Queen Canoe

gruntmedik · May 2, 2011

While I was out braving even more rain, I decided to stop by a place I knew had stuff the owner hasn't seen in years. While there, I spied this. I know it's a Canoe, ironic considering we could use a canoe to get around here, but what I don't know, is how old it is, or what it may be worth. The springs on this thing are strong, with plenty of snap. It could use some cleaning/oiling. I can't make out what the tang stamp says, other than the Q, but I believe it is "ueen". Maybe after a bit of cleaning, I'll be able to tell.

Can anyone tell me about my new-to-me knife? I didn't spend too much on it (I hope).

hoopster · May 2, 2011

Nice find, I can't tell you much about the knife, but from your description of the store, it wouldn't be Biff's guns would it?

knifeaholic · May 2, 2011

I can't read the tang stamp, but Queen introduced that pattern in 1974. If it was made from then until about 1978 it most likely has 440C blades.

gruntmedik · May 2, 2011

hoopster said:
Nice find, I can't tell you much about the knife, but from your description of the store, it wouldn't be Biff's guns would it?

Now whatever gave you that idea? Couldn't have been the description of the place.

Big Barn · May 2, 2011

That particular tang stamp was used between 1973 - 1975. It may have been re-handled, notice the different pins? I don't believe it is overly collectable - new go between $60 - $80 depending on bells & whistles. This appears to be a good EDC 'using' knife.

samblam · May 2, 2011

that is an awesome looking knife, i've been rather enamored with canoes the last few days, and i'm in paducah, ky and we can get around in a canoe of a boat really easily right now.

cj65 · May 3, 2011

Canoes ride well in the back pocket, you have to check to see if they are even there. Hardly noticable. Nice find!

ScottK · May 3, 2011

I recently picked up a New D2 Queen Canoe at a knife shop in Umatilla, FL. I'm impressed with the knife, as a plus, it was very sharp out of the box.

TLARbb · May 3, 2011

That's a nice find. I am a fan of the canoe pattern; I like them a lot. Good looking knife; it should be a good one. - Ed J

hoopster · May 3, 2011

gruntmedik said:
Now whatever gave you that idea? Couldn't have been the description of the place.

Well, it's was the first place that came to mind.

I've heard it used to be even more "interesting". Fun place to look around though.

sqoon · May 4, 2011

The Case Canoe currently in production has a very similar etching on the blade of a man in a canoe. Is Case copying Queen (or vice versa), or is this a common feature among the canoe pattern?

knifeaholic · May 4, 2011

sqoon said:
The Case Canoe currently in production has a very similar etching on the blade of a man in a canoe. Is Case copying Queen (or vice versa), or is this a common feature among the canoe pattern?

My recollection is that Queen copied Case. Case had the canoe in their line from the pre-WWII years on but with a plain blade....they started etching the blade in 1974. Queen introduced the canoe pattern into their line as a brand new pattern in 1974 or 1975 with the etched blade...so Case was first. Queen was likely trying to ride Case's coattails in terms of collector demand.