All About Pocket Knives

There is a discussion that has popped up on British Blades once or twice, recently, and I thought I'd ask in the US what the view is.

What is the origin of the name of the copperhead pattern?

So far suggested :

1) something to do with the handle shape and that of the copperhead snake

2) some relation to the copperheads - "a faction of Democrats in the North who opposed the American Civil War, wanting an immediate peace settlement with the Confederates. The name Copperheads was given to them by their opponents the Republicans, because of the copper liberty-head coins they wore as badges." - [quote from Wiki]

Any help gratefully embraced.

Thanks

Rob

Good question...I always thought it got its name from the snake..one bolster resembles the head while the other the tail,but suggestion #2 sounds more plausible..

i'd like to know this myself

Excellent question, and I'd like to know the true answer myself. I DO know they're one of my favorite patterns. But then, so are trappers, muskrats, hawkbills, stockmans, trapper-razors, ticklers.....and well, you get the idea. I guess the only pattern I can't really get off on are the "tactical" type knives. I have a couple, but they just don't do it for me as a whole. I have an aftermarket S&W automatic I carry in my truck. To me, they just don't seem all that practical, unless you were in a knife fight, but then....that's why I carry a Ruger SP-101 in the door side pocket.

However, on second thought, in an emergency, it'd be kinda' hard to cut a seat belt in two with a .357 mag, eh?

"However, on second thought, in an emergency, it'd be kinda' hard to cut a seat belt in two with a .357 mag, eh? doh"

You could do it, but it might be a little dangerous for your passenger!

dewman wrote: ... fight, but then....that's why I carry a Ruger SP-101 in the door side pocket.
:

That's where I keep a large adjustable wrench - just in case I need to tighten a loose nut

You guys crack me up!

noddy wrote:

dewman wrote: ... fight, but then....that's why I carry a Ruger SP-101 in the door side pocket.
:

That's where I keep a large adjustable wrench - just in case I need to tighten a loose nut

...a 4 D cell Maglite to enlighten dimwits.

By the way...I think "copperhead" has something to do with Sandbar Stag...

marcinek wrote:
...a 4 D cell Maglite to enlighten dimwits.

By the way...I think "copperhead" has something to do with Sandbar Stag...

Please not the Sandbar again . s-k