John McCain's Posts - iKnife Collector2024-03-29T05:03:12ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCainhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770360043?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://iknifecollector.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=08lwlwoj0m3wf&xn_auth=noPre knife hysteria-When knives were actually MADE in high school- Texas Black knives, etc- PT 6tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-08-21:3181080:BlogPost:11823962014-08-21T23:19:31.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>Photos of Henry Calvin(Sgt. Garcia) with his " Texas Black Knife" - Also photo of the Crozier Technical High School mini tank- BTW, they made this, too !!…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804829425?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804829425?profile=original" width="480"></img></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831265?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831265?profile=original" width="416"></img></a></p>
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<p>Photos of Henry Calvin(Sgt. Garcia) with his " Texas Black Knife" - Also photo of the Crozier Technical High School mini tank- BTW, they made this, too !!</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804829425?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804829425?profile=original" width="480"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831265?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831265?profile=original" width="416"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804833199?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804833199?profile=original" width="480"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804835734?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804835734?profile=original" width="541"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804836733?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804836733?profile=original" width="328"/></a> </p>Pre knife hysteria-When knives were actually MADE in high school- Texas Black knives, etc- PT 5tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-08-21:3181080:BlogPost:11823922014-08-21T23:12:59.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>How these knives came to be dubbed " Texas Black knives"- The first was found in an estate sale belonging to General Graber Kidwell of Dallas, Tx.- Not much thought about it until another was found in the estate sale of Henry Calvin, better known as Sgt. Garcia of the old " Zorro" tv show- Got the finder interested in old newspaper articles etc. and he dubbed the knives " Texas Black knives-- What follows are old Dallas newspaper articles, and Henry Calvin (Sgt. Garcia) with his own "…</p>
<p>How these knives came to be dubbed " Texas Black knives"- The first was found in an estate sale belonging to General Graber Kidwell of Dallas, Tx.- Not much thought about it until another was found in the estate sale of Henry Calvin, better known as Sgt. Garcia of the old " Zorro" tv show- Got the finder interested in old newspaper articles etc. and he dubbed the knives " Texas Black knives-- What follows are old Dallas newspaper articles, and Henry Calvin (Sgt. Garcia) with his own " Texas Black knife""-</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804832393?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804832393?profile=original" width="267"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804834705?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804834705?profile=original" width="297"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804835366?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804835366?profile=original" width="307"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804836861?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804836861?profile=original" width="308"/></a></p>
<p></p>Pre knife hysteria- When knives were actually MADE in high school- Texas Black knives, etc-The war years PT 4tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-08-21:3181080:BlogPost:11823852014-08-21T22:45:54.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p> Now is the saga of the Crozier Tech knives-</p>
<p>Upon America’s entry into World War Two, our troops were painfully short of many items of equipment. Many were not even known at the time, as a new type of war was being fought. Large-scale troop movements in diverse weather conditions made supply a real problem. Clothing and weapons were the first big step, without which our troops could not enter any battle. Knives were on the agenda, but pretty far down on the list. The need was there,…</p>
<p> Now is the saga of the Crozier Tech knives-</p>
<p>Upon America’s entry into World War Two, our troops were painfully short of many items of equipment. Many were not even known at the time, as a new type of war was being fought. Large-scale troop movements in diverse weather conditions made supply a real problem. Clothing and weapons were the first big step, without which our troops could not enter any battle. Knives were on the agenda, but pretty far down on the list. The need was there, but the supply was lacking. From this outcry, small backyard makers and large cutleries alike came to the rescue. Drives were put on, like the “Save A Life With A Knife” campaign, which collected knives from civilians to be shipped to men in theatres around the globe. Also, an amazing thing happened in a Texas school; they decided to make knives. They would use the school’s shop and students to aid the war effort.</p>
<p>Norman Robert Crozier Technical High School, located at 2218 Bryan St., Dallas, Texas, encompassed five buildings situated on 5.4 acres. The school was started in 1884 when the newly formed Dallas Public School District purchased the location from the Dallas Female College. Buildings and shops were added as the District grew. In 1906 the main building was completed; at the time it was state of the art with a complete machine shop at the rear.</p>
<p><img border="0" alt="knife" vspace="7" src="http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/knifeworld/crozier1" width="432" height="75"/><br/><img border="0" alt="sheath" vspace="7" src="http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/knifeworld/crozier2" width="432" height="112"/><br/>Who originally came up with the idea to produce knives at Crozier Tech is still a mystery. We do know that the first reference to the school producing knives credits a Mr. Loucks with heading up the program. This was in late 1942. By February 1943, the school had finished the tooling and setup for production with over 100 knives being produced to date. The goal was to attain 100 knives per month from the students. In the process of making knives, several of the school’s shops were put to work. The Beginners Metal Shop would anneal the used files and saw blades obtained from the local North American Aviation War Plant and a Louisiana lumber mill. Next, they would proceed to the Advanced Metal Shop for forging and milling into the familiar knife shape. Back again they went to the Beginners Shop for fitting of guards, and then off to the Welding Shop to have the guards and handles, depending on the style of knife, welded in place. If a wood handle was to be installed, it would naturally make a stop at the Wood Shop to be fitted with a “bois d’arc” handle — bois d’arc being a tree common to the southern and central U.S., also known as osage orange and hedge apple. Word soon spread and the “Texas Bowie Knives” and “Scalping Knives” as they were termed were very much in demand. And why not? It was a good deal for the students, who learned a basic skill and the formula of production as well as supply and demand, while the servicemen received a good quality knife for only the cost of shipping. That’s right, they were given away at no charge to any serviceman or family member who requested one, shipping was $0.25 for the package.</p>
<p>One of the instructors in the Metal Shop was a Mr. Tom Merry, who gave his age as 86 in 1943. Mr. Merry, an Englishman, would walk nearly four miles to school each day to teach his trade to the students. Born in England, Mr. Merry worked in blacksmith shops and metal shops his entire life. He wanted to pass along that hard-earned knowledge while also helping the war effort. Making combat knives filled the bill.</p>
<p>As the requests started to pour in, the school recruited the Adult Evening School students to take up where the daytime kids left off. This helped to boost the output required at the time. By April 1943, over 300 knives had been completed and sent to just about every active theatre in the war, but this still couldn’t meet the demand. Servicemen, WAAC’s (Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps) and WAVE’s (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) stationed around Dallas were asked to lend a hand a few hours a night, no experience needed. By this time, the requirements were so high that all six periods of the general machine shops were at work during the day with as many volunteers and Evening School students as could be found. The Science Department was also recruited to test every knife before it was shipped as the final inspectors. They developed a “pull” test and a “hardness & tension” exam to be passed before the knives were pronounced fit for duty. The school was turning into a full-blown cutlery!</p>
<p>Among the many requests that came in, the most notable was from Gene Autry and the officers of his unit, who urged the students on. Others, from former students now in the service, were posted and written up in the school’s paper. Lines like “Those Bowie knives the fellows at Tech are making come in handy. I know, for I used one in the South Pacific.” were posted to spur the students on.</p>
<p>Another fact to consider is that it wasn’t only boys or men who made these knives, for girls and women were also encouraged to participate. One who stood out was Ms. Frances Ingham, who was actually the President of the General Shop Foreman’s Club. They say that Frances could swing that eight pound sledgehammer at the forge with the best of them!</p>
<p>Knives kept flowing out while the orders piled up. To help alleviate the problem, the local Kiwanis Club started to supply additional adults to the Evening School to up production. In a Dallas Times-Herald newspaper article dated August 5, 1943, they note that the number of knives produced and delivered had surpassed 1,000. A Mr. Ed Thatcher, who was now in charge of the night shift production, said that No. 1,000 went to a Marine sergeant finishing advanced training in Cherry Point, N.C., while No. 1,001 went to a Marine Private “somewhere in the South Pacific.” Mr. Walter J.E. Schiebel, principal of Crozier Tech, stated that the knife makers would be taking a week off as all the supplies were exhausted. Work was scheduled to resume in one week, when the fall day school classes started. The shops were silent for a week, and then it started all over again.</p>
<p>How is it that a high school made well over 1,000 knives in less than a year, yet we had not heard of them before? Another mystery of life to ponder on, or so it seems. To tell the truth, I stumbled over the tip while doing research on another topic. In the July 1944 issue of Popular Science, there was an article about a man named Frank Jordan, who made knives for servicemen. This article included step by step instructions on how he made his knives, and seemed like a good article to use in the identification of these knives. Off to the library I went to obtain a copy. In the course of the article, mention is made of the Crozier Tech High School knives; only in passing, but it was enough to light the fires. Over the next few years I asked many folks who were knowledgeable on theatre type knives if they knew about the Crozier Tech knives. Most had a simple reply, “never heard of them,” and so it went. I finally hit a substantial lead through the internet. A quick letter to the Dallas Public Library on some history of the school produced what I thought was the main vein of information. Associate Librarian Amie Treuer located a Crozier Tech scrapbook with articles from local newspapers and the school paper, walking us through the setup and production of the knives. What you have read above was based on that information. One point was missing; in all the information there was not one photo of what the knives looked like! We knew when they were made, who made them, what they were made from and where the materials came from, but we didn’t know what the knives looked like! A few years went by as the trail smoldered but would not produce a flame. I decided to put a quick blurb on my website, <a href="http://www.usmilitaryknives.com">www.usmilitaryknives.com</a>, to possibly dig up some new information. Nothing. I tried contacting the Alumni Association but never received a response; perhaps knives are not to their liking today. The trail went cold, or so it seemed. But the internet is a funny thing; with search engines one can enter a word or name and search millions of web pages at the flick of a finger, even those posted years ago. Well, it happened one day; someone visited the website and sent me an e-mail out of the blue. I love it when a plan comes together!</p>
<p>I received an e-mail from Mr. Daniel Rutledge stating that he had a Crozier Tech knife his grandfather had obtained from the school and mailed to his father for use in his new occupation. Not only did Daniel possess the knife, he had the letter from his father requesting a knife and his grandfather’s response letter. Along with that, he had a flyer from the school advertising the knives, which also contained a brief background on them and a request for help to make more. The flyer would not pass the test of today’s politically correct crowd, but they did get to the point. “You will find it interesting… and, many times inspiring… your knife may find a Jap gullet or a Nazi heart.” After an exchange of e-mails, Daniel made copies of his possessions and shipped them off to me to add to the puzzle. The photos of the knife confirmed what I had already known, but added another dimension. I had not seen one like it before, and with such a handle design it would be hard to miss.</p>
<p><img border="0" alt="Rutledge's unit" vspace="7" src="http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/knifeworld/crozier4" width="432" height="314"/><br/>Daniel’s father, John McClure Rutledge of Dallas, Texas, entered the Navy and attended boot camp in California. After graduation he attended radar school, ready to enter the war on board a ship equipped with the newest gear. That was not to happen. Instead, the young Rutledge was selected to attend infantry school and receive specialized commando training; issued a steel pot helmet, green uniforms and a .30 caliber U.S. M1 Carbine, he was not headed for the sea bound Navy he expected. At the time, the Navy had just started to form the new radar direction finding units, known as ARGUS. This was all very secret at the time as it was a very new technology. The teams would hit the beach with the Marines, set up the radar equipment and fix a triangulation to pinpoint incoming Japanese fighters or bombers. In turn they would scramble allied fighters from the Navy, Marines or Army Air Forces to intercept the inbound enemy flights. ‘Top secret’ was the status the units held, and they were a priority to set up even as the battles raged on. Men just returning from Guadalcanal, who had seen the type of jungle fighting the men would encounter, conducted the infantry and commando schools. After much training, John was finally assigned as a member of ARGUS 12. [As an aside, the name “Argus” comes from Greek mythology. Argus was a watchman employed by the god Hera to watch over whatever she did. Argus had one hundred eyes with only two ever closed at one time, even when asleep. Likewise, the radar men were to be ever vigilant and look in all directions at all times.]</p>
<p>In the first letter from John McClure Rutledge to his father John Carroll Rutledge, dated June 23, 1943, young John requested a knife. “I’ll be issued a light hunting knife. It’s not a weapon — these knives are the tools you need to live in the jungle. I want a heavy knife similar to a light machete or bolo. It must hold the edge well, be of sufficient weight to be used for hacking, about the weight of a meat cleaver. Its blade should be about the thickness of a file and about eight or ten inches long. It should be well balanced. Take your time and look around plenty. I know this is a big order, any knife is hard to find now and you probably won’t be able to locate one. If not it’s okay because I’ll have a little one anyway. I’ve talked to Marines off Guadalcanal and a knife like I described is what they recommend. One man’s was cut down from a machete, a very good knife. If you do find a suitable knife it’ll probably cost plenty — soak those bonds in on it, it’ll be worth what it costs to me if you can find one. But if you can’t find anything except the ordinary hunting knife — just forget about it.” As you can see the young man had done his homework and knew what he wanted. He even went as far as to ask the vets of the ‘canal what they would recommend. Smart kid.</p>
<p><img border="0" alt="John McClure Rutledge" vspace="7" src="http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/knifeworld/crozier5" width="216" height="271"/><br/>In a return letter from the senior John Rutledge, we find the first mention of the Crozier Knife. “...I went up to the Tech Hi yesterday evening, and thru the good graces of the Kiwanis Club I obtained one of their Combat Knives, and gave them a shipping label to mail it to you. Those knives are made by the club members at night out of steel furnished by North American Aviation. The club uses the machine shops of Tech Hi. I am signing up to go one night a week, and help make these knives for the Marines. They make 3 lengths of knives. I picked out the longest, which I hope you will like. The edges are not finished off as sharp as they can be made, so I will try to send you a small file so you can put a good edge on it. They say it will hold an edge you can shave with. If you have a good friend who would like to have one of these knives, have him write Mr. Kenneth Kitch, c/o Crozier Technical High School, Dallas, enclosing 25 cents for mailing, and it will be mailed without further charge direct to him. Be sure and let me know if you receive the knife.” As we see, not only did the senior Mr. Rutledge find a knife for his son, he even volunteered to return and help make knives! A patriotic family for sure! With his new knife in hand, the junior Rutledge went on to do his duty at the invasion of Tarawa and several other islands in the South Pacific theatre, his knife always by his side.</p>
<p>The knife is not much to look at, to put it mildly. It is interesting to note how it was made. The knife started out as an old mill file from a war production plant. It was annealed, forged, ground, had a full steel guard installed and two half round files cut down and welded on as a handle. Very simple and very effective for quick production. The example in the photos shows a thin strip of leather wrapped around the handle much like on a bicycle handlebar. This leather is thought to have been installed by John while in theatre. The half round files were left with some of the cutting teeth exposed to allow for a solid grip. While this was good for grip, the knives would soon become blazing hot in the tropic sun. The overall length of the knife is 14 inches with the blade being 9 inches exactly. The blade is 1-1/4 inches wide at the guard, tapering to the bowie type clip point. The top clip is sharpened back to 2-1/4 inches from the point. A 2 inch by 3/4 inch oval full cross-guard is welded into place. As Daniel put it while describing the knife to me, “make no mistake, it’s a crude and rather ugly blade.” The sheath is made from a section of khaki colored cotton duck webbing, doubled over and stapled with heavy metal fasteners through bits of leather. A top loop is formed with the doubling of the webbing to create a belt loop that will fit a 3-1/2 inch belt. At the throat of the sheath is a metal buckle that holds the throat open so the knife can be inserted easily. There is no hold down strap for the knife to prevent it from falling out, but a leather thong is wrapped around the sheath, most likely for that intended purpose. The camouflage and printing on the scabbard were done by John while in theatre.</p>
<p>To date this is the only documented Crozier Tech knife I have seen. I hope that through this article we will see more of them and hear other stories associated with the knife and the school. We still do not know what the wood handled knives looked like!</p>
<p>So there we have it, a school that not only allowed knives, but actually embraced them. They had students making them full time while learning a trade, and they actively recruited anyone who would come to school and help make knives. Every department of the school pitched in with labor and expertise.</p>Pre knife hysteria- When knives were actually MADE in high school- Texas Black knives, etc-The war years Pt. 3tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-08-21:3181080:BlogPost:11821172014-08-21T22:30:00.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>Here is an old letter requesting a knife--</p>
<p><b>"In Jun. 1943, my dad (only 20 years old) had just finished Navy boot camp, and commando training. He was in an ARGUS unit, assigned to act as an infantry soldier, and to set up radar stations with the Marines when they invaded Tarawa (although he didn't know then that Tarawa was his<br></br> destination). He felt his issued knife was insufficient as a combat knife. And he wrote home to my Granddad, in Dallas, with one request. As I read…</b></p>
<p>Here is an old letter requesting a knife--</p>
<p><b>"In Jun. 1943, my dad (only 20 years old) had just finished Navy boot camp, and commando training. He was in an ARGUS unit, assigned to act as an infantry soldier, and to set up radar stations with the Marines when they invaded Tarawa (although he didn't know then that Tarawa was his<br/> destination). He felt his issued knife was insufficient as a combat knife. And he wrote home to my Granddad, in Dallas, with one request. As I read the letter, I thought you might find it interesting today.<br/> <br/> "...There is something you could do for me. I'll be issued a light hunting knife. It's not really a weapon--these knives are the tool you need to live in the jungle. I want a heavy knife similar to a light machete or bolo. It must hold the edge well, be of sufficient weight to be used for<br/> hacking (about the weight of a meat-cleaver). It's blade should be about the thickness of a file and about eight or ten inches long. It should be<br/> well balanced. Take your time and look around plenty. I know this is a big order, any knife is hard to find now and you probably won't be able to locate one. If not, it's okay, because I'll have a little one anyway. I've talked to marines off Guadalcanal, and a knife like I've described is what<br/> they recommend. One man's was cut down from a machette--a very good knife. If you do find a suitable knife, it'll probably cost plenty--soak those bonds in on it, it'll be worth what it costs to me if you can find one. But if you can't find anything except the ordinary hunting knife--just forget about it. Love, Johnny. (Jun 23, 1943 postmark)"<br/> <br/> Interestingly, I have the knife my Granddad sent him, all the way in the<br/> South Pacific. I held it up to my new Battle Rat (which I got<br/> Friday....thanks!) and the two are nearly identical in weight, length of blade and overall length, thickness and heft. As soon as I can get a digital cam, I'll forward you a pic. I think you'll find it interesting.<br/> Even the top of the clip point is sharpened (like your "penetrator tip").<br/> <br/> In the same letter (which my Dad saved) is the brochure about this<br/> knife. I'll summarize it for you. It starts off "More than 700 steel<br/> combat knives made in Technical High's machine shop from North American's discarded files and a Louisiana lumber mill's worn band saw blades have been sent to YOUR SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AND MARINES during the past few months."<br/> "Your knife may find a Jap gullet or a Nazi heart!" The flyer states the knives cannot be bought, "You couldn't buy one of these knives for $100, but we'll give one to your service man."<br/> <br/> Well, here's the excerpt from the letter my granddad sent along with the knife. ". I went up to the Tech Hi yesterday evening, and thru the good graces of the Kiwanis Club I obtained one of their Combat Knives, and gave them a shipping label to mail it to you. Those knives are made by the club members at night out of steel furnished by North American Aviation. The club uses the machine shops of Tech Hi. I am signing up to go one night a week, and help make these knives for the Marines. They make 3 lengths of knives. I picked out the longest, which I hope you will like. The edges are not finished off as sharp as they can be made, so I will try to send you a small file so you can put a good edge on it. They say it will hold an edge you can shave with. If you have a good friend who would like to have one of these knives, have him write Mr. Kenneth Kitch, c/o Crozier Technical High School, Dallas, enclosing 25 cents for mailing, and it will be mailed without further charge direct to him. Be sure and let me know if you receive the knife.<br/> "I pray God will serve you well, and bring you back safely to us for brighter and better days ahead in your young life. I hope you will never have to use it for defense, but if you do, I know you will use it with all your might and strength."<br/> <br/> You know, Eric, it's not often in our generation, that we see an example of that kind of American can-do spirit and patriotism. I want to commend Swamprat and Busse for the thousands of dollars of knives you equipped American soldiers with, free of charge! It's at the top of the list of reasons why I bought a Battle Rat from you, instead of from another company.<br/> And it's the type of business approach which will solidify your reputation and legacy in the knifemaking world. But, mostly, it is reminescent of the type of action that typified America 60 years ago. Fortunately, Dad never had to take a life. But he did see combat, and having a heavy blade at his side provided a feeling of comfort and assurance. Somewhere in Afghanistan or in the streets of Yemen, the jungles of the Philipines, or elsewhere, there's an American combat soldier with an edge over his opponent. A Busse edge.<br/> <br/> Please extend a hand, tomorrow, to your staff. And commend them for outstanding workmanship and spirit. My Battle Rat is a work of art. The finest knife I've ever held."</b></p>
<p><b> The saga continues</b></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>Pre knife hysteria- When knives were actually MADE in high school- Texas Black knives, etc-The war years PT 2tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-08-21:3181080:BlogPost:11822842014-08-21T22:16:04.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>The real hero of this saga is the Crozier Technical High School of Dallas, Texas- They are credited with making over a 1000 knives, some claiming over 2000 for the men overseas, but an authenticated example of such a knife is a mystery - The school started making knives due to the pleas of servicemen begging for durable knives- These knives were crude by any stretch of the imagination, but serviceably tough- Most were made from old files and old commercial saw blades and were handled in…</p>
<p>The real hero of this saga is the Crozier Technical High School of Dallas, Texas- They are credited with making over a 1000 knives, some claiming over 2000 for the men overseas, but an authenticated example of such a knife is a mystery - The school started making knives due to the pleas of servicemen begging for durable knives- These knives were crude by any stretch of the imagination, but serviceably tough- Most were made from old files and old commercial saw blades and were handled in Bois de Arc (osage orange) or with rounded steel handles welded on in 3 pieces over the tang- They usually had a Tech High tang stamp- Most were made as bowies and most of the rest as scalpers --Some handles were made of melted down scrounged plastics, etc . In my next installment, I will show some period newspaper articles and letters- In the meantime, here are some pics--</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831749?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="640" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831749?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="640" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804833656?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804833656?profile=original" width="640" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804835879?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804835879?profile=original" width="480" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804837199?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804837199?profile=original" width="640" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>Pre knife hysteria- When knives were actually MADE in high school- Texas Black knives, etc-The war years PT 1tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-08-21:3181080:BlogPost:11822082014-08-21T21:49:40.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>Okay, how do I begin ?? Long before a nail file got a student expelled from school, there was a period of sanity when some schools actually sponsored the making of knives to support the WW2 war effort- I, as many of you know, do a lot of research on vintage knives as a hobby for other members, and I was unaware of this until a few days ago- I find this story fascinating, and a story with a real lack of hard information- I thought the story worth sharing~~~ This story will be picture and…</p>
<p>Okay, how do I begin ?? Long before a nail file got a student expelled from school, there was a period of sanity when some schools actually sponsored the making of knives to support the WW2 war effort- I, as many of you know, do a lot of research on vintage knives as a hobby for other members, and I was unaware of this until a few days ago- I find this story fascinating, and a story with a real lack of hard information- I thought the story worth sharing~~~ This story will be picture and document enriched, so I will break it up a little-</p>
<p>1- an example of a knife made by Trade Schools, Huntington, West Virginia</p>
<p>2- an example of a knife made by Vocational School, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin</p>
<p>3-<span style="font-size: 13px;">the most prolific school in knifemaking-- The Crozier Technical High School of Dallas, Texas , who made by some reports, over 2000 knives for the fighting men will be discussed in my next installment- where the term " Texas Black Knife" originated.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831134?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831134?profile=original" width="400" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804832760?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804832760?profile=original" width="400" class="align-full"/></a> </p>Self DefenseWeapons-luxury or neccesity?? You Decide--tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-05-13:3181080:BlogPost:11356552014-05-13T23:25:58.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>Let me preface this by saying I am a typical 60 year old law abiding citizen-In my 20's I worked as a bartender, then in retail management until my retirement- However, I have had people try to kill me with a car ,boulders, knives, hatchets, etc. in what would seem to be a normal life-Not to mention, that Danny Rollings, the Florida serial killer who killed U of Florida coeds was captured in my yard !! I have had to defend myself twice with a gun, once with a knife, and once with a…</p>
<p>Let me preface this by saying I am a typical 60 year old law abiding citizen-In my 20's I worked as a bartender, then in retail management until my retirement- However, I have had people try to kill me with a car ,boulders, knives, hatchets, etc. in what would seem to be a normal life-Not to mention, that Danny Rollings, the Florida serial killer who killed U of Florida coeds was captured in my yard !! I have had to defend myself twice with a gun, once with a knife, and once with a (imaginary gun)- long story --Never hurt anyone in any of these encounters, but being armed saved my bacon more than once- Am I just the unluckiest guy on earth, or have any of you other folks had hair-raising encounters like this??</p>
<p> </p>X Files- some things you just can't explain !! (pics included)tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-04-11:3181080:BlogPost:11184262014-04-11T02:00:00.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>These are some pics of a 2 ton granite ball that rotates on top of it's base for some unknown reason in a cemetary in Sullivan, IL. It broke free from it's base a couple of years after it was erected, and very slowly revolves- The name Johnson was originally straight across the ball- In the 1940's they used a crane and recemented it in its original position. After about 2 years. it broke free again and started rotating again- If you notice the chip in one of the photos. that it where it…</p>
<p>These are some pics of a 2 ton granite ball that rotates on top of it's base for some unknown reason in a cemetary in Sullivan, IL. It broke free from it's base a couple of years after it was erected, and very slowly revolves- The name Johnson was originally straight across the ball- In the 1940's they used a crane and recemented it in its original position. After about 2 years. it broke free again and started rotating again- If you notice the chip in one of the photos. that it where it broke free the 2nd time- The 1st pic I took in 1977 the rest in 2004- It seems to follow the same general path, but I have observed the name Johnson completely under the ball, etc. Makes you wonder ??</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804838405?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804838405?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804838405?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804839370?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804839370?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804839869?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804839869?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804840222?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804840222?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>BTW, it is still doing the same thing !!</p>
<p> </p>One Last Tribute to my father-pics includedtag:iknifecollector.com,2014-03-25:3181080:BlogPost:11068722014-03-25T22:15:16.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>My father was laid to rest yesterday as most of you know-I just wanted to share a couple of photos of my father- THE MAN- My favorite photo of dad-Worn out from a hard days labor on the farm- Faded shirt-Faded jeans-Faded couch- BUT NEVER, EVER, faded hopes and dreams of making a better life for his family- You can rest now-DAD !!</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804838186?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804838186?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>And one of mom and dad from a…</p>
<p>My father was laid to rest yesterday as most of you know-I just wanted to share a couple of photos of my father- THE MAN- My favorite photo of dad-Worn out from a hard days labor on the farm- Faded shirt-Faded jeans-Faded couch- BUT NEVER, EVER, faded hopes and dreams of making a better life for his family- You can rest now-DAD !!</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804838186?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804838186?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>And one of mom and dad from a few years back-Just to show where I got my good looks from !! LOL</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804838601?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804838601?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>Words Can Not Express My Gratitudetag:iknifecollector.com,2014-03-20:3181080:BlogPost:11026792014-03-20T22:01:52.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>An open letter to my IKC friends and family-</p>
<p>You have no idea how much your condolences and prayers meant to me after the loss of my dear Father- Your kindness and support is helping me cope with this difficult and traumatic time, in ways you cannot imagine- To the uninformed, this is just another knife forum- But in truth, this place is so much more than that, the other sites pale in comparison.This is a place, first and foremost, of good caring people who I feel honored to call my…</p>
<p>An open letter to my IKC friends and family-</p>
<p>You have no idea how much your condolences and prayers meant to me after the loss of my dear Father- Your kindness and support is helping me cope with this difficult and traumatic time, in ways you cannot imagine- To the uninformed, this is just another knife forum- But in truth, this place is so much more than that, the other sites pale in comparison.This is a place, first and foremost, of good caring people who I feel honored to call my friends and family- Many of you I may never have the pleasure and honor of meeting in person, but you have a lasting place in my heart, none the less !! .I usually reserve this for new members, but this time it is approriate-<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770357942?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770357942?profile=original" width="267"/></a></p>
<p>Thank you again for you warmth and kindness- John McCain</p>In memory of my Father who passed today-3-18-14tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-03-19:3181080:BlogPost:11016652014-03-19T00:44:13.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>My beloved father Robert passed this morning ,one day after he and my mom celebrated their 69th Anniversary. He was a farmer, a lover of God and family, and the hardest working man I have ever had the honor to know- As this is a knife site, these are 2 of my father's well used EDC's that I have treasured for years, but as of today are beyond all value. Both will be in my pocket at his funeral next Monday- A 1945-55 Hammer Brand and a Colonial Barlow which has the faint image "Bojac Seed…</p>
<p>My beloved father Robert passed this morning ,one day after he and my mom celebrated their 69th Anniversary. He was a farmer, a lover of God and family, and the hardest working man I have ever had the honor to know- As this is a knife site, these are 2 of my father's well used EDC's that I have treasured for years, but as of today are beyond all value. Both will be in my pocket at his funeral next Monday- A 1945-55 Hammer Brand and a Colonial Barlow which has the faint image "Bojac Seed Hybrids" on the handle-He sold Bojac seed corn and gave these to customers-But this was his!! Go with God, Dad, and be at eternal peace in heaven-Your loving son, John-</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770336308?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770336308?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770349466?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770349466?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>Thank you to My IKC friends and family from the bottom of my heart</p>My New Knife Chest -Full Already -LOL-Part 2tag:iknifecollector.com,2014-02-20:3181080:BlogPost:10804962014-02-20T01:15:07.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>The rest of the chest-…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804833891?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804833891?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804836742?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804836742?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804840208?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804840208?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>The rest of the chest-</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804833891?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804833891?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804836742?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804836742?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804840208?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804840208?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>My New Knife Chest -Full Already -LOLtag:iknifecollector.com,2014-02-19:3181080:BlogPost:10803962014-02-19T23:29:31.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>Spent the rest of my day after making a couple of pawn shop knife scores buying this from Harbor Freight -Unfortunately, may have to buy another real soon !! LOL-…<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831463?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831463?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804837947?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804837947?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>Spent the rest of my day after making a couple of pawn shop knife scores buying this from Harbor Freight -Unfortunately, may have to buy another real soon !! LOL-<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831463?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804831463?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804837947?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804837947?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804839743?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804839743?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804841138?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804841138?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804843476?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804843476?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a> </p>Today's Pawn Shop Findstag:iknifecollector.com,2014-02-19:3181080:BlogPost:10801502014-02-19T22:01:07.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p>Picked both of these up for a grand total of $28- Not a bad days (work) ?? LOL</p>
<p>A 1978 Case 2 dot 6254SSP trapper with "Tested XX Razor Edge" blade etch and a Remington advertising knife.…<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655286366?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655286366?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804837420?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804837420?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>Picked both of these up for a grand total of $28- Not a bad days (work) ?? LOL</p>
<p>A 1978 Case 2 dot 6254SSP trapper with "Tested XX Razor Edge" blade etch and a Remington advertising knife.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655286366?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2655286366?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804837420?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804837420?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804839846?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804839846?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804841612?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804841612?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a> </p>What Would You Like To See First ?? Update- A few Case 54 Trappers From My Collectiontag:iknifecollector.com,2013-10-20:3181080:BlogPost:9866002013-10-20T20:34:13.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770330316?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770330316?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>1999 Case Paua Abalone 8254 Trapper with shell shield -1 of 250 produced…<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770328857?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770328857?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770330316?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770330316?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>1999 Case Paua Abalone 8254 Trapper with shell shield -1 of 250 produced<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770328857?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770328857?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770328857?profile=original" target="_self"></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770348868?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770348868?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>1998 Case Abalone 8254 Trapper with Cigar Band Shield-1 of 250 produced<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770349238?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770349238?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a> 1998 Case Gold Lip Pearl 8254 Trapper With Cigar Band Shield-1 of 250 produced</p>What would you like to see first ? update -Some of this and some of that includedtag:iknifecollector.com,2013-10-18:3181080:BlogPost:9848732013-10-18T07:00:00.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770330124?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770330124?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p> A 1978 Case Red Etch Sambar Stag 5254SSp Standard Trapper </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804827856?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804827856?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804829593?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804829593?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>Case Pocket Worn Green Bone New Millenium 6254SS…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770330124?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2770330124?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p> A 1978 Case Red Etch Sambar Stag 5254SSp Standard Trapper </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804827856?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804827856?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804829593?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2804829593?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>Case Pocket Worn Green Bone New Millenium 6254SS Standard Trapper. What makes this unique is the</p>
<p>manufacter date on the obverse shield- I believe 1 of 50 made in this pattern</p>New to forum-What would you like to see first??tag:iknifecollector.com,2013-10-15:3181080:BlogPost:9828872013-10-15T02:57:56.000ZJohn McCainhttps://iknifecollector.com/profile/JohnMcCain
<p> Hello all.</p>
<p>As I said before, I'm new to this forum but not new to knives. I have a collection of Case knives, mainly</p>
<p>trappers and mini trappers, mainly vintage and short runs. I Also have many Case Classic prototypes</p>
<p>(trappers,mini trappers, and clasps),and limited editions. I realise Case Classics are a dirty word to some.</p>
<p>I also have a few vintage straight blades( WW2 and earlier) and a few of my own knife creations. Problem</p>
<p>is, my old computer crashed…</p>
<p> Hello all.</p>
<p>As I said before, I'm new to this forum but not new to knives. I have a collection of Case knives, mainly</p>
<p>trappers and mini trappers, mainly vintage and short runs. I Also have many Case Classic prototypes</p>
<p>(trappers,mini trappers, and clasps),and limited editions. I realise Case Classics are a dirty word to some.</p>
<p>I also have a few vintage straight blades( WW2 and earlier) and a few of my own knife creations. Problem</p>
<p>is, my old computer crashed with all my knife photos lost. So tell me what you want to see and I will reshoot</p>
<p>the photos and upload them first.</p>
<p>Thanks,John</p>