A Question About Bone Handles

[thawk]

I see this jigged bone on several manufacturers, which seemed to be common in the 40's and 50's. A greenish-beige color, with a darker brown dye in the jigging. I've seen it used on many Camillus, Imperial, Ulster, and Western Boulder stamped knives. I've seen it called Rogers bone, but not sure if that is really true Rogers bone. It is often seen on knives without a shield. I've seen a lot of Craftsman stamped knives with it too, but never one stamped with Schrade. Any comments appreciated.

All of these knives, with the exception of the stockman, are one of the manufacturers listed above. Stamp worn down and I can't tell.

 

[Arathol]

Camillus used that sort of bone for quite some time. Camillus also made knives for most of the big name knife manufacturers as well as contract knives such as those made for Sears. You may just find that all of those pictured were made by Camillus.
Lots of that old bone was dyed with potassium permanganate, which give the bone a distinctive look. Rogers bone is not really any particular style. The name Rogers refers to the Rogers Bone Co, located in Rockfall Ct. This company produced the bone handle material for many knife makers.

 

[Will Power]

I know one thing: I like that type of bone A LOT, kind of caramel toffee colour that enhances any knife. Sorry for the lack of info, just really enthuse over it.

Thanks, Will

 

[Humppa]

This are interessting aspects. I´ve aslo wondered about the name "Rogers Bone"... Thanks for the advice. But I like the look of the bone very much!

Nice knives you have there, Hal.

 

[thawk]

Camillus used that sort of bone for quite some time. Camillus also made knives for most of the big name knife manufacturers as well as contract knives such as those made for Sears. You may just find that all of those pictured were made by Camillus.
Lots of that old bone was dyed with potassium permanganate, which give the bone a distinctive look. Rogers bone is not really any particular style. The name Rogers refers to the Rogers Bone Co, located in Rockfall Ct. This company produced the bone handle material for many knife makers.

Thanks for the comments
#1 Unknown, #2 Imperial, #3 Camillus, #4 Ulster, #5 Western Boulder, #6 Ulster

 

[littleknife]

I might be imagining it, but it seems to me, that there are 3 different types of jigging patterns on those knives:

type 1: knife #1

type 2: knives #2 and 3

type 3: knives # 4, 5 and 6.

I like the one on the last 3 knives the most.

 

[thawk]

I agree with your observation littleknife. More textured on the last three. I might add that #6 is a little more cream color in person, and a newer vintage. Plus, I think #1 is older than the others.

 

[stingray4540]

Wow, love that bone pattern! I've never seen it before.

 

[mike Berkovitch]

I know one thing: I like that type of bone A LOT, kind of caramel toffee colour that enhances any knife. Sorry for the lack of info, just really enthuse over it.

Thanks, Will

Yes there is something very appealing in these bone scales.
Mike

 

[waynorth]

It remains a mystery whether Camillus made their bone handles in-house, or brought it in from the Rogers Bone Co. I suspect both options applied at various times in their history.
I also suspect Camillus had other sources as well.
Here are three more examples to extend the study.

 

[ptradeco]

These seem to fit the mold:

Cline

Shapleigh Hardware

 

[Arathol]

Some examples from over the years, all are Camillus made knives

Early hand jigging pre WW1

1930s bone

1940s WW2 era bone

late 1940s/early 50s bone

1960s bone

 

[waynorth]

Interesting comparisons of the various eras, Arathol.
Dating Camillus knives, and tang stamps is very confusing, and frustrating!

 

[smiling-knife]

Very knice examples everyone. That slighly greenish tinged bone is very beautiful. This WWII era Camillus is the closest I have.

 

[Will Power]

These examples have been frankly mouthwatering, wish age improved living things in that way too.....

 

[knarfeng]

Holy Cow! Charlie went Green! That'll make things both easier and more interesting.

Congrats!

 

[thawk]

Nice ones all, thanks. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Charlie the trio of stockman look like wise men. Arathol that electricians knife with a bail is a killer. Great knives Brad!

S-K, we got twins...

Arathol, we have them twice... (pretty sure these 72's are Rogers)

One more Camillus 21 pony jack and the #6 Ulster.

Keep em coming!