Penknife
identifier
ID 885
morphology
morphology
craft
holotype
MOT V 95.0281 L=10,5cm WD=2cm WT=46gr. Inscription: STANLEY 10-598.
holotype
MOT V 2000.0090 L=18cm WD=2cm WT=23gr. Inscription: BROCKE SHEFFIELD ENGLAND image clock.
holotype
MOT V 2000.0115 L(closed)=8cm L(open)=13cm WD=1cm WT=10gr. Inscription: 1950.
alias
pocketknife (syn.)
description
The penknife originally served to cut the tip of a quill pen and to scrape away ink stains from parchment or paper, like an eraser knife. It has a narrow, sharp blade measuring between 2.5 cm and 4.5 cm in length. The penknife is now usually a cutting knife, exceptionally with a replaceable blade, which is used for all kinds of purposes, including as a nail knife. A light (approx. 10 g) model, from the Christy Company, contains a blade that can be slid into the handle in four positions to determine the length of the blade.
In addition to the large blade, many pocket knives also have a small sharp blade that is used as a pen knife.
Not to be confused with the scalpel. [MOT]
