No Name Pocket Knife

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ClydeWigg3

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Feb 24, 2009
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74
I have an old no name pocket knife that was probably my Grandfathers. I'm guessing its circa 1940. The only markings are "Forged USA" on one blade. What company typically used these blades? I know the knife is not of any value, but its very solid. It has antler\bone type scales, I'm guessing these are plastic?
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Looks like it is in good shape! Can you take some pictures with the blades open and of the tang stamp?
 
scales look like jigged bone, could be a schrade walden I have a very old schrade with the same pattern in a very small knife
 
That's a great looking vintage jig bone handled sleeveboard pattern knife (half whittler? - can't tell w/ blades closed). Many of the old USA cutlery companies sub-contracted work for a number of different vendors; yours looks like it might be by Camillus, but someone with more knowledge on vintage will be along to clarify. Meanwhile, how about a shot with the blades open so further light can be shed on the pattern. :confused:;):):D
 
The jigging pattern on the bone may help discover the manufacturer - could be Schrade or Camillus, or ???
 
Sorry, updated now with more pictures. Let me know if you need a certain area highlighted. This knife is really tight and has no wobble and tight spring to it.
 
Hit the blades with some WD-40 and super fine steel wool, to take off the rust.
It looks like there might be something stamped on the tang of the pen blade, under the rust.
Nice knife. Blades have plenty of life left in them. That 1095 will sharpen up easily, might only need to strop the edges to be razor sharp again.
 
According to Goins' Encyclopedia p102, the stamp "Forged USA" is c 1941-1960. Also, the main blades were originally etched "Craftsman". My guess is that it was made by Camillus.

The blades look full so they weren't sharpened much. There's some pitting and black oxidation which some folks call patina but I don't see much red rust. The handles are made of jigged bone.

It's a nice family heirloom but also it's a nice pattern to have in general. Take good care of it and enjoy it!
 
Great looking knife in really nice shape. My suggestion is oil and a soft cloth to get rid of the live rust.

Best regards

Robin
 
Thank you for looking this up. When you say they were originaly stamped Craftsman, what do you mean? The first few years they were sold by Sears? Also, being new at this, what is "jigged bone"?
 
Craftsman was (and still is) the line of premium tools sold by Sears & Roebuck Co. - they didn't make the tools (knives) but contracted with established companies to make knives and tools to their specifications. Several US companies, as well as foreign, made knives for Sears. Jigging is the pattern of chipping or grooving in the bone handles to provide a good gripping surface and beauty. There are many distinctive styles of bone jigging and some is so distinctive the manufacturer can be identified by it. Very nice heirloom knife you have! OH
 
ClydeWigg3 said:
Thank you for looking this up. When you say they were originaly stamped Craftsman, what do you mean? The first few years they were sold by Sears? Also, being new at this, what is "jigged bone"?
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Craftsman didn't make their own stuff. but put their brand on goods made by other companies for them which was and still is common. As for "jigged bone", that refers to the dimples in the bone handles which are not natural but was placed there by a tool or machine of some type. Jigging provides in theory a better grip as opposed to a smooth handle. Many companies kind of developed their own trademark jigged bone patterns, some of which are copied by companies that didn't originate the patterns.

Welcome to the porch by the way. You can learn an awful lot here, as I know I have.
 
You're welcome, Clyde. What I meant by "originally etched" is that a blade etch may have been present on your knife but it is now worn off. Etches were often light and sometimes even wore off with regular use. Etches are often long gone on old knives that have a lot of corrosion. Old hunter and Bt addressed the rest of the questions.

Here's an example of a Craftsman etch


 
Thank you. I missed "etched" and thought you said "stamped". I appreciate everyone's help. Im going to take advantage of it in my next post. :)
 
I'd certainly like to have such a knife! Very decent looking Sleeveboard Whittler with some nice bone on it. A modest clean up using metal polish and wax or mineral oil on the bone and there's a knife most Traditional enthusiasts would be proud to have. The fact that it has personal family connexion for you makes it all the more worthy. I can't add anything about maker, many shops or outlets had knives made for them without having makers' marks. I'd agree with you about the age, 40s looks right but it's not such a common pattern either, Stockman would be much more usual so this makes your knife even more interesting.

Thanks, Will
 
Could be rust and dirt impeding the movement. I would try cleaning.
►wash in water with soap. Work the blades, opening and closing them under flowing water. Then pat dry.
►rinse with rubbing alcohol. Use the 90% kind if you have it.
►shoot some WD-40 into it, then wipe dry.
►use some mineral oil on the joints. Open the blade so that the spring protrudes from the frame and oil that, also.
Now open and close a few times and see if that makes a difference.
 
Thank you. Cleaned and scrubed as you prescribed last night. This thing is tight. The blades snap shut.
 
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