Does anybody like penknives? If so, please show them here.

[Chui]

Ummm...I believe the term dates to when "pens" were quill pens, and a small knife was kept by gentlemen in their pockets so as to modify the pen tip as it wore down in use. So, it had a very specific use, though not a "hard use".

- indeed, sir. Was simply suggesting that the penknife used to be something only used for light tasks, possibly over and above cutting quill tips

 

[screened porch]

Anyway, I've been gratified by the response to this thread, enjoyed the knives pictured, and appreciated the definitional refreshers.

 

[Phil in Alabama]

I like those Queen #3's, got to get me one of them one of these days. I like sleeveboards and equal ends between 3" and 4" length. A pearl #3 would be perfect.

 

[jmarston]

Just picked up this little guy today. MOP scales, nickle silver bolsters. About 2 9/16" overall. Pleasantly light, yet snappy pull. A pen blade with a small sheepsfoot on a single spring. Not a type of knife I would usually buy but I was drawn by the excellent craftsmanship.

 

[VANCE]

to me it trumps the Vic Classic, rides on my keychain

 

[chuko]

One of my vintage London maker pen knives.
Goodbebere, Cain & Co. c1836 3" closed

Charles

 

[smiling-knife]

Lovely little knives guys. A very enjoyable thread.

Vom Cleff & Co was a New York based importer of knives from Germany and England 1887-1930. This one with Art Nouveau style silver scales likely dates from around the very early 1900s.

 

[kootenay joe]

Charles, was the heyday of London cutlers the same time period as for Sheffield cutlers ?
That is a very unique 'London' Pen knife. I hope you will post a few more as these are new to me and i love Pen knives best of all.
kj

 

[Chui]

Charles, was the heyday of London cutlers the same time period as for Sheffield cutlers ?
That is a very unique 'London' Pen knife. I hope you will post a few more as these are new to me and i love Pen knives best of all.
kj

- really lovely examples popping up here.

Some of these old folders made in London/Sheffield are great surprises, wonderful stuff...........what a shame, apart from a handful of custom makers, that we have no production companies to speak proudly of...

 

[grins000]

I love little pens, nice example you folks are posting. Here are mine.

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[Will Power]

S-K That Vom Cleff with silver handles shows remarkable workmanship and little wear, which is surprising, silver being soft.

Here's a couple of contemporary knives: Queen No.3 Sleeveboard (these are now available in jigged bone too) a well made knife with keen snap, but I do wish the Master blade were bigger, it's really small....Tidioute Conductor in faux Tortoise, a firm favourite of mine. Compelling snap and NO blade-rub on this.

Regards, Will

 

[Blake the Blade]

Its been up before but for me it typifies the small gentleman's penknife: Small and smart, of good quality with Ivory scales. Made some time during the inter-war period by T.Turner and Co of Sheffield. Bought at a car boot sale in near mint condition for one pound. Most gratifying!
Untitled by Mark Saunders, on Flickr

 

[screened porch]

I have a couple of those sterling-handled knives, but one is a 4-blade congress and the keen kutter is a lobster with a manicure blade on the back.

 

[kootenay joe]

B the B: " Bought at a car boot sale"
does this mean that people load up the trunk(boot) of their car with things they want to sell and then drive around hawking their wares ?
never heard of a car boot sale before.
kj

 

[5K Qs]

Thanks for starting this thread, scrteened porch!! :thumbup::thumbup:
I'm really enjoying all the fine examples of penknives, and the discussion of the definition of such knives is thought-provoking and informative to me.

I was surprised to find how few pen knives I have, after canoes are ruled out. I like the idea of a blade at each end of the handle, but apparently I haven't put that "theory" into practice when acquiring knives. Here are my only examples.
A ring-opener advertising knife by John Watts (a recent gift from Jack Black, who is pen knife royalty )

A Vic Pocket Pal

A Keen Kutter Office Knife

A Canyon Creek sunfish (maybe too big for many definitions, but I'm an inclusive kind of guy I'd count all my canoes too; I like the "high level" jack knife versus pen knife distinction)

- GT

 

[knarfeng]

B the B: " Bought at a car boot sale"
does this mean that people load up the trunk(boot) of their car with things they want to sell and then drive around hawking their wares ?
never heard of a car boot sale before.
kj

From Jack Black's descriptions, I think the American term would be "swap meet".

 

[Chui]

Car boot sale: they've become a real thing in UK

There are often designated areas (fields in the countryside, sometimes) where people 'pitch' their cars/vehicles and sell all sorts of stuff, literally - couple of images

...yep, people sell all sorts of stuff, and some real bargains can be had

 

[Old Hunter]

On the subject of pen knives - does anyone have any vintage etchings of the different cuts made by the pen blade to a quill and how the points looked? I would assume the writer made a fine point, a medium point, or a broad point by varying the cut of the quill. Was a specific type feather preferred (i.e., turkey feather, goose feather, etc.)? OH

 

[Jack Black]

Some absolutely knives being shown. I think it emphasis what an underrated pattern this is these days. I like Jack knives, but everyone should own at least one decent penknife in y opinion

From Jack Black's descriptions, I think the American term would be "swap meet".

Thanks Frank

Photos definitely help! :thumbup:

On the subject of pen knives - does anyone have any vintage etchings of the different cuts made by the pen blade to a quill and how the points looked? I would assume the writer made a fine point, a medium point, or a broad point by varying the cut of the quill. Was a specific type feather preferred (i.e., turkey feather, goose feather, etc.)? OH

Interesting question. I did a Google image search on 'quill cutting', and there seems to be quite a bit available. This site has a fair amount of info from the look of it - http://torat-imeinu.blogspot.co.uk/2009_11_01_archive.html

I have a number of Quill pens, including this old Joseph Rodgers gifted to me by Duncan.

 

[screened porch]

Great knives, guys. Keep 'em coming!