R. Mann, Maker - Knife mystery... need help solving.

KHandmade

KHandmade

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Feb 4, 2019
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I recently purchased a really nice used, handmade knife and the only information I have to go on, is the tang markings which look hand-etched. The leather sheath also has a maker's mark.

I'm 56 and I've been collecting knives for many years and I am also a knife maker. I immediately noticed the very even grinding, high polish and tapered tang. The balance is perfect (right where your index finger meets the guard). Also has very nice file work, and the handle itself is also very well done. The tang markings are all in my photos which I will attempt to attach a link from my own site.
"R. Mann, Maker" on one side and "1980 #11" (with a stick figure) on the other side.

I noticed the stick figure looks like a cowboy or rider, which may hold a clue. I thought it was funny that the sheath has a leather stamp, but the blade does not have a stamp, ...so maybe he is a leather or saddlery worker that also made knives. Again, quality looks quite good, so I'm assuming he might have been in his 20s or 30s in 1980, which would put him around 70+ today, maybe even older if he is still with us.

Only makers with that last name I found online were Charlie Mann and Michael Mann. Couldn't find any examples of an "R Mann".
Would be very grateful for any help you could give me, as I seem to have exhausted Google avenues and my bound literature.

-Chris
 
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Sounds like an interesting item. Can you post a couple of photos? Have you checked some of the custom knife purveyors websites? (Arizona Custom Knives//AG Russel//etc)
 
Barry H said:
Sounds like an interesting item. Can you post a couple of photos? Have you checked some of the custom knife purveyors websites? (Arizona Custom Knives//AG Russel//etc)
Click to expand...
I tried to post a link to photos on my personal site, but the link didn’t appear with my post.
I did check custom knife sites.
 
Knives Annual 2002 has a Michael Mann (Idaho) and Tim Mann (Hawaii) in the listings. Michael Mann appears to have made knives a long time. Might be his son or a relative working from his shop?

I have YET to see a maker with a hand inscribed mark listed in any of the Annuals. Fair to say they are a hobbyist maker.

But that doesn't mean they didn't do quality. They simply didn't extend out their brand.

Good stuff. Good luck
 
Mike Mann is Idaho Knife Works, he makes traditional and old time knives, so I don’t think there is a relation to your knife that I am aware of.
 
Thanks for the good luck wishes. I have a feeling the maker may not be with us currently, since the knife was marked 1980 and looks as though they had some experience under their belt at that time.
So much "newer" info on the internet, but I was hoping maybe someone might own an older book or magazine that might list the maker's name (maybe from 60s or 70s.)
 
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