Unusual large folding knife

[North Man]

Hi All,

I have a large folding knife that is a bit of a mystery. First, it has no markings that I can find. It's on the large side, being 5.5 inches when closed. I has a long single bevel blade with a non-sharp protrusion at the end. It also has a thin, flexible wood-type saw with a bit of set to the teeth. The final blade -- also a single bevel -- is slightly concave and is designed to only open 90 degrees (so perpendicular to the handle). I assume that this blade was drawn toward the body when in use. The construction is pretty typical of early 20th century pocket knives, but I am not an expert.

Thanks for any guidance you might provide!

-Dug

[robpa]

Ive never seen the likes of that one before. Pretty neat knife. Ill be interested in ideas on this one.

[SwedgeHead]

I might suggest its a hunter field dressing knife. The large blade with the protection tip, a bone saw, and seems odd that it would only go 90% but a skinner blade. Just guessing and seeing others similar but not exact.

[Mumbleypeg]

That exact same knife pattern has been posted here on AAPK - somewhere. IIRC it was determined to be an agricultural knife for grafting and harvesting fruit. The master blade is a “froe” for grafting/budding (not to be confused with the AAPK member who uses “Froe” as his forum name). The curved “hook” blade that only opens part way is for harvesting fruit (like grapes for example). The saw is self explanatory.

Ken

[North Man]

That exact same knife pattern has been posted here on AAPK - somewhere. IIRC it was determined to be an agricultural knife for grafting and harvesting fruit. The master blade is a “froe” for grafting/budding (not to be confused with the AAPK member who uses “Froe” as his forum name). The curved “hook” blade that only opens part way is for harvesting fruit (like grapes for example). The saw is self explanatory.

Ken

This is the line of thinking that I have been entertaining, but haven't been able to support. Thanks so much for sharing the generational knowledge of the forum!

-Dug

[Dinadan]

Very interesting knife. My first though was that it was for working with horse hoofs. The blunted blades would be to keep from stabbing into the foot. Just a guess.

[SwedgeHead]

I recall the topic on the agriculture knife, the grafting blade however had a protrusion on the top if I recall (which is also more typical), also that's a fine tooth saw blade. We might have to dig this one up - I'm still inclined to think hunter here but it does lean into agriculture as well. Waiting curiously now

[SwedgeHead]

does that notched tip have an edge on it? the squared tip portion on the large blade. If so maybe it is a grafter.

[Mumbleypeg]

Here’s an old post about a fixed blade froe, identified as such by Miller Bros (Dimitri). It’s a fixed blade but note the similarity to the OP blade. https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... 68#p421568

I’m still looking for the post with the same knife as the OP in this thread, but when/if I find it I’ll post a link to it.

Ken

[knife7knut]

Here’s an old post about a fixed blade froe, identified as such by Miller Bros (Dimitri). It’s a fixed blade but note the similarity to the OP blade. https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... 68#p421568

I’m still looking for the post with the same knife as the OP in this thread, but when/if I find it I’ll post a link to it.

Ken

ls this what you're looking for Ken?
The only difference is mine has a can opener/cap lifter on the end. It is also unmarked.

[Mumbleypeg]

Thanks Ray. That’s not it but the knife looks very close to the same. IIRC when you posted that one it prompted some speculation regarding why it had a cap lifter.

Here’s a similar thread, knife identical to the OP, but different discussion and more speculation. https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... hp?t=44852

Ken

[SwedgeHead]

Thanks Ray. That’s not it but the knife looks very close to the same. IIRC when you posted that one it prompted some speculation regarding why it had a cap lifter.

Here’s a similar thread, knife identical to the OP, but different discussion and more speculation. https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... hp?t=44852

Ken

Great finds gentlemen. Definitely in the ballpark now but still indeterminate.
This link above goes a few ways again, as an AG knife, a field dressing hunter as you read down a few posts, and also a camper.
Will we ever know?

[North Man]

The saw is thin. Having cut through green bone before, this tool would less than ideal. I would not want to dress a deer with this, personally.

-Dug

[SwedgeHead]

I'm with you on that Dug. Its an interesting configuration, not sure its idea for any of the use cases anymore, but who knows how old it is .
The thin fine tooth saw throws me too, I could see it being good for saplings or light twigs but otherwise I dunno. Almost looks like a metal saw but too springy and unsupported there too...

Its weird, I like it !!