What would an old sailor use?

If you want to see some modern sailor knives, go to www.boyeknives.com. David Boye has been perfecting his design for a number of years. He now includes additional tools in a saltwater-proof package.
 
The typical sailor's "clasp knife" in the age of sail was square-ended - like a razor. It also typically had a shackle so it could be attached to the belt by a lanyard to prevent loss overboard. Such knives were U.S. Navy issue items. See Cole and Selvey, The Best of U.S. Military Knives (CJA Publications 2002), at 179-181.

It is my good fortune to have an English example from the 1870's.
 
JHouston said:
u-uh, no way, I don't believe it. Post a pic and prove it! (please...;) )
Click to expand...

And this should concern me why? ;)

And why would you not believe it? It misses being my oldest blade by many years. Assuming it doesn't rust away, steel is rather durable.

If you're a collector and really interested, it's marked "Thomas Fenton" on one side and "Made in England" on the other. The name "WOLF' [all caps] is carved in one handle scale 9owner, I presume). The shackle is copper. The liners are iron or steel. The bolster is steel. The blade has an even dark patina but no pitting.
 
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