Antique Knife RESTORATION | Failed in WWI - 1914

Mentioned knife in the video at the end: US Camillus Special Forces Knife Restoration: https://youtu.be/yyeEURRq3vo AFFILLIATE LINKS: Metal polish: https://amzn.to/4hrk75z Rust remover: https://amzn.to/3Q9chBG Brass pins: https://amzn.to/4aTLvag GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO: Camera: https://amzn.to/40zc7Kj Mic: https://amzn.to/40tDZQ0 XLR cable: https://amzn.to/4e7ZjxG Tripod: https://amzn.to/3YOTFfp Light: https://amzn.to/40OAzrt Motorized dolly: https://amzn.to/48x6uOS *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. DESCRIPTION: ¨Palm¨ knife In the late 18th century, the Spanish Navaja made its mark in history. A folding knife with a blade that locked into place thanks to a back spring, the Navaja was known for its unique locking mechanism and its rugged, practical design. The blade was secured with a pull ring, a feature that was eventually discarded in favor of a lever. This new version, known as the navaja de muelles or “spring knives,” quickly became popular in Spain and across Europe. In fact, these knives were so well-known in France that, until the early 20th century, they were sometimes simply referred to as navajas. However, the navaja’s reputation wasn’t always pristine. These knives were often associated with fighting and violence, sometimes even outlawed for their use as weapons. But in France, the “palm” ratchet-lock folding knife began to emerge as something different. This knife, distinct in its design, borrowed elements from the navaja, but was considerably less aggressive in nature. It had a plain wooden or horn handle, much like a Capucin knife, but with an external spring that covered the back of the handle. The innovative locking mechanism on the back of the handle was designed in the shape of a palm leaf (or palme in French), giving the knife its name. The palm design wasn't just for aesthetics—it was a refined solution to the problem of securing the blade. Unlike its Spanish ancestor, which used a metal pull ring to release the lock, the palm knife employed a lever that was easier and safer to operate. By the early 20th century, the palm knife had become a favorite among hunters, farmers, and workers. It was valued for its utility, its durability, and the innovative ratchet-locking mechanism that kept the blade securely in place. The knife had earned its place as a trusted tool—though it was still sometimes mistakenly linked to the violent image of the navaja. Then, in 1914, World War I changed everything. Trench warfare necessitated new equipment, and soldiers in the field found themselves struggling with the long rifles and bayonets that were ill-suited for close-quarter combat. The military equipment at the time didn’t include a standard-issue knife, and requests from the front line made it clear that soldiers needed something more practical for hand-to-hand fighting. The war ministry sent delegates to various knife manufacturers in Thiers, looking for a solution. It wasn’t long before the palm knife was selected as a potential weapon for the trenches. The existing stocks were requisitioned, and orders flooded in. Even manufacturers from Nontron, famous for their ferrule knives, began producing the palm knives to meet demand. By September 1914, more than 46,000 of these locking knives had been delivered to soldiers on the front lines. Despite its design and the large number of knives delivered, the palm knife wasn’t truly suited for trench warfare. The blade was thin, and the single pin that fixed the blade to the handle was not strong enough to withstand the brutal conditions of combat. The handle, though sleek, lacked a cross-guard, making thrusts dangerous, especially when covered in mud or blood. While it was a capable utility knife, it lacked the strength and versatility needed for the close combat that soldiers faced in the trenches. Nevertheless, the palm knife had earned its place in history. It may not have been the ideal fighting weapon, but its design and function stood the test of time. Its legacy lived on, not as a weapon of war, but as a versatile, reliable tool with a rich history, born from the fusion of cultures and innovations that shaped Europe’s martial heritage. It was a knife that may not have been perfect for the chaos of war, but it was perfect for the everyday needs of countless workers, farmers, and soldiers in an era when craftsmanship and practicality were paramount. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgYZRpMFaXycXzKmzKjmNiQ/join