Background for penknives

penknives

/ˈpɛnˌnaɪvz/

Illustration penknives - Image 1

Illustration penknives - Image 2

noun

Originally a small utility knife for cutting the points of quill feathers or reeds into nibs to provide or repair writing implements in times before pens with artificial nibs, generally metal, became commercially available in the 19th century. Early versions of penknives commonly were small sheath knives.

Examples :

"My grandfather used penknives to sharpen his quill pens for his calligraphy lessons. "

utility utensil item writing history weapon

Illustration penknives - Image 1

Illustration penknives - Image 2

noun

Examples :

"My grandfather keeps a small collection of penknives in his workshop drawer. "

utility item utensil device stationery

Illustration penknives - Image 1

Illustration penknives - Image 2

noun

As the need to cut nibs for pens fell away, but small utility pocket-knives remained popular, "penknife" became synonymous with "pocket-knife". Modern penknives often incorporate other tools such as corkscrews, but as a rule are smaller than general-purpose pocketknives.

Examples :

"My grandfather's old penknives were surprisingly useful for many tasks around the house, even though they were smaller than modern ones. "

utility item utensil technology weapon