Talk:Half moon knife

Surely the spike on the knife would have been rather large an inefficient to use as a sewing awl. But I can see it would be very efficient as a "scratching awl" ie to lightly scratch out the pattern that was to be cut. What think you? Tiff

• Possible, but it would seem an inefficient way to do it. If it broke you would need another awl anyway. I'm not sure.--User 144 21:51, 16 March 2007 (EST)

• I assume you mean it would be inefficient to use such a large implement as a scratching awl, rather than using a scratching awl would be inefficient? (because the later does seem to be doccumentable)

I suppose it could just be for poking much larger holes when you need them. I also see pictures of thes knives stored by poking the point into the wooden bench or stool. This implys a realtively blunt edge (on the spike) to be. Marc Carlson's site ([see under trenket] - apparently probably the name for this object) has no no comments on the use of the spike Tiff 15:15, 20 March 2007 (EST)

• • I was thinking it would be rather cumbersome to use and if it broke it would be a waste of metal to replace the whole knife when a small tool would be easier, but I do see your point. I updated the article with the new names (nice find, Tiff). The first example from the museum of London is almost exactly the same as my modern half moon knife.--User 144 19:48, 20 March 2007 (EST)