgot to mention also that the lanyard ring is also very secure if you wish to attach this knife to yourself/anything by a landyard. Get this knife for yourself...your dad...your brother....your friends.....you will love it!!!

I bought three of these sailor's rigging knives viz (1) Myerchin Generation 2 Captain Pro ($60), (2) Navy Knife with Marlin spike made in Sheffield England ($58) and (3) Maxam Sailor's Tool ($10). The one that feels the best in terms of quality, form and function would be the Myerchin which also has a part serrated blade which is great for cutting rope etc. I wish I had seen that Myerchin also has a Titanium version before I bought mine. #2 and #3 seem similar in quality, form and function. #2 has a better polished finish though. I use #2 more as a show piece than anything else. #3 is good quality and the most used and abused simply because it is such a great tool at such a low price. I wish that it also had a part serrated blade but it seems to be made with a good grade 400 series stainless steel so it holds a good edge. I have now bought more to give to my employees (Engineering Technicians) as a general purpose carry tool. If money is not an issue, the Myerchin would be my first choice. If quality/ruggedness/value/price is the criteria, then the Maxam wins hands down above all the rest. It is like the energizer bunny. It takes a licking and just keeps going. The British Army/Navy knife is a nice conversation piece with bragging rights, if petting up a tool is your main use although it should hold up well too for tough use like the Maxam, just at a higher price. The Maxam belongs in every tool kit and utility belt/pocket for working people who will put it through hell. It is incredible value for money.

Recently I purchased this knife to replace my US GI Utility Knife made by Camillus. I used my Camillus knife as an everyday carry (EDC) knife as it could perform a multitude of jobs. I love that knife, and since I received it while serving in the Army, it has a great deal of sentimental value. Consequently, I became concerned about the possibility of losing it (the Camillus) and began considering an inexpensive replacement. That's when I happened upon the Maxam Sailor's Tool. I am an amateur aficionado of military-style pocket knives and the Maxam reminded me of a Belgian Army knife (A.B.L. Colasse 1950) that I had purchased years earlier. That knife was robust and this one is too. I like the heft of the Maxam as it feels solid and well made. It has a stainless-steel handle with a 2-inch ruler on one side, and a 5-centimeter ruler on the other, which to my surprise, has come in handy on occasion. The Sheepsfoot blade is very practical for most everyday purposes and is relatively safe; it’s difficult – but not impossible – to accidentally stab yourself. The Maxam's Sheepsfoot has a little bit of play in it, but not enough to compromise the integrity of the blade. I also like the pointed marlinspike for rope work and untying knots. Additionally, the marlinspike can be used in conjunction with the tool's shackle key to unscrew threaded shackles. Not something I typically do, but a neat tool nonetheless. Compared with the Belgian knife, the Maxam has a better can opener. Whereas the Belgian knife has a lever-type can opener, the Maxam knife has the more effective metal tooth style opener. After piercing the can lid, a bottle cap lifter located underneath the metal tooth keeps the opener hooked under the can's rim as the opener is "walked" around the top. While the can opener is better than the Belgian, it is a bit clumsier to use than the opener on the Camillus. Finally, the Maxam knife has a large flat-tip screwdriver on the end of the handle. It's a useful tool and it looks pretty substantial, but it's doubtful that anyone will be making any fine adjustments with it. Between the Camillus GI utility knife and the Maxam sailor's tool, there can be no comparison. The Camillus is a better made and a more solid knife – but for the money and what I use it for, the Maxam Sailor's Tool is an admirable substitute. It is adequate for the EDC task and all in all is a fine knife, especially for the price. UPDATE 22 Feb 19 -- I am removing one star from my previous review because today I discovered that the bail separated from one of the end rivets -- something that has never happened with any knife I've ever owned! This is a surprising revelation since this knife is fairly new - I've only had it for 46 days - and HAS NOT been abused in any way. On the contrary, the knife is attached to a very light key ring and carried in my pocket. I still like this knife and will continue to carry it, but now I am a bit warier about using it. This knife is fine for small chores, but I wouldn't want to trust my life with it. I have since purchased the Marbles GI Utility Knife and now use that knife for my EDC -- I am very happy with that knife.

I purchased a Colt G10 Marlin Spike from Ebay not too long ago for about 11 bucks. Its a nice knife and that design has been around for a while and lots of people use it. Its popular, its cheap, it works, and When I was in the Navy it seemed like everyone was walking around with one. When I bought mine recently I was replacing the old one I had from back in my navy days and I was surprised to see that it only cost $11 which is about what I paid for one 20 years ago. Well I soon saw why, they were made a lot cheaper now with rough edges and stiff hinges. I had to run mine under a buffing wheel because the rough edges were catching on my clothes and pockets. Maybe my old one was just as bad and I don't remember but either way is was low quality, but what do you expect for $12. A month later I found this Maxam for $4 less than the Colt it has more features, is well put together, and in my opinion better overall quality by comparison.The Spike on this one is a little smaller than the Colt but that is better for me since I normally work with small rope and cord and don't need something too large. Its a good size for most jobs on your average sailboat. I wish I had found this one earlier I would have saved 4 bucks and been a lot happier.

I work in the sailing industry and use a rigging knife every day. I have lost expensive knives overboard and at TSA checkpoints more times than I can count. I used the West Marine knives for a while and they were fine and relatively cheap. I saw the Maxam knife and was really skeptical that a decent knife could be had for that price. I have been very pleasantly surprised. This knife is better than many inexpensive knives I tried. The first one lasted about eight months before it went overboard. In that time the blade did not dull quickly, The spike and shackle key worked well, and biggest surprise is the rivets and hinges stayed tight the whole time. The knife worked perfectly. I just received two replacement knives and will soon know if I just got lucky with the first knife. If these are not as good as the first I will update this review. For the money, or even three to five times this price, there is nothing else close to this sailing knife that I have found.

I love this. It’s nice and compact not taking up much room in your pocket. Works very well. Going to buy another one.

If you're looking for something basic, that performs well, to have an extra survival tool on your belt/boat/life jacket, this will fit the bill. All parts are strong and perform well. The issue for me is the steel craftsmanship. The edges are sharp on all sides and it does not have that 'feels good in the hand' effect that a well crafted tool, blade, or other implement possesses. But at this price point, I can do that myself with a tumbler or a dremel and that issue does not detract from performance. Came in a lightweight presentation box, lightly oiled, and ready to go or to give as a gift. For around ten bucks, would get it again.

It is better than I expected . They added a short ruler with inches (2”) and a 4 cm) ruler. I like it! FYI: The awl does not have a sharp butt is an easy adjustment