Unusual knife for I.D. Asian ?

colin henshaw · 18th December 2015, 04:08 PM

Hi

I've had this strange little knife for years, but could never figure out what its for or where its from. The handle elements are made from dark horn and the blade is very thin.

Can anyone recognise it and identify its purpose and area of origin ?
Perhaps its a razor ?

Thanks in advance.

colin henshaw · 21st December 2015, 12:38 PM

Does anyone recognise this knife ?

Miguel · 21st December 2015, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colin henshaw

Does anyone recognise this knife ?

Hi Collin,
I have searched all the references that I have and also spent some time on the web but I have been unable to come up with anything. There are a number of knives that have similar blades but do not have the same type of handle, the serrated blade guard, if that's what it is? is unusual. Sorry to have been no help and thanks for sharing a most unusual little knife.
Regards
Miguel

VANDOO · 22nd December 2015, 05:37 AM

A VERY INTERESTING LITTLE KNIFE NO DOUBT IT IS MADE TO PREFORM SOME SPECIFIC TASK. I WILL GUESS AFRICA AS THE ORIGIN BECAUSE OF THE HORN USED, PERHAPS NORTH AFRICA. GOOD LUCK

Tim Simmons · 24th December 2015, 12:11 PM

This is probably a basket makers knife. I had a similar mystery knife along these lines, long since swapped. I believe the knife is held under arm in the arm pit. Use rather like a static third hand. This makes sense if making fine baskets. Imaging trying to cut fine materials while holding then in place with both hand. I think the projection above the blade my be used to stop the movement of the blade in use at the shoulder. I could be wrong

.

Sajen · 24th December 2015, 01:01 PM

Maybe a razor?

ariel · 24th December 2015, 11:39 PM

To shave armpits while weaving baskets? :-)))

Robert · 25th December 2015, 03:22 AM

Is the blade sharpened on just one side or on both sides?

Best, Robert

colin henshaw · 27th December 2015, 10:41 AM

The blade is sharp for the entire convex side and for that part of the concave side that extends beyond the hilt projection.

Initially I had considered a razor to be the most likely function, but Tim's suggestion that its for basket-making (splitting the fine cane etc), and held in the armpit, makes a lot of sense. Looking on the internet, I see some basket-making knives have curved blades.

Perhaps the idea of a detachable socket for the hilt, was that the socket would remain under the arm to permit easy removal and return of the knife, should it be required for use in the hand as well as in a static position ??

18th December 2015, 04:08 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Unusual knife for I.D. Asian ? Hi I've had this strange little knife for years, but could never figure out what its for or where its from. The handle elements are made from dark horn and the blade is very thin. Can anyone recognise it and identify its purpose and area of origin ? Perhaps its a razor ? Thanks in advance. Attached Images

27th December 2015, 10:41 AM	#9
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	The blade is sharp for the entire convex side and for that part of the concave side that extends beyond the hilt projection. Initially I had considered a razor to be the most likely function, but Tim's suggestion that its for basket-making (splitting the fine cane etc), and held in the armpit, makes a lot of sense. Looking on the internet, I see some basket-making knives have curved blades. Perhaps the idea of a detachable socket for the hilt, was that the socket would remain under the arm to permit easy removal and return of the knife, should it be required for use in the hand as well as in a static position ?? Attached Images

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21st December 2015, 12:38 PM	#2
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,429	Does anyone recognise this knife ?

22nd December 2015, 05:37 AM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	A VERY INTERESTING LITTLE KNIFE NO DOUBT IT IS MADE TO PREFORM SOME SPECIFIC TASK. I WILL GUESS AFRICA AS THE ORIGIN BECAUSE OF THE HORN USED, PERHAPS NORTH AFRICA. GOOD LUCK

24th December 2015, 12:11 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,925	This is probably a basket makers knife. I had a similar mystery knife along these lines, long since swapped. I believe the knife is held under arm in the arm pit. Use rather like a static third hand. This makes sense if making fine baskets. Imaging trying to cut fine materials while holding then in place with both hand. I think the projection above the blade my be used to stop the movement of the blade in use at the shoulder. I could be wrong .

24th December 2015, 01:01 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,415	Maybe a razor?

24th December 2015, 11:39 PM	#7
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	To shave armpits while weaving baskets? :-)))

25th December 2015, 03:22 AM	#8
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Is the blade sharpened on just one side or on both sides? Best, Robert