Knife from my Great Granddad

Raymond Richard

Raymond Richard

Joined
Jun 17, 2001
Messages
5,705
I'd got a call a few weeks ago from a fellow in Florida wanting to know if I had any information about the knife in this thread. I'd told him all I knew about Great Granddad's business was from what my Dad had told me and the few pages that were in New England Cutlers. I'd told him I had never seen a knife like that and the RICHARD'S mark I had never seen before. Anyway I had asked him to please send me a picture of the knife but that still didn't help. I said if he wanted to send me the knife I would take it to the OKCA Show and have it looked at there so anyway he'd sent me the knife and I received it yesterday and called him to let him know it got here. I told him I would get the knife back to him after the show and he said he wanted me to keep it. Also that he did more investigation and did find out that the knife was made by Stephen Richard in the 1890's. Probably the bowie that Jim carried. :D What a Great Surprise to receive this knife! The knife has a 5" blade, its 7/8" wide, and 3/32" thick. Its got a painted black wood handle and is 9 1/2" overall. Not sure if the sheath was really part of the knife. Here's a couple pictures of it.

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That's really cool, Ray. Amazing that it found you after all these years. I have a couple knives that my grandfather made while on the west coast during the war.
 
You come from a long line of cutlers Raymond. This one looks like it could write a book. Are you sure Jim carried it though?
The people that gave it to you are the best kind of folks.
 
Bruce Bump said:
You come from a long line of cutlers Raymond. This one looks like it could write a book. Are you sure Jim carried it though?
The people that gave it to you are the best kind of folks.
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Bruce, I'm sure Jim carried it and not to mention Jim Bob and Sally. I was totally floored when my new friend told me to keep it. By far one of the nicest surprises I have ever had.
 
It does look like it has been looked after. Probably cleaned after every use. I also has a handle that draws attention as well. Lovely gift without it being made by a family member. A great gift for sure !!!! Frank
 
That was exceptionally kind of him... I see your DNA runs true, add a wrought iron guard and an elk horn handle and it'd pass as yours..... I think that was the one Jim had at the Alamo...awesome knife
 
Wow!! Now that is something. No wonder you make such great knives. You inherited the the knifemaker's gene from your great granddad.
 
fluidsteel said:
That was exceptionally kind of him... I see your DNA runs true, add a wrought iron guard and an elk horn handle and it'd pass as yours..... I think that was the one Jim had at the Alamo...awesome knife
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. It looks a lot like your work. Guess you and your great grandfather have similar ideas about knife design. Congradulations on your unexpected windfall. Have you thought about making a copy?
 
I saw this thread this morning and thought , that's so good. Then I thought is good a good enough word so I looked up a definition.

1.
morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: a good man.
2.
satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree: a good teacher; good health.
3.
of high quality; excellent.
4.
right; proper; fit: It is good that you are here. His credentials are good.
5.
well-behaved: a good child.
6.
kind, beneficent, or friendly: to do a good deed.
7.
honorable or worthy; in good standing: a good name.
8.
educated and refined: She has a good background.
9.
financially sound or safe: His credit is good.
10.
genuine; not counterfeit: a good quarter.
11.
sound or valid: good judgment; good reasons.
12.
reliable; dependable; responsible: good advice.
13.
healthful; beneficial: Fresh fruit is good for you.
14.
in excellent condition; healthy: good teeth.
15.
not spoiled or tainted; edible; palatable: The meat was still good after three months in the freezer.
16.
favorable; propitious: good news
 
Ray what a really great story. It is great to get back a piece of family history!:thumbup:

When they sold my wife's old home place I was looking in one of the sheds on the property before we cleared out and found all of my wife's Grandfather’s knives. All wrapped in an oil cloth. They had rusted badly but I cleaned them up. I keep them and even though I never knew my wifes Grandfather they mean something to me!
 
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