Asian folder

[Oriental-Arms]

This type of small folding knives with a spike were discussed on this forum several times, suggesting various origin and use.
I am quoting below a mail I received from Mr. Roy Elvis, who was kind enough to talk to us in Timonium on his collection of South Indian arms and Armor:

I enclose some photos of the knives from my collection which are the tools used by the
NATTUKOTTAI CHETTIERS who were the bankers,money lenders of South India
they lived around Sivagaanga ,Tamil Nadu in the KINGDOM of RAMNAD.
The family's were active for many hundreds of years but declined after Independence.
The knives were used for cutting palms to write on then the spike was used as a pen.Some of the knives were handed down father to son through the generations.

[kahnjar1]

Hi Artzi,
Interesting and IMHO very nice items. I seem to recollect that I have seen them also described somewhere as "Scribes Knives"??
Thanks for showing.
Stu

[mariusgmioc]

Very interesting information. Thank you!

Are they still made today?

[Jens Nordlunde]

Khanjar is right, these knives are scribes knives, but bankers may have used them as well. The explanation of how they were used is correct.
The inscription on this knife says 'Poopepen' written in a very old Tamil script. What the word means is unknown, but it may be a name.
Marius. I dont know if they are still made, but I find it likely that they still make them for tourists.

[mariusgmioc]

Thank you Jens! Next time I will go to India, I will look for some. :)

[kronckew]

cool knives, remind me of a navy folder with marlinspike.i keep one handy in the kitchen for punching holes in stuff. occasionally even used for knotwork.

[Sajen]

I seem to recollect that I have seen them also described somewhere as "Scribes Knives"??

You are correct: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20323&highlight=scribes