"Old Knives"

I have seen these Plier knife tools produced by Oscar Barnett Tool Co. (circa 1900-1915) for a number of years but they are usually well used with broken or cracked bone handles and worn or broken tools. There were a lot produced and used by those in the trades and sportsmen. Distributed widely by hardware companies and Sears, Roebuck. Really one of the first multi tools. A lot of times the original blade has been replaced. I have been somewhat intrigued by them but never found a decent one till now. This one with the exception of the spear blade being worn or sharpened down in length by 15 percent or so is exceptional. It has beautiful pick green bone handles with no cracks or splits. Function is perfect.

I am no expert on these but from my research this one looks correct. I know Supratentorial is so hopefully he will weigh in and give his opinion! The tang of the main blade is stamped in an arch O. BARNETT TOOL CO. and under that in a straight line is NEWARK N.J. On the inside of the folding Plier/Hoof Pick handle J.G. LEWIS PA under that NOV. 20, 1900. For those not familiar with these Plier Knives the tools are a spear blade, pliers, wire cutters, leather punch or awl, screw driver and lace hook/hoof pick. Thanks for looking and any comments or insights are appreciated!
IMG_1664.jpg IMG_1665.jpg IMG_1666.jpg IMG_1667.jpg IMG_1676.jpg IMG_1675.jpg IMG_1677.jpg IMG_1678.jpg
 
Very nice items being posted, continuing this great and informative thread.

Lloyd, that O. Barnett is really nice.
 
There is a little Robeson en-route to me via an Ebay auction.

Not quite sure what it is, but will know when I get it.
It's either a German made knife from the 1891 - 1895 time frame or an English made knife from 1885 - 1890.

If it's English, it will be the first one I've ever owned.

I've keep saying I've stopped buying Robeson knives, but could I not pass this one up for $76.00.

Looks to be about 2 1/4" long.











 
Last edited:
SK, very nice old Senator.

Lloyd, glad you finally found one, looks pretty good, as you state most are pretty worn.

Steve, nice old Utica, I was going to say celluloid but I think I see pores, is it dyed bone?

Duncan, sorry I have not got back to you on the mystery knife, the made in USA is a straight line below a ground off area, I'm still pretty sure it is a Winchester, I think just Winchester and Ulster used the straight line USA at the bottom of the tang stamp. It is not one of the ones just marked Made in USA , I think that stamp was used by Camillus. Still trying to get a good picture of remaining stamp.

Picked up this nice old Wofertz solid brass handled knife and a Boker USA jack. The Wolfertz is in nice shape for as old as it is with great snap and close to full blades, I looked them up and they may have been made by Schrade.Really like that the brass has not been polished, pretty tempting to do with a brass handled knife

The Boker is also an attractive jack, jus a good solid knife. Included pictures that show the knives with the mystery jack.

IMG_7776.jpg IMG_7779.jpg IMG_7778.jpg IMG_7784.jpg IMG_7788.jpg IMG_7790.jpg
 
Charlie, was posting at the same time as you where, very nice Robeson, looks to be in great condition, congrats!
 
Nice knives, guys :thumbsup:

Luger1952 Luger1952 Nice one! From what I can see in the photos, the knife looks right to me. The exposure on the photos is a bit too long to see surface detail on the blade. Small amount off of the blade as you noted. Probably one of the better examples that I've seen. Most were used hard. Many end up reworked before they show up on Ebay.
 
Beautiful knives Augie my friend...., ok obviously I am a bit slow on it- I thought it was stamped “ made in the USA “ not realising that the top part of the knife Tang Stamp was ground off! Doh!
I guess it comes down to Bone comparisons, pin placements etc. man I like the knife though.
 
3dGZN5n.jpg

HBxhW18.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have seen these Plier knife tools produced by Oscar Barnett Tool Co. (circa 1900-1915) for a number of years but they are usually well used with broken or cracked bone handles and worn or broken tools. There were a lot produced and used by those in the trades and sportsmen. Distributed widely by hardware companies and Sears, Roebuck. Really one of the first multi tools. A lot of times the original blade has been replaced. I have been somewhat intrigued by them but never found a decent one till now. This one with the exception of the spear blade being worn or sharpened down in length by 15 percent or so is exceptional. It has beautiful pick green bone handles with no cracks or splits. Function is perfect.

I am no expert on these but from my research this one looks correct. I know Supratentorial is so hopefully he will weigh in and give his opinion! The tang of the main blade is stamped in an arch O. BARNETT TOOL CO. and under that in a straight line is NEWARK N.J. On the inside of the folding Plier/Hoof Pick handle J.G. LEWIS PA under that NOV. 20, 1900. For those not familiar with these Plier Knives the tools are a spear blade, pliers, wire cutters, leather punch or awl, screw driver and lace hook/hoof pick. Thanks for looking and any comments or insights are appreciated!
View attachment 805456 View attachment 805451 View attachment 805449 View attachment 805447 View attachment 805446 View attachment 805443 View attachment 805441 View attachment 805440

I've got one Llyod there cool. That's a nice one.
 
Thanks Charlie, Augie, Supratentorial, Rick and all those that liked my Plier Knife--much appreciated! I just could not pass this one up and I am pleased to add it to the collection. Thanks again my friends!
 
Back
Top