MARBLES Woodcraft 1943 & 2008

[Kismet]

Just for the helluvit, got a "new" Marbles Woodcraft from ebay. Stainless, made in China. OK for $20, shipped.

Juxtaposed to the 1943 Bakelite pommeled Gladstone, MI, woodcraft. The tip was snapped off, so I worked a point up.

Differences?

Well, you decide.

 

[hollowdweller]

I like the old one. More Nessmucky less ricasso SEEMS like more curve to the blade.:thumbup:

 

[mymindisamob]

I like the old one. More Nessmucky less ricasso SEEMS like more curve to the blade.:thumbup:

Ditto!:thumbup:

 

[Quill]

Old school for me too.

 

[collecter]

Are you sure the old one is a woodcraft? That blade has a drop point.

 

[scout_77]

Not only do I like the old knife better, but the sheath is much nicer too.

 

[x39]

The original knife has some soul, showing not only the hands of those who used it, but those who made it.

 

[Kismet]

Not only do I like the old knife better, but the sheath is much nicer too.

Thanks, Scout. That is a SteelyGunz celtic knot stamped sheath. Jake does nice work.

Are you sure the old one is a woodcraft? That blade has a drop point.

As I said, the tip was snapped off, so I ground a new point. I really think this is how the "Nessmuk" design was originally developed.

During the WWII years, and perhaps before, Marbles and other makers used Bakelite for everything from pommels to gunstocks to ? Shortage of war-time materials prompted innovation.


And, yes, the old knife has texture and character and takes a better edge. Over 65 years, it has accrued the scars of a life well-lived. I doubt the new knife will ever exist that long. We have so many knives these days...but more, we seem to want a perfect knife for all things.

The 40's Marbles was a man's knife, not ONE of his knives. It got used, abused, and made functional for many tasks.




Kis
enjoy every sandwich

 

[coyotebc]

My favorite bush knife
I bought it for $2 at a swap meet almost 30 years ago

 

[Dannyboy Leather]

I, too, have a strong preference for the old Woodcraft Marble's knives. I can get by just fine with this one -- though the handle is a bit small in my X-large hand. Great knives of a bygone era.

 

[Kismet]

great knives, coyote and Dannyboy.

I'd rather get an old Marbles on eBay than a new...well, almost anything. Connections...I'd guess.





Kis
enjoy every sandwich

 

[LittleHairyApe]

If I had to hammer/baton either one of those knives through a breast bone, the older one with the thru-tang and aluminum pommel looks a lot more capable of taking it than the handle of the newer one. New or old, I'd prefer a handle with a strong pommel, all other things being equal.