All About Pocket Knives

But I would like to have opinions on what this cleaver may be. I found it in a thrift store here in Central Texas and, despite it's crude appearance, it struck me as being a possible relic from the 19th century. Whoever made it put all the emphasis on utility, function and durability. Clearly, this was not made as a commercial product and little or no effort was made toward esthetics.

My main question is: Does this appear to be consistent with a pioneer's chuck wagon implement, or such?

The stag (?) handle appears to be leaded to the blade (or is it the other way around?). The balance is exact to the midpoint and the grip is ergonomic to large hands. There are no maker's marks anywhere.

Thanks, Tip

hey tip. the handle does not look age consistant. don't think the blade is 19th century.

Thanks Jonet143,

It may just be a more recent piece. One thing for sure, it IS crudely made.

I agree with johnnie on the handle wear and aging. JMO, but I don't think a regular knifemaker would put a handle where the butt curves downward, on a cleaver, as it somewhat limits the ability to strike a longer, downward blow without perhaps hitting the hand as well.
Maybe made for a specific task, however.

Again, JMO.

Bill

Hiya Tip,

You said the blade appeared to be "leaded in" to the handle. Here's what I would do : Take a sharp, pointy something - and scratch the part that appears to be lead. If it's not shiny underneath, then it's not lead, and I would suspect JB Weld. If it IS JB Weld, it can't be 19th century.

Hope that helps, a little bit.

JR

Ringmaster,

It passed the scratch test; it is definitely lead -soft and shiny beneath the surface.

I'm not sure where this goes. I often pick up things that I don't quite know what to do with.

Bill, I would guess a blacksmith could've thrown this together, not really a knifemaker, though. Now, if it's 20th century-produced, then I don't know...

Thanks all!