What Do I Have Here?

[Dr. Leaky]

I found this very small (6-inches overall) knife at an estate sale and don't know what to think about it. To my eye it seems hand made. It has laminated scales, no guard of any kind and holds a wicked edge. While the blade appears dirty and stained it is very smooth - almost like it has a polished coat of wax on it. By its size it almost seems like a letter opener but I can't imagine such a sharp edge and going through all the work of making it just to end up with a letter opener. I thought that maybe it was cut down from a larger knife but the handle says no. Maybe a practice piece? It sits in my desk drawer for small cutting jobs that come up but I've always wondered about it. Thoughts?

https://imgur.com/lBRyH2q

https://imgur.com/uy5hr6z

https://imgur.com/KHgt9b6

 

[shane45-1911]

Are there any stampings on the blade? I couldn't see any by zooming in.

 

[Dr. Leaky]

Are there any stampings on the blade? I couldn't see any by zooming in.

Completely unmarked.

 

[Jsega51]

I’d clean it up and use it as a pairing knife in the kitchen, it looks like a handy size.

 

[eveled]

I’d clean it up and use it as a pairing knife in the kitchen, it looks like a handy size.

My first thoughts too.

 

[Velitrius]

I’d clean it up and use it as a pairing knife in the kitchen, it looks like a handy size.

100% this. I'm betting it would excel at the paring knife role.

 

[afishhunter]

Looks like a Paring knife to my old eyes.
(Note: A Paring Knife also makes for an excellent Bird and Trout and small/medium game knife. Quite capable of skinning deer size critters, and probably larger critters, as well.)

 

[Billy The Blade]

What say all to perhaps a Patch Knife ?
...Looks like a Knice Knoife.
BTB

 

[Dr. Leaky]

I hadn't thought of it being a patch knife but that really does make sense - thanks!

 

[Onies]

Likely a paring knife in 1095, not unlike a few of the small fixed blades Great Eastern Cutlery offers.

 

[Brules1]

Looks a lot like a Warther (Dover, Ohio).