Help in ID’ing this knife(?)

kino · 20th November 2025, 07:15 PM

Looks utilitarian to me. American made. I’ve inquired a Whaling Museum and they had no idea.
C. Wells & Sons were barn builders in the 19 - 20th cent.

Anyone knows what this was used for?

kahnjar1 · 20th November 2025, 09:41 PM

Maybe an agricultural Push Knife? Check Wikipedia for more detail, though most shown there have a T handle rather than the style of yours. Perhaps a"local" variety.
Stu

kino · Yesterday, 04:27 PM

At a knife show, I presented this to an agricultural tool collector, who concluded it was not designed for digging, cutting, or harvesting purposes.

Bob A · Yesterday, 06:09 PM

An AI found this for me; it doesn't explain the knife, but it gives some background on the firm:

Wells & Sons refers to the J.T. Wells & Sons, a family known for building unique barns in Western New York from 1886 to 1942. Their barns are significant for their architectural design and agricultural history, and a documentary titled "Still Standing: The Barns of J.T. Wells & Sons" highlights their importance and current preservation efforts. preservenys.org wxxi.org
Overview of Wells & Sons in Rochester, NY

Wells & Sons refers to the family of barn builders known for their unique architectural style in Western New York. Founded by John Talcott Wells, Sr., the company operated from 1886 to 1942, creating a distinctive type of barn that is now historically significant.
Historical Significance

Architectural Innovation: Wells barns feature a patented truss system designed to balance forces and create spacious interiors for storage.
Cultural Heritage: These barns are a testament to the agricultural history of the region and represent a unique building type that is rapidly disappearing.

Current Status

Preservation Efforts: Many Wells barns are at risk due to decay and development. Organizations are working to promote their preservation through adaptive reuse.
Documentary: "Still Standing: The Barns of J.T. Wells & Sons" highlights the history and current challenges faced by these barns, showcasing various owners and their efforts to maintain these structures.

Community Engagement

Adaptive Reuse: Some barns have been transformed into venues for events, such as weddings, demonstrating their potential for new purposes while preserving their historical value.
Local Support: Community organizations and historical associations are actively involved in raising awareness and securing funding for preservation projects.

Wells barns are not just agricultural buildings; they are integral to the cultural landscape of Rochester and Western New York, embodying a rich history that continues to inspire local communities.

20th November 2025, 07:15 PM	#1
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,023	Help in ID’ing this knife(?) Looks utilitarian to me. American made. I’ve inquired a Whaling Museum and they had no idea. C. Wells & Sons were barn builders in the 19 - 20th cent. Anyone knows what this was used for? Attached Images

20th November 2025, 09:41 PM	#2
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,816	Maybe an agricultural Push Knife? Check Wikipedia for more detail, though most shown there have a T handle rather than the style of yours. Perhaps a"local" variety. Stu

Yesterday, 04:27 PM	#3
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,023	At a knife show, I presented this to an agricultural tool collector, who concluded it was not designed for digging, cutting, or harvesting purposes.

Yesterday, 06:09 PM	#4
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 451	An AI found this for me; it doesn't explain the knife, but it gives some background on the firm: Wells & Sons refers to the J.T. Wells & Sons, a family known for building unique barns in Western New York from 1886 to 1942. Their barns are significant for their architectural design and agricultural history, and a documentary titled "Still Standing: The Barns of J.T. Wells & Sons" highlights their importance and current preservation efforts. preservenys.org wxxi.org Overview of Wells & Sons in Rochester, NY Wells & Sons refers to the family of barn builders known for their unique architectural style in Western New York. Founded by John Talcott Wells, Sr., the company operated from 1886 to 1942, creating a distinctive type of barn that is now historically significant. Historical Significance Architectural Innovation: Wells barns feature a patented truss system designed to balance forces and create spacious interiors for storage. Cultural Heritage: These barns are a testament to the agricultural history of the region and represent a unique building type that is rapidly disappearing. Current Status Preservation Efforts: Many Wells barns are at risk due to decay and development. Organizations are working to promote their preservation through adaptive reuse. Documentary: "Still Standing: The Barns of J.T. Wells & Sons" highlights the history and current challenges faced by these barns, showcasing various owners and their efforts to maintain these structures. Community Engagement Adaptive Reuse: Some barns have been transformed into venues for events, such as weddings, demonstrating their potential for new purposes while preserving their historical value. Local Support: Community organizations and historical associations are actively involved in raising awareness and securing funding for preservation projects. Wells barns are not just agricultural buildings; they are integral to the cultural landscape of Rochester and Western New York, embodying a rich history that continues to inspire local communities.