crooked knife?

[oldsmith]

Hello all, I found this with my at gold in an area that is rich in fur trade history. I believe it is a crooked knife or mocotaugan commonly used by cree natives for carving canoe ribs, snowshoes, or other items for daily use. My question is that there seems to be inscriptions carved into the steel near the hilt of the knife. If anyone else seen this before and has any input it would be much appreciated. Thanks and hh.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Minelab PRO-FIND 35 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector for Experts with Tone ID & Adjustable Sensitivity - Grab it through Amazon!

[mcb66]

I've seen old farrier tools that look similiar. Used for cleaning a horses hoof.

 

[Muddyhandz]

If it was found at an early fur trade site then I would say crooked knife but this example is not manufactured that way. This likely was a piece of barrel hoop/strapping utilized by the Natives or traders.
The pattern you see is just from corrosion and is not intentional. Horses were fairly scarce in the early days out west during the fur trade period and the canoe was the main form of transportation.
Nice one-of-a-kind example in great condition. I'd love to see what else you found there.
Cheers,
Dave.

 

[oldsmith]

Thanks mhandz, that makes sense. I have some other items , you can check my previous posts and I have more to come.