Most Formal Traditional Slipjoint?

Something slim and in pearl I would think.

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Case Peanut maybe in one of those exotic covers.
Case Eisenhower in MOP or something fancy.
GEC Conductor #33
 
ISKRA said:
I was thinking something along the lines of an equal end whittler with a spear main blade (with a long pull) and the secondaries both being pen blades, perhaps one a phile. Long thin rectangular shield, mother of pearl scales and those very small tip bolsters. I've seen such in the Old Knives thread but for the love of god I can't find a picture of it. I must have looked for it over 20 minutes ...
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Swap the spear main to a clip and I have some photos for you.



1915-1925 Utica Whittler
 
Something like lobster, in pearl.
Something with tiny pen blades for little cutting tasks, gentleman style.
Perhaps corkscrew for the wine, if someone loses the dedicated opener.
 
ISKRA said:
Imagine 1910, white tie, dinner party, fancy shmancy as hell. You attend and, the knife nut you are, you have to carry a folder in your pocket. :D What do you bring?
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KBA said:
For a formal event I doubt there will be much need for a pocket knife.
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Perish the thought, my good chap! In such an august setting a good sharp penknife would have many uses, including the all important cutting of the cigars that accompany our brandy afterwards, snipping a stray thread from your waistcoat, and digging the slug from a revolver out of the mantle after they found a body in the library (Sherlock Holmes only).



As for me, I'd opt for something like this model ...

kamagong said:
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... but with smooth, buttery ivory scales instead of pearl.

-- Mark
 
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I agree with most here. A formal knife to me would have either pearl, or ebony wood handles. Probably a single blade teardrop pattern, or an equal end pen knife. A nice shield, maybe lined bolsters. Simple and elegant.
 
Great suggestions and pictures, lads! It's a delight for the eyes. :thumbup:


NJBillK said:
Swap the spear main to a clip and I have some photos for you.



1915-1925 Utica Whittler
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I say, sir, you're reading my mind. :eek: That is simply beautiful, the bone looks great. Way better than pearl, to me at least. I have one question though. Like on yours, I've seen the difference between the colour of the scales on both sides on a couple of old knives. What is the cause of this?
 
ISKRA said:
Like on yours, I've seen the difference between the colour of the scales on both sides on a couple of old knives. What is the cause of this?
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Displaying a knife so that one side is exposed to sunlight and the other isn't can cause this mismatch. The sunlight will fade the exposed side. Seeing as how it's the mark side that's lighter here I'd guess that this is the case with that beautiful Utica.
 
My best guess is Sun bleaching.
This knife must have sat in a store display for its near 100 year life.
Factory edges, Very light swirling on bolsters and shield, and unused blades.
 
ISKRA said:
I hope this doesn't sound ridiculous. I've been thinking about this for a while now and just have to ask. New as I am, I don't know if there are rules about it, I imagine there are some, yet probably no definite answer.

What is the most formal traditional slipjoint possible? Imagine 1910, white tie, dinner party, fancy shmancy as hell. You attend and, the knife nut you are, you have to carry a folder in your pocket. :D What do you bring? It can be a knife you already own although I'm thinking more theoretical in this matter. What frame, which blade combo, number of blades, how are they ground and finished, nail nick or long pull, match strike or not, swedges, carbon or stainless, the sort of bolsters used, material of the bolsters, pins and liners, material of the scales, size, everything. Let's include as many aspects as can be done.

If possible, please, post a picture as well.

I thank you all in advance!

Cheers

Jean
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It's an interesting subject!

As I wasn't around in those days, I'll have to go to my Great Grandfather and what he would have carried back in 1910.
When I was a boy at twelwe, I got that specific knife from my Grandmother and I still have it
I used to carry it when young, but nowadays I keep it as a heirloom.

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It has one piece per side integral brass liners and bolsters, with scales in M.O.P.
The steel pivot pins are a giveaway for German origin.

I just love this knife with the corkscrew and spearpointed blades.
The worn blades shows that it was in frequent use in its Glory Days.


Regards
Mikael
 

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Very nice Mikael :thumbup:

In a way, I'm surprised it's German, I might have though Bohemian or French due to the appearance. You are most fortunate to have this connexion with your forebears.

Regards, Will
 
Will Power said:
Very nice Mikael :thumbup:

In a way, I'm surprised it's German, I might have though Bohemian or French due to the appearance. You are most fortunate to have this connexion with your forebears.

Regards, Will
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Personally, I don't know if it's German or not, but I asked Bernard Levine and he said German around 1880 to 1920.
Your thinking of French or Bohemian origin is interesting!


Regards
Mikael
 
Thanks, Cory Hess and NJBillK. I thought this might be the case, just wasn't all that sure.

Mikael, yours is truly a beauty and very special with its connection to your ancestor.
 
LastRodeo, any of those Northfields would do well in a formal setting but the abalone actually belongs there.

I'd like a 3" pearl handled pen knife with tip bolsters but this...
Al Mar (3.25" in stag) has been through a few formal functions without raising any eyebrows.
 
How about a 3" pearl whittler? This particular one was actually around in 1910 so maybe it was at a fancy dinner back then:)
 
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