1899 Slipjoint with some interesting features

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Carboniferous

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I was reading a thread on this forum with the topic of the history of the eureka jack, and in a catalogue from 1899 that features that pattern there is this knife:

bZMR3kv.jpg


Two things stand out to me. First off, that bolster. I don't think I've ever seen a knife with a bolster like that. Is there a name for it?

The second thing is the apparently jigged iron handle. I also don't think I've ever seen a jigged metal handle.

Are there any modern day production slipjoints with either of these features? I'd be very interested in obtaining one.
 
That's a fluted bolster. It's a really nice touch.







As to modern production slipjoints that have them, the only thing that comes to mind is the 2014 forum knife. It might take some time, but you should be able to find one on the secondary market.
 
They were fairly common in the old days, most makers marketed them as boy's knives. Don't know of anyone making them now. Here's an old Ulster with iron handles, not my knife but a good example of what you're referring to:

ie0bhf.jpg
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Eric
 
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in response to kamagong, it was on the 2013 forum knife that had fluted bolsters. The 2014 had threaded bolsters
A rare aspect rarely seen and only on higher end production knives~

1286_GEC133213_BFC-2013_44732_zpsb0a0da77.jpg
 
Two great exambles Jake, forgot about the whittlers.

The reason why this detail as I recall is difficult to produce/be done correctly is the fact that you must keep the flute width and depth even throughout the whole contour of the bolster, mating up with the contours of the knife as well.
 
The fluted bolsters are also referred to as rattail bolsters since a rattail file was often used for the groove before the advent of bolsters pre-formed in a press. On the iron handled models you'd need the rattail file regardless.

Eric
 
Very interesting ad you found there! It would look great in a frame in my office:)
 
Some of the Rough Riders have fluted bolsters, too. I know the small sunfish/elephant toenail and one of their canoes have them, not sure off hand what others.
 
supratentorial said:
This thread may be of interest to you.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1149597-Boy-s-Knives
Click to expand...

Very interesting thread, thanks! It makes sense that it's a hollow, stamped sheet metal. It kind of makes me want legitimately jigged, solid metal covers on a knife - it might be a bit heavy but using titanium might leave it reasonable.

Now that you've all pointed it out to me I see that it's a fluted bolster presented in a somewhat peculiar fashion, those are something I'm familiar with and find very classy. In my head I was picturing the bolster as "pinched" on the top and bottom (as presented in the photo), not fluted all the way around. Seems obvious now. Some really beautiful knives posted by you guys.

Ernie1980 said:
Very interesting ad you found there! It would look great in a frame in my office:)
Click to expand...

I've had similar thoughts, I really enjoy looking at these turn of the century catalogs. Here's the full scan that features the eureka

s7BTixd.jpg


And a great thread with tons more:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/755317-Vintage-Knife-Catalogs-amp-Ads-(Images-Only)
 
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Yes, in that model the rattail goes all around, cutting also into the spring, while usually we cut it only on the sides
 
Enrique makes an excellent knife.

Nice knife, Phil. Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me, it looks like the etch might be partly visible. It's always nice to examples of old knives that aren't buffed.
 
It might be a company name and address... the second line looks like "169 E Chicago Ave"... not sure though.

I have one that's etched "fertilizers" :D
 
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