Summary
Matmaking knife probably made by former RVIB worker Fred Kilpatrick, circa 1986. The knife was used by visually impaired workers in the matmaking workshop of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind on the rod loom. Coir was wound around a rod which was then passed between the weft strings on the loom. The knife was then used to cut along the hollow edge of the rod, thus forming the mat pile. It is believed this knife was made by factory worker Fred Kilpatrick specifically for this task from a piece of old hacksaw blade.
Physical Description
Wooden handle with blade cut back to form a thin edge.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB), 21 Jul 1993
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Place & Date Made
Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB), Prahran, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1986
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Place & Date Used
Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (RVIB), Prahran, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1986-1992
Probably made by factory worker Fred Kilpatrick -
Inscriptions
On blade surface: OS/ed [rest of inscription hidden under handle].
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Classification
Medicine & health, Health organisations, Occupational therapy tools & equipment
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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overall dimensions
4 cm (Length), 3 cm (Width), 26 cm (Height)
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References
Malcolm Fraser - R.V.I.B. Factory workshop supervisor; Tom Jennings and Monty James - R.V.I.B. Factory workers
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Keywords
Disability Organisations, Industries, Sheltered Workshops, Tools, Visual Impairment, Working Life