Hawkbill / pruning knives usually have a single, large curved blade that is typically intended for horticultural use. Most have wood or stag handles and a bolster on one end. Case has made hawkbill knives with jigged bone handles as well. Some older pruning knives have a rounded, capped butt made out of iron or brass.
Many high quality examples were made by Sheffield Cutlers but were also made by American companies in the 19th and 20th centuries. Vintage pruning knives are plentiful, have great eye appeal and are rugged; therefore they are popular today among knife collectors. Check out Wostenholm knives, Cattaraugus and Boker knives as well.
Check out these vintage Hawkbill Knives that are currently available on eBay. I appreciate any traffic from these links as I earn a portion of eBay’s commission when an item is purchased, at no extra cost to you. THANK YOU!!! – Jesse, oldpocketknives.com
