A charming late 19th-century horticultural grafting knife retaining its original hand-carved wooden sheath. The curved steel blade terminates in a bark-lifting hook used in budding and grafting fruit trees, while the fitted hardwood sheath has been carefully hollowed and shaped to the blade. Particularly appealing are the decorative chip-carved notches at the throat of both knife and sheath, creating a distinctive folk-art silhouette. Rich untouched surface, excellent patina, and honest wear from generations of agricultural use. A scarce survival combining the appeal of early tools, treenware, and rural folk craftsmanship.

Size: 7” overall length.

My feeling is that the sheath may actually be the work of the original owner rather than the knife maker, which gives the piece a wonderful personal, handmade quality.