DCHP-2

roach (knife) [< roach-bellied < roach a variety of carp having a curved back] Fur Trade, Hist. DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

• n.

  a kind of knife the blade of which folded into a curved handle.

  See also: Rochbury (knife)  

  • Although the earliest available references appear as Rochberry, Rochbary, and Rochbury knife, the term Roach-belly'd knives also appears very early. Only roach knife appears after the 17th century. Since Rochbury does not appear to have been a place name, the given etymology seems most likely.