What is the definition of "Clasp Knife"?

[joeradza]

The look of the clasp knife always appealed to me but the size (5+”) and corresponding price kept me from buying. But, several months ago I stumbled on Jim Parker’s smaller (4 1/4”) Little Bandit lockback and that was all I needed. I don’t know if it’s considered a clasp knife but if I had an incredible shrinking ray gun you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
Edit: Now to find one in stag!!

 

[JW225]

A review of Levine's 4th Ed. suggests that the term "clasp knife" derives primarily from the shape of the handle, which originally was fashioned of horn: "The first clasp knives were made from the ends of cow, goat, or sheep horns that were slotted to contain a blade. The blade was shaped to fit the natural curve of the horn so that the tip of the horn covered the point of the blade." Levine points out that long slender American clasp knives with pointed heads are called "ticklers" (think "toothpick"), and that, with a scaler added, constitutes a "fish knife."

Another common example is the very large clasp-type folding hunter: "In the 1920's Case pioneered clasp-type folding hunters with a center swell on top."

Here's a big 'un...

Folding Hunter and Toothpick...

And, a couple more "clasp-type" Folding Hunters...

 

[joeradza]

A review of Levine's 4th Ed. suggests that the term "clasp knife" derives primarily from the shape of the handle,

That seems like a very broad definition. The large Schrade wire jack falls into that category.

 

[JW225]

Here's some more comprehensive info...

 

[Jack Black]

And in Britain and Australia a clasp knife may be something completely different - a military issue knife

 

[meako]

 

[Tsujigiri]

The look of the clasp knife always appealed to me but the size (5+”) and corresponding price kept me from buying. But, several months ago I stumbled on Jim Parker’s smaller (4 1/4”) Little Bandit lockback and that was all I needed. I don’t know if it’s considered a clasp knife but if I had an incredible shrinking ray gun you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
Edit: Now to find one in stag!!
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Rough Ryder Reserve makes a clasp knife that's really affordable and high quality, it's the closest I've found to the Case Tony Bose annuals in feel and alignment. I've grown to really like mine for general cutting tasks.

 

[joeradza]

Rough Ryder Reserve makes a clasp knife that's really affordable and high quality, it's the closest I've found to the Case Tony Bose annuals in feel and alignment. I've grown to really like mine for general cutting tasks.

I forgot to mention the Rough Ryder but it too is 5+”

 

[hornetguy]

Clasp knife is easier to say than "foldable, pocketable short sword".....

 

[hornetguy]

Going by the posted definition, I suppose this Case hunter would be a clasp knife.... . 5 3/8" long closed, no lock.... a handful of knife....