Folding knife, origin opinions please

Chris Evans · 2nd August 2022, 03:07 PM

Hi Ken,

I looked through all my books, including Forton's, trying to identify the ccutler's mark, all to no avail. Also, I couldn't find one quite like it. My gut feeling is that it is not Spanish.

We have to remember that "navajas" and variations thereof were made widely not only in Europe but also as afar as India.

Cheers
Chris

fernando · 2nd August 2022, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Evans

... My gut feeling is that it is not Spanish ...

I am with you Chris; too many details to exclude such probability. That blade tip is perfectly blunt. Meaning that this knife is exclusively made to only cut with its edge, no chance for it to pierce; there ought to be a purpose to be so. As for the precious decoration, well ... no comments

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Raf · 2nd August 2022, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

I am with you Chris; too many details to exclude such probability. That blade tip is perfectly blunt. Meaning that this knife is exclusively made to only cut with its edge, no chance for it to pierce; there ought to be a purpose to be so. As for the precious decoration, well ... no comments

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Think . 4 crosses? symbol of fish ?

fernando · 2nd August 2022, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raf

Think . 4 crosses? symbol of fish ?

What ... a sports fish knife ?

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Raf · 2nd August 2022, 06:46 PM

The images I posted were from the Science Museum Study group . Described as circumcision knives or for general surgery.Early nineteenth century. Made sense to me if not to anyone else .

fernando · 3rd August 2022, 10:14 AM

On a benefit of the doubt basis, i googled on circumcision knives. Amazing how zillions of them show up ... and in styles for all tastes.
Still i don't subscribe the thesis that Ken's knife is one of them. If i am wrong, you may tie me to the whipping post

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Kmaddock · 3rd August 2022, 11:15 AM

Thanks all for your considered opinions,

The tip is not completely blunt and it would pierce skin with a gentle amount of force behind it.

It is a nice piece and I will put it down to early to mid 1800's, It is not what I collect but I enjoy it all the same and happy to have it in my collection.

Regards all,

Ken

2nd August 2022, 03:07 PM	#1
Chris Evans Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 673	Hi Ken, I looked through all my books, including Forton's, trying to identify the ccutler's mark, all to no avail. Also, I couldn't find one quite like it. My gut feeling is that it is not Spanish. We have to remember that "navajas" and variations thereof were made widely not only in Europe but also as afar as India. Cheers Chris

2nd August 2022, 06:46 PM	#5
Raf Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 238	The images I posted were from the Science Museum Study group . Described as circumcision knives or for general surgery.Early nineteenth century. Made sense to me if not to anyone else .

3rd August 2022, 10:14 AM	#6
fernando Lead Moderator European Armoury Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,647	On a benefit of the doubt basis, i googled on circumcision knives. Amazing how zillions of them show up ... and in styles for all tastes. Still i don't subscribe the thesis that Ken's knife is one of them. If i am wrong, you may tie me to the whipping post .

3rd August 2022, 11:15 AM	#7
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 533	Thanks all for your considered opinions, The tip is not completely blunt and it would pierce skin with a gentle amount of force behind it. It is a nice piece and I will put it down to early to mid 1800's, It is not what I collect but I enjoy it all the same and happy to have it in my collection. Regards all, Ken