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Stockman Show Case!

The stockman pattern was a folding knife pattern developed specifically for the American cattle industry by Sheffield Cutlers. These earl Cattle Knives were made on large cigar (equal-end) frames and had between two and four blades. The primary blade on early stockmans was a spear blade. The number two blade was most often a sheepfoot. These blades were considered essential for the cattle industry.

They were normally mounted at the top pivot of the knife. Often one or two other blades were mounted on the opposite end. These most common blades were the spay, the leather punch, or a simple pen blade. Overtime the spear master fell out of favor and was replaced with a clip blade and the three blade configuration of Clip master and Sheepfooit at the top and either Spay, Punch or Pen on the bottom (with the spay being most common) became the standard. What fell out of favor, however was the large cigar shaped frame. Indeed, today Stockmans are found in a number of sizes and a variety of frame shapes. What makes a Stockman a Stockman is truly the blades and the way they are arranged.

Above: W. R.Case & Son 4 1/4 inch 75 Pattern Stockman with 113 production year shield.

The Stockman is an extremely diverse family of knives and remain probably the most widely used of any traditional pattern knife and probably the second most collected pattern .

As mentioned, the Stockman normally has a clip (or Spear) master blade, a Sheepfoot, and third Spay blade on the opposite end. The Main blade rest in front of the two secondary blades and works on its one spring. The two secondary blades are nestled behind the front blade, sharing a spring. The sheepfoot is normally closest to the main blade when folded and the spay dropes between the handle and sheepfoot.

Occasionally you’ll run across a two blade Stockman. These are normally called Cattle knives. They will normally be on cigar frame and have a clip or spear blade in front and sheepfoot or large pen in back.

Another popular pattern of Stockman has a leather punch in place of the spay blade. I’ve seen this type of Stockman referred to as the Cattleman Knife, a Cow Punch, and a Saddle Knife. It often also just called a Stockman with Punch!

Another popular variation replaces the spay blade with a pen blade. These are often called a Middleman, Journeyman, Wrangler, and Drover.

I’m sure many of these alternative names were given to Stockamn variations developed by Knife makers. For instance the Middleman was a name given to a 3.5 inch Stockman with a pend blade that was made by Schrade.

Among Stockmans, the Sowbelly is probably one of the most popular models. It is basically a very thick serpentine handled Stockman ranging from 3.5 to 4.25 inches in the closed position. It will typically have a clip, sheepfoot, and spay blade. Some stockman collectors only collect Sowbellys!

Regardless of the style, size, size, or shape –let’s see some Stockmans!

8 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rome D. Rushing on March 31, 2015 at 10:32

Here is a Chicago Cutlery 3 blade stockman.

Permalink Reply by Rome D. Rushing on March 31, 2015 at 10:33

Here is a Camillus Birds Eye stockman.

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on March 31, 2015 at 11:39

Those were fantastic, Rome! I'm not sure if I like the Big Horn Mark or the Chicago Cutlery best! All are fantastic!

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on March 31, 2015 at 12:52

No where near as cool as Rome's knives, but here is Rough Rider RR914 Stoneworx Stockman. It features Synth Stones in Turquoise, Bloody Basin Jasper, and Yellow Jasper. The white pearl and abalone are genuine. 440 A Stainless blades, Nickel Silver bolsters and channels for the inlayed stones, brass liners. The closed length is 3 7/8 inches.

Permalink Reply by Rome D. Rushing on March 31, 2015 at 13:15

Thanks for the compliments and I too buy Rough Riders because of the materials they use

for handles and the patterns that they make. The one you show is a beauty and one I

don't believe I have. Here is a picture of a couple that I do have.

Permalink Reply by Rome D. Rushing on March 31, 2015 at 13:22

Here are a couple of stockman in my favorite handle material, stag. I really like the looks

and textures of stag handles on a stockman.

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on April 1, 2015 at 18:01

Here is my medium (3.5 inch) Rough Rider RR658 stag stockman. Rough Rider made a few excellent stag knives before SMKW decided it was too expensive to put decent stag on low priced knives. This one was part of the second and final release of the Stag Rough Riders. The quality is excellent if you can find them.

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 1, 2015 at 18:07

Great knife! Have always thought of the stone works but still have not bought one!

Permalink Reply by Tobias Gibson on April 1, 2015 at 18:42

Steve there are at least three Stockmans in the Stoneworx series. And as I know you like Colts, you may also want to check out their Exotic Series. It features synth turquoise, black jet, malachite and a rampant Colt Shield. not a bad knife for $20-$25!

Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on April 1, 2015 at 18:48

Yes, I have seen that one. It is a good looking knife and for the Colt price point not too bad!

Permalink Reply by J.J. Smith III on April 1, 2015 at 18:59