nail file patterns

[Dijos]

I've seen a number of patterns with 1 blade, and a small nailfile blade, generally in older, Gents knoves (including the CSC ring turn knife). Were these popular? and why are they not more popular now?

 

[glennbad]

Maybe there are no gentlemen anymore...

Seriously, they were very popular back in the day. I have a handful of old Schrades with nailfiles. Here's a sample:

I just think that (Americans anyway) we want the bigger badder knife.

Maybe the nail clipper took over.

Of course, you see alot of those Vic SAK's that have the little scissors and file, etc. Those are pretty popular, look how many get confiscated at the airport.

Maybe it's just not manly to file your fingernails at all. Didn't those type of knives come from England originally? Knife patterns evolve, I guess...

Glenn

 

[knifeaholic]

As Glenn said, every American cutlery company used to make the "lobster" and other "gent's" patterns - they were indeed very popular and high volume patterns Pre WWII. And i agree the SAK "Classic" is the modern equivalent and is also very popular and high volume.

 

[Rupestris]

I use the nail file on my Leatherman Squirt PS4 all the time .

I think the nail file has been relegated to just that - a feature of multi-tools and not much else.

 

[Vivi]

I never used a nail file myself until I started playing guitar. I had no need to keep my nails that short. When they got long enough, I'd just cut at the corner of them with my thumbnail and pull it off.

 

[Amos Iron Wolf]

One of the best features on the SAK Classic was the file and scissors. I would always forget to trim my nails at home, only thinking about it when nowhere near clippers. I either had the classic in a pocket or my Swiss Champ on the belt and used those. That is the one thing I miss now that I carry other knives as EDCs. I often find I wish I had the scissors and nail file along for that reason. A sign of the times I guess.

 

[El Lobo]

Interesting thread...:thumbup:

Here is a Hen and Rooster.....

It might be the real deal, as it has the Hen & Rooster on the file, and the larger blade. Or, maybe not. NO other marking or ID anywhere. But it was a Gentleman's knife for sure, once upon a time.

Bill

 

[shaldag]

I still like looking for these old multiblades. At knife shows, there are usually a couple of dealers with a nice selection. trouble is, you're not going to find any bargains there.

You want a real challenge, you try finding a custom maker who is willing to make an orange blossom or lobster pattern these days. There are a few, but their waiting list is like the line for cold lemonade in hell. A few others have done it, and sworn off them forever, at least for the time being.

 

[Casares]

This is a fairly typical Euopean type of small nailfile / knife...
light green cracked ice celluloid, the nail file is the tool at the bottom, the file surface folds flat against the side of the knife, not in line with the springs, as is more normal. By the way, this one was a real bargain, but it is is not in very good condition.