Don't kill me--Pleading ignorance on shields

Fish30114

Fish30114

Joined
Jan 5, 2014
Messages
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I have quite a few traditional knives, a fair amount even have the little shields of whatever type on them. I have noticed a lot of custom makers on their newly made knives put some sort of shield on their traditional styled knives. My question is: What is the significance of these little emblems or whatever is the proper name for them? Either now or in the past.

My first post in this forum--don't be super harsh.
 
Shields is in fact the correct name for them.

I don't know the history of them, but we have many knowledgeable folks here who will clue you in.

And you may be in for a shock - no one will be harsh to you in the Traditionals forum. It's not that kind of place. :)
 
A lot of those shields are named for what they look like, bomb, crest, bullocks.
oval etc. Some companies use a specific shape for a certain pattern of knife.
Most people like shields- some don't.
Ken.
 
Thanks Folks, I appreciate the intel, and yes Ken, you are right--I'm in the camp of 'don't like 'em' Timberweasel I'm about to check out the link you posted--Thank you.
 
I like blank ones but not as keen on shields with the brand of the knife on them. I already know what brand it is and what if I want to engrave it? Eg.-
20140528_100934_zps9f13a9c5.jpg

2014-03-25114639_zps0efc4514.jpg

2013-12-10182007_zps7f2e316f.jpg

That said- I wouldn't buy em if I didn't like em.
cheers.
 
meako said:
I like blank ones but ]not as keen on shields with the brand of the knife on them. I already know what brand it is and what if I want to engrave it?
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+1! I really don't like the UN-X-LD shield on my #73. The blade is already stamped with all the necessary information, why put it on the shield? I've never seen a branded shield that looked as good as a plain one.

- Christian
 
Fish30114 said:
1) What is the significance of these little emblems

2) My first post in this forum--don't be super harsh.
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1) Mostly because they look nice.

2) Welcome. Pull up a chair and yack with us a spell.
 
Nah. We whooped on one last week. One shellacking per month is the limit. Even less if Gary gets wind of it. He's a lot nicer than me.
 
knarfeng said:
Nah. We whooped on one last week. One shellacking per month is the limit. Even less if Gary gets wind of it. He's a lot nicer than me.
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*guffaw*

I like a tasteful shield, and it really depends on the knife. On larger folders, say the ones at about 3 1/2" closed and larger, a tasteful shield looks nice to me.

On many smaller knives, not so much. I like a plain shield or a company emblem the best. The manufacturer's name the least.

Robert
 
Welcome, Fish. Though I think I'm newer to this interest than you are.

I only have two knives with shields (not counting a few inherited.)To start I bought a 1970s German Eye small Moose pattern and the shield is raised in one corner, that and slightly raised pins make some rough spots on the knife. I quickly figured I'm at best indifferent on shields and I liked the look of the 'non presentation' side as much as the shielded side. Here's a photo


My second knife, however, has a perfectly fitted shield and I like the appearance a lot more. It's a Northwoods Norfolk with an arrowhead 'shield' which I prefer to one shaped as actual shield but that's just taste. The smooth fit adds to the quality feel and demonstrates more care and better workmanship. This one won me over in favor of a nice flush shield, but I'm not sure that's possible on more countoured handle covers.


And a few questions I'd like to throw out if that's ok,
I can't see a pin on either of these shields, maybe on the German Eye but I know the Norfolk has one. I see the pins on the bolsters easily, are the shields heavily brushed to match the finish of the pins to the rest of the metal?
Is there a good way to spot pinned shields?
Does anyone know for sure if my German Eye knife above has a pinned shield?

Thanks in advance for any help and welcome again Fish30114
 
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jc57 said:
Frank, can we kill him just a little bit? :)
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Shhh! You'll frighten it away, let's feed it up a bit first.

Fish30114 said:
I have quite a few traditional knives, a fair amount even have the little shields of whatever type on them. I have noticed a lot of custom makers on their newly made knives put some sort of shield on their traditional styled knives. My question is: What is the significance of these little emblems or whatever is the proper name for them? Either now or in the past.

My first post in this forum--don't be super harsh.
Click to expand...

First, hello Fish and welcome to the traditional side of life :)

Have a look through this one too.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/433067-Shields-on-Display!

I like the shield. I completely agree that too often now it gets used as another means to emblazon a logo, but all the same for the most part I like them.

A nicely done shield really finishes a knife in my opinion. Take for instance the recent work of custom makers like Jared Oeser or Rick Menefee, Dr T or Brett Dowell to name a handful (all have dedicated threads in this subforum) you'll note that they all finish knives with blank shields. Not every time, and not the same shield but different ones for different knives. I think that done properly, they look fantastic.

Production knives use them well too and can create iconic pieces:



This shield is unmistakeable, and seen almost anywhere it would be recognised.









With text or without, would these look better with no shield at all? I personally don't think so.

I don't always dislike a logo shield, sometimes they are reassuring - like coca cola script or a macdonalds M - they have become the fabric of design and brand recognition. The circular discs of Queen, Boker, Hen & Rooster and Henckels...









...the Q, the tree, the birds, the dancers.

The ovals of case and Moore maker with simpler text, again nothing particularly imaginative but enough to bring instant recognition...





The many differences and variations of the shield fascinates me.

In response to the OP "what is the significance?"; these days for most manufacturers it's a merchandising technique, and you'll see the same one on each of their products. However, some (and here is a big nod to great eastern cutlery) more recent manufacturers are delighting in the use of different shields for different patterns, which pleases me greatly.

Paul
 
The shield is placed on the mark side of the knife. The main blade opens from the mark side so the shield helps on opening, especially on equal end patterns.
 
buendia518 said:
And a few questions I'd like to throw out if that's ok,
I can't see a pin on either of these shields, maybe on the German Eye but I know the Norfolk has one. I see the pins on the bolsters easily, are the shields heavily brushed to match the finish of the pins to the rest of the metal?
Is there a good way to spot pinned shields?
Does anyone know for sure if my German Eye knife above has a pinned shield?

Thanks in advance for any help and welcome again Fish30114
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Look at the inside of the liner, just opposite the shield and you can sometimes see where the pin is. You might need a little flashlight.
 
r8shell said:
Look at the inside of the liner, just opposite the shield and you can sometimes see where the pin is. You might need a little flashlight.
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Thanks, it's very clear on the Northwoods. I wish I had the German Eye knife on me; I'm curious.
 
I agree shields definitely enhance the look of a knife in some cases, for example the SFO Radio knife and the Case Canoe pictured. The GEC #68 in the middle looks great without a shield.

imagejpg1-4.jpg
 
Thanks folks for all the neat posts and info. Pmew, I looked at that link you posted also. It seems that shields are a thing of wonderment and curiosity for many. I appreciate everyone's input and the really cool photography. It seems if I'm going to have a useful life on BF, I will have to get a decent camera and learn how to take decent pics, you guys are wonderful.

Regards--Don
 
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