What's the difference between a "jackknife" and a "peanut"?

[marcinek]

For the record, Levines 3rd ed has jackknives (including ones with blades on both ends), pen knives, and multiblades.

The defining characteristic of jackknives is only that they are "robust."

 

[leghog]

I wish I had it with me at all times! Sadly I don't.

I believe Levine's demarcation between jack knife and pan knife is one of size, where he has Trappers, Muskrats, and Canoes in with the jacks.

Maybe someone has got it handy!

That's odd considering Canoes are single spring two blade knives.

 

[pinnah]

For the record, Levines 3rd ed has jackknives (including ones with blades on both ends), pen knives, and multiblades.

The defining characteristic of jackknives is only that they are "robust."

This would be consistent with the "jack leg" theory on the derivation.

Roughly, jack implies a blue collar workman's knife and a pen implies a white collar knife suitable for trimming quills for writing.

Hard to think of a peanut as robust though.

 

[marcinek]

That's odd considering Canoes are single spring two blade knives.

A canoe is a 'cattle knife type double end jack,' according to Levine.

 

[marcinek]

Hard to think of a peanut as robust though.

Never underestimate the mighty peanut.

 

[Lycosa]

This.^
Peanuts can drop peeps to their knees.