Ebony wood electrician?

Bigfattyt · Dec 23, 2012

Hello all, the title says it all. Were there any Electrician pattern, old production knives produced in ebony?

There is, in my memory, the thought that there were electrician pattern knives posted with absolutely black handle wood, with grain pattern that looked like ebony.

I can't find any of the pics either through forum search, or through google search. I found a few threads with pictures, and at least one that looked to be ebony, but no description.

I was at a brick and mortar store, and looking at about 50 plus oldies. The dealer even broke out his private knife roll to look at. He was dubious that any were ever made in that material.

I like his store, and go in about 2 times a year, when I am in town. He has quite a few oldies in the displays, and usually pulls out rolls and rolls and rolls to look at that are not listed or ready for sale.

What do you think? Ebony covers on an electrician knife original from the maker? I swear one of you has posted up great pics of such.

Vanguard41xx · Dec 23, 2012

I have an old Camillus TL-29 with ebony covers. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of it right now.

rockgolfer · Dec 23, 2012

I could wrap my hands around one of those. I have a tl-29 with plastic covers that I like a great deal but hate the covers, just gives it a cheap toyish feel but we all know that knife is far from a toy.

mike Berkovitch · Dec 23, 2012

I've seen those in ebony made by Camillus and Ulster, I am sure other made them too. Not common but not that rare.
Mike

Arathol · Dec 23, 2012

These are all old Camillus knives

the ebony handles are nice but the old bone is better

ken erickson · Dec 23, 2012

Ulster on the left in some really nice black ebony.

Empire on right with ebony and nice blade etch.

Rusty1 · Dec 23, 2012

Schrade Cut Co version.

Russell

300Bucks · Dec 23, 2012

Several of the older TL-29s are ebony, you just need to find a nice one. 300

All Camillus made

Schrade

If you can find one with printing still on the blade you have a treasure.

I guess this one is for "electric' fishermen.

Bigfattyt · Dec 23, 2012

Thanks! Exactly what I was talking about.

@ Ken Erickson, I was thinking about those exact photo's, amongst others.

The knife dealer was dismissive about ebony covers on an electrician knife (he had 3 display cases, and a personal roll that he busted out). A few looked like they might be ebony with a bit more brown in them. Then somehow, the conversation turned to GEC, and he was quite forceful that GEC (or the founders of GEC) ruined Queen, and were bootlegging Queen knives????? Then he said he would not trust my sources (or I should not trust any source) that had anything to do with GEC.

I just wandered out of the store after that. I want to go back and pick out a solid Electrician (they had maybe 100, including his personal roll).

I just thought that was odd.

@300, some great ones there!

That last one is really clean and gap free. The fisherman shield (or so I have heard) is likely a replacement because the shield fit. I would knock an old lady down for many of these!

Bigfattyt · Dec 23, 2012

The dealer had a bunch with wood handles. Some dark enough that I would think they were lighter ebony. I might have to go back after Christmas and pic a good one out. He had a bunch for $30

lambertiana · Dec 23, 2012

One thing that you should realize is that often times you will encounter an old cocobolo handle that has darkened so much with age and use that on first glance it looks like ebony. But on closer examination it is really cocobolo. The giveaway is the grain and the color. True ebony does not have a hint of red, while the really dark aged cocobolo will show a hint of red in sunlight. A few of the knives pictured above look more like aged cocobolo to me.

Due to its high oil content, cocobolo will often have a shiny "greasy" appearance when worn. Ebony is very low in oil content. This is a little trickier to distinguish because quality ebony will polish up to a very smooth shiny finish, too.

Gevonovich · Dec 24, 2012

Schrade Walden

mike Berkovitch · Dec 24, 2012

OH what a beauties, I knew I need one of those TL-29, now I know which one - with ebony scales. Thanks all for sharing.
Mike

Bigfattyt · Dec 24, 2012

More great examples!

neeman · Dec 24, 2012

some nice knives
I used an electricians knife as my main knife for years

But in ebony
now there is a knife...