I am trying to find information on what was called a "patch knife". I saw one several years ago and would like to find designs. The one I saw was worn around the nice and had a short blade about 2" long. It was used to cut the patch material used on a muzzle loader The unique feature was it folded into a piece of antler when it hung. Does anyone have any more information on the design of this knife? Thanks William

try looking up friction folders. Sounds like what you saw.
Finnr

I have also seen them with a flat grind on one side so that the blade slides along the end/top of the barrel

is this kinda what you're referring to? Replica Stag Patch Knife
Neck Knives

This is a friction folder I made. They can be made as long or short as the handle material will allow. Like Finnr said do a search for friction folder.

That's right pretty LDW!
Finnr

i particularly dig this guys knives
Daniel Winkler, Master Bladesmith
I met him at The Blade Show before.

Edited June 13, 200818 yr by Tyler Murch

Try some of the buckskinning sites like Track of the Wolf or Crazy Crow. They sell patch knives and you can get some good ideas of the blade patterns from them. I am a blackpowdwer shooter and have made and used a number of patch or neck knives. The patterns are as varied as the users.
All a patch knife is, is a small knife with a blade length of 3-4 inches. Some folks carry them in a sheath around their neck. I usually carry mine in a sheath attached to my shooting bag strap.

Gene Chapman / Oak & Iron has a book with instructions for a friction folder:

Antler and Iron II

I've not read it, but I've seen pictures of his knives and they look nice.

Don

You can also look in Dixie Gun works catalog or pretty much most catalog selling primitive muzzleloaders for patch knife styles.


Reb

The Civil War Blacksmith