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Factory markings on backsprings
I'm restoring (read: cleaning/polishing/sharpening/lubricating) a Utica utility/camping/Boy-Scout knife. I usually rotate each blade until the backspring has elevated to its highest position so that I can wire-brush any rust or dirt. The end of the back spring that doesn't move will be cleaned later with a couple flushes of Marvel Mystery Oil. On this knife, I noticed what I thought were pits in the steel, but looking with a magnifier I found that these marks were actually stamped into the side of the backspring. They were in a pattern, equally spaced, from left to right: a dot,a vertical line, a dot, another dot.
Am I over-thinking these marks, or do they indicate something to the manufacturer or the consumer? Will they help me to date the knife? While not new, it appears to be from the era of American-made manufacture, possibly 1970's. (I don't even know if Utica still makes knives in America.)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by allanm on
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I don't know enough to comment intelligently on your knife and that brand Bryan, but I think you might be right.
Buck knives put marks on their blades so you can tell when they were made.
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In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on -
Utica is still in business.
Kutmaster is one of their better known brands .. still being manufactured.
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I own a couple of WWII vintage Utica Cutlery Co. pcs
I own a few Kutmaster. The Kutmaster I own are of an older vintage .. pre '70's .. at least.
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I am not aware of their marking / stamping backsprings.
however
That may be due only to my own ignorance.
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Please post here if you find evidence to the contrary.
!!! .. Thank You .. !!!
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Enjoy
D ale
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