Check out this joseph rodgers pre-ww1 utility knife

Campbellclanman

Campbellclanman

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Mar 10, 2007
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Hi there everyone, here is something a bit different, so I thought I would post it up.

I managed to get my hands on a Joseph Rodgers Military wire cutter knife - some call it a SOE knife, an operations knife made for escape and evasion.

The knife measures 5 inches closed - and is a heavy beast!, the Main blade has certainly had use - but functions well - the walk and talk is great, the smaller blade with the thumb stud is something else!-an extremely solid blade-its use I am not too sure of -I remember reading about this, and there was a suggestion that the smaller blade be made/used for puncturing tires? - I take that with a grain of salt - but possible.

I love Joseph Rodgers knives, and I especially love the way the stamps are struck - the earlier ones are struck deep - such as this knife.
Cutlers to his Majesty dates this knife between 1906 to 1910.

The bail still does the job it was intended for and that's to keep the wire-Cutter handle closed, I just think this is so cool, I hope you do




















 
Hey Duncan-that is way cool.
I believe thats a can opener and with WW1 in mind the wire cutters could have been aimed at barbed wire in the the trenches.
 
Really a very interesting find Dunc :thumbup:

I think meako made some very well observed comments, and those links seem to prove it (Good info there).

Great to see yet another example of British cutlery....and our innovative muli-tool past!

Thanks for sharing and have fun finding out more about it sir :thumbup:


Now where did I put that tin o'Bully??
 
This is beautiful piece of military history. You can see a cutlery co. that is proud in its great quality product. It is fantastic find. I am waiting for a chance to lay my hand on a true Joseph Rodgers knife. Thank you for sharing.
Mike
 
That is very cool. I like oddball and unusual tools, particularly more pocket type carry tools, especially from times gone by. Thanks for sharing this.
 
Duncan, that is FANTASTIC!!! I love finding/learning about vintage knives/artifacts and the like. This one is at the top of the list :thumbup:

In regards to the small blade with stud---resembles the older can openers I've seen? Although yours has a unique double swedge if I see correctly :o

Love the links you added as well---I NEVER find something as cool as this!!!

Thanks for showing it to us.

Paul
 
Just wild! I'm fascinated, looking at those old tools. Really a remarkable bit of history you have there. :thumbup:
 
Great piece of cutlery, by a great company! Nice score, Duncan.
Can you tell what the handles are made of?
 
I think Paul right about the studded blade.

The stud rests on the can's edge as you cut open the can............I think.

Nice find,it's hard to beat an old JR.
 
Very cool find and a great piece of history Duncan, well done my friend. I was just looking at a Joseph Rodgers clasp knife this afternoon (a bit too pricey for the condition it was in) :)

For comparison purposes, here's the can-opener blade of my Joseph Rodgers WW1 pattern clasp knife.

 
Found this one too, but its probably linked already above.

rodgers1912military.jpg
 
Duncan....I was going to bid on that!!...im pleased you got it mate.......Heres a Boer war Thomas Turner with a similar blade..........................FES



 
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