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"The good ole days" - show us some OLD KNIVES

I was talking with my Grandson the other day, and I told him, "I like old knives" - he said "I like the new ones". I shared that with my wife and she said "you gotta be old to like the old things". Maybe she is right. I find myself more and more liking older things, sayings, buildings, guns, knives, and a large assortment of older things. Seems like things made more sense (to me anyway) in the good ole days.

So when were the good ole days?? For me (I'm 67) the good ole days were in the 60's. When it comes to knives, I like a knife that was made either before I was born (1946) or at least before I graduated from High School (1964). I graduated in Arcade, New York and was surrounded by great cutleries, and didn't even think about it at the time. How many times have I driven by the Robeson factory in Perry, NY and didn't even know it.

Anyway, I like old Knives. I like all knives, but especially the older ones. Lets use this discussion to show some-of what you may think as an older knife. Looking forward to seeing a taste of "the good ole days".

Tags: Old, Robeson, Vintage, knife, knives, older

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 16, 2013 at 9:37

Cattaraugus Equal End Jack with Ebony handles. It has no pattern #, but the Cattaraugus stampings are on both blades. I am going to guess a date of 30's or 40's - definitely "The good ole days".

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on July 16, 2013 at 16:04

Here's my oldest..............

Martin Bros. Sheffield 1849-1854

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 16, 2013 at 16:09

That is one neat knife Craig, really old.. There is no one left that could remember those "good ole days".

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on July 16, 2013 at 16:23

Thanks Ken! Some days I feel like I'm that old! LOL!

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Permalink Reply by Chuck Parham on July 17, 2013 at 5:15

I'll have to dig through mine and see what my "oldies" are and then post some here. Great subject!!

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 17, 2013 at 6:05

An old Imperial dating in the 1930's - Great condition with a super strong snap.

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FeaturedPermalink Reply by Craig Henry on July 17, 2013 at 16:52

That's a nice old Jack Ken! Looks in pretty darn good shape too!

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Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on July 17, 2013 at 18:44

This might be my oldest knife.

A Pattern 6353/1905 knife dating from 1914. The main spear blade is the worse for wear; having been sharpened quite a bit. While the blade seems short for the frame, however, even when full bladed spear point blades in this pattern seem short. A full blade should have a 3 1/2 cutting edge from "kick to point" and be 11/16 inches wide. The blade and other metal parts shows typical pitting from a life of heavy use; possibly even a stint in the trenches of World War I. (The British issued marlin spike knives to the Army as well as Navy. It was considered a universal tool.)

The knife’s tang marks are barely visible. While the manufacturer's name is obscured, it appears to be made by Joseph Westby. Place of manufacture is clearly shown as Sheffield.

The synthetic scales(most likely Bexoid) have a few cracks; the most noticeable being near marlin spike pins. They also show signs of shrinkage and separation from the liners. Originally the specifications called for horn handles but this requirement was quickly dropped and synthetic materials were accepted during WWI as war time expedients. After the War, synthetics continued to be used and accepted by the Navy.

The bail or "shackle" as it is described in official literature is made of 11 gauge copper wire; typical of the knives issued during WWI. It remains in great shape with only minor scrapes and little or no greening..

Despite the wear of the main blade and other small short-comings the blade and spike opens and closes smoothly and have a good snap. The tin cutter (can opener) is a real nail breaker to open partly due to the design of the knife and also to disuse. The tin cutter actually appears to have seen very little use. I place the knife in fair condition. Not too shabby for a military veteran that is probably over 90!

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 18, 2013 at 4:56

Ah......"The good ole days" - Russell Barlows .25 cents each

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 18, 2013 at 5:28

Camillus 4 Liners - Pre WWII - 1940's

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Permalink Reply by Ken Spielvogel on July 18, 2013 at 13:35

WOW did I get a beauty in the mail today from the "Good Ole Days" - a Robeson - Straight Jack - 626636 with beautiful bone handles-kinda of an amber brown. This knife dates back from 1901-1948 - so very likely before I was born. Will post a picture in the next few days.