Help with identification of pocket knife in museum

[Lawrence1]

I could use some additional help identifying the folding pocket knife pictured here. I posted a single picture recently but, as asked, I'm posting additional pics. This knife was reportedly owned by an Arkansas mill owner who died in 1917. I am not able to find any identifying marks on the knife. Any help would be most appreciated. Lawrence

[dcgm4]

That's a horseman's knife. The long curved tool is called a hoof pick and is used to clean a horse's hooves. The other tools on the same side as the hoof pick are a corkscrew (obviously) and a leather punch. The handles are stag.

[RobesonsRme.com]

The hoof pick doubles as a nut cracker, as well, hence the indent in the frame close to the hinged end.

Charlie

[toolboy]

Not certain but it looks like there is also a fleam blade that is not open, it would be hinged on the bottom or big end
and lays between the stag scale and the liner on side opposite the shield, looks like the end is exposed. This pattern
will really grow on you. Thanks for posting the pictures

[KnifeSlinger#81]

What is a fleam blade?

This knife must have been a sight to see when it was new. If only it could talk.

[knife7knut]

What is a fleam blade?

This knife must have been a sight to see when it was new. If only it could talk.

A fleam is a double edged short blade used for bleeding animals(and people).The point is at 90 degrees to the blade and it is used by laying the point against the spot to be bled and striking the back of the blade with a piece of wood or something. People actually believed at one point in time that bleeding was good for you!
Here is a picture of a Wostenholm horseman's knife with the fleam blade open on the left side of the picture.

[KnifeSlinger#81]

Thanks, I was always curious how those were used. Very interesting, does not sound enjoyable to use though. I have seen those called a bleeder as well, is that also a correct term for the same type of blade, or a slightly different blade?

[terryl308]

Thanks, I was always curious how those were used. Very interesting, does not sound enjoyable to use though. I have seen those called a bleeder as well, is that also a correct term for the same type of blade, or a slightly different blade?

I believe it is the same thing, interesting old horseman's knife. Terry

[RobesonsRme.com]

I think fleams were used on livestock and lancets were used on people.

Charlie

[knife7knut]

I think fleams were used on livestock and lancets were used on people.

Charlie

I think you are correct Charlie.As far as I can tell the only difference between a lancet and a fleam is the fleam is usually all metal to allow it to be sterilized whereas a fleam usually has a horn(or other material)handle.

[SolWarrior]

When I read Toolboy's comment about a fleam blade I got curious, couldn't see anything and immediately went to google it. I found this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleam then came back and read the rest of the thread. As always, you guys are right on the money.

Nice old knife.

[lr64knives]

They supposedly at times to bleed a horse or cow, supposedly helped cure them when sick they thought back then.. They placed the point on the nose & hit it with a board..

[lr64knives]

I have & or collect several old farrier or horseman,s knives most are Civil War era and Sheffield made as the Wostenholm shown.

[ea42]

In the first photo, the blade pointing down looks like it has some sort of tang stamp under the rust, you might want to clean some of that off in order to read it. A pencil eraser is usually pretty effective for that, followed by a brisk rub with an oily rag.

Eric

[Lawrence1]

Absolutely wonderful responses to my questiins. You guys are the best. Many thanks!!! Lawrence