Posted 5 years ago
j_ared
(1 item)
Our next door neighbors passed away recently. They were like family to us, we took care of them since they had no children of their own. We ended up with a few odds and ends from their home. The husband, Vern, spent some time in the Military, probably around late 1940's, and was an artist and master engraver.
I found this curious little butterfly knife among the odds and ends we grabbed before the realtor cleared the house out. He kept the blade very sharp, but there's no markings on it anywhere. Does anybody have any insight? Thanks!
Most of the older butterfly knives encountered (the hand-made-looking ones) are from the Philippines. They were a favorite WWII GI souvenir from that area of the world. This type of knife can easily be made in areas that have (had) only basic metal-working technology, although some were made to high manufacturing standards starting in the 1880s, in France, Germany and the US.
By the way: Many jurisdictions consider these knives to be "switchblades." Know your laws (see KnifeRights.org) before carrying or showing it around.
@UncleRon thanks for the info! I remember him talking about cleanup on the Pacific islands at the end of the 1940s, so that would definitely make sense. It helps me place it, and understand his sentimental attachment to it. The fact that he kept it sharp is evidence that he valued it, which is neat to know too.
Thanks for the info about switchblades. It's hard to tell, but this is just a tiny pen knife, and I intend on just keeping it safe, with the few other things we were able to gather before they were tossed.
Balisong very good find it's made in the Philippines and consider one the best butterfly knives of all time