Picked Up an Okapi

[sandmountainslim]

Found this in a thrift store today.
The price tag said FIFTY BUCKS but I talked him down to Ten after showing him how much play was in the blade.
Is there any way to know an age range on these things? The blade has an animal and Okapi then Made In Germany.
I know they are considered Farmer Knives like a Barlow or Sodbuster but these things are flimsy!! I was surprised by the lack of German Workmanship

 

[Bob W]

My vague recollection of the Okapi story...

The originals were made in Germany for export to Africa. Very simple, low-grade knives. At some point the company decided it would be cheaper to have the knives actually made in South Africa. I think the transition occurred in the 1950s, but I'll have to look that up.*

Personally, I own a few of the original German-made Okapis as historic artifacts. And I own one of the modern SA made knives. The South African knife is much higher quality.

*I looked it up. The South African Okapi production began in 1988.

 

[Bob W]

From the current Okapi website:

Traditional OKAPI pocket knives
Okapi Knives - which is a registered trade mark - have been manufactured in Solingen, Germany from 1902 until 1987, after which the knives have been manufactured in South Africa.

 

[whetrock]

You're quite the haggler, I'm impressed, I've heard about the german models, but haven't seen one. Didn't realize they made them there that long.