A real knife but could it be a trade knife?

[oldbattleaxe]

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[oldbattleaxe]

Measures 10 1/2" full tang dull false edge 3 brass pins

 

[oldbattleaxe]

 

[Sandog]

Did they make trade items that well? Does it look like anything was ever engraved into that brass inlay?

 

[oldbattleaxe]

Did they make trade items that well? Does it look like anything was ever engraved into that brass inlay?

I do not see and engraving or markings. I do not know anything about trade knives. That is why I am on here. I am going by the three small pins and the blade has a false edge. The thickness of the blade tapers. The previous owner had a modern made sheath to keep it in.

 

[oldbattleaxe]

The owner said when he got this knife, he had to clean the blade for rust.

 

[Sandog]

View attachment 2183065

I do not see and engraving or markings. I do not know anything about trade knives. That is why I am on here. I am going by the three small pins and the blade has a false edge. The thickness of the blade tapers. The previous owner had a modern made sheath to keep it in.

We're in the same boat as far as knowledge about trade knives goes. I had a mental picture of something more crude.

 

[GirlWithWolf]

I’ve seen a lot of trade knives and I don’t believe this is one. The inlay is foreign to anything I’ve seen that I know for a fact was traded. Of course I’ve not seen it all so it could be….

Some (unscientific word) trade knives aren’t as crude as some might think, because they were crafted by tradesmen and had to be functional. But they were low cost, which is why I don’t believe it would have the inlay. There’s no purpose and the ndn trading wouldn’t care, so it would be a waste of metal.

 

[oldbattleaxe]

I’ve seen a lot of trade knives and I don’t believe this is one. The inlay is foreign to anything I’ve seen that I know for a fact was traded. Of course I’ve not seen it all so it could be….

Some (unscientific word) trade knives aren’t as crude as some might think, because they were crafted by tradesmen and had to be functional. But they were low cost, which is why I don’t believe it would have the inlay. There’s no purpose and the ndn trading wouldn’t care, so it would be a waste of metal.

That sums it up, most likely not a trade knife. I also agree that inlay would not be likely. I still would like some opinions of what it could possibly have been used for? With the blades top edge and pointed. The blade was forged.

 

[GirlWithWolf]

That sums it up, most likely not a trade knife.

My world is quite narrow so those that know a lot more than I do may chime in and say something different. If they do then trust them over me. I don’t have an answer of how it might have been used and look forward to some expert opinions.