Pretty Skinny knife

[mmmorici]

Anyone recognize what this knife is for and who made it? No information on the blade. It's only 2 3/4" long closed and 3/8" deep and wide. Thank You!

[LongBlade]

Pattern name would be a tuxedo knife (or sometimes referred to as swell-center balloon pattern - some had tapered ends such as yours and others had rounded bulbous bolsters that sort of look like hot air balloons ) - essentially a Ladies or Gentlemans knife - though given the design I would say this one was more directed at ladies... Most made were likely later 1800s.. maybe early 1900s... Not sure about country of origin as I have seen many American and a few from Sheffield and Germany - no tang stamp makes it harder though maybe others can chime in based on just handle design... Interesting handles - are they celluloid with the flowers within them or are the flowers above the handle covers? The blades were classically slim on these small knives many of which were 2 3/4" as is yours... Here is a thread on the forum dedicated to this knife - viewtopic.php?f=2&t=56964&hilit=tuxedos Hope this helps abit...

[knife7knut]

I think it may be of Japanese manufacture circa the 1950's. I have seen a number of Japanese made knives with this particular type of handle material and design.Strangely though the blades look a bit older than that.The clear plastic handles(it doesn't appear to be celluloid)were prevalent in the 1950's.JMHO

[LongBlade]

Interesting guess Ray ... I know just a few companies continued to make a few in the later 1900s such as Case and a few others (though the popularity of these as a pattern from my understanding were earlier rather than later with most cutleries) - nonetheless I would never have associated this knife as Japanese circa 1950s - I really don't know so perhaps you are correct - Certainly now that you mention it the flower design certainly can be reminiscent of Japanese design... Do you have another definitely identified Japanese knife with similar handles to show??

[Gunsil]

I agree with K7K, scales are acrylic, not cell, it is a modern knife, and likely from Japan.

[LongBlade]

Thanks Gene ... I don't know much at all about Japanese knives and for sure acrylic makes sense as a clear hardener over the flower design...

[knife7knut]

Interesting guess Ray ... I know just a few companies continued to make a few in the later 1900s such as Case and a few others (though the popularity of these as a pattern from my understanding were earlier rather than later with most cutleries) - nonetheless I would never have associated this knife as Japanese circa 1950s - I really don't know so perhaps you are correct - Certainly now that you mention it the flower design certainly can be reminiscent of Japanese design... Do you have another definitely identified Japanese knife with similar handles to show??

Looked through my accumulation and all I could come up with were these knives. The swing guard is Japanese and while not a floral motif is similar to the one pictured.
The tiny earring knives sport the floral motif but are Chinese. The tuxedo is Japanese and the "pearl" handles are actually plastic,but a good replica of pearl except for the lack of color. Some natural pearls are lacking color though.

[LongBlade]

Thanks for showing those Ray ... I can no doubt see the similarities in the handles of the first 2 knives based on the designs encased in acrylic..... always good to learn something new for me as I never really pay attention to Japanese knives as it is outside my own collecting interests