Unusual Tool Knife From The Old Textile Mills

[knifeaholic]

This is an oddball Imperial HAMMER BRAND jack with an unusual tool blade in addition to the clip blade.

This is the first one of these that I have seen in years, but I was told that the long blade was used in textile mills to thread the looms.

When I look closely at the blade tangs and the patina, it appears that the tool blade is original to the knife.

Has anyone else ever seen one of these?

[Ridgegrass]

Now that is just a cool thing. My kind of oddity. Makes one wonder how many were made? Great post. J.O'.

[bestgear]

My grandfather worked in the textile mills in Lowell Massachusetts before I was born but all the time I knew him he owned automobile gas and service stations. He was famous for “making a tool” and I recall him having one of those but I always figured it was one of his creations and not a factory made tool. I got a cool rush from the past the moment I saw it Steve - a trip down memory lane for sure! Thanks!

[knifeaholic]

My grandfather worked in the textile mills in Lowell Massachusetts before I was born but all the time I knew him he owned automobile gas and service stations. He was famous for “making a tool” and I recall him having one of those but I always figured it was one of his creations and not a factory made tool. I got a cool rush from the past the moment I saw it Steve - a trip down memory lane for sure! Thanks!

Very cool...thanks Tom.

[royal0014]

Very interesting piece!
It's known as a reed hook. Having worked in a weave shed back in my younger days, it brings back memories.
I would think it to be more of a conversation piece, in my mind it would not be very practical in daily use.

[Gtrclktr-351]

Very interesting knife. My hometown WAS famous for textiles and tobacco. Kinda surprised I've never seen one of those.

[knifeaholic]

Very interesting piece!
It's known as a reed hook. Having worked in a weave shed back in my younger days, it brings back memories.
I would think it to be more of a conversation piece, in my mind it would not be very practical in daily use.

I suppose you could argue that it is similar to the letter openers that have a blade that folds out of the handle. Not practical as a pocket knife, but more as a tool that happens to have the blade if you need it.

[bestgear]

.....in my mind it would not be very practical in daily use.

am I the only one thinking this would make a fantastic back scratcher

[beresman]

am I the only one thinking this would make a fantastic back scratcher

Just don't use the wrong blade!

[bestgear]

Just don't use the wrong blade!