Bill Mains

[Tomahawk6442]

I just acquired a Bill Mains Skinner. Can anyone tell me anything about them or what the value is? Thanks, Tom

 

[Murray White]

from a Go Ducky search

http://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/custom-bill-mains-first-edition-knife-410-c-a991459511

lots of info about Bill here.

My own knowledge of Mains Custom Knives comes from now deceased founder of the Canadian Knife Collectors Club (CKCC) Bruce Edwards who had a similar hunter and also obtained the knife that became the symbol of the Club and is currently in my possession where it will remain until I am no more at which time it will pass to another family member as the club has also passed from existence.

Looks like one day I really need to redo this image and create a nice montage.

here is another typical hunter/skinner done by Bill

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/custom-knife-made-by-bill-mains-of-buffalo

here is one that is similar and was up for auction (might be how you got yours)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BILL-MAINS-CUSTOM-SKINNING-KNIFE-S-N-336-/131329521831?rmvSB=true

here is a link related to his passing in 2012 and the second one is from 2011

http://www.engraverscafe.com/showthread.php?13284-Bill-Mains

http://www.ithacaowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=100&t=987

hope this gives a bit more info.

here is another updated image

the knife was from Heritage which may have been owned by Bill Mains. It looks like the carved "pantther" may have been done by someone with the initials BJG and I don't recall Bruce ever saying who that actually was but passed almost 30 years ago so I just don't remember and no one to ask. If anyone knows this info, please advise me as I would like to update my info too.

 

[Tomahawk6442]

Thank you so much. I just realized I got a response to the post

 

[Tomahawk6442]

That knife is absolutely gorgeous. I posted a pic above of the one I purchased for $60 on another site. Its a cool little skinner. again Thank you for the info

 

[Jpj028]

Heritage Custom Knife Company was located in West Seneca, NY a suburb of Buffalo and was a subsidiary company of G&R Tackle owned by Ray Kegler.

William “Bill” Mains, Sid Bell and Bryson Gwinnell were commissioned by The Heritage Knife Company to design custom fixed blade skinning knife using M-2 high speed steel, a process which Bill Mains pioneered, and has a Rockwell hardness of 63.

Sid Bell was a well known engraver and carver who was located in Alaska and had the nickname the "Alaskan Silversmith".

This knife was crafted under license by Bill Mains after one of Sid Bell's non-guthook blade designs.

"B.J.G. Winnell" (Bryson Winnell) a well known master engraver, who was Bill's assistant

Typically in the back of the guard of most knives has a Bill Main's buffalo trademark stamp and the center of the pommel is recessed with his company logo and information. Bill Mains is a well-known master engraver who was building knives in the Buffalo area during the late 1960's and early 1970's. During his career he has worked as an engraver for both Colt and Ithaca, and did custom hand engraving work in Knightstown, IN. During his time at Colt Firearms Bill was the primary engraver from 1967-1972 and would mark the firearms he engraved with his signature buffalo logo (he was located in Buffalo, NY at the time) under the cylinder pin as Colt discouraged the engravers to "sign" their work. It is noted that Bill has engraved more Second Generation Single Action Army Colt revolvers that any other engraver. A master craftsman in all aspects, Bill informed us that this knife was built using M-2 high speed steel, a process which he pioneered, and has a Rockwell hardness of 63.

Bill Mains recently passed away, Sid Bell has also passed. Bryson Grinnell is alive and still engraving. The Heritage Knife Company and G&R Tackling have ceased operations. I am very fortunate to own several Bill Mains knives that my Father purchased years ago. Some of the knives have intricate engraving that would be very difficult to reproduce.

 

[Murray White]

thanks for this info. I have added it to my photo folder related to the CKCC panther or cougar knife.

"This knife was crafted under license by Bill Mains after one of Sid Bell's non-guthook blade designs."

could you state exactly which knife you refer to when using the term "this knife" as the thread is about a different knife but your comments were directly following my comments and image of a specific and much more artistic knife that that posted originally so I did not want to misconstrue the information. TIA