Marlinspike (sometimes marlin spike, marlinespike, or the archaic marlingspike) is a tool use in ropework for tasks such as unlaying rope for splicing, untying knots, or forming a makeshift handle. A marlinspike is basically a polished cone tapered to a rounded point, usually 6 to 12 inches long, although sometimes 26" or longer, depending on what ply and size of rope they are intended for. The marlinspike is a tool made from metal, usually iron or steel, differentiating it from the fid which is similar in shape and function but made from wood or bone. The marlinspike may be a separate tool or one item on a pocket knife.