This minty G. Schrade "Girl scout" knife just goes to show that switchblade knives were not only meant for men but were also once acceptable for women. This little Presto switchblade was made tough, with heavy duty steel liners, button and bail, as well beefy jigged bone handles, this knife was made to be used in all those chores a good little girl scout might have to preform when out in the wilderness. All without having to risk breaking a fingernail, as one might when trying to open a standard folding knife. Beautifully etched with the Girl Scout logo of which very few survived with this light etching. Just a great vintage piece of American cutlery history. Pictured here with a couple of other Switchblade gems.
Thanks Delbert but there are a lot of guys out there that have great collections of switchblades of all kinds. I do the best I can within the limits of my time, funds and other obligations. Nothing more...nothing less. And Yes, I am always able to find SB's but often they are either something I already have, far too expensive, or merely junk. In any case, I once again thank you for your compliment and I happen to believe that you have one great collection of Cats and JNB's in your possession.
Ive heard of only one reason for these. First was that wemon had long finger nails and could not open common pocketknifes. My wife once found a double button schrade in an old sewing kit.
Steve,
Yes the smaller switchblades were favorites of the women for that reason but also favorites of the men when on the town as they often wore gloves, as did women. Still hunters, fishermen, outdoors-man, mechanics and the average Joe all appreciated the merits of a knife one could open with one hand while the other was occupied. It's a shame some politicians didn't see their value and instead chose to use them as a soapbox tool to further their careers and get reelected.
The knife is sort of a lock back as it does lock when opened but the real reason for the recess is to relieve pressure on the backspring so the blade can spring open by the secondary kick spring. Not a whole lot of these are to be found although they are in reality a cheap little knife.