Chinese Fisherman's Knife

Crouching on the tabletop with a long, thin spike aimed skyward.

This fisherman's knife is from Dongbei or Shan Xi Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is iron, wood & horn. Working knives are generally plain in design, with a single edge, a sturdy tang and a grip that stays secure when it is wet. Low, rounded body in dark brown with scuffed black patches and a small curled hook at the left. A slender straight point rises sharply from the right end, like a raised tail. It is 5.25 inches wide and 1.25 deep.

Small, wary and ready to poke.