Classic Early America Patch Knives

Authentic Reproductions of 18th & 19th Century American Knives

The Patch Knife or Patch Cutter is a standard part of any rifleman's equipment. This knife was a smaller version of the rifleman's knife with a shorter three to four-inch blade. These knives were primarily used to cut patches, pieces of cloth or leather which were wrapped around the rifle ball to insure a tight fit against the rifling in the barrel of the weapon. Handles were made of a variety of material - often antler, wood, or cow horn. The handle was then attached to a three or four-inch blades with a mixture of pine resin. Some patch knives, when carried, were simply thrust through the belt, usually towards the front.

Patch knives were made in a variety of ways, with no two ever being alike. These knives were primarily used to cut patches, pieces of cloth or leather which were wrapped around the rifle ball to insure a tight fit against the rifling in the barrel of the weapon. Handles were made of a variety of material - often antler, wood, or cow horn. The handle was then attached to a three or four-inch blades with a mixture of pine resin.