Fight'n Rooster. MIA in Vintage Traditionals?

[GasMan1]

Pretty interesting stuff Ed. I was under the impression the company was alot older than that. And I didn't know Buster was from Tennessee. I learn something new everyday. Thanks for the info. :thumbup:

 

[Chasedme]

Hi everyone! I'm new here and this would be my first time posting. I actually have a very large collection of roosters and the celluloid handles seem to be quite an issue for many. I came across a few good "reference", not opinion, articles I thought I would share. Also below the links is a comment made by a member from another forum on how he "treats" his celluloid knives which is something I'll be trying. Such a shame that so many beautiful FNR collections were ruined by this gassing. Hope this helps!


Jen

http://cool.conservation-us.org/coolaic/jaic/articles/jaic30-02-003_4.html
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/5157-different-types-of-celluloid/

"I've done a little bit of experimenting on cell handled knives I've purchased that had light to moderate off gassing/shrinkage. I found that by using the thin type super glue, you can fill most of the cracks and voids. After filling, very lightly sand the entire surface. In most cases this will pull celluloid dust into the still wet adheseve, coloring it naturally. (repeat if needed to level) There was also one case where after the fill and sand, I overlayed both handles with a thin layer of the same adhesive, sanded with 600 & 800 grit wet/dry paper after the adheseve was dry and finished with a 1200 grit polishing. The end result was perfect and after 2 years the handles have shown no sign of further deterioration. 2 pieces of advice that I'm certain no true collector needs to hear, but I'll throw them out there anyway. 1.I only advise doing this as a possible way to keep from doing a full rehandle. Some handles will be too far gone to bother with and 2.If you ever sell the knife, please be honest with the buyer. I've only performed this on about 5 knives, (all are still in my possesion) but atleast 4 of the 5 are virtually undetectable to the naked eye. The wilder the pattern the better it works. Plain colors really aren't suited to it. Give one a try sometime and let me know how it goes."

 

[mike Berkovitch]

Some great knives here guys, I can say from the only one I have that it is high quality knife with beautiful stag handles, not chunky so it can be carried easily in my pocket.
Lock back whittler, my grail knife

Mike

 

[TsarBomba]

My very first Buster actually arrived just yesterday. I'm way behind in going through some of my new pickups and getting photos of the good ones, but the bone-handled FR jack is one that deserves to be skipped to the front of the line. I will be sure to post some pics here as time allows.

 

[black mamba]

I recently added this nice 3¾" stockman in antique green jigged bone with a nice bowtie shield, somewhat rare for FR.

 

[Old Hunter]

Jeff, that is one fine stockman - makes one wish Fight'n Rooster was still offering knives! OH

 

[black mamba]

Thanks, B.

 

[Augie]

Picked up this early stag Barlow today at a small knife show, top notch construction with a long pull spear, my favorite blade for a Barlow.

 

[black mamba]

Really nice barlow, Augie, terrific stag. Since this has been revived, I'll add a few more I've picked up.

Large Stockman, 1996

Serpentine Wharncliffe Jack, 1995

Large Stockman, 1993

 

[Ramrodmb]

Nice knives Augie & black mamba !

 

[Peregrin]

Nice knives Augie & black mamba !

That is a seriously nice looking folder! If it's as nice mechanically as it is visually, I'd have that one in my pocket frequently.

 

[Ramrodmb]

Thanks! It functions perfectly and without any issues. Fight'n Rooster made a quality knife back then. I have no experience with any newer ones.

 

[black mamba]

Nice Wharncliffe, Ramrod, love the stag.

 

[Rookie82]

In my opinion, the FnR knives were among the finest knives available in the 70's and 80's and even early 90's. Their pearl handles were knownas the best in the industry. And their bones and stags were gorgeous. Stay away from any of the celluloid. One reason some collectors shy away from them is the steel choice can tarnish easily if not oiled frequently. Another is that they are German made, and a lot of collectors are focused on US made only. Sadly, their popularity started to diminish after Buster died, which is odd. Usually when someone passes, their wares tend to go up in value, but not the case here.

 

[black mamba]

I just snagged another one, this a first gen gunstock jack from 1980. A few pepper spots, but otherwise minty.

 

[Ramrodmb]

Real nice! Great stag!! Unique pattern.

 

[Railsplitter]

Very nice Jeff. I think I remember you showing me your other one just like it at the knife show earlier this year. I really like the placement of that shield.

 

[Campbellclanman]

Nice knives Augie & black mamba !

I agree with Gary - That is a beautiful Knife. Fighting Roosters in my opinion are excellent knives - at times they tend to get VERY busy with etches and logos- and as much as I like that stuff - it needs to be well placed and not too much.
In saying that as soon as I saw this knife- everything about it is very cool- I would buy that knife in a Heartbeat.

 

[black mamba]

Thanks, Rick. I think the rearward shield placement is unique to Frank Buster knives; at least I've never seen it done elsewhere.

 

[Ramrodmb]

I agree with Gary - That is a beautiful Knife. Fighting Roosters in my opinion are excellent knives - at times they tend to get VERY busy with etches and logos- and as much as I like that stuff - it needs to be well placed and not too much.
In saying that as soon as I saw this knife- everything about it is very cool- I would buy that knife in a Heartbeat.

Thanks Campbellclanman. Your post sums up exactly how I feel/felt seeing this knife too. It is also a pattern that I am a sucker for. I just could not pass it up.