Given how popular 550 paracord is amongst the EDC crowd, being able to handle rope is actually more useful than you might think. To truly master ropework, you should able to tie (and untie) complex knots, and perhaps be able to splice it into smaller strands too. The best tool to have in these situations is a marlin spike, a traditional nautical tool that lets you manipulate rope with ease. But with limited pocket space, carrying a dedicated spike is likely out of the question. The Victorinox Skipper offers the all-round versatility you’d expect from a Swiss Army Knife, but with added functionality to tackle rope work whether you’re a DIYer, climber, sailor, and everything in between.
The Skipper’s name evokes sea and sail, and the navy camouflage pattern lends it a military edge. And speaking of edges, the Skipper has a combination 4” serrated and plain edge stainless steel blade, making it good for cutting through rough material like rope. The marlin spike flips out of the spine of the tool, where you’ll also find a corkscrew handy for when your work is done. The handiness of the tool is further improved with its plethora of screwdriver, bottle and can openers, and even a pair of pliers built into the design. And with its full-sized, ergonomic grip and locking mechanisms, you have full control over all the tools when you need to get to work. At 6.5 ounces in weight, it’s not too heavy for your pockets and the ring at the pommel lets you attach a lanyard to the tool if you prefer.
And even if you don’t plan to work with rope on a regular basis, the unique mix of tools and more substantial design of the Skipper makes it an interesting option to consider if you’re been looking for a SAK in general. Aside from the camouflage treatment, the Skipper is also available in a nautical blue handle as well. Click the link below to find out more about the Victorinox Skipper, and pick one up for yourself today.
