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Comment by Kevin D 2 hours ago

I had never heard of a buttonhook before.  After doing a bit of research on the hook and the knives that they were included, on, this might be a buttonhook knife.  So I guess we learn something new every day.

According to one post on AAPK, they really do not garner a lot of attention, and so do not have much financial value.  

One concern that I have about the whole concept of a 'buttonhook' is (at least the way I see myself using one) is that I would pop the button off in short order.  I guess I just have a tendency to break things.   :P

Comment by Lars Ray yesterday

Well so much for using AI for research on this one - FLOP!

Unless it is distinctly a grooming knife (multi-blade which includes small comb, nail file, pen blade, short blade, scissors, and short button hook), all the knives I found that are titled "folding knife with button hook" as pictured above refer to the hook as a button hook, but then describe how to use it in the field for dressing birds and other small game. This smacks of not really knowing what to call the hook for the application. Sort of like calling it tactical. 

Now in the awesome display by J.J. here, I would concur that those with the short hooks are button hooks - not intended for use on game. But then neither is a cork screw. Whereas those knives pictured with only a blade and hook I would consider bird knives - not intended for use in buttoning one's shoes.  

As for the the single shaft hooks - yep - button hooks. And remember - these aren't for shirts, sleeves, or collars. These were necessary tools and aides for buttoning ones shoes or boots in the 19th & early 20th century when shoes and boots (partularly ladies foorwear) were fastened with as many as 12 buttons...not laces or velcro. 

So based on my analysis, when looking at the design intent of the above knife itself - I'm calling it a Bird Knife. Now, could one button their hunting boots with it? I dunno - probably. But based on it's design when compared to others like it...bird knife. 

After all this blather, I sort of feel like a group of archeologists debating the use of a tool discovered for a technology we haven't seen or used in almost 3, maybe 4 generations. That was kind-a fun!

Comment by J.J. Smith III yesterday

I'm going with George on this one and say that it's a button hook knife.

Comment by Jan Carter on Thursday

No doubt this IS a bird knife

Comment by George R Naugle on Thursday

After much consideration and research, I am of the opinion that the hook on this knife is a button hook.  In long bygone days, lots of items had buttons, and a button hook was often used to close them.  Note the difference in shape of the hook as compared to the "gut hook" on a game knife.

Comment by Kevin D on July 21, 2025 at 19:32

Okay.  lets see if these pics stay...

regular bird knife - slim handle

More robust, but similar hook.

Comment by Kevin D on July 21, 2025 at 19:28

well phooey.  They showed up when I posted it...   But later, they were gone.

Let me get the picture and <save> them, instead of doing a copy/paste thing.

Comment by George R Naugle on July 21, 2025 at 3:45

Can't see the photos, Kevin

Comment by Kevin D on July 20, 2025 at 19:41

Here are a couple of pics of bird knives.  One is more of a traditional design, showing a rather slim handle.

The other (beretta) is more robust, but has a hook more similar to yours.

Comment by Kevin D on July 20, 2025 at 19:25

That looks similar to a bird knife.  The hook has a bit more curvature than the ones I am used to seeing though.