Weird Sheffield knife (not mine)

[glennbad]

I saw this knife posted on a facebook knife group. The question was...why was the knife built that way at the butt end, or what was the purpose? I thought it was possibly built or modded that way as a place to put a finger against the butt end for carving or some other purpose. Anyone have any thoughts?

[Gunsil]

I think it's just style Glenn. Knife is pretty old, looks like 1840s-1860s. I don't think it is modded or the end made that way for any purpose other than looks.

[knife7knut]

Looks like it is exactly for that:to rest your little finger against while performing whatever task you are doing.Probably a pruning knife as Woodhead did make them(I have a pruner and a two blade jack by him)although he is mostly known for his "half horse-half alligator" pommeled Bowies. Folding knives aren't that common by him.