Doctor's Knife

M

mtiehen

Joined
Jul 27, 2002
Messages
32
I'm suddenly interested in Doctor's Knives ...(after being interested in OTF's for the last 6 months!)

I found a few at a gun show, and would like to get more info about collecting them. The two I've found are Case brand, and one of those is an interesting "barbed wire" pattern in the bone.

Any hard core collectors have a photo gallery or two with some picts of what's out there? I did see an A.G. Russell photo of a Dr. Knife that had a knife blade and a thin spatula. It indicated that they had been made in a limited edition with Mammoth Ivory/bone. I'd like to see if there are any of those still for sale.

Thanks and take care,

Mike Tiehen
 
Ah one of my favorite patterns. The Case barbed wire is very recent (2001 and 2002).

Here is a mix of some modern and antique ones.

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I appears that the Doctor's knife is characterized by the flat end used for crushing powders, pills etc, and a longish, thin spear point blade.

I remember back about 1963 or so ( (i was 6 yrs. old), a doctor made a house call for my sister who was having an asthma attack, and the he pulled out a knife, and the whole family grew hushed...then he sliced open an envelope of pills. I remember thinking...He's going to do surgery right here on the sofa!

I distinctly remember now that the knife was this profile...with a spatula as a second blade.

Do any of your collection have a mark indicating the school of graduation? (It would indicate a gift or award I suppose.) I was sent a message by a collector who has a knife marked DMS. It was indicated that is represented a medical school back east.

Thanks and take care.

Mike
 
I am at work right now, so I will try to answer this evening.
(as long as the yardapes :D are not dropping by all night beggin' for candy :)).

nifrand is also a prolific Dr. knife collector and I tried to search for some of his pics. I am sure he will chime in later.
So far your information matches mine. The long spearpoint was for reaching down into those narrow medication bottles. Many have a small pen blade that replaces the spatula.
 
I'm tempted to get the damascus version of this knife. Could you guys share your thoughts about it. One more thing, how would you compare Case damascus to Bear MGC damascus?
 
The Case Dr. Knife that I have in the barbed wire pattern is Damascus.

Here are a few quality caveats about my knife:

The notch at the base of the blade on the back side that stops the blade from going past center when opened was not ground/stamped square. So when the knife blade is opened, the blade is not in a direct line with the spring. It angles to the left. When the blade is stowed, the blade centers just fine.

The blade stop at the base of the blade on the edge side was ground too much, which allows the edge of the blade to contact the slight raised area inside the knife where the center rivet passes through the spring. Hence a very dull spot right in the center of the blade.

And lastly, it took some time to get it sharp. I have the OSO Sharp wheels, and it took a very careful hand to get it as sharp as I like a knife.

The damascus pattern is a bit faint, but still very attractive.

Now with all that said, I really like it, and it has been in my pocket lately, replacing a $350 Microtech UT6...for the time being.

Ciao!

Mike Tiehen
 
On the Damascus most of this is third hand from good sources.
I think Case first started using Damascus during '89 or '90 during Jim Parker's era as Case's head. I have been told that the Damascus used then, a couple of commeratives and some stockmen and trappers (in stag) was from the Parker-Edwards factory now owned by Bear MCG.
(or at least a good part of the equipment is owned by Bear.)

The Damascus I am not sure of the current source for Case's Damascus.

I collect Doctor's knives and still pick up many of the ones Case makes. The quality could be a little better. Gaps here and there and even had a shield fall out when I unwrapped one for the first time.
I did pick up one of the boxed 3 knife sets last year and they were pretty well finished.

I see better quality in the Queen, Winchester and Schatt and Morgan brands (higher price too).

I am spoiled a little though since I also collect custom versions:
From left to right
Bailey Bradshaw
Bill Ruple
Reese Bose
Art Washburn
Joel Chamblin (bottom)
Richard Rogers (top checkered (quilted) pearl)
Gene Shadley (black lip)
inset is the back of Bill's and Gene's knives)
 

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