Folding Patch Knife with touch hole tool

[Ky-Flinter]

I am posting these pictures for Alyce-James.  He thought these knives were interesting and wanted to share them here. -Ron

[Oil Derek]

#1 knife is quite attractive if not pocket friendly!

[alyce-james]

Sir; I would like to think the wood handle knife may have lived with a Jaeger Rifle case set, in Germany. I'm also sure there are some members on the ALF site who can answer this question. I surely don't know. Thanks for looking. Have a great week. AJ. Added note: Knife #2 is bone handled.

[jdm]

 Not something you see every day. Thank you for posting these.

[alyce-james]

Thanks Jim. This , I believe is why "Antique Accoutrements" was created' to share interesting findings of unique items related to our, ALF Members, collections. Have a great day. AJ. (Jim)

[rich pierce]

That might be an awl. It would take a pretty large touch hole for that to work.

[Levy]

Maybe it's a fork to stab food cut up with the knife blade and not as exotic as a vent pick?  James Levy

[Bob McBride]

Looks like a mariner’s marlin spike knife to me.

[alyce-james]

WOW, fellows. Now my work really begins. What is the true function of the combo friction knife. Thanks for sharing your additional information. AJ.

[Jim Spray]

I had one very similar to this years ago and thought the same thing. I took it to a friend that worked in a museum. They told me it was an old carpet makers knife. Not a patch knife. This was way before the internet. I have no idea where that knife went but wish I still had it.

[Marcruger]

Yes, I was thinking Marlin Spike or awl.  They look too robust to fit in a touch hole. 

[alyce-james]

I was thinking" my wife tells me this can't be good". This could be a tang extension. When the blade is open the portion in question folds into a groove so your hand holds the blade open for safety. It is friction knife. What y'all think ? Thanks for all your input. Have a great day. AJ.

[jdm]

I have had several folders over the years with an awl . !8th-19th century. That must of been a necessity of the times. Lots of different uses. I do like your cased set idea for the first one. If it wasn't made for that it should of been.

[rickw]

Those are actually coir knives, used to weave mats and rugs from coir (coconut fiber). Many come from India or Sri Lanka.
Rick W