Name and purpose?

[DaveHb]

Researching blades of ages past I’ve seen several, mostly trade knives and trappers, with the 3 point cut out.
Curious as to the purpose. A flintlock tool of some kind?

https://imgur.com/a/03QpoGI

 

[afishhunter]

Having used flintlocks (and percussions) in years gone by, I can't think of anything that cutout could be used for.
Maybe it's decorative, like the similar cutouts on a Kukri?

 

[joeradza]

Researching blades of ages past I’ve seen several, mostly trade knives and trappers, with the 3 point cut out.
Curious as to the purpose. A flintlock tool of some kind?

https://imgur.com/a/03QpoGI

I think I read something from J John Lloyd explaining it.