Old Western Knives

[Coyote Tim]

I've been trying to find some photos of hunting knives from around 1860 to 1880. I've done quite a few searches but haven't come up with anything yet. Can anyone point me to a web site or book that might have such photos?

 

[JohnR7]

I've been trying to find some photos of hunting knives from around 1860 to 1880. I've done quite a few searches but haven't come up with anything yet. Can anyone point me to a web site or book that might have such photos?

When I was growing up they use to call hunting knives: Bowie Knives in honor of James Bowie. But then when the Rambo and Crocodile Dundee came along, they started calling the big knives after them.

 

[Bob W]

No pictures, but here is a bit of Zane Grey's interview of Bulffalo Bill Cody just before Cody's death:

"‘Was any kind of knife a special favorite on the plains?’

"‘No. Any kind that the owner liked, or could get. Such things as guns, revolvers and knives were just like any other kind of fashion or tools. Some kinds were favorites, maybe, in one place or at one time here and there, then other kinds. I used all of them, I guess. But for buffalo I liked best the .48-caliber Springfield. "Shoot to-day!—kill tomorrow!"

"‘What kind of a knife did you kill Yellow Hand with?’

"‘Just a big heavy bowie blade. For skinning and cutting up meat, of course, we used common butcher knives; no particular kind. Whatever we had or could get. Often we had to make such things ourselves. We were not particular, just so such things did their work.’

While no specific knife designs are mentioned, I think the information is typical of early American hunting knives. I expect that most 1800s "hunting" knives were handmade or kitchen/butcher knives. Notice that Cody specifically seperates his "bowie" knife from his work knives, two different things.

I hope some authentic pictures do make it into the post.

Best Wishes,
-Bob

 

[Coyote Tim]

I kind of figured they would be along the lines of a bowie or Green River skinner style of knife. I recently got incolved Cowboy Action Shooting and want to make a knife that would fit the 1870's time period so I'll probably go with a bowie. Thanks.

 

[Bob W]

If you were doing a Rendevouz-style recreation, this page has pictures of some early skinning knives.
http://www.thefurtrapper.com/fur_trappers.htm

I have no idea what sort of knives an 1870s cowboy would wear... A bowie perhaps?

-Bob

 

[Dijos]

sass probably has a few ideas. I thought you were looking for information on old "Western (brand)" knives