Chinese Fisherman's Knife

Slim pale sliver on a twisted chain that wanders off to the right.

This fisherman's knife is from Dongbei or Shan Xi Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is iron, wood & horn. Hand-forged iron blades were shaped by a blacksmith through repeated heating and hammering, and the form of a tool usually followed the work it was made for. Narrow curved tip in cream and tan with fine streaks, joined to a dark socket. A thin, tightly twisted metal cord runs right and ends in a loose looped knot. It is 12 inches wide and 1 deep.

Slender and delicate, with an unruly tail.