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Early Robeson Cutlery Split Spring Humpback Whittler made between 1940 to 1964 "Per the tang stamp". This early Robeson D-2 Split Spring Humpback Whittler is commonly mistaken for a Queen Cutlery remake, when in reality it's one of the last True Robeson's. It Measures 3-1/8" closed and has D-2 Cutlers Tool Steel Blades with Brass Liners and Genuine Fat Sambar Stag Handles and it features beautiful Threaded Step Bolsters with the famous Pocket-Eze shield inset in the front handle. The Pocket-Eze designation was meant to signify that the blades were recessed or level with the body of the knife, as you see this is a classic example of a true Robeson Pocket-Eze Knife. This feature was first introduced by Robeson Cutlery in the late 1950's to early 1960's. The Main Blade is Tang Stamped: Robeson (Shuredge) USA "Shuredge in Script", the Pen and coping blades are both stamped "Robeson", no pattern number appearing. The Original Robeson Packaging denotes the "Pocket-Eze" designation and the model #RS47GS appears on the end of the packaging. On the face of the original Robeson packaging it says "Robeson Tool Steel". This early Pocket-Eze whittler's knife was manufactured near the end of Robeson Cutlery's business in the Perry N.Y. Location between 1959 to 1964. In 1965 Camillus Cutlery would manufacturer Robeson and ship it out of the Perry N.Y. Location until late 1970 into the first quarter of 1971 when Ontario Knife would purchase the rights to Robeson Cutlery.
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Hi Derek
Thank you and yes it's a little beauty. The original "RP" Robeson "Pocket Eze packaging is Era correct and the unique "Robeson" main blade Inscription along with the multiple tang stamps on the blades date the knife, but so does the Pinned Pocket-Eze Shieldbwith the Original Red Background and notably the Traditional "Pocket-Eze Trademark" Recessed blades that are in fact flush with the frame. History tells us that Robeson Cutlery was very well Known for thier Stag, Abalone and Pearl Handled Knives and they were the pioneer and grand master of the Strawberry Handle color that no one was ever able to reproduce. "Robeson produced a large array of patterns, some ofvwhich were never made by anyone else." Robeson produced some fantastic pocket cutlery and razors. The True “PocketEze” line of knives had the blade backs ground flush with the knife’s frame, eliminating sharp corners and reducing pocket wear, but more importatly most but not all Pocket Eze Knives presented with an unmistakable nickel-silver “POCKETEZE” shield with a red background. Robeson would close thier manufacturing shop but in the an agreement with the new owners Mr. Case would stay on for one year to train the incoming workers and to facilitate the Contract with Camillus Cutlery to make thier knives for the next 7 years starting in 1965 and ending in 1971. So in response to your questionable assertion of coming out of a Custom shop yesterday I would have to say with 100% "NO" , "It wasn't yesterday" but there's a possibility that it actually was produced in the "Camillus Custom Shop" between 1965 and 1971. So in conclusion as you're now aware of the documented time line and it's predecessors there is a bit of a gray area.
That is truly stunning 60+ years old and looks like it left the factory yesterday ... actually strike that ... it looks like it left a custom makers shop yesterday - thanks for sharing Ralph
That is a heck of a find! Gorgeous.
Absolutely beautiful. Looks like you bought it yesterday! Also love your photography.
Hi J.J.
This is not a Queen or of the Mastercraft Line. This is of the original Robeson line prior to closing before Camillus started making thier knives. Queen came about in 1990's and were didn't have the true "Recessed Blades" that "Pocket-Eze" was designed as. This has the fully recessed blades and Original Robeson "Shuredge" USA Tang stamps.
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