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starman

32 Cal.
Joined
Jun 16, 2011
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This past weekend I was at the Smoky Mountain Knife Works. I picked up the patch knife you see below. The knife has a doo-dad on the blade just in front of the handle. Does this have a name and what is it for? Thanks,

Jack

oKsRDxd.jpg

39lbRPG.jpg
 
This past weekend I was at the Smoky Mountain Knife Works. I picked up the patch knife you see below. The knife has a doo-dad on the blade just in front of the handle. Does this have a name and what is it for? Thanks,

Jack

oKsRDxd.jpg

39lbRPG.jpg
I find this feature on a few blades I've bought at reenactor shows. I'm sure it's not period correct, but I'm also curious as to the purpose.
 
"It has various meanings according to various people. A few are: the clitoris of Kali, the penis of Shiva, Surya ra Chandra (sun and moon, symbols of Nepal), a "Kowdi" ('cow-track' because the cow is sacred to the Hindus), a blood drip, a substitute guard, and on and on and on. Take your pick. The true meaning has been lost in time so today it is anybody's guess". -Bill Martino
 
Thanks for all you replies. Whatever the doo-dad, is I really like the knife. I guess I'm free to tell anyone who ask what it is, to say it is whatever you want it to be!!
 
You could certainly do that if the doo-dad is larger on a larger knife, but on my patch knife, the doo-dad is pretty small.
 
Thanks for the several explanations that have been presented for what the doo-dad is used for. I especially a “decoration” and peephole. My favorite however, is “Make something up.” If I do make something up, apparently nobody will ever be able to say I’m wrong. I love this group!!!
 
Thanks, Tallpine! I suspected all along it was just a decoration. It is neat looking. Spanish Notch does have a nice ring to it.
 
I have a couple of knives with similar "decorations. It's my understanding that it represents a makers mark, signature.
 
The kukuri has a notch also. Most believe it is of some ritual significance but nobody is really sure, It's use if it had one is lost to the past,. It's called a cho, or shaul. It's just there, enjoy it. Your knife is a good looking tool.
 

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