Jack Knife/Pen Knife

[PWork]

I saw in one of the threads here (not sure which) where someone wanted to know what a jack knife is.
Generally a jack knife has both blades pivoted at the same end. The barlow is a classic example.
A pen knife was originally a small single bladed slip joint with the handle somewhat longer than the blade. It was used for sharpening pens (feather quills). Some two bladed knives are called pen knives. These will be pivoted at opposite ends, a larger "main" blade and a smaller "pen" blade. A good example is the senator pattern. The Victorinox Pocket Pal/Secretary is a good example.

Any other views?

Paul

 

[Dr van Nostrom]

Thanks Paul. It was me that posted that question. I had heardvthe term jacknife used a bit was unsure. So by that definition are Peanuts,Copperheads and Trappers also jacknives?

 

[PWork]

Technically I guess they would be. It's really kind of a gray area. The trapper's two blades pivot at the same end, but a muskrat's pivot at opposite ends. Both knives are basically intended for the same purposes. Maybe "jack" and "pen" knives only refer to knives with a large and small blade?? The same applies to where do you draw the line between a stockman and a whittler? I like to take away the confusion by simply calling them all "pocket knives".

Paul