Revolutionary War era clasp knife

Jim McDougall · 30th April 2024, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radboud

Jim, the spike is used to untie knots. As you will appreciate, knots are placed under a lot of tension on boats (or swell from water when natural materials are used). So there are times when extra leverage is needed to undo them. Inserting the marlin spike inbetween the strands allows you to wriggle the knot loose enough to untie it.

Another use is when you are splicing ropes to work the individual strands apart. These spikes have a lot of utility on boats where so much was held together by rope and canvas.

That makes sense, kinda like me with my shoelaces!! auughh! the dynamics of tension and water also cause issues. Thank you!

M ELEY · 1st May 2024, 05:21 AM

Sorry I hadn't commented on this thread for a while. I've been on 'stormy seas' lately-

The marlin spike used to untie knots is, of course, a fact and indeed I think these stylus types could have seen sea service. Much as fids were used for very thick rope, I feel the small spikes could have been effective with smaller lines and also would have been a great tool for punching holes in sailcloth or other fabrics, etching scrimshaw, etc.

Jim McDougall · 1st May 2024, 01:46 PM

Great to see ya Capn, and indeed there are stormy seas about!

In closely examining this 'narayam' (stylus) made in the manner of a folding knife, which appears to be of course notably efficient in the case of portability, it seems clear this example is of late 18th century. These were typically associated with the 'Chettiars', which was an occupational caste in India dealing primarily in book keeping which included money changing and lending, and were primarily situated in Tamil Nadu.

Scribes keeping records of course had done so since ancient times using dried palm leaves as 'paper' and in these cases of course Sanskrit was the lingua francia, and often these knives had letters in this script on the blades.
The Chettiars were noted as locating in other areas which seem to correspond to many areas in the Orient including Rangoon, Singapore and many others.

While the use of palm leaves as paper waned in the 19th century with the use of printing presses as colonization brought such modern methods into use, tradition as always was a dominant force, so continued following of this practice likely held true especially in certain regions.

As trade vessels quite literally plied these corners of the 'seven seas', it seems not only likely, but probable, that these folding knife stylus' (or awl in nautical parlance) would have been seen by sailors dealing with them....whether in legitimate trade, or of course, 'visited' by pirates.

Multi-purposing was always very much an element of necessity at sea, as well as in native environments in colonial situations, so a stylus/knife finding alternative use aboard vessels would not be at all surprising.
That this example, which is virtually identical to one shown some years ago here by a former writer here (Anandalal of Sri Lanka) its character is profoundly neo-classic European supporting the late 19th century date suggested. ..but possibly into early 19th.

The fluted grips and neo classical capstan feature recall the hilts of European small swords, which again, would not be surprising in this era in these regions with the strong infusions of European influence.

As with all edged weapons, even small knives such as this, in its capacity more as a tool, there are many intriguing tales they hold.

1st May 2024, 01:46 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,785	Great to see ya Capn, and indeed there are stormy seas about! In closely examining this 'narayam' (stylus) made in the manner of a folding knife, which appears to be of course notably efficient in the case of portability, it seems clear this example is of late 18th century. These were typically associated with the 'Chettiars', which was an occupational caste in India dealing primarily in book keeping which included money changing and lending, and were primarily situated in Tamil Nadu. Scribes keeping records of course had done so since ancient times using dried palm leaves as 'paper' and in these cases of course Sanskrit was the lingua francia, and often these knives had letters in this script on the blades. The Chettiars were noted as locating in other areas which seem to correspond to many areas in the Orient including Rangoon, Singapore and many others. While the use of palm leaves as paper waned in the 19th century with the use of printing presses as colonization brought such modern methods into use, tradition as always was a dominant force, so continued following of this practice likely held true especially in certain regions. As trade vessels quite literally plied these corners of the 'seven seas', it seems not only likely, but probable, that these folding knife stylus' (or awl in nautical parlance) would have been seen by sailors dealing with them....whether in legitimate trade, or of course, 'visited' by pirates. Multi-purposing was always very much an element of necessity at sea, as well as in native environments in colonial situations, so a stylus/knife finding alternative use aboard vessels would not be at all surprising. That this example, which is virtually identical to one shown some years ago here by a former writer here (Anandalal of Sri Lanka) its character is profoundly neo-classic European supporting the late 19th century date suggested. ..but possibly into early 19th. The fluted grips and neo classical capstan feature recall the hilts of European small swords, which again, would not be surprising in this era in these regions with the strong infusions of European influence. As with all edged weapons, even small knives such as this, in its capacity more as a tool, there are many intriguing tales they hold. Attached Images

1st May 2024, 05:21 AM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,076	Sorry I hadn't commented on this thread for a while. I've been on 'stormy seas' lately- The marlin spike used to untie knots is, of course, a fact and indeed I think these stylus types could have seen sea service. Much as fids were used for very thick rope, I feel the small spikes could have been effective with smaller lines and also would have been a great tool for punching holes in sailcloth or other fabrics, etching scrimshaw, etc.