Don't hear much about Toothpicks?

Joined
Jan 3, 2001
Messages
868
I've just got my first Toothpick, a large toothpick by Case, and I'm very pleased with the pattern.

That slim blade seems like it will be dandy for food slicing.

I don't see the toothpick mentioned much here, what's everyones opinion on them? Anyone EDC one?

Were they also called fishing knives? It is like a fillet blade.

ry%3D320
 
Last edited:
When I think of "toothpick" I think of Arkansas Toothpick knives -- big double-edged fighters.
 
I find that other than the Slimline Trapper, few single blade slippies get a lot of attention here. People are more into Peanuts, Stockmen, and Congresses.

The Toothpick (Texas Toothpick, as opposed to Arkansas Toothpick, a name I've seen on several very different knives) was the first pattern I tried to collect. Nice knives, yes, similar to the fishing knife, likely descended from the Laguiole and Thiers style of folding knife.

There's some talk of it being associated with certain tough guy types, being a sort of knife that might get pulled out during a bar fight. There are some switchblade designs based on Toothpick-like patterns, which may add to this cache.

I do like them quite a bit, but find that for carry flatter knives like the Slimline work better. The Toothpick (or my Laguiole, for that matter) are thicker, tend to roll around, and never sit still in the pocket.

-- Sam
 
I love the Texas Toothpick pattern, and yes they were also called fish knives (especially the ones with scaling teeth on the spine). That long, slim blade comes in real handy for a number of things, food slicing being just one.
 
I really like mine made by AG Russell. Because of it's large size, most people don't edc it. However, for it's intented purpose it does a great job. According to AG it was very popular in the southern US back in the day.
 
Nice pattern, but I don't know why they aren't more popular. maybe the size. If you're going to carry something that large, it might as well have two blades. I have been looking at the small toothpick myself, a very graceful knife.

When I was a kid in Dallas in the '50s, I heard them called a fishing knife, and some of them came with a scaler blade. The single bladed ones were some times called "Saturday night specials", too.
 
Well I've called mine a 'large' toothpick, it's just over 4 inches long closed.

Is there a larger model? as this doesn't seem too big to EDC.

And I should have said Texas Toothpick.
 
I couldn't say no to a A.G. Russell toothpick in ATS34 dressed in sambar stag. I've been contemplating a CASE fisherman version with the fish hook sharpener, it would be a nice folksy addition to the tackle box.
 
I've been contemplating a CASE fisherman version with the fish hook sharpener, it would be a nice folksy addition to the tackle box.


I've got a Case that I've owned since the mid seventies that has the Abercrombie & Fitch logo on it (from when A & F was a real outdoors equipment provisioner). I worked there in 1975 and 1976.

Lost the hook sharpener and the newer ones are a different size than the ones from the seventies unfortunately.

Venerable knife.
 
Great pattern to be sure.. And you've got a fine one there too, jacknife..:thumbup:

Here are few of mine I rotate in the jeans now and then.

000_1324.jpg


000_1043.jpg


I wish they still looked this fine though..:( :D
 
I just bought a Ken Erickson toothpick from bdws1975 (Brett) over in the sale forums the other day. Hopefully it will be in my hands tomorrow. WooHoo!
 
Here's my little toothpick. I carry it on Sundays

CIMG0059.jpg
 
Last edited:
I only have 3 but this set is a pair I had wanted since I first saw it in a SMKW back around 1983. Sorry for the bad pic..My fish knife version is on what I call.. " The Wilfred Wish List "
 
I just bought a Ken Erickson toothpick from bdws1975 (Brett) over in the sale forums the other day. Hopefully it will be in my hands tomorrow. WooHoo!

OOOOOOOWWEEEE, That's a real beaut there Thomason!. Hope you show it off here after you get it!. Congrats.:thumbup:
 
When I think of "toothpick" I think of Arkansas Toothpick knives -- big double-edged fighters.

Around here, an "Arkansas Toothpic" is a 'coon penis. That isn't meant to be offensive, as I'm pretty sure many others have heard or used the term. Back on topic though, my daddy and uncle both carry Texas Toothpics.
 
Some nice pictures and good info there guys. :thumbup: Thanks.

Looks like mines a mid-sized one. The large ones are over 5 inches closed.

Think I might have to look out for more Texas Toothpicks, but I don't see them for sale much here in the UK.

Sure wish we had the variety of knives on sale here that you chaps do in the US. But then again.....I'd always be broke :D
 
a well loved camillus "fishermans Luck" yellow celluloid handles, and its even got the bottle opener :thumbup:
i know not technically a toothpick, it's a tacticool toothpick :cool:
ivan

CAMIFL.jpg
 
Back
Top