How old are friction folders?

[Shotgun]

I know they're old but how old?

 

[Corso]

not sure

I think I've seen Roman examples in the past

 

[RescueRiley]

roman empire I believe is correct

 

[davek14]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...fe-Or-ingenuity-Swiss-beaten-1-800-years.html

 

[davek14]

http://www.swordforum.com/forums/showthread.php?75654-Roman-celtic-Folding-Knife&p=878319#post878319

 

[JSMcustoms]

This is just down right cool. Especially what could reconsidered one of the first swiss army knives (or at least swiss army knife like). I had no idea that folding knives in general were anywhere near that old.

 

[davek14]

That second link to the sword site has some good links to follow. I put this one in my favorites just now to explore the whole site later today.

Here is some nice knife porn from the era(s) in Europe where metalworkers were considered magicians.



http://1501bc.com/metalworking/

 

[timberweasel]

Well, my first custom was a friction-folder that was brand-spankin' new in 2011...

Boker Plus Tom Krein Pocket Bowie, KO Customs "Good Beers" friction-folder, Case Small Texas Jack CV

Sorry, I know it's a bit of a thread drift and a stretch from the OP... Just wanted to spice up the thread with a photo!

-Brett

 

[afishhunter]

According to this, they go back to 600-500 BC/BCE

 

[Side O'Beef]

According to this, they go back to 600-500 BC/BCE

In his great book, Stefan Shmalhaus agrees, although he says 600-400 BCE. He also suggests that they might go even farther back, but we have yet to find any.

 

[Will Power]

Very interesting that they'e that old but I suppose making a pivoted blade with a 'fixed sheath' was actually pretty common but they were likely to be cheap and unlikely to have lasted long? Hence the lack of artefacts?

Myself, I've never understood the fascination of them once spring knives and later, locks came into being...there are many Italian knives I admire but since most of them are Friction, I find no desire to buy one. Pity, as they're beautiful.

 

[screened porch]

According to this, they go back to 600-500 BC/BCE

I've searched high and low for a reconstruction of that Hallstatt knife, or a drawing of what it would have looked like.

 

[afishhunter]

Very interesting that they'e that old but I suppose making a pivoted blade with a 'fixed sheath' was actually pretty common but they were likely to be cheap and unlikely to have lasted long? Hence the lack of artefacts

My guess is the opposite. They were expensive as heck, and mighty uncommon. Most folks probably had something similar to "Otzi's" knife.

Side O'Beef
I'd be surprised if they weren't older and we've just yet to find one.

Who knows? Maybe on of the yet undisturbed burial sites at Stonehenge has one in it.

Personally, I think it would be kinda oh wha-ow/neat/nifty/cool/far out man if they dig up another Neanderthal grave there, and he or she was sent off with one.

 

[davek14]

 

[waynorth]

Most folks probably had something similar to "Otzi's" knife.

A fixed blade is more within "common" skills than a folding knife!