Rev War Patch Knife

[cornstalk]

This just arrived today. A patch knife used in the Revolutionary War [edited for clarity: no documented trail back to the war- just hearsay]. I figured it hung around the neck so I did the same with it. Very clever design. Opens with one hand and the thumb naturally holds it open. Cut the patch, let go of it and it folds back up. If I was to hang a patch knife around my neck this would be it. Very quick access.

 

[JohnL]

That is an interesting design. Is there a spring in it that I cannot see in the photo? What is the history behind this one? Good find!

 

[waarp8nt]

Interesting indeed! Would you be so kind as to take a picture next to a ruler or tape measure? I would love to attempt to recreate it.

 

[cornstalk]

No spring. Gravity is what makes it work. Hanging from the neck one opens it by grabbing the bone handle with the last couple of fingers, lifting the handle up, which puts the thumb in perfect position on the blade to hold it open (you can even see where an indent is on the back of the knife blade for ones thumb). Cut the patch, release the knife and gravity closes it. So simple. So clever. The is a knife makers mark on the blade, looks like the letter H (partially obscured by the hole for the lanyard).

 

[cornstalk]

Interesting indeed! Would you be so kind as to take a picture next to a ruler or tape measure? I would love to attempt to recreate it.

If you can pull it off I'd love to have one myself, happy to pay for it of course.

The camera is making it look like the tape goes beyond the end, it does not.

 

[cornstalk]

Total blade length is 3 1/2"

 

[Eutycus]

I like the simplistic design of it. Know what kind of bone?

 

[cornstalk]

I like the simplistic design of it. Know what kind of bone?

The documentation says stag.

 

[waarp8nt]

If you can pull it off I'd love to have one myself,

Thank you for sharing the dimensions! I have whitetail sheds, 1095 steel, Chicago screws and a 3 day off weekend coming up. I think we can make something.

 

[FishDFly]

Folders are much older than most folks think.

 

[Roundball2319]

Thanks for sharing. This is a great example of simple, effective, and to the point.

 

[JohnL]

Thank you for sharing the dimensions! I have whitetail sheds, 1095 steel, Chicago screws and a 3 day off weekend coming up. I think we can make something.

Please keep us posted with lots of photos!!

 

[Brokennock]

A patch knife used in the Revolutionary War. I figured it hung around the neck

Provenance?

 

[DuncNZ]

This type of knife with no springs or catches is part of a variety of knives called peasant knives , the part with the hole in it is usually longer so the hand gets a better grip , these simple folding knives go back to pre Roman times ,

 

[Ohio.75]

It looks like the blade length would have originally been longer, but shortened with repeated sharpening.

 

[Mtman725]

I am folder guy, like it.

 

[andy52]

Not much different in design than one of these.

 

[PatriotKnight]

Thank you for sharing the dimensions! I have whitetail sheds, 1095 steel, Chicago screws and a 3 day off weekend coming up. I think we can make something.

I would definitely buy one of your reproduced versions if you decide to make more.

 

[Flying B]

Nice knife. I have made several that resemble that style from antler tips.

 

[Capt. Jas.]

Very inter

This just arrived today. A patch knife used in the Revolutionary War. I figured it hung around the neck so I did the same with it. Very clever design. Opens with one hand and the thumb naturally holds it open. Cut the patch, let go of it and it folds back up. If I was to hang a patch knife around my neck this would be it. Very quick access.

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View attachment 111562

Very interested in the documentation with this showing rev war use.