Can you help me identify this knife

[Resophonatic]

I know this is a George Wostenholm knife. I think the “Oil the joints” stamp means it is later than 1930. I am wondering if it has a pattern style? I found one for sale online that was called a doctor’s knife. I don’t think that is correct. I don’t want to sell it but I would appreciate any information I can get on it. Thanks.

[Mumbleypeg]

I can confirm that pattern is indeed called a doctor’s, or physician’s knife. Supposedly the flat end is made for crushing medicines. Often the two-blade versions have a spatula secondary blade designed to sort pills and “scoop” powders (others have a small pen secondary). Yours being of all metal construction would facilitate boiling, for antiseptic purposes. The master blade could be used for surgery, at least in theory.

Using the search capability here will find many posts about “doctor’s” knives. Here’s an example viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20379
Ken

[Resophonatic]

Thanks. I took your advice and did a search. Here is what I found:

“There is one just like it in a 1960s catalog. Listed as 500 Clip Boys knife. Also, available with a spear blade. Iron handle length 3 1/4 inch closed. looks just like your knife s-k”

I think mine has the spear blade.

[Mumbleypeg]

Hmmm. That being the case your knife must have a more rounded, rather than flat, end. Hard to tell from the pictures. That is the primary difference between a doctor’s knife and a boys knife. A boys knife pattern is typically a single spear blade, often having a shackle or bale to attach a chain. Your knife does have a spear blade. You can also do a search here for “boys knife” or “boys knives” and find examples.

Ken

[Resophonatic]

Thank you!