These were very popular back in the 50s when gas stations checked oil at the pump.  If the station also sold fan belts, the pump jockey could increase belt sales with one of these while he was checking the oil even if the driver was watching.  Some even checked radiator hoses.

I worked late nights at the newspaper for some much needed extra cash.  They used these to cut the string on bundles.  I didn't like it because it got in the way for everything else I did.  Horrible job loading all the inserts into machines that fed them into the Sunday paper.

Quote from: amecks on August 29, 2015, 07:47:17 PM
I worked late nights at the newspaper for some much needed extra cash.  They used these to cut the string on bundles.  I didn't like it because it got in the way for everything else I did.  Horrible job loading all the inserts into machines that fed them into the Sunday paper.

How dare you use such a fine tool for its intended purpose?
Must have been a small paper if it didn't have a bundle tieing machine.

No. it was the Syracuse paper which is big enough - they had a tieing machine - we were the UN-tiers.
I'm glad I never fell victim to a hose or belt cutter.  I remember gas stations with pump attendants when I was a kid - they would check the oil and everything.  By the time I got my own wheels those days were done - they only pumped gas - no "extras".
We used to pay 17 cents for gas and they pumped it.  Now were paying $2.50 to $ 4 and we have to pump it ourselves.

In New Jersey and I think Oregon the general public isn't qualified to pump their own gas. They still pump it for you. I live close enough to NJ that I usually go across the river to buy gas in NJ since it is usually about 30 cents a gallon cheaper then in PA.

those finger knives were and still are used in agriculture for cutting twine when you are trellising grapes , etc.

Quote from: Aunt Phil on August 28, 2015, 09:02:23 PM
These were very popular back in the 50s when gas stations checked oil at the pump. If the station also sold fan belts, the pump jockey could increase belt sales with one of these while he was checking the oil even if the driver was watching.  Some even checked radiator hoses.

Ah yes, that used to be part of the Welcome to Florida Snowbirds !! program....

Brian

These finger knives are also used in the laundry industry for quick cutting of pull threads

Yes, saw them in the '50's, and at several stations I worked at they wanted you to wear one.