Wood knife 4 our entertainment?

[fearn]

Originally Posted by Tim Simmons

It is here now and even if I say so myself, it is a super thing. Lucky lucky.

Bryan I do not think it is a lime spatula. Compared to what is most certainly a food knife, this is very much more like a dagger. Made of a harder wood. Could still just be a food knife? but you could just as easy stick it into somebodies guts or chest? especially if your victim wears nothing but a shell or similar to cover their private parts.
Referring to the afore mentioned book, in the section on knives, the author states that he has no record of knives used in combat. That is not to say the Islander never did use then. They used bamboo knives to cut heads off and to cut flesh. One other thing, is the knife could be from many Islands other than Vanuatu Islands.

Hi Tim,

Nice find!

I'm wondering whether it's some sort of training knife, perhaps from PI? Are the decorations carved in or burnt in? Personally, I think you need to treat yourself to a steak dinner, and see how well it carves and stabs the raw steak. Depends on whether you want to keep it, I guess...

Best,

F

[Tim Simmons]

Some better pictures. One could certainly stab with it but not cut.

I cannot rule out European folk art. These pictures are from two old books "Peasant Art In Roumania, {note the spelling} 1929", and " Hungarian Peasant Art, 1958". It is not the sort of knife a European would eat with. It could be some sort of table knife or spreader or even a tool associated with a craft activity? I really do not think it is in anyway British folk art. Any folk art collectors with us here?

It is even possible that it is something like I suggested, the form is not unlike the illustrations.