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My uncle's homemade vintage broom corn knife (photo included)

I knew my love of knives and knifemaking came from somewhere.I recently came across this knife my Uncle Julian McCain, who farmed with my father until my uncles passing in 1963, made for cutting broom corn.For those of you who don't know,broom corn is a type of sorghum that was used for making brooms and whisk brooms back in the day before newer materials slowed the demand..My uncle was a WWII vet who served in New Caledonia, but I don't know if this is pre or post WWII.Since he passed in 1963, I know it is at least 50 years old if not much more.It's not fancy by any means, but I cherish it none the less. BTW, the piece below the handle is a leather thong to keep yout hand from slipping onto the blade, which I am sure was extremely sharp when it was used.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on November 15, 2013 at 4:43

John,

What a great discovery. Both the knife and the story behind are truly something to cherish. He obviously put time into making what would be his EDC during season. I can imagine it was made to fit his hand, a weight comfortable for him to use all day and a built in safety! Thanks for sharing this one with us

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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on November 15, 2013 at 9:01

What a great story and knife John. Thank you for telling the story. Years ago that was an excellent industry and every home, factory and shop needed a broom. My how times have changed and so quickly!

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on November 17, 2013 at 11:27

I love purpose made tool! That is one fantastic knife. Thanks for sharing, John

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2021 CalendarPermalink Reply by John Bamford on June 14, 2015 at 15:10

Thought I would put this link on for anyone else who hasn't heard of these brooms . Think I have seen some thing similar over here but not for a while .

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CCD/introsheets/broomcorn.pdf .

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on June 14, 2015 at 20:59

Great Link! Thank you JOhn

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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by John McCain on June 15, 2015 at 18:50

Thanks all- I thought I would update this to show that unfortunately I figured out this was actually a manufactured knife made by OVB- ( Hibbard , Spencer, & Bartlett)-Saga is here--http://iknifecollector.com/forum/topics/dang-i-accidently-busted-an...