What is this Knife Style?

D

DaHaMac

Joined
Apr 23, 2000
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I've been looking at this knife from AGRussell for a while now, http://www.agrussell.com/agrussell/ag210.html AGRussell calls this an "Arkansas Toothpick" however even in their onsite encyclopedia an "Arkansas Toothpick" generally refers to a bowie knife or dagger. Is AGRussell the only one to make a knife in this style?

The style really appeals to me and I wanted to compare knives of similiar style. This style seems to fit the bill for what I want at this time in a pocket knife. Long thin blade, Lockblade (is a "split-bolster lock" any good?), small pocket profile, quality steel, and still large enough to use if TSHTF. The only things that would make the knife even better, would be one hand opening (via thumbstud or thumbhole) and possibly a more conventional lock. The only other decision is which handle material is best suited (will not be harmed) by the change and occasional nut, bolt, and screw that will find it way in my pocket (micarta would be great). I am also assuming the back of this knife is closed and not open; I do detest change falling between the handle and blade.

Any information regarding this style of knife and other manufacturers that would be making a similiar knife would be appreciated. It is not that I have anything against AGRussell, I have purchased from them in the past and have been well pleased with the quality of the knives. I just like to be a smart shopper and do some comparison shopping before buying.

Maybe a custom maker is really what I need, but at this time the $100 price range is my upper limit. If a custom maker had one in the mid $100's I might be able pinch enough pennies to go that route.

Thank in advance for any input y'all have to offer,
Daniel
 
DaHaMac -

The traditional "Arkansas toothpick"
dates to the Civil(?) War period.
Essentially a "dirk" the term "toothpick" was just being "punny";)
Many a "Johnny Reb" probably used the original ( had an 8" blade, if I
recall ) as such. The "toothpick" you have in question was just another "Good Ol' Boy" term, and was/is used at times to that end. If
you want to see an example of an "Arkansas toothpick" that I first spoke of, check out a good American History museum -or-

www.atlantacutlery.com

-or-

www.eknifeworks.com ( Smoky Moountain Knifeworks ;))

AET ;)
 
Well, other folks call 'em Texas Toothpicks...AG's from Arkansas so...
;)
Usually they are Slip Joints, meaning they have no lock, just the pressure of the back spring holds the blade open and closed.
I have Toothpicks from Bulldog, Queen & a fisherman's variation from K-BAR.
Here is the Queen
185077-Tpicwbox.jpg

and here it is open
185080-qpic3x.gif


Other companies making them are Case, Winchester (?) Schatt & Morgan.

Hope that helps a little.
 
Now, that's ONE FINE EXAMPLE from Queen Cutlery!;) Daniel, take note!


AET ;)


OBTW : Winchester AND Remington made'em too!
 
That Queen knife is a beauty.

I really like the idea of a locking blade, however with a knife like the Queen I could learn to live without it.

I did some searching on the Texas Toothpick and found out that it is a popular knife made by Case. In fact, according to one advertiser George W. Bush carries a Case Mother of Pearl Texas Toothpick.

Just recently I have heard of Bulldog and Queen; more research is in order.

Thanks for the info so far,
Daniel
 
Here's my Bulldog 'pick...
157409-tpk.jpg

This one has a carbon steel blade and the etch is finally growing on me.
Someday...stag!
 
I have a case damascus redbone handled toothpick, awsome knife.



I like that lock though...:rolleyes:
 
This is an arkanasa toothpick, not the tradional fixed blade, but is one none the less. Its also refered to as a texas toothpick.
 
The style is toothpick and some manufacturer's say its from California, Texas or Arkansas. Case makes a small and large toothpick in numerous handle styles. The blade shape was probably most commonly used on fishing knives from about the 30's to today. Many subsitence fisherman from the Depression onwards used one, which was available in most drugstores. Case still makes a fishing knife version, where the blade is paired with a fish scaler/hook disgorger and hook sharpener (on the handle scale). In those days a fisherman didn't need pliers. Not much to fix on cane pole, and catch and release was a rich man's folly.
 
the blade is known sometimes as a california clip, and sometimes as a muskrat. the knife is also refered to as a fishermans knife, ect.
 
Wow, thanks for all the information.

Well, the features on the AGRussell knife won me over and hopefully it will be on the way soon. Yay! I'll be mainly cutting fruit and meat with the knife so stainless really was a large part of the deciding factor.

However, I have found that this style of folding knife I really like and I can see Queen, Bulldog, and Case knives in my collecting future :D

It interesting that Brownshoe mentioned the Case fishing knife. In my search I also encountered that knife and was immediately struck with the practicality of the design. Good information knowing that this blade style is called a "California Clip"; I can be on the look out for ever more knives whether they are called Texas Toothpick, Arkansas Toothpick, or a California Clip blade.

All the information is appreciated, and if anyone else has any more information it will be readily accepted.

Thanks,
Daniel
 
Great Queen! Thanks for the picture...


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Historically, the Arkansas Toothpick is essentially a long, heavy, balanced dagger, slung in a holster across the back, drawn over the shoulder and flung optimistically at a distant enemy. When describing "long". . .I mean a blade of fifteen to twenty-three inches.

The Bowie Knife was also enormous. It was said that a Bowie had to be sharp enough to use as a razor, heavy enough to use as a hatchet, long enough to use as a sword, and broad enough to use as a paddle.

What you're describing is a Texas Toothpick.

But then again. . .when you own your own knife company. . .you can call'em whatever you'd like. :p
 
I was hoping AG would show up and give us some history.
I have a KaBar Fisherman Toothpick from the late 70's. If you want to see a pic, I can shoot one :)
There also is a single bladed Fishin' Pick in the SMKW catalog...
 
I've heard the term Arkansas toothpick used as put-down. An Arkasas toothpick can be a knife too big for any real world use, usually dull, but with a very sharp point, sharp enough to pick your teeth. It's also used as a putdown for the person carrying the knife.
 
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