John Primble is one of the trademarks used by belknap harware for many years. They were a hardware store going back into the 1860's (?). They would have high quality pocket knives and hunting knives made for them on contract by different manufacturers. John Primble is just one of the trademarks. I believe he was either a slaesman for belknap hardware (or a customer?) and the knife trademark was named after him.
I beleive The John Primble trademark was bought out by Blue grass cutlery in the 80's, if Im not mistaken?
You can actually find John Primbles, sometimes, that were actually contracted by the original company right before its demise in the 80's, usually most of them have delrin handles, some bone.
The ones at smoky, Im not sure, may have been made by blue grass, or contracted out to china (or taiwan? I believe)?
The knives at smoky look nice, but 400 series steel? if you want it for looks it will probably be fine, but if you want a user? I would stay away from the 400 series and look at something else.
Can anyone shed any light on this?
I believe there were suppose to be some John Primble's come out that were made here, anyone know?
