old split backspring tiny hawkbill

[Another Knife Collector]

I'd heard of knives with split backsprings, only whittlers though, and I'd never actually seen one, until I found this one. I bought it and thought I'd show here in case anyone was interested. It's also unusual because its a hawkbill and it only measures 2 inches long closed, and it has a second blade. Tang style, integral bolster liners, all steel construction, and split backspring all point to it being very old. How old I don't know, I also don't know what it could've been used for, any ideas?

[galvanic1882]

Great looking knife and very unusual. Nice find.

[smiling-knife]

Cool knife s-k

prunning small plants

[lenny357]

Is the spring one piece at one point? VERY interesting

[Another Knife Collector]

Pruning small plants is a good guess, thats all I could think of to do with it .

Lenny, yep it has a one piece spring at the end and splits to two at the other. I don't know how they made it that way, anybody know?

[jonet143]

that is a true split spring. the making of a split spring is difficult and required a lot of skill by the cutler. newer version use two taperd springs or a tapered spacer. much easier and less expensive.

[peterforce]

i won a hakbill that when is closed is about 2 inches. small plants is right. is knife for sale or trade.i love hawkbills!!!

[peterforce]

sorry i have a hawkbill is what i meant to say that is 2 inches. i have got to slow down when i type.sorry.

[lenny357]

Wow I keep like'in it more just looked at the post again...also has integral bolster liners. Real nice that would be a nice addition. That Spring is neat nice picture

[Another Knife Collector]

Thanks a lot everyone , I think this is one I'm gonna hold onto. Here's another picture to show the size better. The more I look at it the more I like it.