Article
9-23-02
Spirit of South Carolina Rigging
Knife
Sam's
original limitied edition collectable knife number 001/24 is
now on display at the shipyard.
Last winter (2002) following a knife exhibit,
the South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation commissioned a custom
cutlery maker named Sam Cox, of Gaffney, South Carolina to create
a design for an "official" rigging knife for the Spirit
of South Carolina tall ship project. After a historically authentic
design was created, Sam has begun producing limited edition sets
of twenty four custom, handmade knives with marlin spikes and sheaths.
The knives will be sold and or auctioned to help fund the construction
of the Spirit of South Carolina pilot schooner. A few knives will
be undoubtedly be used as awards to recognize major contributors
to the Spirit project.
|
Sam Cox shows his new collectible knife
to David Henderson (left), and Charlie Sneed |
Sam Cox shows his new collectible knife to David Henderson (left),
and Charlie Sneed
Sam has been making award winning knives for over 20 years. He is
generally recognized as one of South Carolina’s top knife makers.
He has been recognized internationally for his cutlery making skills
and has been written about in over two dozen publications. His cutlery
has been exhibited in the United States, Spain, France, Germany,
Italy, and Switzerland.
Sam delivered the first limited edition, signed and numbered sets
on September 21 and… WOW! No one quite expected the stunning
result of Sam’s creation. The Spirit of South Carolina project
is now the proud recipient of a magnificent historic interpretation
of a rigging knife that would have been seen in the mid to late eighteen
hundreds, here in South Carolina.
It is a wonderful story, as so many are, about South Carolina’s
maritime history. Sam and his lovely wife Ginger spent over three
months doing intensive research about "rigging" knives.
They wrote, called and emailed numerous maritime museums, both in
the United States and abroad. The result of their effort has been
to be able to add important new information and images to the very
limited body of knowledge on the subject of rigging knives.
|
Limited edition knife number:
001/24 is now on display in the shipyard museum. |
Sam’s enthusiasm for this project has been almost manic. His
constant communications about their latest discoveries have kept
the Foundation anxious to hear the details, and most importantly,
see his final creation.
The accompanying photographs cannot do justice to these exquisite
collectible knives. For a private showing of these knives, you may
contact the Foundation office.
In addition to being a signed and numbered edition, Sam has etched
the "logo" of the Spirit of South Carolina on the hand
finished blade. These collectable knives will probably never be actually
used to preserve their value to owners.
The additional collectable sets will be delivered over the next
few months. Sam is also being asked to develop a non-collectable
version of the knife which will be a more affordable rigging knife
that our captain and crew may use on the vessel.
Limited edition knife number: 001/24 is now on display in the shipyard
museum.
The following is information about the development of Sam’s
rigging knife in his own words…
"The Spirit of South Carolina" Rigging Knife-Marlinespike
Set
Research
 What
a fantastic opportunity for historical research—one that I thoroughly
enjoyed. I contacted knifemakers and friends in Europe to help find
resources. I discussed this with head librarians of major universities,
curators of museums, knife collectors, and historians. My wife, Ginger,
a library-computer specialist, visited the Smithsonian in D.C. and
searched online sites, collecting and processing available information.
I am now considering how to proceed with the writing of a booklet
on rigging knives of the 1800’s. Copyright laws
may deter major photos and drawings, but I have found so much interesting
information that I feel compelled to pursue writing the booklet.
The design chosen for "The Spirit Knife" was the final
product of my studies and a combination of three basic, historic,
authentic rigging knives of the 1800’s.
Teak Handle
The most desirable teak is from Burma, which is extremely heavy
when green. After air and kiln drying, it has a weight and density
similar to southern black walnut. This straight-grained wood, with
a high silica content, retains its stability after being shaped but
dulls saw blades and cutters quickly. This "ship wood," very
durable and resistant to decay, has many unique qualities. It is
also fire and acid resistant.
Marlinespike or Marlinspike---"an iron tool that tapers to
a point and is used to separate strands of rope (as in splicing)."
Marline---a small tarred line of two strands used as a covering
for rope.
In our research, we studied examples in books, as well as in museums.
The marline-spikes were diverse in design. One could easily determine
that each sailor had his special spike for his specific job. The
spike I designed is very simple, practical, functional, and comfortable---made
of corrosion resistant, high carbon steel and "drawn" differently
from the knife blade. The slot (which was difficult to make and finish)
is only for one purpose: to make a natural locking system with the
leather strap on the sheath. After I hand ground this symmetrical
spike, the finish was created by hand sanding, with 220, 320, 400,
600, and 800 grit paper, and then polishing with silver polish (only
in the direction of the satin finish). Like the knife, this can be
a collectible item or it can be a usable tool. It can remain in pristine
condition or it can gain "character" through work and salt
air taking its toll.
Sheath
I was asked to design and create a combination sheath for the knife
and spike. Even though I have not found anything historical concerning
this, I agree the combination makes a great "package." Before
starting, I knew that this would be a difficult task. Besides searching
for historical evidence, I contacted authorities, which knew about
leather uses from the 1860’s to 1900’s. The final result
is a unique design for "The Spirit Knife." The natural
leather is cut by hand, hand-sanded and hand-rubbed with oils and
wax, and hand-sewn (nothing by machine). Since the rigger may go
aloft, the knife and spike must be secured to protect yourself and
others, so I developed a locking system. When put in the sheath,
the spike is twisted slightly, and the leather strap is pushed through
the slot. In releasing the tension, the spike will rotate to the
locked position. (Of course, this is easier without the knife already
in the sheath.) If you want more security, then the knife and spike
may also be tied to the sheath or belt. The design and function is
as simple and historically feasible as possible. The suede protects
the bolster from scratching, but it does not continue "full-length" inside,
so as not to hold moisture.
Sam and Ginger will be showing Sam’s knives during a fund
raising party for the Spirit of South Carolina on Saturday, October
19, 6:00 until 9:00 pm. Everyone is invited for great food, drink,
and music. The donation is $45 per person. No reservations are necessary
and attire is casual / nautical.
For information about these rigging knives, the fund raising party
or the Spirit of South Carolina pilot schooner project, contact the
South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation at 843-722-1030 or see
the web site at www.scmaritime.org. Charlie Sneed may also be reached
by email: csneed@scmaritime.org. |
