difference: penknife, pocketknife, jackknife

C

Colorado Pete

Joined
Jun 29, 2005
Messages
8
So it there a definition that would identify a knife into one of these categories?
... Or do the manufacturers can call it whatever they want for marketing purposes?
 
Well, a pocketknife is a pretty general term which can apply to any knife that will fit in your pocket.

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I believe a penknife is a small knife with 2 blades that open from opposing ends. The blades are generally very thin & narrow.

The Jack Knife has taken on a general term as well but I consider an original Jack as a knife with two blades pivoting on the same end.

However, Dictionary.com defines it as follows:

jackknife n 1: a large knife with one or more folding blades


I don't think any of it could be classified as a marketing ploy so much as a regional or generational description of a tool that's been around for centuries.
 
I would like to know about this as well. Is there a glossary of diff. types of folders (i.e. jack, canoe, scout, doctors, etc.)?

Thanks.
 
Here are some links you can puruse. There are so many patterns out there that I don't know if there's any one place that will show them all. I'm sure there are some good books available on the subject.


Good guide to blade styles HERE.

Nice guide to getting started HERE.

Nice shot's of some classic patterns HERE about 1/3 of the way down the page.

THIS page has an incredible amount of info on Case knives, but you can read the pattern number's description and see the picture and get an idea for what pattern it is. They also have a lot of info on other brands.


Hope that helps.
 
A pen knife is a specific type of knife used to sharpen quills for pens. It generally has a single small blade and a handle with a swell at the end to fit your palm. Sharpening quills requires a small blade with a useful handle, a folding knife makes it convenient for a gentleman to keep handy. George Washington's mother gave him one that you can get as a reproduction many places. He carried all his life.

Nowadays pen knife means any pocket knife unless you're a collector.
 
cpirtle,
the website you posted for the 'guide to getting started' seemed to answer my question. A jackknife has a blade on one end only, and a penknife has the specific quill-sharpening purpose, but generally has two blades from opposite ends. Thanks.
Pete
 
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