Though no one knows with 100% certainty, the Arkansas toothpick is believed by many to have its origin in the same blacksmith’s shop in Washington, AR where a certain Jim Bowie walked in one day with a wooden model of knife he wanted made. James Black was the blacksmith who owned this shop and the Bowie knife was only one of his innovations.
More on James Black (quite a character himself) later. The Arkansas toothpick is more or less a very long, very heavy dagger which somehow manages to be well balanced for throwing at the same time. And by long, I mean long – the blade of an Arkansas toothpick can be up to two feet long! It is a testament to the brilliance of James Black (or whoever was ultimately responsible for the invention of these much sought after knives) that a knife that is simply so massive can be so well balanced.
The large size of this knife led to it customarily being carried in a holster slung across the back – which helped it be drawn and thrown quickly. These knives were a favorite not only with pioneers and frontiersmen (and frontierswomen); the Arkansas toothpick was very commonly seen at sea as well in the 18th and 19th centuries, though when manufactured outside of the United States, the Arkansas toothpick was often simply referred to as a Bowie knife.
The size and interesting back story to the Arkansas toothpick makes these knives a great addition to any collection. It’s like having a bit of living Americana and pioneer bravado right there in your home. That’s right, I did say living. Although it is antique Arkansas toothpicks which fetch the highest prices in auctions and the like, these knives are still produced to this day, even in the Washington, Arkansas area where they most likely were first manufactured.
Speaking of the back story, James Black is a bit of interesting American history all by himself. Nobody knows for sure how James Black made the Arkansas toothpick (or the Bowie knife, for that matter) the first time. He kept his process a closely guarded secret, always doing his tempering behind a curtain! This adds to the mystique and the charm of the Arkansas toothpick. You’re sure to find yourself just as entranced by these ingeniously designed living relics of America’s pioneer days whether you are a long time hobbyist or jest starting your knife collection.
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