Unusual German knife construction

[i4fortune]

This is a single blade Barlow style folder. Made by Swan works Germany. In the photos, you’ll see the liners on the blade side is tapered to fit the contour of the blade. The back spring is also tapered but opposite direct as the front. Also, the pins look hand punched. I’ve seen many knives in my day but none constructed like this one. Does anyone have information on it? How old? Thanks in advance.

[herbva]

It looks to me like this old knife has seen a lot of action and a lot tinkering. From your second picture it is clear that the liners are severely bent. I'm thinking that the bone handle scales have been replaced because of the large gaps between the scales and the bolsters, and because I don't see any damage or cracks in the bone, despite all the trauma this knife has endured. I'm also guessing it probably was a 2-blade knife at one time, but that is just my speculation.

[royal0014]

Not intentionally made that way ...
almost looks like it got ran over and then the bone replaced

[i4fortune]

It looks to me like this old knife has seen a lot of action and a lot tinkering. From your second picture it is clear that the liners are severely bent. I'm thinking that the bone handle scales have been replaced because of the large gaps between the scales and the bolsters, and because I don't see any damage or cracks in the bone, despite all the trauma this knife has endured. I'm also guessing it probably was a 2-blade knife at one time, but that is just my speculation.

Great insight herb and Chris. This got me thinking. Because the back spring taper is very precise and the walk, talk, and snap is near perfect. This had to be done by somebody with some skill. But why put the time in an inexpensive knife? Then a light bulb went off in my head. I got this knife from my grandfather. He also collected knives. What did he do for a living? He was a machinist. That may or may not be the case but I’d like to think so.

[FRJ]

Thank God for lightbulbs!

A very cool Barlow.