Any U.S. knife firm ever reproduce Abe Lincolns pocket knife?...

PocketKnifeJimmy

PocketKnifeJimmy

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From watching a fellow forum member's u tube video, I learned that Abe Lincoln's pockets contained a Congress pattern knife on the night of his death. It was an ivory handled specimen that was likely made in Europe (England, Germany?). Anyhow, Ivory would make a copy run quite pricey (though maybe a small run with ivory scales would be cool too). But, I am wondering if anybody like queen, case, or gec, has offered such a copy? Even if the majority of a limited run could be offered in a smooth natural bone... it woukd be neat to own. I know I have seen some out there in pics that resemble this knife.. but how cool would a queen or gec congress be, it being a copy of this piece of American history :-) Gec would be cool, and I say this because I can only imagine the artwork they'd use on the knife's tube packaging. I would hope they'd keep the artwork only for the packaging, leaving the knife to look as Abe had it, and only leaving the gec tradename for the tang :-)


Oh, and though the knife has a small crack in the handle around one of the pins.... they could leave that out.. just make a knife that very closely copies Abe's knife.. but new condition :-)
 
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"The knife is 9 cm. long (or 19 cm. when fully opened) and 1.1 wide. It has six blades, one major (3 x 1 cm.) on each side occupying the center position, flanked by two smaller blades (ranging between 4 and 4.2 cm. long and .5 and .5 cm. wide). The base of each blade carries the legend: “William Gilchrist’s / Celebrated / Razor Steel” on one side and the initials “W.G.” on the opposite. (The next faces the same direction on each of the three blades at each end, but this is in the opposite direction in respect to the ends themselves.) There are no other identifying initials or symbols to be found on the knife."

I found the above info concerning Abe's actual knife. I also found one reproduction being offered, but it does not list manufacturer... and made in China is likely. Can't find anything on a good repro done by one of our more popular US knife firms... but, that obviously does not mean it has not happened :-)
 
I've seen that display in the Library of Congress. That Congress knife is a real handful. It would be cool to own a repro of it, although I'd not want to edc it because of it's size.
 
Peregrin said:
I've seen that display in the Library of Congress. That Congress knife is a real handful. It would be cool to own a repro of it, although I'd not want to edc it because of it's size.
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Probably not too bad for Abe who had large hands.
 
Having six blades, any repro would most likely cost a pretty penny.

- Christian
 
Peregrin said:
I've seen that display in the Library of Congress. That Congress knife is a real handful. It would be cool to own a repro of it, although I'd not want to edc it because of it's size.
Click to expand...

That sounds cool.... So you say it is quite a big Congress pattern knife, huh... Well, we all learned about Abe being a tall person, especially for the times... but a google I just did, had him at 6 feet 4 inches... wow!!! I guess a good sized pocket knife would be needed! lol! ;-)
 
Parker made what they called a 6 blade Abe congress but was nothing that really resembled in any way shape or form, Bulldog made some 6 blade congress knives, but again not a repro
Here is a Abe congress knife discussion from February of this year, I posted pictures if old ad's and open pictures of Abe's blades.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...oln-s-congress-knife-replica-in-the-new-movie
Gevonovich has one that is very similar to Abe's

Pete
 
Stich2442 said:
Parker made what they called a 6 blade Abe congress but was nothing that really resembled in any way shape or form, Bulldog made some 6 blade congress knives, but again not a repro
Here is a Abe congress knife discussion from February of this year, I posted pictures if old ad's and open pictures of Abe's blades.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...oln-s-congress-knife-replica-in-the-new-movie
Gevonovich has one that is very similar to Abe's

Pete
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Good stuff, thanks! :-) Yeah, you're right about that one, it is not that close to looking like the original, imo.
 
That's an arsenal of blades. I have a six blade Rough Rider, and it's a hefty knife, I can't really imagine wanting to carry it, or a slipjoint of similar size every day of the week. Still, it'd take some deal of use, to dull every single one, and chances are you'd have some sharp blade.
 
I was inspecting my recently purchased Case 4 blade medium congress... and compared to some other Case knives that I have, the congress has considerably thinner blades. Don't know if that is the standard with congress knives, having more blades, but more dainty to minimize overall knife thickness... but I guess it makes sense. Still, 6 blades is a lot of blades... nothing with six blades in my collection.... yet! ;-)
 
Peregrin said:
I've seen that display in the Library of Congress. That Congress knife is a real handful. It would be cool to own a repro of it, although I'd not want to edc it because of it's size.
Click to expand...

That sure is a big knife, nice one but don't think I would edc one that big either.
I did find a place that has a replica of the Abe Lincoln knife but won't post a link as they are not a BF supporter.

%5BAbraham-Lincoln's-pocketknife%5D-No-call-number-recorded-on-caption...-painting-artwork-print.jpg
 
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Judging by the ruler in front of it, it measures +/- 3.5".... Not as big as I thought. Actually, that's a nice size. It does not seem overly thick, either :-)
 
what is impressive is that it could be 1.1 inches thick with only 3 layers, to but it in perspective, that means it would be about the same size as a 6 layer SAK - are these exceptionally thick blades? or scales?
I think the blade combination of the knife wouldn't be too difficult to make, but imagine all the little details - the fine swedging, and getting the half-stops flush at every angle, would put the knife into a custom price range. Speaking of which, I wonder if any of the custom makers on here have ever received such a commission? Someone mentioned that Tony Bose made a version of this knife for a film in the previous thread, I wonder if this is could be verified, and if there are photos of this beast.
 
I am kind'a confused... It seems like the belief is that this knife (Abe's) is a biggie. But, the picture above showing it in front of a ruler, shows it being in the 3 and a half inch length catagory. Thickness also seems to not be too bad at all (though much harder to tell). My recent Case congress is roughly that length, and it's only their medium size version. So, am I getting something wrong here... is the picture above not correct... and if it is, does it not show a nice comfortable size pocket knife. Not trying to start an argue here, btw... I am truly curious to know if Abe's knife was infact a heffer, or a decent smallish sized pocket knife... Thanks for your opinions and info :-)
 
PocketKnifeJimmy said:
I am kind'a confused... It seems like the belief is that this knife (Abe's) is a biggie. But, the picture above showing it in front of a ruler, shows it being in the 3 and a half inch length catagory. Thickness also seems to not be too bad at all (though much harder to tell). My recent Case congress is roughly that length, and it's only their medium size version. So, am I getting something wrong here... is the picture above not correct... and if it is, does it not show a nice comfortable size pocket knife. Not trying to start an argue here, btw... I am truly curious to know if Abe's knife was infact a heffer, or a decent smallish sized pocket knife... Thanks for your opinions and info :-)
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Length wouldn't actually bother me but the thickness and weight would, there are a lot of blades in that knife and I am sure its pretty wide. Thickness is the reason I don't carry a SAK much.
 
This thread gives me idea's for the next time I talk knives with Reese Bose
 
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