Help with Repeat Needham one blade folder

[Mfhuffaker]

Hello friends. Have an old REPEAT NEEDHAM BROTHERS bone handle single blade folder. Really neat taper to the handle the blade folds into. Any ideas as to age, model number, history, value of this? Thanks!,

[orvet]

I believe what you have is called a corn knife. It looks very similar to one I have. They were used, and I still use mine, to cut the calluses off of your toes and feet.
It appears that yours, like mine is built similar to a mini straight razor.
As far as the age goes, I would say it was probably made before World War II and maybe back as far as World War I. That's just a guesstimation, because I am not familiar with that brand.
Mine was made in Germany, I would guess yours may have been also or perhaps in Sheffield.
I hope this helps.

[doglegg]

Dale with that handle could it be a grafting knife? Handle sure looks like one.

[Mumbleypeg]

Nice find! Looks to me like a budding and grafting knife. The knife blade cuts a “flap” into the bark of the plant into which the graft is to be inserted. The tapered end is then used to hold the flap open while the graft is inserted. The handle may be ivory - many of them are.

Goins’ Encyclopedia says Needham Brothers was in business in Sheffield England c 1860-1953. Sorry I don’t know how to narrow it down any closer. As for value, some collect budding knives. eBay sold listings of budding or grafting knives is your best source of value. You may not find the exact knife but it will give you a ballpark estimate. There are a lot of pictures here of similar knives - here’s an example https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... hp?t=70332

Ken

[Mfhuffaker]

Thanks to all!

[orvet]

Dale with that handle could it be a grafting knife? Handle sure looks like one.

That is probably right. I hadn't considered that. That's the problem with looking at pictures on my phone and not on my computer!

[doglegg]

Dale with that handle could it be a grafting knife? Handle sure looks like one.

That is probably right. I hadn't considered that. That's the problem with looking at pictures on my phone and not on my computer!