Herder Philadelphia Boy's Knife?

Lemmy Caution

Lemmy Caution

Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
1,558
Well I was this close to pulling the trigger and ordering my first GEC Boys Knife in Ebony but then I came across this old soul.
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It's a Herder 2 blade jack from Philadelphia (not solingen).
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It looks to be in pretty good shape. I tried to do some research on this company out of Philly but I wasn't able to figure out how old this knife is or exactly which herders made it. If anyone has any more info about a knife like this or other jacks or patterns by these USA herders please let me know or post em here. Codger? Jackknife? Thanks
 
Hey thanks for the info. I had seen that bit but not too much else. The company(ies) apparently was in business till 1980. I think they also made kitchen knives and straight razors, which I've seen around. But I haven't found many examples of their pocket knives. I saw on "allaboutpocketknives" that a fellow who used to work at the shop in the early 80's said the smithsonian holds their manufacturing equipment. Here's a link to the thread started by the late Rhett Stidham on the topic: https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=2741
I dont have it in person yet but will post more pics and let you know what it looks/feels like. I'm guessing its probably from the 30's or 40's if not earlier, but the Ebony scales and blades look to be original and in great shape.
 
John Goins in his earlier edition only says "1872 to present". Publication was in 1986.
 
Thanks Codger. I think I saw 1980 on the Smithsonian site, but from what I've heard they were still in business beyond that, maybe just as a retail shop? Maybe they just stopped manufacturing or perhaps one of the divisions of the company shut down in 1980. Anywho...
 
Very nice!
As a nearly decade-long transplant, I love all things Philly, and that ebony jack knife is no exception! Great condition, just lovely. :thumbup:
 
That knife resembles Schrade Cut Cos of the inter-war period. I wonder if it was made on contract??
 
I too considered buying that piece.

Being from Philadelphia I'm constantly on the look out for old Philadelphia cutlery.

I read that Herder simply restamped blades with the Herder name and was not a manufacturer.
 
waynorth said:
That knife resembles Schrade Cut Cos of the inter-war period. I wonder if it was made on contract??
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ISKski said:
I read that Herder simply restamped blades with the Herder name and was not a manufacturer.
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I had read that Eagle Brand of Philadelphia restamped New York Knife Company Blades. Could very well be that Herder did this for their Pocket Knife line. It does seem that they were more known for their Reed Knives, straight razors, shears, and some kitchen knives and for being a retailer more than a manufacturer.

I just registered at allaboutpocket knives and am going ot try to see if the fellow who worked for them can identify and give some more info about the knife for me.
 
Here's the response I got from a former Herder employee:

"My expertise on the subject is a bit rusty, but that looks like an Imperial knife, likely made under contract to Herders as you suggest.

As far as dating it, not sure except that if it's an Imperial, it's certainly no older than 1916.

Best Regards,

Dan Lange"
 
The Knife arrived a couple days ago and I just got around to cleaning it up, though it didnt need much. Its really in great shape for it age, tight, good snap, nice half stops and flush springs in all three positions. Its a nice size. A tad smaller than a GEC #15 at 3.25" closed, fits perfect in my watch pocket. It bit me but good (as you can see in the pic) so I guess its really mine now.
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lemepris said:
The Knife arrived a couple days ago and I just got around to cleaning it up, though it didnt need much. Its really in great shape for it age, tight, good snap, nice half stops and flush springs in all three positions. Its a nice size. A tad smaller than a GEC #15 at 3.25" closed, fits perfect in my watch pocket. It bit me but good (as you can see in the pic) so I guess its really mine now.
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Love it. Bet you two will share some good times together.
 
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