Double Barrel Folding Knife Pistol

Published on August 15, 2020
Duration: 5:32

This examination of a unique double-barrel folding knife pistol, presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, highlights its custom nature and departure from historical designs. The piece is significantly larger than typical vintage knife-guns and features a fixed pistol grip, two 12mm smoothbore barrels, and a complex percussion firing system with corkscrew triggers that require a tool for resetting. Its unusual construction and lack of standard proof marks suggest it is a custom project rather than a mass-produced item.

Quick Summary

This custom double-barrel folding knife pistol is a unique piece, larger than historical knife-guns, featuring two 12mm smoothbore barrels and a percussion firing system with corkscrew triggers. Its design, including a fixed pistol grip and lack of proof marks, suggests it's a custom project.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Unique Knife-Gun
  2. 00:19Size Comparison with Colt 1903
  3. 00:43Historical Context of Knife-Guns
  4. 01:41Grip Design and Aesthetics
  5. 02:26Blade Mechanism Details
  6. 02:53Barrel Specifications (12mm Smoothbore)
  7. 03:17Percussion Firing Mechanism & Triggers
  8. 04:51Conclusion: Rare Auction Finds

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this double-barrel folding knife pistol unique?

This knife pistol is unique due to its custom 'on steroids' design, being significantly larger and wider than historical counterparts. It features a fixed pistol grip, two 12mm smoothbore barrels, and a percussion firing system with difficult-to-reset corkscrew triggers.

What are the key specifications of this custom knife pistol?

The device has two approximately 12mm diameter smoothbore barrels and a percussion firing mechanism. It lacks standard proof marks, suggesting it's a custom project rather than a historical production piece from places like Liège.

How does this knife pistol compare to historical examples?

Unlike typical late 1800s knife-guns which were single-barrel and compact, this specimen is much larger, features a permanent pistol grip for better handling, and has a more complex dual-barrel percussion system.

What is notable about the firing mechanism of this knife pistol?

It is percussion-fired with two hammers. When cocked, corkscrew-shaped triggers deploy. Resetting these triggers is challenging and typically requires a tool like a screwdriver.

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