"Ear knives" and "agues"

Thomas Linton · Jan 15, 2004

One vendor on eBay calls the karda and chakma "ear knives." Suppose this is a variation on the "torture knives" theme? Not something I'd use to CLEAN my ears.

Another vendor is a regular seller of repo khuks and insists on calling the karda and chakma "agues." Any clue where that comes from? A burst of pure creativity?

Josh Feltman · Jan 15, 2004

Maybe he is confusing "agues" with "augers". I guess you could use the chakmah to bore a hole in wood. I have no clue on the ear knives thing. I use my 25" AK to clean mine.
--Josh

Mr.BadExample · Jan 15, 2004

I know in the middle ages they used a small buttonhook like device called an ear spoon for cleaning out the ol' earbones. But I wouldn't stick a chakma in there!

crooked knife · Jan 15, 2004

I saw one add on Ebay today that said the small knife was for gutting the victim after he had been beheaded with the kukri. From torture knives to people gutters those are some bad little thingies.

DannyinJapan · Jan 15, 2004

an ear knife is a dagger with two"ears" on the pommel where the thumb is placed to facilitate an icepick grip.
i was popular in the middle ages in europe and continued to be so in turkey for a long time.

Thomas Linton · Jan 15, 2004

Interesting, but no "ears" on these "torture knives." Want to take a spin at "agues"?

Yvsa · Jan 16, 2004

Originally posted by Thomas Linton
Interesting, but no "ears" on these "torture knives." Want to take a spin at "agues"?

Sure. They're used for deep acupuncture to help relieve the pain of rheumatiz also known as the ague.

Thomas Linton · Jan 16, 2004

Acupuncture with a karda - ouch!

Acupuncture with a chakma - OUCH!!!!!

Ferrous Wheel · Jan 17, 2004

ca. 1540

Keith

Thomas Linton · Jan 17, 2004

Comparable to Scots daggers of the same period - "bollocks" daggers I think they were called.

spiraltwista · Jan 17, 2004

"Ballcocks" is the term I belive Tal. "Bollocks" is what hurt a lot if they get kicked!
Spiral

Thomas Linton · Jan 17, 2004

The Scots version used two spheres instead of two disks. Same effect as disks on picture above. But bollocks, I think.

StmmZaum · Jan 17, 2004

Its 'bollok' rather than 'bollocks' coming from the fact that for a milt it has two sphereoids. The Dirk was a direct decendant of the bollock knife.

BruiseLeee · Jan 17, 2004

Originally posted by spiraltwista
"Ballcocks" is the term I belive Tal. "Bollocks" is what hurt a lot if they get kicked!
Spiral

Ah, yes. The vulnerable shins.

Ferrous Wheel · Jan 18, 2004

modern replica of ca. 1500 scottish

Kris Cutlery version, modern

This is more of the kidney version of the ballock/kidney dagger.

Ferrous Wheel · Jan 18, 2004

Early 16th century Ballock dagger. Slightly hollow ground blade 10 1/2 inches long with ridge shaped back edge. Inlaid maker's mark. Wooden handle.

Obviously, the historical examples are much more phallic in nature, with the bulbous pommel.

14th century Ballock Dagger. Found in the river Thames in London by Thames mudlarks. Single edged blade and simple wooden handle. Wood has been stabilized since recovery. Overall length 11 inches, blade 6.76 inches. Nigel Mills dated this dagger to the early 14th century.