All About Pocket Knives

Hi. Recently found this boker tree brand #495. I’m not familiar with the purpose of the blade that looks like it has a clip taken out of it but it appears as manufactured and not a post production modification. What’s the purpose of this blade and why the unusual blade end? Any idea of age or value? Thanks.

Some people mistakenly refer to it as a "razor knife", because old straight razors had an end with a similar shape.
But that is really a "one-armed man's" blade. It is designed so that it can be opened with only one hand. You pull out the knife, then catch that end on your pocket or the seam of your pants, then move the handle outwards to open the blade.

That’s great. I see the connection with the straight razor blade end so that makes sense. The reality is that it’s not easy to open with one hand but maybe I just need some practice. Any idea of age? Collectibility?

On a straight razor that is called a “Barbers notch”. It’s there for the same reason - one-hand opening. Not all straight razors have it.

Ken

seems like it shaped to be closed one handed more than opened. Interesting.

SwedgeHead wrote: ↑Mon Jun 23, 2025 11:14 pm seems like it shaped to be closed one handed more than opened. Interesting.

I never really thought much about it because I have two arms but I think I see what you mean. Seems like the more pointy part should be on the top instead of the bottom.

A quick image search suggests that they were made both ways depending on the maker.

mmmorici wrote: ↑Mon Jun 23, 2025 7:35 pmAny idea of age or value?

here’s one that sold here for $50 https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... -1978-1984 and it said c.1978-1984