October 3, 2007

I am interested in the history of all the tools of the rope and canvas working trades. I am interested in communicating with others interested in these tools. Through my business Footrope Knots I sold Drew marline spikes when they were being made Universal in Rockfall using as I understood it the original tooling . I visited the works in 1994 and made a few photos of spikes being made. Does any one have any comments on the export of Drew Marline spikes? Spikes styled like a Drew Marline spike were known in the riggers loft of the Royal Navy at Portsmouth, UK as "Yankee spikes." There are other makers whose spikes look a bit like a Drew but as is often commented just do not feel the same. Is it this group's belief that Drew was copied by others or did they perfect a style?

Des Pawson MBE

Footrope Knots, Museum of Knots & Sailor's Ropework, 501 Wherstead Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 8LL, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1473 690090. Email des@despawson.com