Roman version of the Swiss Army knife?!!?!

[Andy Griffith]

All I can say is wow!

This is on exhibit at the Fitzwilliam Museum, across the pond.
(No, this museum isn't named after a grip maker who was a former Colt employee. )


Heres the article, with the picture:
The Roman Army Knife: Or how the ingenuity of the Swiss was beaten by 1,800 years | Mail Online

They describe it as a "Roman Army Knife," but only a nobleman could have afforded such a piece.
I figure the membership will appreciate such ancient ingenuity.

 

[Black_Sheep]

Very cool, thanks for posting the link...

 

[Cobroller]

Missing the corkscrew.

 

[Texas Star]

I have seen a photo of a single-blade folding knife from about the Augustan era, and it seemed well made. But the spring was missing, or I just misunderstood what it was.

Books on classical edged weapons and on Rome sometimes have such photos, and of Roman swords and daggers.

T-Star

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Missing the corkscrew.

And the Abita Beer Bottle opener

 

[bellevance]

Cool, but it's missing the blade, too. How is it a "knife" without a blade?

 

[BarbC]

It's pretty ingenious, but it's more like one of those all-in-one camping utensils.

 

[Cobroller]

Cool, but it's missing the blade, too. How is it a "knife" without a blade?

The iron blade is gone to rust. Its the ugly brown thing at the top.

 

[bellevance]

The iron blade is gone to rust. Its the ugly brown thing at the top.

Missed that--thanks. And thanks for the link, Andy. Just posted it on my Facebook page.

 

[walnutred]

given the shape of the spoon and fork I think that is a multi-purpose tool for eating seafood. The shape of the spoon sure looks like an oyster spoon to me.