Antique blades

S

Scottish Fire

Joined
Apr 5, 2014
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Just bought four knives at an antiques shop and looking for some thoughts on what I got:
(Sorry, I've got dialup internet so I can't post pictures very well.)

I got a Sabre Barlow that was made in Japan. Would anyone have an age for this kind of knife? I also got an old butcher knife. The Scales of this knife were cracked and rotting (unknown wood), so I cut them off and want to replace them. I was wondering what kind of material to use for this to make it as period correct as possible? I also got two old knives that are obviously homemade specimens, kinda crude, but they were old knives and I'm a sucker for that kinda thing. ;)

I'm looking to start a collection of old knives There are a couple of antique stores in town that I can visit that might have something. I'm looking mainly for 18th century and earlier, though I don't mind stuff from the early 1900s. Anyone have any suggestions on what to look for? I've not had much experience in antiques, though I have been making custom blades for three years now. Any advice on how and what to collect would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)
 
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With Sabre Japan you will be most probably looking late 60's 70's for such a knife. Don't worry about being too correct with the knife, Sabre hold virtually no collector value - even when in MINT condition - so re-scale the knife to your taste and use it and enjoy the knife.

What to look for? - I suggest you go into Bernard Levines Forum and have a look at the "stickies" there, the world of Pocketknife collecting is HUGE to say the least - you can buy simple books on the subject, and I can tell you now you are going to be ripped off at some time, and most of the time buy the wrong knife - until you do some research - we have probably all bee through it my friend, please don't let me put you off, collecting knives is great - but there are Fakers out there that will look you in the eye and thank you whilst shaking your hand - don't buy any expensive knives until you have done a LOT of reading.
 
As for rehandling the butcher, you can get a nice piece of clear grain hickory for cheap as a replacement hammer handle. Split it and shape it as you please, attach it with corby rivets and epoxy. Then oil finish it.

Oh... and good luck finding 18th century knives. That would be the 1700's doncha know! ;)
 
Lol! I meant 1900's, but was thinking 1800's, so I put 18th. :rolleyes: But thanks guys for the advice! Greatly appreciated. I love knives, and am a custom knifemaker- Got started when a gunsmithing/knifemaker friend of mine got me started. I've always enjoyed antiques, and thought It'd be a great hobby to start a collection of old knives. I bought the sabre for eight bucks. When I saw Barlow on it, my mind instantly went to Mark Twain. :) I'd never actually seen one, but thought that it'd great to own one myself. I lost my favorite pocket knife a few weeks ago, a rough rider something or other (oldest I would guess would be 2011 ;) ) And I thought that the Barlow looked to be a good, sturdy replacement. I already like it better. It holds a much better edge than my old knife, and thrilled with the way it looks.
Codger, Thanks for the advice on the handle. I'll definetly do that. :)
 
So, my dad (not a knife expert, but a pretty knowledgable person) questions the age that Mr. Campbellclanman gave to the knife. He says he would guess mid-to-late fifties, maybe early 60's. He based this guestimation on the fact that most of the mass production was sent off to Japan during that time period. He said by the 60's and 70's it all had moved to Tiawan. My blade is stamped: Sabre
Japan
629
I'm not worried about the age for value, just for personal satisfaction. I supose it doesn't matter that much, and like I said, my Dad isn't a great expert.
 
I agree with Duncan's time estimate.
 
You will even find a few knives marked Sabre Ireland, made in Eugen Weber's Jowika factory there after Japan quality and prices rose. And before Baer bought the factory in the 1970's.
 
I'm looking to buy a scanner with good depth perception. The HP my family has is terrible. Does anybody have a recomendation as to which brand of scanner to get?

I also just found a Schrade Old timer that I have had for a while now. Stamped on the blade is
SCHRADE
U.S.A. 1250T

It is 5 1/2" inches long, closed and has a brass-colored spring-lock to it. The blade shows incredible resharpening. What time period would this be? (I'm googling it as I type, so I might get the answer from there before I get a response to this post.) Thanks so much guys! I love talking knives, and I feel like starting a collection has opened up a whole new world!
 
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Thanks, Frank. I'm still new to the site and am still trying to find my way around. It's much bigger and a little more strict than the others I've been used to. I trust people will bear with this noob as I figure it out. ;)
 
No worries. You're doing fine.
 
Scottish Fire said:
Lol! I meant 1900's, but was thinking 1800's, so I put 18th. :rolleyes: But thanks guys for the advice! Greatly appreciated. I love knives, and am a custom knifemaker- Got started when a gunsmithing/knifemaker friend of mine got me started. I've always enjoyed antiques, and thought It'd be a great hobby to start a collection of old knives. I bought the sabre for eight bucks. When I saw Barlow on it, my mind instantly went to Mark Twain. :) I'd never actually seen one, but thought that it'd great to own one myself. I lost my favorite pocket knife a few weeks ago, * a rough rider something or other* (oldest I would guess would be 2011 ;) ) And I thought that the Barlow looked to be a good, sturdy replacement. I already like it better. *It holds a much better edge than my old knife* , and thrilled with the way it looks.
Codger, Thanks for the advice on the handle. I'll definetly do that. :)
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So once again an old budget knife holds an edge better than a new budget knife.

I've got a Sabre Barlow as well. It's a great user.
 
Campbellclanman said:
If you want send me the photos- make sure you take very clear shots and I will put them up in the forum.

dcmorgan@xtra.co.nz
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer. My problem is getting clear photos. My phone has a terrible Camera, but I plan on getting a scanner real soon. Dial-up works sometimes, so I can get some photos up, but until I get the scanner, all my posts will be photoless. :grumpy:
 
Dave, I am very impressed with my new old purchase. :) I carry it with me everywhere now. Very nice knife for everyday use.
 
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