Old Robeson jack question

[DaveH]

I took a careful look at an old knife I have, I nevver new what kinds of knife it was until today.

It's a Robeson 622285, Shuredge Rochester #622285 swell center ballon jack, bomb shield. I have alot of respect for the knife as it has a better feel and walk and talk then some recent Queen passarounds.

Obviously condition is king and the condiiton of this one is bad in that the blades have been almost completely sharpened away. WOuld it's value be pretty much zero? Any chance it could be rebuilt with new blades?

Also any idea why it was called "rochester" was that where it was made?

Thanks.

 

[Bastid]

I have a couple of old Robesons from the '40s and '50s and you are right they are fine knives.

With the blades that worn the value if any is not that much, trouble is when you think about replacing blades on a slipjoint we are talking about quite a bit of work fitting the blades to the springs not to mention punching out the bolster pins and regrinding new ones in there. By the time it was taken apart, with new blades ground and heat treated then fitted to the knife the cost might be high. There used to be guys who would do this at a reasonable price (Ben Kelly and Jack Woods come to mind as a couple of the best), but it has been a while since I have seen someone who actually does pocket knife repairs. Jack passed on a few years ago and I imagine Mr. Kelly has retired at least.

I would keep on looking. You should be able to find a user in excellent or maybe even better condition for under 30. I think some of the old slipjoints in usable condition might just be one of the best deals out there on a fine carry knife.

 

[DaveH]

Thanks for the info. Under $30. Hardly seems worth trying to fix up it seems. I talked to STR (Steve) and he said he'd take a look at it.

Thanks for the help.