Bulldog knives

I'm not entirely sure it's a true Dorton Bulldog. The stampings and blade grinds seem to indicate that it is but the overall feel of the piece suggests that it was assembled after Parker acquired Bulldog from Dorton using the original 1st generation parts. It is a fine line of a difference but something to look for when you buy them. Also, a lot of folks think that just because the blades have a "fighting 2 dog" stamp that they are 1st generation knives. This is incorrect. Very incorrect.
Greg
 
Thats good to know.I have a Shapleigh "warehouse find" that has the Parker name pinned to it, so I always think it was assembled out of parts.
 
Several 1984-1985 vintage Bull Dogs I own..

1985 large Cattle King

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1984 (3 blade) Sowbelly

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Just wanted to add that I was fortunate enough to have McGreg to assist me a year or so back in the finer points of everything Bulldog. He has some very sound advise and is very knowledgeable in this subject. If you are lucky enough to have him help you consider yourself fortunate.
 
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Thanks SunnyD. Here is another Sowbelly that I am inclined to believe is a Dorton Bulldog. I am not 100% sure but the depth and clarity of the stamps and engraving seems to suggest that it probably is. Not what the stamps or engraving say but the way they were done. The match striker pulls are crisp and clean. The feel of the knife and the stag seem to be about right as well. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't a true 1st generation knife. The blades seem to be a bit thin? There was one book published, in the '80's I believe, that showed the configurations of most of the 1st generation Dorton Era knives. The key is the shield, scale and pattern configurations. Some shields may not have been used on stag scaled stockmans for an example but the same shield may have been used on a stag scaled sowbelly. One other thing. Charlie Dorton started Bulldog Knives and If it is not a true Dorton Era Bulldog it is in no way, shape or form a real, honest to goodness First generation knife. That is what's so frustrating about collecting these critters. Parker used what parts were left over after the purchase and the cycle of configurations was broken. So, unless you really knew your Bulldog knives back when Dorton was making them or have been exposed to true 1st Gen. knives recently,you're really are in the dark if you are searching for them.
Greg

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Wowweee Greg,

I recon I need to take some photography lessons from you my brother. Anyway, it appears we may perhaps have the same knife here.. A 1985 BD Cuttin Horse..

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Nice one SunnyD. I noticed that on the 2 that I posted the inside back springs were polished. Don't know if that means anything or not but it could be something. I wish I knew more about these 1st Gen. knives so I could be specific and not have to speak in vague terms. There is so much mis-information about these knives I hate to spread any more.
Greg
I just checked the inside of a 2004 Cuttin' Horse Sowbelly and the inside of the back springs are just as bright as the ones dated 84 and 85 so obviously it don't mean squat.
 
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Mckgreg, mine is 1993 is that 2nd or third generation? I have always thought bulldogs were the most beautiful along with Fightin Rooster of the modern day manufacturers.
The tang on my spey blade has lines in one corner that make me believe it was once a file. It took a good ride in the old Maytag, so the ends of the bolsters are roughed up a bit.They seem to age well
Part of the appeal to me has always been the hammer forged stamp. I have always wondered how a modern manufacurer would forge them.
 
The innards on mine are polished also.The Tangs are polished, but they have stamp marks ,and they are not as smooth opening as some of my other knives.
I knew I read something on it....http://www.simplysarasota.com/KnifeCollector/BulldogBrand.html
That makes mine third Gen. after Parker.
That Clover shield is outstanding.
Seeing the two exact knives together in one thread and how different they look from each other makes Bulldogs or stag handled ones anyways unique. The article says they are still made in the same factory, still by hand.
 
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Ivory handled Cuttin' Horse. The blades are what makes it a Cuttin' Horse more than what the engraving says. Notice how the edge of the master blade is downward toward the cut rather than pointing straight out. A real work horse or in this case a Cuttin' Horse. The equestrian etching is more of a play on it's true meaning. Plus, it's just cool.
Greg

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I don't know too much about the different generations, but Bulldog brand was one of the first traditional patterned knives I started to collect.

I have mostly 2004 knives with carbon steel blades. Out of eight knives that I accumulated, only one ( a sowbelly) was a turkey. I fixed it, but the "krinking" was all wrong, while in the closed position, the end blade would move over when the blade next to it was lifted.

Heres a pic ( bad pic) of a few of my stockmen knives. They're the 4" stockmen with the squared bolsters. Roughly the same size as a Queen Cattle King.

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There's some Bulldog scouts out there going for cheap money, like $39.00 cheap. Anyone have any experience with these? There is also Weidmanshiell stag/Damascus ones going for $79-89 dollars, that look like identical construction.
 
Super postings guys. Thanks to all of you for your contributions and photographs and comments.

Navihawk, that link was a find indeed.

Greg, that Ivory Cuttin Horse is another drop dead gorgeous beauty.
 
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