Fids / Marlinspikes
A sailor's fid is a conical hardwood or bone carrot shaped tool of varying length, that is used when working with rope and canvas.
Three Fids of wood and bone, early 19th century (x)
The main purpose of a fid, thanks to its tapered tip, is to grip between the strands of a knot to make it easier to open or hold it open.
A whalebone fid with mother-of-pearl panels and a sterling silver cap, a small whalebone fid with incised red lines, and a carved whalebone sewing implement with geometric designs, mid 19th century (x)
The fid also helps to splice rope. Splicing is the practice of forming a connection between two points in the same line using only the fibres from the rope.
Two marlin spikes made of copper and wood, 19th and 18th century (x) (x)
While the fid was made of wood or bone, the marlin spike was shaped in the same way, but was made of metal. One of the most useful knots that uses a fid is the Marlinspike Hitch. This hitch creates a temporary opening within the knot to insert a handle. It's often used when creating a rope ladder.
