I picked up a (rounded) Cotton Sampler by Rough Rider and it’s a neat little EDC to add to my collection. However, in reading about them, their history is not well documented. I’ve read comments and speculations such as the dull part of the tang is to crush stems, measure fibers, cut a plant, check for weevils, or inspect for quality, although most agree they were used by cotton buyers on bales and not farmers on plants. (My dad chopped cotton and agrees that buyers used them; not farmers, but never actually saw one used.) So here’s what I’m wondering.....
Is the dull part of the tang actually for your thumb to steady the knife from folding while cutting? Moreover, was the Cotton Sampler in style before lockblades became common place? A fixed blade could have been used, but they would have been less convenient for buyers to carry. Continuing on....
I was wondering about this and then noticed there are two types of Cotton Samplers: rounded tip and sheep’s foot. The rounded version doesn’t lock and has a dull portion on the tang as mentioned above whereas the sheep’s foot is sharpened full length perhaps sometimes has a lock (hard to tell for certain on older photos).
Also, I watched a YouTube video that compared the rounded tip version to a butcher’s knife due to the curved topside. The videographer said butcher’s knives are designed that way to cut without catching the animal’s skin. So is the Cotton Sampler’s design to push into a bale without cutting the wrap or otherwise? Likewise, people say that cotton buyers would get samples from deep inside the bale so again, I’m wondering if the blade was steadied by the thumb, which is the purpose of the design rather than the other suggested ideas which may not have been used at all. The sheep’s foot has a taller blade with more clearance. Plus, a sheep’s foot tip which wouldn’t snag topside. Moreover, is the answer in the two different designs with the same function?
In closing, I have an intermediate knife knowledge that is limited to EDC’s so I hope my post makes sense. I’m still learning (and pondering).
Thanks.
Is the dull part of the tang actually for your thumb to steady the knife from folding while cutting? Moreover, was the Cotton Sampler in style before lockblades became common place? A fixed blade could have been used, but they would have been less convenient for buyers to carry. Continuing on....
I was wondering about this and then noticed there are two types of Cotton Samplers: rounded tip and sheep’s foot. The rounded version doesn’t lock and has a dull portion on the tang as mentioned above whereas the sheep’s foot is sharpened full length perhaps sometimes has a lock (hard to tell for certain on older photos).
Also, I watched a YouTube video that compared the rounded tip version to a butcher’s knife due to the curved topside. The videographer said butcher’s knives are designed that way to cut without catching the animal’s skin. So is the Cotton Sampler’s design to push into a bale without cutting the wrap or otherwise? Likewise, people say that cotton buyers would get samples from deep inside the bale so again, I’m wondering if the blade was steadied by the thumb, which is the purpose of the design rather than the other suggested ideas which may not have been used at all. The sheep’s foot has a taller blade with more clearance. Plus, a sheep’s foot tip which wouldn’t snag topside. Moreover, is the answer in the two different designs with the same function?
In closing, I have an intermediate knife knowledge that is limited to EDC’s so I hope my post makes sense. I’m still learning (and pondering).
Thanks.
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