Most interesting discussion. Thanks to all for their contributions!
I'm not sure whether this topic is better suited to the European Forum, but it is certainly ethnographic and can stay here, particularly as we compare these knives to similar ones used elsewhere.
Krockew has already noted similar knives in SE Asia/southern China. The blade form and shape of the hilts shown here are indeed reminiscent of work knives in mainland SE Asia and more widely in the region. In the Golden Triangle area these are still used in opium farming, and similar style knives were used by scribes in the past to incise text on palm leaves.
This simple folding design with a sturdy clipped blade seems to have been recognized as a useful utility knife for a long time in widespread areas of the world.
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