Marbles Knife - What Have I Got?

USMC Phrogs · Feb 21, 2022

I acquired some knives the other day and a big Marbles was one of them. I'm trying to understand when Marbles would have made this and if it was made in Gladstone prior to moving production overseas. It's Marked "Marbles USA", in the Ideal pattern with 8" blade, stacked leather handle and stag pommel. Here is a link to a few pics.

https://imgur.com/a/33T8I2i

Monofletch · Feb 21, 2022

Very nice!

LastRodeo · Feb 21, 2022

I'm no expert, but I think that was made overseas.

tltt · Feb 21, 2022

Not overseas, but I think post Mike Stewart. There was a period early 2000's, where the blades were subcontracted to Camillus, then sent to Marbles, who handled the rest.

Edit, see post #4 - https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/6386022/Marble_Knife_Steel .

So, 2004 - 2007ish, maybe a tad later.

cbach8tw · Feb 21, 2022

Good knife, sorry the company wound up going in that direction.

Ebbtide · Feb 23, 2022

Doesn't seem to fit the list I found....

USMC Phrogs · Feb 24, 2022

Ebbtide said:
Doesn't seem to fit the list I found....

Thanks for this chart!! It matches the 2002 or am I missing something? It may not be clear in the picture but the middle color is white. So I’m thinking it’s a 2002 knife. Right?

I really appreciate everyone’s help on this.

gazz98 · Feb 24, 2022

Looks like 2002 to me too. Good looking knife.

Alberta Ed · Feb 24, 2022

My Marbles from Mike Stewart's shop (Fieldcraft, 1999; Campcraft, 2002) are all in 52100, take a fantastic, fine edge.

Ebbtide · Feb 24, 2022

USMC Phrogs said:
Thanks for this chart!! It matches the 2002 or am I missing something? It may not be clear in the picture but the middle color is white. So I’m thinking it’s a 2002 knife. Right?

I really appreciate everyone’s help on this.

It's white? Well then, you have your answer.
FWIW, I'm pretty sure I got the chart here at bf ages ago

JJ_Colt45 · Feb 24, 2022

I have a couple of these Marble Ideals in Stag that were made in the early 2000s myself. I can't recall the year without looking but they are good knives. Not as coveted as the Gladstone knives, but I can't tell the difference in the way they perform.

The one you have matches the 2002 date coding.

USMC Phrogs · Feb 24, 2022

Awesome! Does anyone know what model it is? 8” blade. I really appreciate the help.

Arathol · Feb 24, 2022

gazz98 said:
Looks like 2002 to me too. Good looking knife.

Well, yeah, except that the USA tang stamp on that knife wasn't used until Camillus started making them in 2004....
Link to earlier post that shows a 2002 stamp and spacers -

Mike Stewart Era (1998-2001) era Marbles knives.

Anyone here collect the Stewart era Marbles knives? Mailman, are you using this forum? How about Lance? I consider myself an expert on the knives and am open to any questions etc. I have what I feel is the most complete collection of these knives in the world as well as...

www.bladeforums.com

afishhunter · Feb 24, 2022

USMC Phrogs said:
Awesome! Does anyone know what model it is? 8” blade. I really appreciate the help.

might be the "Ideal"?
Need a picture showing the whole blade and handle to be sure.

Arathol · Feb 24, 2022

https://imgur.com/70jP6bP

8" Ideal, made 2004 or later...

gazz98 · Feb 25, 2022

Arathol said:
Well, yeah, except that the USA tang stamp on that knife wasn't used until Camillus started making them in 2004....
Link to earlier post that shows a 2002 stamp and spacers -

Mike Stewart Era (1998-2001) era Marbles knives.

Anyone here collect the Stewart era Marbles knives? Mailman, are you using this forum? How about Lance? I consider myself an expert on the knives and am open to any questions etc. I have what I feel is the most complete collection of these knives in the world as well as...

www.bladeforums.com

Doh. Missed the earlier link. I was going by the spacer color pattern.