Asian folder for comments
 

This just in from Oriental Arms. This is what Artzi says:
"The origin and use of this type of folding knives is not very clear and there are numerous suggestions ranging from knives to clean opium pipes to knives for cutting and inscribing on palm leaves. The origin is most probably from the Indo-China area. It has a 3 inches blade, hollow ground, 2 1/2 inches back spike with silver plated strip o the spine. Ivory handle. 6 inches fully opened. Very good condition."

Any other insights/comments

I envy you mate.
I saw that; always wanted one.

Too scared to lose it to Customs. :eek:

Customs
 

Artzi's shipping amazing me. I usually get things within a week from when I order.

I have seen these misidentified as sailors knives because the point resembles a sort of feeble marlin spike. I think the "scribes" attribution makes the most sense. Yours looks very nice.

Hi Marcus. I too saw that on Artzi's Website. While not really into blades, I really like that folder. Very interesting. No clue as to it's origin. Others here would have a much better guess. But here's a guess:
Could this be a leatherworkers knife ? The tapered point reminds me of a leather awl.

Rick

Hello Marcus,

the use of this knives is very clear, sorry Artzi. ;) Also the orign seems to be clear, look here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...iber%27s+knife
Nice that yours has still the rivet plates, by my ones they are missing.

Regards,
Detlef

"cutting and inscribing on palm leaves"
 

Detlef,
No need to apologize to Artzi, he got it right. I just did not understand what he meant. Thanks for the clarification and the links!
Marcus

Palm Leaf Manuscript
 

I wanted a sample. Can anyone confirm that the writing is Sanskrit? The artwork looks almost Indonesian (Bali).
Can't say I mind that it has been restrung. It will display nicely.

Yes, it is Balinese artwork and when I am not complete wrong it will be Balinese writing. Maybe Alan can confirm it since I am unsure. :shrug:

Regards,
Detlef

Yeah, looks like a Bali lontar to me.

Bali
 

Yes, a friend of, a guide on Bali, confirms it is "a real Bali Lontar."