Little info please on this old Robeson EO?

[Joe58]

I recently came across this old Robeson EO model that I've never seen before. So I'm hoping I may be able to get a bit more info on it.

Another gentleman (not who I got it from) told me that it was actually meant for grooming. The larger blade is actually meant to be a razor, and though it's hard to see in the pic, but the small blade isn't sharpened at all, but it's grooved like the file in your fingernail clippers. So obviously it's meant for your nails. Pretty nice jigged bone on it still.

While the blades still walk and talk ok, it's in a little rough shape but I thought it is kinda unique. It'll fit right into my EO collection.

 

[glennbad]

I think I've read that these were actually navy/sailors knives. The file blade was specifically included for that reason, but I don't recall the details.

Nice one...

 

[Pipeman]

Charlie will be along shortly to answer all your questions Nice old knife.

Regards

Robin

 

[Ryan Sumner]

I'd be fairly surprised if this was meant for shaving, it looks like it is a sailers rope knife, and I seem to recall reading a thread stating that the nail file was there because of the strict hygene rules in navy's. I'd love to hear some more opinions about it though.

 

[CNoyes]

It's not a razor.

It is an issue sailor's/seaman's jack from WWI.

They came with a nail file blade and with a pen as the secondary blade.

The pattern is discussed in LG-4 on page 202.

Levine states makers included New York Knife, Schrade, Case, Napanoch, Imperial, Cattaraugus, Union Cutlery, Empire, Challenge, Miller Bros, Camillus, Valley Forge, Schatt & Morgan and Robeson.

A veritable collection awaits the individual that puts together a group comprising an example from each of those makers.

Here's my Robeson example. Click to enlarge.