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When did they make the best knives?

I have a thing for knives that where made in the 70's. I'm not sure why I just know I like them. I like knives made in other era's But it seems like they had a lots of knives that where really unique. That's when I saw my first Buck 110. There where the red bones that case made then that where something special.

Not that there making bad knives now. I find knives all the time that I feel like I cant live with out. They have better steels now than they have ever had. There are a huge number of very nice scales that I just bet had never even been thought of back then. I really love it when they bring back the old styles. Like the Case, Tony Bose knives.

Modern knives are cool but the old traditional knife styles really get me going. I was at the flea market yesterday and found a Camillus 826 silver sword. It never has been sharpened. I know it's not worth much and I'm not even sure when it was made. I do know it reminded me of a time when I was a teenager. So I brought it home.

So tell me when do you think they made the best knives?

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Comment by Tobias Gibson on May 17, 2013 at 16:04: That's one funky Camillus, Lee. I haven't seen that tang stamp so I can't date it. I suspect post 1960. As for when were the best knives made. I think most would say the golden era of factory knives was the 1910-1940 for USA made. I'm still partial to 1950-1985, however. I think it's a nostalgia thing-- we harken back to our youth.

Comment by Jan Carter on May 17, 2013 at 7:08: LOL, Robert! Post away, we all seem to understand you just fine. As for the old cajun part, your my favorite old Cajun, I will help interpret for you anytime

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on May 14, 2013 at 21:48: I tried to write an opinion on this subject but I am so scared, that what I say will be misunderstood. I will just enjoy everyones Post and I'll hold my tounge. I have trouble expressing the meaning of my post. I find that for me, any way, it's hard to get what I mean, understood. Hey, thats okay, I'm a Cajun, and I am still working on communications....lol

Comment by Jan Carter on May 13, 2013 at 20:18: I think I have to go with Tony Bose on this one. Never met a knife I didnt like.

As far as what era made the best, for me there really isnt one. I prefer Case from 20-40 and again from 60-94. I have favorite eras for different companies and different knives but there are some fine knives being produced to and there were some fantastic ones made in the 1800's. So I would have to say as long as knives are being made, it is great

Comment by Sue OldsWidow on May 13, 2013 at 11:56: I feel, I fell in love with the antique, vintage knives because of the natural and man made materials of the times, show through in the craftsmanship, required to make them. How they managed to endure a period of time that outlasts most humans. The history behind them, who had the brainstorm idea for this pattern, that blade,or even how they advertised them has me intrigued.

1920-1970 are the years i am more familiar with I feel these were "Golden Years" of knifing for me anyways!

Comment by Chuck Parham on May 13, 2013 at 3:40: A great question Lee. I am a very new person on the knife scene but I'm puttting my two cents worth in as food for thought. I am very fond of knives of the 70's. I think that is when knife collecting took off and started something we enjoy today. The 70's were a time when this country was looking for direction. Coming out of the most unpopular war in our history, our nation's leader abandoning his post in disgrace, drugs and "free love" more common than cats at a fish fry, and youth lost in their own time. We were looking for stability. We were looking for something that our parents and grandparents had. One way was to embrace something that they actually did have. Knives. Most of us can remember when dad, granddad, or uncle whoever brought out a knife. We would gaze with awe at the blades. We would marvel at the beauty of the bone, wood, shell, or whatever material the handle was made from. It was always with them. We looked for that piece of concrete solidity they always had. There were lots of good knives and great knife makers then.

Today, as mentioned, there are better steels, flashier looks, cooler names. Knife catalogs abound. There are TV shows selling knives. Society today is money driven and knife companies spend every penny and make every effort possible just to get us to buy whatever they are selling. True cutlers and craftsmen today are putting out some excellent pieces. They are every bit as well built as the knives of yesteryear. They put their very soul into producing something that will be around long after they are gone. I guess it boils down to why we like knives of the 70's. Yes they were well made and are beautiful but there was also a lot of junk made then as well. It's not around much these days because it was junk and never survived the test of time let alone any field testing a 12 year old boy could put it through. I love todays knives but, I also love those older knives as well. I love them for a subconscious reason that maybe only Freud could explain. All I know is I am nuturing my grandson's love for knives. I'll let him make up his own mind what he'll love and figure out why for himself.