NAVIGATION

Fids were handcrafted utilitarian objects on board ship for inserting thimbles into prepared rope, reaming out grommets, splicing rope, working knots and for opening holes in a canvas sail, because sail makers preferred spreading the threads of the canvas rather than cutting a hole in it. The point of the fid, which could not be too sharp or it would snag the yarns, had to be protected as if it became damaged a ragged point could ruin a sail by catching or tearing it. Thus a smooth surface was most important.