Please help - does anyone know what this knife is?

T

TK_CFair

Joined
Oct 10, 2014
Messages
6
I received this knife as a gift from my grandfather about fifteen years ago. I have no idea where, when or how he wound up with it and he is no longer around for me to ask but I am extremely curious about it. If anyone knows anything about this knife (or of knives like it) so I may be able to trace its origin I would be very grateful! Cheers

WxGg4uvl.jpg

vE8iRVWl.jpg

 
Don't know who made it, but it's a marlin spike knife. The spike is used by sailors and fisherman to untie knots in rope and rigging.
 
Silvanus said:
Don't know who made it, but it's a marlin spike knife. The spike is used by sailors and fisherman to untie knots in rope and rigging.
Click to expand...

Cheers, that's a start. I assumed it was ocean related based on the carvings but wasn't sure the use of the spike. Thanks for taking a minute to reply.
 
What are the markings on the base of the blade? It's too small to make out on the pic.
 
aquaman67 said:
What are the markings on the base of the blade? It's too small to make out on the pic.
Click to expand...

On the side with the ship, Line 1: National Blade Line2: New Jersey/U.S.A.
The side with the whale, Line 1: SURGICAL Line 2: STEEL Line 3: JAPAN

I am probably wrong here but I had assumed the steel was produced in Japan and the blade was formed with it in New Jersey and sent/sold to the knife's maker who made the rest and assembled it.
 
Yes , typical sailor's knife with sheepsfoot blade and marline spike .Very handy when you work with rope.Most that are made today have a curved spike , yours is almost straight.Mine has straight spike and pointed blade , though no scrimshaw.
 
baldtaco-II said:
At a glance thee appear related: http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/National-Blade.aspx
Click to expand...

The do appear to be done in a very similar style. Thanks for that link! So here is my next query, does anybody here know anyone or have any contacts that are or were part of National Blade in New Jersey? Dr. Google seems to come up short on info about that company let alone contact information. If somebody out there does have a guy associated with them could you please PM me contact info or (if you don't want to give out their info) please forward my pictures to them and get back to me? I can't tell you how much I'd appreciate that. Thanks everyone for helping me with this so far, it's been very helpful!
 
If you type "Bone Handle National Blade folding knife Scrimshaw by Salman Rashidi" into google image search you'll see a similar knife.



Here's the description from the closed eBay listing for that knife

"National Blade folding knife
water Buffalo bone handle
original scrimshaw Killer whale by Salman Rashidi
brand new knife, never been used
it measures 2 3/4" when folded"

May help you trace it down?
 
Last edited:
aquaman67 said:
If you type "Bone Handle National Blade folding knife Scrimshaw by Salman Rashidi" into google image search you'll see a similar knife.

Here's the description from the closed eBay listing for that knife

"National Blade folding knife
water Buffalo bone handle
original scrimshaw Killer whale by Salman Rashidi
brand new knife, never been used
it measures 2 3/4" when folded"

May help you trace it down?
Click to expand...

Wow that is incredibly helpful, thanks! I found another one that looks very similar by searching "National Blade marlin spike knife" on eBay but it was made by American Blade in Chatt. TN. But the one you found by Salman Rashidi I believe is on the right track - it's a great lead in my search. Thanks for taking the time to dig it up and post it!
 
aquaman67 said:
Because of this (scroll to bottom of page)

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=29910

I believe that knife is made by Parker River Knife

If you google "Parker River Marlin Spike" you'll see another one just like it.

Parker River is still around. Maybe email them?

This is also called a Sailor's Rigging knife.
Click to expand...

They are very similar - except for the eyelet (I assume is meant for a lanyard of sorts) is very different between them. The Parker River knives have it hinged on the outside of the knife while mine is hinged on the inside. It is a great idea though. I found contact info for Salman Rashidi and sent him a message with a few pictures. If he was the scrimshaw artist he should be able to tell it's his work or be able to tell me it isn't. If it turns out he isn't the artist I will pursue the Parker River lead. Thanks again everyone for chiming in on this!
 
I think they are also known as a "Yachtmaster" or "Yachtsman" knife as well. My dad left me this one:



 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top