Ontario knife co Old Hickory 12” chef knife

[pete1gun]

Has anyone else come across one of these? I picked one up a while ago and have yet to see another one out there. Are they limited in number or just not common?

 

[SAHARAT]

There are lots on the Bay...

Vintage Ontario Knife Co. Old Hickory True Edge 3 Pc Butcher Knife Set In Holder | eBay

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[Rich S]

Old Hickory chef knives are still around. I bought one for a friend of my wife - she loves it. I got her the 8 inch model. Few folks need a 12 inch chef knife. I see an 11 inch butcher (I have one, but seldom use it).

 

[SAHARAT]

Ontario USA Old Hickory Carbon Steel Blade Large Full Tang Slicing Knife 2nd | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Ontario USA Old Hickory Carbon Steel Blade Large Full Tang Slicing Knife 2nd at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

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[polish avenger]

Has anyone else come across one of these? I picked one up a while ago and have yet to see another one out there. Are they limited in number or just not common?

They are not common. In the heyday of Old Hickory, I can imagine that most housewives would have been turned off by that behemoth. In decent condition, I've seen them fetch surprising prices.

 

[yepimonfire]

Has anyone else come across one of these? I picked one up a while ago and have yet to see another one out there. Are they limited in number or just not common?

So ugly yet beautiful at the same time!

You can still buy these new and used. IIRC they are forged 1075 carbon steel, mid 50s HRC, so not great in edge retention department, and they will patina if you just breath on them.

 

[Hickory n steel]

So ugly yet beautiful at the same time!

You can still buy these new and used. IIRC they are forged 1075 carbon steel, mid 50s HRC, so not great in edge retention department, and they will patina if you just breath on them.

Not the 12" but old hickory knives in general are still available new, at least they are right now anyways.
Ontario was just shut down after being sold, and the fate of the company is anybody's guess.

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

I'm betting we will be seeing Chinese made Old Hickory knives before the year is out.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I'm betting we will be seeing Chinese made Old Hickory knives before the year is out.

I sure hope not.
I'd rather see them die in glory than be made in China.

 

[Dr. Rayeye]

I sure hope not.
I'd rather see them die in glory than be made in China.

It happened a long time ago. I have a butcher knife version called "Sir Lawrence" from Taiwan. You can find them on EBAY:

Sir Lawrence Collection 10pc Carbon Steel Professional Cutlery Kitchen Knife | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Sir Lawrence Collection 10pc Carbon Steel Professional Cutlery Kitchen Knife at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

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I've had my carbon steel Sir Lawrence for more than 30 years.

 

[KenHash]

It happened a long time ago. I have a butcher knife version called "Sir Lawrence" from Taiwan. You can find them on EBAY:

Taiwan and China are not the same. I have no issues with the former but a considerable amount with the latter.

 

[Dr. Rayeye]

Taiwan and China are not the same. I have no issues with the former but a considerable amount with the latter.

It's changing. Mercer Culinary used to get their OEM knives only from Taiwan; now they are getting some from China.

 

[Hickory n steel]

It happened a long time ago. I have a butcher knife version called "Sir Lawrence" from Taiwan. You can find them on EBAY:

Sir Lawrence Collection 10pc Carbon Steel Professional Cutlery Kitchen Knife | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Sir Lawrence Collection 10pc Carbon Steel Professional Cutlery Kitchen Knife at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I've had my carbon steel Sir Lawrence for more than 30 years.

No it didn't, not if these weren't an Ontario product .
Does the packaging say OKC on it anywhere, or are these just some Old Hickory style knives that don't actually have any connection to OKC whatsoever?
The old Hickory style is popular and was widely copied in the US and in other countries for export to the US.
Case makes some similar knives, EKCO had EKCO FORGE, and there was also the Forgecraft line of knives.
I have also seen some that were made in Japan if I'm not mistaken but can't remember what the prand was

 

[KenHash]

It's changing. Mercer Culinary used to get their OEM knives only from Taiwan; now they are getting some from China.

That does not negate or refute what I stated. Cold Steel use to have the Trail Master manufactured in China. But they switched to Taiwan. But like your statement, that's an irrelevant fact.

 

[Dr. Rayeye]

No it didn't, not if these weren't an Ontario product .
Does the packaging say OKC on it anywhere, or are these just some Old Hickory style knives that don't actually have any connection to OKC whatsoever?
The old Hickory style is popular and was widely copied in the US and in other countries for export to the US.
Case makes some similar knives, EKCO had EKCO FORGE, and there was also the Forgecraft line of knives.
I have also seen some that were made in Japan if I'm not mistaken but can't remember what the prand was

I understand that the Old Hickory profile was patented in the 1930's--oldest continuously sold knife profile on the market--so knockoffs from all over the world abound (as you note).

 

[Dr. Rayeye]

That does not negate or refute what I stated. Cold Steel use to have the Trail Master manufactured in China. But they switched to Taiwan. But like your statement, that's an irrelevant fact.

I clearly see a lot more acceptance of Chinese Kitchen knives in the American market than in the past--but your point is well taken.

 

[KenHash]

I clearly see a lot more acceptance of Chinese Kitchen knives in the American market than in the past--but your point is well taken.

I don't have any figures to back that up. But, I would not at all be surprised as the vast majority of kitchen knife buyers are oblivious to who makes them where, what steel is used, and make purchase decisions based entirely on price. I consider this forum to be above that level.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I understand that the Old Hickory profile was patented in the 1930's--oldest continuously sold knife profile on the market--so knockoffs from all over the world abound (as you note).

No I believe that would be the Dexter Russell Green River knives, and maybe more specifically the fish knife / hunter, the sheath knife, or the Dadley.

But regardless I said I'd rather see the Ontario Old Hickory knives die in glory than be made in China, and you're claiming it aleady happened a long time ago just because there were unrelated Old hickory knockoffs being made in Taiwan 30 years ago ?
No, Old Hickory knives have never been made anywhere but in the USA and I'd like to keep it that way.
Old Hickory is a line of knives by OKC, not a type or pattern of knife.
The only thing that really distinguishes them from other traditional American rectangular wood handled cutlery is the stamped pattern that gave them instant brand recognition.

 

[Dr. Rayeye]

I don't have any figures to back that up. But, I would not at all be surprised as the vast majority of kitchen knife buyers are oblivious to who makes them where, what steel is used, and make purchase decisions based entirely on price. I consider this forum to be above that level.

I've encountered more than a few bloggers who wouldn't even consider a quality Chinese knife purchased from AliExpress. I've heard even stronger statements about Chinese cookware. In a big box store, it's a different story. They are every bit as oblivious as you suggest. IMO, of course.

 

[Dr. Rayeye]

No I believe that would be the Dexter Russell Green River knives, and maybe more specifically the fish knife / hunter, the sheath knife, or the Dadley.

But regardless I said I'd rather see the Ontario Old Hickory knives die in glory than be made in China, and you're claiming it aleady happened a long time ago just because there were unrelated Old hickory knockoffs being made in Taiwan 30 years ago ?
No, Old Hickory knives have never been made anywhere but in the USA and I'd like to keep it that way.
Old Hickory is a line of knives by OKC, not a type or pattern of knife.
The only thing that really distinguishes them from other traditional American rectangular wood handled cutlery is the stamped pattern that gave them instant brand recognition.

I'm a fan of Old Hickory more for the profile and nostalgia. To me, it captures something very American in the simplicity of design--regardless of where it is manufactured. My Sir Lawrence butcher knife has the same distinguishing pattern--and the same carbon steel--and it was a foundation knife, given to me, that began my exploration of kitchen knives.