My father gave me this knife not too long ago. It was one that his grandfather gave to him when he was only 13 years old. It was already heavily used and clearly not new when he received it. This knife is not for sale and I do not wish to obtain the value of this knife. I just would like to learn more about the history behind it. If I'm breaking any rules, my apologies and mods please delete this post.
I had read that HSB used the same tang stamp from 1855-1960. Just based on the condition of the knife and the age of my father / great grandfather, my guess is it is closer to the 1960 range than the 1855 range; perhaps, around 1930/1940. It seems the best way to try to narrow down a date further is by trying to determine who made the knife for them as they didn't make any knives themselves. Apparently, their knives were often made by Ulster, Camillus, New York Knife, or Schrade. I'm not familiar enough with these companies to be able to tell who made it just from looking at it. But, I think some here may be able to help! To my eyes, it doesn't look like any of the Schrades I own, but I don't own any of the other cutlers knives to compare with.
A few things to note. I'm actually quite impressed with the fit and finish on this knife. Springs are flush in the open, closed, and halfstop positions. It is not under bladed. There seems to be little blade rub. It is a single spring construction. The blades and backspring appear to be carbon steel. And the snap on this thing is quite nice; maybe a 6 on both blades. There is also a swedge on both blades, but only on one side of each blade. The swedge is on the side opposite the nail nick. I think these swedges might be key in determining the true manufacture of this knife. I also found the middle bolster thing quite odd... not something I've seen on many knives. I also don't see any pattern number stamped on the knife.
Pictures below and any information you guys can tell me about this knife that was once used by my great grandfather would be greatly appreciated!! For no good reason, my bet is on this knife being made by New York Knife Company, but I have nothing to back that up. Thanks everyone!
I had read that HSB used the same tang stamp from 1855-1960. Just based on the condition of the knife and the age of my father / great grandfather, my guess is it is closer to the 1960 range than the 1855 range; perhaps, around 1930/1940. It seems the best way to try to narrow down a date further is by trying to determine who made the knife for them as they didn't make any knives themselves. Apparently, their knives were often made by Ulster, Camillus, New York Knife, or Schrade. I'm not familiar enough with these companies to be able to tell who made it just from looking at it. But, I think some here may be able to help! To my eyes, it doesn't look like any of the Schrades I own, but I don't own any of the other cutlers knives to compare with.
A few things to note. I'm actually quite impressed with the fit and finish on this knife. Springs are flush in the open, closed, and halfstop positions. It is not under bladed. There seems to be little blade rub. It is a single spring construction. The blades and backspring appear to be carbon steel. And the snap on this thing is quite nice; maybe a 6 on both blades. There is also a swedge on both blades, but only on one side of each blade. The swedge is on the side opposite the nail nick. I think these swedges might be key in determining the true manufacture of this knife. I also found the middle bolster thing quite odd... not something I've seen on many knives. I also don't see any pattern number stamped on the knife.
Pictures below and any information you guys can tell me about this knife that was once used by my great grandfather would be greatly appreciated!! For no good reason, my bet is on this knife being made by New York Knife Company, but I have nothing to back that up. Thanks everyone!
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I really appreciate learning more about this knife!