Knife of the week 2-3-2003

Ed T · Feb 3, 2003

I am surprised that noone has posted yet. I would love to see some of the hobo knives out there and hear their tale.

Dr van Nostrom · Feb 3, 2003

Looks like you have started a thread their Ed.
I know little/nothing of the hobo. Like last weeks pattern the Barlow I don't see too many around when I am perusing knife sites. Case being one of the few makers. I have seen a Ka Bar one that was very simple in comparison to the Case.
The Case Hobos I have seen are based on a trapper frame making them quite a handful.
As to their history does anyone know?

Ed T · Feb 3, 2003

From Levine's Guide To Knives And Their Values,
it appears that what we are calling hobo knives were known as "slot knives".

The earliest examples were configured as two knives the were fitted together.American makers began to produce them around the 1860s.

These are just a couple of thepoint, but does anyone have a more direct experience with them?

Ed T · Feb 5, 2003

Looks like I picked a clunker of a topic......
Perhaps someone else needs to chose next week. LOL

3nails · Feb 5, 2003

Ed T,
Good pick but must be a knife that not alot of forumites collect or use. That's what this is all about.

I have talked to some local collectors about this knife and none of them know anything about. I think it is an interesting knife and very utilitarian. I have never handled one but I like the one with the knife and fork better than the one with the spoon added. I feel this would be a very good knife for campers and hikers. What I like about these threads is that they make me study on one particular pattern and try to figure their advantages and disadvantages. This has made me take a closer look at the hobo and I'm sure to handle one the next time I get a chance.

Thanks Ed T
Dean

Ed T · Feb 5, 2003

Dean,
I suspect you are correct about the hobo.
I also agree that these threads doe raise a lot of interest in the different patterns. Each thread has cost me a little bit! My favorite so far has been the congress knives. I did pick up two modest knives that I am thrilled with. Still bird dogging a sunfish and a barlow.
I think the most interesting scale presentation so far has been the candy striped look. Even my wife likes that one and she is kind of picky and quirky about her knives.

Dr van Nostrom · Feb 6, 2003

I think it was a good choice Ed. Like 3nails its clearly not a pattern widely collected and or used. Come to think of it I don't think I have ever handled a Hobo knife.
I agree these threads allow you to really focus on the particular pattern, its strenghts and weaknesses. I must admit I would think it was more popular with campers, hikers, scouts etc and so more widely seen.

Don Luis · Feb 6, 2003

Its strange not to see more comments since there are a couple of threads around about Hobos.

I remember when young that some camper knives had a spoon and fork but didn´t separate, I didn´t think they were practical, I still ocasionally see some cheap ones like that.

A modern Hobo is made by Richartz in Germany which makes some fine SAK look-a-likes, it is the same size and shape as a medium SAK and has the regular SAK blades along with a separating fork.

Other than the well known Case , Ka-Bar and Mercury (Italy) make Hobos, I believe (but am not sure) that there is a Russian military issue.

mckgreg · Feb 6, 2003

I can see the ones with a spoon as useful. Otherwise, when you're out on the river or in the hills, a knife and a stick seems to work pretty good except for the beans. That's where I can see the spoon comin' in handy. Ya get tired of scooping out a piece of driftwood to make a spoon.
Greg