On one side of the handle, there is a clear plastic disc, perhaps to hold a photo of the owner's sweetie! Beautiful, original, and fine. Found in Maine. 10 1/2 inches long. Very early. The origin of the crooked knife dates back to the 17th century North America. Henry David Thoreau wrote in 1848 "I suspect that it was made according to an aboriginal pattern" referring to a crooked knife being used by an Indian to fashion a canoe paddle. He had reported that he had seen other native Americans as well as white woodsmen using them. The crooked knife was used in the wilderness as a lightweight one handed drawknife. A tool that could accomplish almost any woodworking need.