Carved Crooked Knife
Rare Blue Paint
and Heart Decoration 

Northeast, likely Woodlands Indian, possibly Non-Native Woodsman, ca. 1820-1860. Appears to be carved from maple, with a steel blade and twine-binding that retains remnants of black paint.
Ironically, the carving of this knife may have been done using another crooked knife.
A superb example, the maker’s investment in decoration reveals how important this tool was to him, as many were not decoratively finished. It is distinguished by its blue-painted handle and deeply carved heart surrounded by radiating lines. Below the heart, intersecting diagonals form a geometric panel, while the handle terminates in a boldly sculpted backward curl and hook. The combination of heart carving and blue paint elevate this knife to a special example.
Crooked knives functioned as a one-handed drawknife, the wood worker pulling the cutting edge toward his body to hew basket splints or to shape small wooden objects. The angled wooden handle provided control and clearance.
Excellent condition. Overall length about 9 inches. Comes with a custom-made iron mount.
Provenance includes Sam Herrup, Sheffield, Massachusetts, and a private NH collection.