Knife names

A place to ask or answer knife related questions.
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Edgewise
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Knife names

Post by Edgewise »

Some names are self explicit but I can't figure out how some knives got their names.
Since there is no copper in the Copperhead, is it because the two blades look like snake fangs?
Are Butterbean and Peanut allusions to shape or size like the Canoe?
What about Muskrat, Russlock and Cheetah?
Why does Congress need all those blades?
Who was Jack? ::shrug::
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smiling-knife
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Re: Knife names

Post by smiling-knife »

Edgewise wrote: Who was Jack? ::shrug::

Warm ::welcome:: to the site Edgewise.

Jack is an old English name for sailor or labourer. Originally jack knives were large, sturdy single blade knives. The term now covers a variety of one and two blade knives. Usually, the two blades are at the same end but, confusingly, there are some jack knives with blades at each end. The beauty of collecting is the infinite variety and the lore associated with names, patterns, companies etc. Best wishes, :) s-k
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whittlenut
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Post by whittlenut »

I share a common curiosity with Edgewise. Anyone know of any books, etc. about the origin of the names of knife styles and patterns?
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CCBill
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Post by CCBill »

Tommy Hart, the designer of the Russlock, named it in honor of Russ(J. Russel) Case.
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jonet143
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Post by jonet143 »

whittlenut; "I share a common curiosity with Edgewise. Anyone know of any books, etc. about the origin of the names of knife styles and patterns?"

any of levines guides have an extensive array of knife styles illustrated. they are a little pricey though. a good alternative is blades guide, virtually the same book with some newer info, just no bernard levine. a lot of books out there with illustrations of patterns, blades, etc.
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e3ck
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Post by e3ck »

Several of the models I make are collaboration between the customer and myself. The Deadeye for instance was a name given by a man that helped in modifying one of my original designs to his preference. Maybe thats how some of them came about ::paranoid::
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