New Patch Knife

[starman]

This past weekend I was at the Smoky Mountain Knife Works. I picked up the patch knife you see below. The knife has a doo-dad on the blade just in front of the handle. Does this have a name and what is it for? Thanks,

Jack

 

[Jaeger]

This past weekend I was at the Smoky Mountain Knife Works. I picked up the patch knife you see below. The knife has a doo-dad on the blade just in front of the handle. Does this have a name and what is it for? Thanks,

Jack

I find this feature on a few blades I've bought at reenactor shows. I'm sure it's not period correct, but I'm also curious as to the purpose.

 

[deermanok]

Bottle opener?

 

[Cruzatte]

Nail puller?

 

[Stumpkiller]

Wire stripper?

 

[bradly_tx]

Regardless Of the DooDad, it’s still a good lookin knife. I like it!

 

[Dibbuk]

"It has various meanings according to various people. A few are: the clitoris of Kali, the ***** of Shiva, Surya ra Chandra (sun and moon, symbols of Nepal), a "Kowdi" ('cow-track' because the cow is sacred to the Hindus), a blood drip, a substitute guard, and on and on and on. Take your pick. The true meaning has been lost in time so today it is anybody's guess". -Bill Martino

 

[starman]

Thanks for all you replies. Whatever the doo-dad, is I really like the knife. I guess I'm free to tell anyone who ask what it is, to say it is whatever you want it to be!!

 

[dan bermeister]

I’m thinking it’s for picking up the wire handle of a cooking pot to remove from hot coals.

 

[starman]

You could certainly do that if the doo-dad is larger on a larger knife, but on my patch knife, the doo-dad is pretty small.

 

[Tanglefoot]

Got something similar on a couple of my knives. I think it's called a "decoration."

 

[RB POWELL]

Make something up

 

[Jaeger]

I think it's for sharpening your vision if you don't have a spyglass. Think you see an enemy creeping through the underbrush? Look through the "peephole" on your knife and check it out!

 

[starman]

Thanks for the several explanations that have been presented for what the doo-dad is used for. I especially a “decoration” and peephole. My favorite however, is “Make something up.” If I do make something up, apparently nobody will ever be able to say I’m wrong. I love this group!!!

 

[tallpine]

It's called a Spanish noch, knife makers have been putting it on knives for centuries.It is for decoration and for centuries people have been trying to assign some practical use to it. You have to admit, it does look cool.

 

[starman]

Thanks, Tallpine! I suspected all along it was just a decoration. It is neat looking. Spanish Notch does have a nice ring to it.

 

[Mark Herman]

I have a couple of knives with similar "decorations. It's my understanding that it represents a makers mark, signature.

 

[mushka]

The kukuri has a notch also. Most believe it is of some ritual significance but nobody is really sure, It's use if it had one is lost to the past,. It's called a cho, or shaul. It's just there, enjoy it. Your knife is a good looking tool.

 

[Two Feathers]

starman:
Yup, tallpine is right. It's called a Spanish Notch. I'm told it was used; by pulling wet sinew through that "hole" to size it and make it uniformly round for lacing?
I can't say that's the Gospel truth, but it sure sounded good to me!
God bless:
Two Feathers

 

[LRB]

I have a couple of knives with similar "decorations. It's my understanding that it represents a makers mark, signature.

No. It is simply decorative. Was popular and possibly originated in the Mediterranean region. Most were much better looking that that one shown.