Chinese Fisherman's Knife

Dark bird-headed shape with a long tail spike and a sharp underside.

This fisherman's knife is from Dongbei or Shan Xi Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is iron, wood & horn. Horn is a durable material often used for handles and fittings, since it can be heated, shaped and polished and holds up well in wet conditions. Dark brown form with a smooth, rounded back that carries a tiny incised eye at the right. A long thin point stretches left, and a curved grey metal edge hangs below the belly. It is 6 inches wide and 1.5 deep.

Sleek, shadowy, and a little bit menacing.