Name/TitleMortice knife

About this objectThis was bought at a sale by the donor, among a quantity of other tools. The tang runs the whole length of the handle and is visible at the end of it. On one end of the curved head is a triangular section, with a single edged blade while at the other end is a small hook. The bladed section has been flattened at the tip. The knife was used for removing wood from the mortice holes in the hurdle heads. A 1/2 inch hole is drilled at each end of the marked mortice and the triangular blade is used to cut out the wood between the borings. The hooked end picks out the wood from the same place. Frequently called "tomahawk" - though there is no evidence yet that this was a popular term in East Anglia.

For the maker refer to J.G.Jenkins Traditional Country Craftsmen, p.75 and H.J.Massingham, Country Relics, pp 66-67.

Medium and MaterialsSteel and wood

MeasurementsHandle:
Length: 146mm
Diameter: 33mm

Metal:
Length: 305mm
Width: 15mm

Object numberSTMEA:A.5671

Copyright LicenceAttribution - Non-commercial (cc)