penknife - pocket knife ?

[zed6309]

As a boy we always called little folding knives as penknives, these days i call them pocket knives, is the term penknife a uk thing or was there such a thing as a penknife sorry for such a newbie question

paul

[GRINC]

Pen Knife used to sharpen Quill Pens, kind of a office knife see attached

Lots of different makes, styles etc

Welcome to AAPK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[vikingdog]

We called them pen knives here in Pennsylvania too. They were usually smaller knives, maybe 2 1/2 to 3 inches, equal ends and blade configuration like the one GRINC posted. I picked up a few really nice old ones cheap. I don't think as many people collect them as the larger patterns. Here's a few:

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... ife#p43066

[zed6309]

yeah i see now, lots of the knives i had early on where like the one shown, i guess the name penknife just stuck, thanks for posting the pics up

[trail]

Modern day usage seems to be small, single blade or two blades on opposite ends riding on one backspring.

[rigwelder]

I've allways referred to them as Sunday knives. Because they were made for light use.

[zed6309]

cheers guys , i now know the difference, forever learning

[DR_MAGOO]

Looking in the "Articles & Research" category of this website under Case-Case knives by name the following definition is given:

Pen:
The name pen is shared by many knives. As a general rule, it describes any double ended knife that measures less than 3 1/2" closed. Some pens include the senator or equal end pen, the sleeveboard pen, and the premium pen. Senator pens are those with a perfectly oval shaped handle. Sleeveboard pens have a handle that tapers to a narrower rear. Premium pen knives are generally classified as pen knives that share the pattern number with a stockman knife. This is of course subject to argument, but most collectors categorize pens in this manner.

Based on that info the following attached should apply

[woseyjales]

Knice lineup Doc.
I was going to post a G62087pen but the pictures are gone !
Must be one of the 087s I sent to Tracy.
I gotta start writing this stuff down. (ker-duh)
Anywho, still got some regular lil size ones.

5233


Q42


705UH

[zed6309]

thanks guys for all the pics and info, im inlightened now i need some penknives for my collection

[tjmurphy]

Here is a pen knife that I have. Case XX USA 8233, genuine MOP. Both blades open on same, single spring.

[zed6309]

That is sweet TJ, i do like MOP

[paulsvintage]

i have a few pen knives to add

[zed6309]

i have a few pen knives to add

wow thats a lot of pen knives,

[smiling-knife]

Originally, pen knives were single-bladed knives but now these are known as quill knives. More recently, pen knife refers to a small knife with a blade on each end as mentioned. Unless it is a 'jumbo' penknife, which can be 4 inches plus. Most pattern names are modern inventions. In days of yor, they were simply known as two-bladed knives. However, there were knives that were actually pens/pencils. Also, there were desk knives which were fixed blade knives with a pen blade.. It's all a bit of a minefield. s-k

Thanks everyone for posting the many great looking pen knives.

[zed6309]

Originally, pen knives were single-bladed knives but now these are known as quill knives. More recently, pen knife refers to a small knife with a blade on each end as mentioned. Unless it is a 'jumbo' penknife, which can be 4 inches plus. Most pattern names are modern inventions. In days of yor, they were simply known as two-bladed knives. However, there were knives that were actually pens/pencils. Also, there were desk knives which were fixed blade knives with a pen blade.. It's all a bit of a minefield. s-k

Thanks everyone for posting the many great looking pen knives.

thanks mate for more info, i rembemer seeing a lot of smaller 2 bladed penknives years ago , although since getting into pocket knives again i like the stockman blade selection,

[rigwelder]

Heres some of mine,,
Wr. Case & Sons
Schatt & Morgan Gowanda
Original Pine Knot
Manhattan Knife co. (Sweet little pearl,,picture is poor)

[rigwelder]

New York Knife
Waterville Cut. Co. Conn.
Norville Shapleigh
Schatt & Morgan Tittusville

[rigwelder]

Case Bros.
Platts Bros. N.Y. New York
Hibbard Spencer & Bartlett

[rigwelder]

Shapleigh
Excelsior
Winchester

[rigwelder]

Keen Kutter
Platts Bros. Andover New York
Case Bros

[edgy46]

We all have penknives lets see em.

[paulsvintage]

We all have penknives lets see em.

very nice rigwelder & edgy. those are all very hard to find pens

[smiling-knife]

This is a 'jumbo' pen knife at about 4 inches closed. Made for the Army & Navy department store by an unknown Sheffield maker circa 1910 s-k

[big monk]

I have always called the knives,less than 3 inches,"'Pen Knives"" ____a few ,that I have accumulated,through the years