Ode for a hobo knife

[calm]

https://imgur.com/o8N4RVg

 

[LimpCroissant]

Ya know, this MAY have been my first knife too! Not sure exactly as I've had a small knife collection since I can remember, even as a tiny kid. But this one goes possibly alllll the way back with me. An old Imperial made in Ireland! I need to give it a good cleanup.

 

[John A. Larsen]

I have a French Army issue "Hobo" type knife issued for use with rations. Has a OD cloth carrying case, OD Plastic (?) body with a fork and knife that can be separated from the body. A locking knife blade, a can opener, and since it is French a cork screw to open wine bottles with. John
PS Mine is marked "Mil-Tec" on the inside of the cloth carrying case but I have seen video of French soldiers all using the same set up to eat their rations with.

 

[TC]

Mine is marked "Mil-Tec" on the inside of the cloth carrying case

Mil-Tec "clones" lots of stuff in the military/tactical sector, they even offer a Glock field knife copy. What, to save about 10 bucks over the original?

 

[John A. Larsen]

TC. I bought mine at the Turku, Finland, gun show a few years back for 10 Euros. At that time I did not know it was an issue item for the French Army, and still not sure who makes this knife/combination for the French Army? Do you know? Thanks. John

 

[AR-Trvlr]

I spent most of the last couple of weeks carrying this folder manufactured by Fredrich Hartkopf. I purchased it in a tiny knife shop in Munich where we spent our vacation. More of a souvenir than anything, but the ability to use the knife and fork separately is interesting.

 

[alaskantinbender]

Here is an old colonial Pic-nic-Pal

 

[alaskantinbender]

And the colonial Sport Pal.

 

[alaskantinbender]

Some Irish Stags and one (red) Irish Imperial

 

[John A. Larsen]

I looked around to see if I could find a French maker of that French Army knife/eating tool. I did find one marked "Bivouac Inox France" but do not know if that is the company making them fro the French Army. It cost about $27 . John

 

[Insipid Moniker]

This is a great thread. I've always been fascinated by the hobo knife, but never gotten around to buying one. I think y'all have inspired me to snag a Boxcar Jack.

 

[mitch13]

Some nice 1s here.
I don't have a spoon.

 

[Chronovore]

I want the modern version, like a flipper with sick action but it's a spork.

I recently saw an OTF bottle opener and it made my day.

 

[kwackster]

The hobo knives i've seen here in Europe are all of a horrible quality, so instead i carry this Victorinox camping set in my daypack:
It's even more useful than a hobo knife and of course very good quality.

Victorinox camping set

My camping set with fork & spoon:

www.bladeforums.com

 

[Mikel_24]

They look good but, in my opinion, they are far from practical. You can buy a titanium spork (or separate spoon and fork) for a fraction of what one of the nicest hobo knives cost. And they serve their purpose much better. Even with long handles, if you are into freeze-dried meals that you eat out of the pouch. The combo is going to be ligther as well. And, as a bonus, you get to use your favourite knife as a cutting implement!

Mikel

 

[alaskantinbender]

They look good but, in my opinion, they are far from practical. You can buy a titanium spork (or separate spoon and fork) for a fraction of what one of the nicest hobo knives cost. And they serve their purpose much better. Even with long handles, if you are into freeze-dried meals that you eat out of the pouch. The combo is going to be ligther as well. And, as a bonus, you get to use your favourite knife as a cutting implement!

Mikel

I agree and you hit the nail on the head. But it's not about those things, It's the cool factor. We all like to collect little bits of cool stuff.

 

[calm]

You can find the cheap hobo/camp style knives everywhere, not just in Europe. They are generally bad, but the spoon and fork should work.

For a cheaper decent type one, try the Boker Magnum one, posted previously.
Also for really low cost fun, the MAM one.


I tend to find the fork and knife very usefull and try to use them, for the fun factor, in the house too. The spoon not so much.

https://imgur.com/WveWsRA

 

[calm]

If you want to go for more functionality, try this from LM (shown with others unfortunately)

https://imgur.com/WkOgzob

https://imgur.com/lpyo3ZF

No spoon, but has a fork and knife

 

[Sibyrnes]

They look good but, in my opinion, they are far from practical. You can buy a titanium spork (or separate spoon and fork) for a fraction of what one of the nicest hobo knives cost. And they serve their purpose much better. Even with long handles, if you are into freeze-dried meals that you eat out of the pouch. The combo is going to be ligther as well. And, as a bonus, you get to use your favourite knife as a cutting implement!

Mikel

I agree.

I got this:

But use this:

Lighter and easier to use.

 

[Rowan McDirk]

Recent find, my first hobo knife, picnic knife, travelling cutlery.

59 Sauvagnat, Thiers, France.
Company logo was trademarked in 1903 but the spoon and fork are probably stainless steel.
So I think this is post 1960.
Knife blade is carbon steel. Brass liners. Horn handle scales.