All About Pocket Knives

I wasn't sure just where to post this, it is technically a razor, but the it is vintage and knife related so I thought this group might it enjoy it the most. This was invented by R. E Brown of the famed Brown Bros, LVNY, Tidioute, PA and finally Olean, NY. Mr. Brown was the owner of many cutlery Pats. I found this to be very unique and simple. AutoKeen is the product name, not sure why? But prehaps some of you are more familiar with it than I. The acutal Pat looks somewhat different than this production but the notion of inserting a blade into the fixed handle is still clearly the objective. I like this odd ball stuff.

INTERESTING & COOL FIND

Great unique piece. Not something you would see every day. IMO, anway...

I know nothing about that device, but just looking at the way it's designed suggests that with a blade installed, one could then lay the cylindrical handle flat on a razor hone and achieve the proper angle for "auto"-matically honing a "keen" edge on the blade.

Just musing.

Charlie Noyes

I have one almost identical to yours that came in a 1920's era sign artist's kit.I thought it was some type of utility knife as there were also a ton of single edged razor blades included that fit the handle. I'll have to dig it out and see what name is on it.

Just dug out the one I have and by looking at yours it appears that you are missing the piece that actually holds the blade.I was in error;it actually holds double edged Gillette blades.To instal or remove the blade you have to slide the holder forward and it opens up to allow the blade to be removed.Mine is stamped VAN trade mark and a company's name(forgot to read it)in Cambridge Mass with a 1913 patent date.The blade was a common one for early Gillette safety razors and I'm not positive but I think you can use a modern double edge blade in it as well.

EDIT:Name looks like L.A.Carpenter Co.Will have to check that one out.