History of the patterns?

1

10fingers

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May 1, 2011
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im starting this thread to hopefully learn more about the traditional patterns and how they came about.

feel free to post anything you know about the history of a specific or multiple patterns. the most basic of information will entertain me as i know little on this subject:confused:

i almost certainly feel like this will turn me on to patterns i didnt know existed or have just looked over in the past so please.. let the knowledge spillage commence!
 
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There are several books on the subject. One of the best is "Levine's Guide to Knives IV", by Bernard Levine.
That is the 4th edition. Out of print, but often found on the major auction site.
You will find reliable information there!
 
As a relative newcomer to the traditional knife game, I can tell you this is a great place to learn about the history of patterns. But..... it is such a huge subject, I suspect you need to narrow down your question.
One way I have found that works, is using the "Search" engine in the forum.
 
will check that out thanks! i have been picking up a few lately and im noticing a buying pattern of patterns so i figured learning the history of them would be beneficial and fun

ETA: looking on bay and river site at them. Will keep looking for the right one to come along. one thats not in very good condition but still intact:)
 
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hamsco, not looking to nail down a specific pattern just more of a open history discussion on whatever the poster is interested in really
 
If you go back 30 years or more, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there are plenty of job specific blades and patterns out there. I did not know that dog groomers had their own blades, until I read an article in Knife World (snatch up all copies of Knife World and Backwoodsman that you can at gun shows, knife shows etc, unless I'll be there, then leave them for me ;)).

Hundreds of knife companies, with hundreds of patterns and hundreds of blade shapes and configurations.

I've started to know what I want aesthetically and what works best for me. Pairing a peanut with my Zulu and SAK, and tossing a 3" blade Kephart in the mix, takes care of all of my daily tasks. The peanut, Zulu, SAK and Kephart are either based on, or are, old patterns. The Zulu/Tribal Spear is based on an old Schrade jack/trapper. The SAK and Kephart speak for themselves.

However, my favorite blade shape is a spear point, not too wide, with a swedge and long pull. That is not in regular carry anywhere, and the Zulu only comes along because it is my favorite pattern.

My advice, focus on a specific pattern or brand to collect. I'm only looking at a few customs per year, maybe the Case Bose yearly collaborations, and any Remingtons (actually made by Remington or parts knives assembled by PAL) for collecting and using. Some GEC, Tuna Valley, Northwoods, Queen etc makes its way into my rotation or collection. The whole buy what you like thing didn't work out for my wallet.

I second the Levines 4th guide. I have a ratty copy for shows, and a not so ratty copy for my collection. I would love for someone to make an app!
 
I love the knives, and cherish the friendships I have made, sometimes with people I have only spoken to electronically or over the phone.

But the history behind these blades is very interesting to me. The marketing, the history behind the family and area feuds etc. Lot of fun to read about.

One of my favorite articles had a bladesmith at one factory waking up in a wheel barrow, "ready" to work ;).
 
silenthunterstudios said:
Hundreds of knife companies, with hundreds of patterns and hundreds of blade shapes and configurations.
Click to expand...

It's amazing how many. According to Levine, Remington made over 1000.

silenthunterstudios said:
The Zulu/Tribal Spear is based on an old Schrade jack/trapper.
Click to expand...

The name was based on the name that Schrade used for a similar blade. Iirc, Charlie showed the name to Tony. The pattern made by Tony is very different.

waynorth said:
There are several books on the subject. One of the best is "Levine's Guide to Knives IV", by Bernard Levine.
That is the 4th edition. Out of print, but often found on the major auction site.
You will find reliable information there!
Click to expand...

silenthunterstudios said:
I second the Levines 4th guide. I have a ratty copy for shows, and a not so ratty copy for my collection. I would love for someone to make an app!
Click to expand...

+1 :thumbup:
 
A couple weeks ago at Jake's recommendation I bit the bullet and picked up a copy of Levine's Guide to Knives 4th edition. I'm so glad I did! It's elaborate, useful, well written and quite entertaining. Save up, sell a knife, get a second job, cancel the cable, whatever...:eek: :D find a way to get a copy. You too will be glad you did. Thanks Jake! :)
 
I now currently in the market for a ratty copy of the 4th edition :)

I found this http://www.alloutdoor.com/2014/01/21/old-school-edc-history-barlow/ and im sure its common knowledge to you porch veterens but its new brain material for me haha

(Quote)
The Barlow is a traditional knife pattern that was first produced in the 1700s in or around Sheffield, England. It has a long bolster, a tear drop shaped handle, and a clip point blade. They almost all open with a nail knick. Dozens of companies have made Barlow pattern knives, and today you can get a cheap overseas-made version for $5 or fine custom ones for more than five figures.

From Sheffield, England, the Barlow, like other goods, was sent across the ocean in huge trade routes. It made its way up the Mississippi and into early America. Everyone that had a pocket knife in 1800s America probably owned a Barlow once in their life. They were cheap enough that even poor people could carry one. They were the first widespread EDC knife, so universal, in fact, that by the 19th century the word “Barlow” was genericized and came to mean “folding knife.” (Interesting note: I can’t think of another term that was specific, became generic, and then reverted back to a specific meaning). The Barlow was mentioned in two books of Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. This quintessential English, common man knife took hold in the New World and became the epitome of an American folding knife.
 
OP To try a bunch of different patterns to see if they "fit" you, at a price that won't bankrupt the bank, check out the Rough Rider brand.
Very highly rated here. Quality well above their price point.
 
redsparrow said:
A couple weeks ago at Jake's recommendation I bit the bullet and picked up a copy of Levine's Guide to Knives 4th edition. I'm so glad I did! It's elaborate, useful, well written and quite entertaining. Save up, sell a knife, get a second job, cancel the cable, whatever...:eek: :D find a way to get a copy. You too will be glad you did. Thanks Jake! :)
Click to expand...

Glad you got one :thumbup:
 
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