"Old Knives"

puukkoman said:
Vince, I wonder... what makes that a half-whittler instead of a pen?
Click to expand...

Listen to this & see if it makes sense. To me it's word.....


"Like many patterns it could have different names depending who you talk to or what you use as a reference. Generally, when one sees a Eureka frame, a jack knife comes to mind. But, years ago when these knives were built, many companies decided to build three blade whittlers on Eureka frames, and at the time, most all were built with three springs as well, hence.... three spring whittler.
So, usually when one encounters a " pen " or " half whittler " built on a Eureka frame, most would refer to it as a half whittler, as pen knives were seldom if ever built on Eureka frames even though it contains the same blades as some pen knives did. Just like a two blade or half congress contains the same blades as a pen knife might, it is generally
referred to as a half congress. It's not always just the blades, many times it is the frame that gives a certain knife its name."
 
VCM3 said:
Listen to this & see if it makes sense. To me it's word.....


"Like many patterns it could have different names depending who you talk to or what you use as a reference. Generally, when one sees a Eureka frame, a jack knife comes to mind. But, years ago when these knives were built, many companies decided to build three blade whittlers on Eureka frames, and at the time, most all were built with three springs as well, hence.... three spring whittler.
So, usually when one encounters a " pen " or " half whittler " built on a Eureka frame, most would refer to it as a half whittler, as pen knives were seldom if ever built on Eureka frames even though it contains the same blades as some pen knives did. Just like a two blade or half congress contains the same blades as a pen knife might, it is generally
referred to as a half congress. It's not always just the blades, many times it is the frame that gives a certain knife its name."
Click to expand...


An example previously seen here....... E.C. Simmons Hardware Keen Kutter 3 5/8" closed . The resemblance should be somewhat apparent.









 
Last edited:
Thanks for posting up these great knives Vince, and of course a big thanks to the owner for sharing such treasures. There is so much that can be learned from studying the comments and pictures.
 
Yes, they are indeed great examples. Maybe more importantly they incite people to consider history. I do not want to get into a pattern discussion here but I have many old catalogs and reprints which often called a pattern merely, for example, 3 5/8" 3 blades. Or, even more deceptive, 4" with pearl. It is an entire study by itself to figure out pattern names. I have come to the point where about all I say is how long and how many blades.
 
The pattern question and further clarification is more than worth it just to see this knife:

VCM3 said:
Click to expand...

Thanks!

ptradeco said:
...I have many old catalogs and reprints which often called a pattern merely, for example, 3 5/8" 3 blades. Or, even more deceptive, 4" with pearl. It is an entire study by itself to figure out pattern names. I have come to the point where about all I say is how long and how many blades.
Click to expand...

I think you're on to something. :)

~ P.
 
That Eureka Cattle knife is just amazing Vince! Excellent example of a wonderful pattern

Jason
 
VCM3 said:
I quote....
" Here's an old sharpened and carried R1306 Remington Bullet Knife that's not new like the other two bullets you have seen already ( R1253, R1123), but it's in pretty nice shape. It's been sharpened, and the etch is a little worn, but it has some of the nicest stag I've ever seen on a Remington, and the blade is still full. "




Is it me or is this shield a little side goggled,not that would deter me from owning this beauty,even if it is:)
Click to expand...
 
Here's one of the pattern I collect and my 1st "rooster comb". See her top knot,thus a "rooster comb",although many generically call all farmer jacks "rooster combs". They may well be too,tomaytoe,tomahtoe:)

4 line Composition Camillus
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________



______________________________________________________________________________________________________



______________________________________________________________________________________________________



______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cleaned a little roughly ,but blades unused and a great example
 
Here's an old SHAPLEIGH HDW Co. Stag Swell End Jack. Great old knife! Stag is still perfect, nice and round. hard snap, excellent action and full blades...

Jason







 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top