Favorite Switchbacks And Toothpicks ... Show Us Yours!

T

Two Dog Man

Joined
Jul 23, 2012
Messages
92
Here I go again! Today's photo is of a pair of favorites, my two Camillus switchbacks. Both are 5" closed and 8 5/8" open, single blade knives.

Back story on the yellow fishing model #5 stainless is about as wonderful as it comes. I found it on the bank of a trout stream while fly fishing one day ... many years ago. I'm sure it was missed, but there is no more justified account of "finders keepers" I can think of. Perhaps he would be comforted to know how much I love it and cherish it. I carried it in my vest and used it for years, the hook sharpener coming in quite handy along with the long blade for cleaning an occasional trout for the camp supper.

Back story on the other is also a good one. I acquired it in a recent box of knives I bought from an antique store that was moving locations and made me an offer on the lot. I was delighted to get another Camillus switchback, this one carbon steel and having the sword stamp on the opposite side of the tang from the "Camillus Cutlery Co Camillus NY U.S.A" stamp. It is slightly thinner than the fishing model, but other than that and the different scales and nail nicks, they are identical in shape/size.

So, I'm opening up the thread with an invite. Please, share with us your favorite switchbacks and toothpicks and their back stories!! I can't wait to see yours and hear the tales of how you came upon them.

Best wishes ... Clay

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What type of pattern is a switchback knife? The knives you show, I know as ticklers, fishing knives or toothpicks, but I'm not familiar with switchbacks. Is that a WI term?
 
Clay, I've never seen a nail nick fit the "shoulder" of the clip like the yellow #5 does-- that's really nice!

My favorite toothpick is my File & Wire at 4¼" closed, with goldenroot bone and ATS-34 steel.

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Well, as always, Jack (yablanowitz) is nothing more than a show-off!!!:)

Here are my three Powderhorns

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brownshoe said:
What type of pattern is a switchback knife? The knives you show, I know as ticklers, fishing knives or toothpicks, but I'm not familiar with switchbacks. Is that a WI term?
Click to expand...

I always called it a toothpick, too. However I discovered in a 1946 Camillus catalog that the shape of this knife pattern, handle and blade included, is called (at least back then by Camillus) a "switchback". It's depicted among other patterns, all in silhouette form, size not being an issue. Personally, I love the look of this pattern. Manifest elegance, to my eyes.

@Jack: WOW ... just lovely! What a selection! And, yep, I am new here, and diggin' the heck out if it!
 
The only toothpick/fish knife I have is a custom by John Lloyd. Its kind of an oddfellow having a true muskrat blade instead of a Turkish clip. I call it my fishrat.
It is my constant companion out on the lake.
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A big Texas Toothpick and a Tiny Toothpick from Case, in Hunter Green with a silver script shield and Blue bone with the red shield.

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The little blue toothpick was my first Case knife. I carry the green one on occasion, usually slipped into my belt on my left hip rather than in a pocket.
 
@ kamagong: not weird at all. I love it!
@ hawk:Yes, that is very cool. The turned in end of the handle is quite similar. I like these Castor knives. Sort of the Opinel of Spain! I MUST look into adding one to my collection! Thanks for posting.
 
Corey, that is an awesome knife! I love the fish shield, totally cool.

I only have one, a Case tiny toothpick with striped ebony handles:

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I love the look, and it's a great little knife that fits just nice in my jeans watch pocket. It hangs out with my Peanuts in a smaller box on my dresser which I think has given it a bit of attitude, it nipped me a few weeks ago :D
 
done.
 
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