Craftsman 9458... Ulster? And a birddog!

Codger_64

Codger_64

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I recently acquired this fish knife with sheath, and I believe it to be an Ulster 208, but I am not sure. There is no tang stamp, except for an "S" on the back of the clip blade. All information is contained in the blade etch, "Craftsman" over "forged steel / 9458" over Stainless Steel". This five inch knife is not a shell knife, the bolsters are solid nickle silver, the scales are full thickness plastic. The liners are brass, and the springs stainless. Any opinions?


Here is another recent knife, a shell knife, this one 4 1/4" and stamped Imperial with artwork of a pointer dog. I am told that there were three of these, this one, one with a marlin, and one with a pheasant.


Codger
 
Codger,
I recently picked up some shell knives both w/ Imperial & Hammer Brand tang stamps. Have you done a rant on the history & engineering of the shell knives? If so where is it? If not please do a rant on the birth, life& death of shell knives..........if you are so inclined.

Dale
 
I only have the one shell knife, and haven't done any real research on them. I know that Michael Mirando (of the Imperial Mirandos) patented the system for making them (one of several) in 1949. He applied for the patent in 1944.

But if I am not mistaken, the shell knife in other forms predated that. Didn't some European inventor hold the initial patent that Imperial, Schrade, and others worked under for years?

Codger
 
I advised Mike on this knife before he bought it. I am sure it is an Ulster, and finally today found one of my yellow handled ones to compare it with. Same long nail nick in the exact right place, same blade swedge. If you want, Mike, I'll send ya the knife to compare yours with. Or I will try and do some excellent photos.

Very interesting story on the shell handled knives and it does have a place on this site. And codger, here is one of the 'Can Opener' type fishing knives you lost out on. The opener has it's own backspring, makes for an extra thick knife. I like these shell handles, not just the toothpicks. I think they make great collectibles for the collector on a budget. I've sold a few to dedicated collectors for up to $40, but that is as high as they go. No, wait, I saw a Budweiser emblazoned Imperial Toothpick go for $125 a few years ago on ebay, but for the most part, for $5 or $10 each, one can have fun finding these things.

Phil

DSCF4213.jpg


Nice win, Mike!
 
Phil, that is a cool knife...I've never seen one set up like that. :thumbup:

Thanks for the educational picture.

Bill
 
I would say its an Ulster...I just picked up an identical red handled Ulster fish knife, Ulster tang stamp and blade etch, stainless steel.
 
I will have to get some scans of the shell handles I have. Some are fish knives, both (as I recall) Imperial & Hammer Brand. I am busy the next couple days but will try and get them on next week. One is a cute little Hammer Brand shaped like a small bowling pin. :cool:

Dale
 
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