from web site
These repaired blade knives were sometimes made as part of a writing set, and were most typically kept in a writing desk. As they had for the majority of the eighteenth century, by the Regency, exceptionally ornate pen knives, of the folding, sliding and repaired blade varieties, could be bought from a cutler, or even a jewelry expert, however the more common models were usually bought from the much better stationery stores.
This is not unexpected, because these locations were likewise the haunts of numerous who wrote for a living, consisting of reporters, clerks, lenders and attorneys. try it now was likewise simply the important things for honing the new wood-case pencils which were being standardized during the Regency. This was an advantage for both the pencil makers and the pencil users.
The pencil producers might advertise that no unique tools were needed to keep their pencils, thus ensuring their true low cost. The numerous kinds of pencil sharpeners with which we are familiar today were decades into the future even at the end of the Regency. A curious practice, for which I can find no explanation, is that a second blade was contributed to some folding pen knives.
This second blade was straight and larger than the pen knife blade. It was meant for use as a fruit knife. This was the beginning of the folding knife with numerous blades, which developed beyond an easy, single function tool to become the multiplex penknife so popular today. But why those living in the Regency believed a fruit knife was a proper companion for a pen knife remains their secret.
These mini knives were initially made by cutlers to show their skill and creativity, but the public ended up being rather enamored of them. Some of these small knives had a little, great pointed hook which folded into the handle together with the blade. The manages of these knives were often made with silver, gold or mother-of-pearl incised with delicate decorative patterns.
These elaborate and sophisticated mini knives were often intended for the work-basket of girl, who would utilize the small hook to unpick stitches in her needlework and the knife blade to cut threads as she plied her needle. Such bijou knives might be given as a present from a gentleman to his girl, perhaps even etched with words of love.