Imperial Cattleman w/ Rodgers bone handle

[kamagong]

I love these finds. Even when they are not mine, I smile. There is something about these older knives with worn bone and or stag that have seen some use that strikes me.

Even with some very nice knives to choose from in my carry rotation, I enjoy toting a couple of knives that are almost twice as old as I am. I am amazed how with honest use and a little care how their actions can be so crisp and they illustrate how quite a bit more attention to detail went into to them than we see in the more modern production knives in general.

Thanks for posting those pics guys. It seems quite a few of us enjoy them.

I finally know what you mean about attention to detail. Many of the modern production knives may be "prettier," but too often they don't seem to be made as well as the older ones if this Imperial is any indication of the workmanship of vintage blades. It is obvious that this knife was marketed towards the working class, but the care taken in grinding the blades is evident. The blade grinds are nice and thin and it took no time at all for me to put a sharp edge on it last night. I wish I could say the same about the modern production slipjoints that I have.

You said it, Gus.

It's funny, Kamagong had originally emailed me for some advice on selecting a particular knife but ended up writing me afterward when he purchased that lovely Imperial.

As what "goes around/comes around", his purchase of the cattle knife has influenced me to go out and make some inquiries with the result that I should have a few vintage cattle knives inbound in the next few days.

(Cue theme from "Rawhide" here...)

It's all part of being a community. I guess I owed you though. You've cost me plenty over the years with your pictures of Kumar Kardas and Murray Carter Muteki kitchen knives.

Don't forget to post pics of your cattleknives.

 

[Blues]

It's all part of being a community. I guess I owed you though. You've cost me plenty over the years with your pictures of Kumar Kardas and Murray Carter Muteki kitchen knives.

Don't forget to post pics of your cattleknives.

Will do!

 

[Blues]

As promised, here are some images of cattle knives I recently purchased from my friend Waynorth. All of these knives have some beautiful old jigged bone and great blades and springs.

The first images are of a "USAAF Pilot Knife", WWII era Case "Tested" (many thanks to Bernard Levine for furnishing us with the information):

Imperial (circa 1920):

This next one is interesting as it has three Case "Tested" era blades but look at the scales (front and back). It is a "parts" or "lunch bucket" knife that was probably assembled by a Case cutler that pinched the parts to make the knife for himself offsite. (I guess he couldn't find the standard pile side scale but since it's an equal end, the mark side scale did the job.)

 

[d.parker]

Nice Knives all Elliott. Both Case Tested knives are odd. One more so than the other the Green bone hasn't a shield. I think the other is a lunch hour Custom with 2 shields and threaded bolsters. I think the knife was built intentionally that way. Very rare knife gonna carry it?

 

[kamagong]

Very nice knives. I especially like that Ward's.

How common are these "parts" knives? They're very interesting. I wonder what the point was in making a knife for yourself when the cutler didn't actually use the knife he made.

 

[Blues]

Nice Knives all Elliott. Both Case Tested knives are odd. One more so than the other the Green bone hasn't a shield. I think the other is a lunch hour Custom with 2 shields and threaded bolsters. I think the knife was built intentionally that way. Very rare knife gonna carry it?

Hi Darrell. Charlie told me that Case had produced an "economy" line of cattle knives during the Tested period that didn't have the shield, milled liners etc. Perhaps he can fill us in further when he finds this thread as it is his knowledge and expertise that I'd be trying to relate here.

The second is indeed a "lunch hour custom" (as stated above) and it stands a very good chance of getting some pocket time at some point. (Unless I get an offer I can't refuse. )

Currently, the only one I have plans for putting in the rotation is the Imperial since it's been used and well sharpened previously.

 

[Blues]

Very nice knives. I especially like that Ward's.

How common are these "parts" knives? They're very interesting. I wonder what the point was in making a knife for yourself when the cutler didn't actually use the knife he made.

I would imagine they were found every now and again as theft from the workplace is pretty common in most any industry.

As to the second question, I guess there could be any number of answers and we can only speculate.

 

[waynorth]

Here's an example of a more deluxe Case Tested Cattle knife, to compare to Blues's new acquisition.

I hope you can see inside. The liners are nickel silver as well, which was used on higher end models. Blues, is yours lined with brass?
This one is an earlier one, with all blades marked. The sheepfoot has an early mark. It was typical to use up all good leftover blades from previous production, even after the stamps were changed.

 

[Blues]

The liners are nickel silver as well, which was used on higher end models. Blues, is yours lined with brass?

Charlie, the liners appear to match the bolsters on both Case knives.

 

[waynorth]

Blues, is there any indication the liners are steel, as opposed to nickel? I use a magnet to tell, unless there is obvious "red rust".

 

[Blues]

Blues, is there any indication the liners are steel, as opposed to nickel? I use a magnet to tell, unless there is obvious "red rust".

Charlie, it appears Bernard nailed it as a USAAF knife. Definitely steel. :thumbup:

 

[knifetester]

Wow, those are some nice looking folders. For whatever reason I have overlooked the cattleman patter, but I really like the looks and utility of a spearpoint over a clip point blade.

 

[waynorth]

Steel liners is compelling evidence!!

 

[waynorth]

Wow, those are some nice looking folders. For whatever reason I have overlooked the cattleman patter, but I really like the looks and utility of a spearpoint over a clip point blade.

Cattle Knives ROCK!!