Orgins of Vintage Folder

David · 1st June 2026, 01:37 PM

Hi All!
I am looking for some info on this interesting vintage folder that belongs to a good friend of mine. And ideas on origin would be appreciated. Thanks!

Jim McDougall · 1st June 2026, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

Hi All!
I am looking for some info on this interesting vintage folder that belongs to a good friend of mine. And ideas on origin would be appreciated. Thanks!

Not sure but offhand looks like something from Finland. Reminds me of puuko from those areas especially the Lapp people.

Sajen · 1st June 2026, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Not sure but offhand looks like something from Finland. Reminds me of puuko from those areas especially the Lapp people.

Sorry Jim, I don't think so! My gut feeling!

Regards,
Detlef

Rick · 1st June 2026, 04:03 PM

Hi David,
The ferrule looks like it rotates to lock the blade open like the Opinel knives; yes?
A picture of what is carved on the surface of the handle might help.

gp · 1st June 2026, 04:10 PM

I understand where Jim was coming from as my thoughts were also in a similar direction, but more towards an Inuit type with regards to the zoomorphic decoration...but than again I could be totally mistaken....!

Edster · 1st June 2026, 04:40 PM

To me it looks like a vintage artistic addition to the French Nontron folder. See attached. Maybe someone will show the knife as I am too technically challenged to do it myself.

https://www.objectsofuse.com/Nontron-penknife-8cm

Best,
Ed

Sajen · 1st June 2026, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edster

To me it looks like a vintage artistic addition to the French Nontron folder. See attached. Maybe someone will show the knife as I am too technically challenged to do it myself.

https://www.objectsofuse.com/Nontron-penknife-8cm

Good possible! Here you go!

Tim Simmons · 1st June 2026, 08:14 PM

Interesting knife. Is a French hunying knife? The animal is confusing from the pictures shown. To me it appears to have an agressive wild boar snout and possbly antlers. I would not have thought any creative would see a boat snout with antlers. Just a view probably not helping.

Rick · 2nd June 2026, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Not sure but offhand looks like something from Finland. Reminds me of puuko from those areas especially the Lapp people.

I Think it may be inspired by Scandinavian iconography.
I think we need pictures of the creature relief carved on the back of the grip.
If the figure is a prick-eared canine, then I would suggest it relates to Fenrir, the wolf who ate Odin.
I know there are no fangs shown and I can't account for that.

More pictures please.

gp · 2nd June 2026, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

I Think it may be inspired by Scandinavian iconography.
I think we need pictures of the creature relief carved on the back of the grip.
If the figure is a prick-eared canine, then I would suggest it relates to Fenrir, the wolf who ate Odin.
I know there are no fangs shown and I can't account for that.

More pictures please.

might indeed be the case... enclosed a picture of a 17th century manuscript showing Loki's son Fenrir, AKA Fenrisulven or Fenris that shows some simularities

Tim Simmons · 2nd June 2026, 09:49 AM

That makes more sense. Very nice usable folder.

David · 2nd June 2026, 03:37 PM

Thanks for all your responses. I will link this discussion to my friend and see if we can get some more photos.

Edster · 2nd June 2026, 06:23 PM

I think the key to the knife ID is the collar. Does it rotate to lock the blade open like Opinel? If it doesn't rotate & lock; Never Mind. But the Opinel patent of 1955 is centuries later than the design perhaps used on the Nontron. Here is AI's take on the issue:

AI Overview
The Nontron knife features a rotating metal collar (or "virole") that acts as a ring lock, first invented in the 17th century by Parisian master cutler Guillaume Legrand.

Key Characteristics & UseHow It Works: You manually twist the brass or nickel-silver ring over the pivot area when the blade is fully opened. This blocks the blade from closing, keeping your fingers safe.Historical Significance: While it operates similarly to modern rotating rings (like those on an Opinel), the Nontron locking ring predates them by centuries.

Maintenance: Over time, humidity or wood swelling might make the ring lock either too stiff or too loose. If the ring becomes too loose, it can be carefully removed and gently pinched in a vise to re-establish a snug friction fit.

Regards,
Ed

1st June 2026, 01:37 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,297	Orgins of Vintage Folder Hi All! I am looking for some info on this interesting vintage folder that belongs to a good friend of mine. And ideas on origin would be appreciated. Thanks! Attached Images

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1st June 2026, 04:03 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,429	Hi David, The ferrule looks like it rotates to lock the blade open like the Opinel knives; yes? A picture of what is carved on the surface of the handle might help.

1st June 2026, 04:10 PM	#5
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 1,021	I understand where Jim was coming from as my thoughts were also in a similar direction, but more towards an Inuit type with regards to the zoomorphic decoration...but than again I could be totally mistaken....!

1st June 2026, 04:40 PM	#6
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 452	To me it looks like a vintage artistic addition to the French Nontron folder. See attached. Maybe someone will show the knife as I am too technically challenged to do it myself. https://www.objectsofuse.com/Nontron-penknife-8cm Best, Ed

1st June 2026, 08:14 PM	#8
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,994	Interesting knife. Is a French hunying knife? The animal is confusing from the pictures shown. To me it appears to have an agressive wild boar snout and possbly antlers. I would not have thought any creative would see a boat snout with antlers. Just a view probably not helping.

2nd June 2026, 09:49 AM	#11
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,994	That makes more sense. Very nice usable folder.

2nd June 2026, 03:37 PM	#12
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,297	Thanks for all your responses. I will link this discussion to my friend and see if we can get some more photos.

2nd June 2026, 06:23 PM	#13
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 452	I think the key to the knife ID is the collar. Does it rotate to lock the blade open like Opinel? If it doesn't rotate & lock; Never Mind. But the Opinel patent of 1955 is centuries later than the design perhaps used on the Nontron. Here is AI's take on the issue: AI Overview The Nontron knife features a rotating metal collar (or "virole") that acts as a ring lock, first invented in the 17th century by Parisian master cutler Guillaume Legrand. Key Characteristics & UseHow It Works: You manually twist the brass or nickel-silver ring over the pivot area when the blade is fully opened. This blocks the blade from closing, keeping your fingers safe.Historical Significance: While it operates similarly to modern rotating rings (like those on an Opinel), the Nontron locking ring predates them by centuries. Maintenance: Over time, humidity or wood swelling might make the ring lock either too stiff or too loose. If the ring becomes too loose, it can be carefully removed and gently pinched in a vise to re-establish a snug friction fit. Regards, Ed