Hawkbill pattern ??

[Lansky1]

I see a lot of hawkbill pattern Case knives on eBay ... for my own purposes, I couldn't find a use for that style knife (looks like a carpet knife blade to me). I imagine the hawkbill was made for a specific task. Add the fact that they can't be sharpened on a conventional stone. I see so many of this odd pattern, the hawkbill has become a bit irritating to me - LOL - maybe it's just because I don't understand what it's used for. Curious if anyone can shed some light as to why they seemingly made so many of them, and what purpose they were intended to be used for ?

[peanut740]

They were most popular when 50% or more of the population was involed in some kind of agriculture.They were strong knives and could take a beating.They were advertised as gardeners,pruners etc.

[djknife13]

As a carpenter I love them. They move alot of wood when a precision cut isn't needed. They sharpen easily with a steel or round diamond sharpener. Electricians also use them for stripping wire. __Dave

[Lansky1]

Well - there you have it ... Now I know what the hawkbill pattern does well - thx guys !

[wlf]

Their heyday seemed to exist pretty strong until the Depression.I don't think I've ever seen an old catalog that didn't offer them.