Read the Knife - PorchSourcing ( Traditionals Only )

Hope the examples help. They are just a few very clear examples that show buffed surfaces, replaced blades, fake stamps, reworks, etc. Also look for patched cover materials. A lot of the reworks are completely resurfaced with either buffed or hand rubbed finishes that reflect less light and are easier to photograph. If a guy is selling lots of knives and they all have the same finish, its a safe bet that he's refinishing all of his knives. Often they're all parts knives. Many of the "knife sculptures" are intended to appeal to modern trends and tastes. I've noticed some seem to be patterned after successful knives from GEC.

Unfortunately, there is a steady flow of new fakes. It's unfortunate that they don't mark the knives and accurately describe the condition and the work that had been done.
 
Here's a "Winchester" Congress:



If you look very closely, you can see what was probably "made in usa" ground off under the new tang stamp:



A friend of mine bought it at a gun/knife show for $15, knowing it was a parts knife. Not a bad deal for a user, since it was likely made with American parts and beautiful red bone. :D
 
supratentorial said:
Two more examples of fakes/parts knives. With the exception of the stag/bone combo, the parts knives were misrepresented as authentic. The seller of the stag/bone combo wasn't sure if it was original or not . :rolleyes:

Both the blade and screwdriver are incorrect for this knife. The shield is incorrect. It's been resurfaced. The photos are too low resolution to see smaller details. This one had a buy it now around $695 plus $5 shipping.






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The seller of the fake Cattataugus is a good seller, but not a Cattaraugus guy. The knife was being discussed on AAPK and sold before the seller could pull the listing. The seller contacted the buyer to advise him it was a fake. The buyer sent it back for a refund. Below is a link to the discussion on AAPK.

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com...49793&hilit=cattaraugus+wrench+knife&start=15

Regards
Dan
 
R8shell, Nice example

Dan, Good to hear that he contacted the buyer and worked it out. According to the link, the seller will keep the returned knife. He could also put it back up as a "parts knife". There are discussions of modifying knives on both forums. Everyone knows that it happens but people get quiet when the word fake gets mentioned. The difference between a fake and repair/mod/rework is only the intention. Whether or not he keeps the knife, it would be best to clearly mark the knife... a stamp inside the liner is a good way when the knife is apart but the knife is already reassembled... so maybe a stamp of 16 on the tang or something else that can't be easily removed. Unfortunately collections and collectors are not permanent. We are all temporary custodians of our collections.
 
r8shell said:
Here's a "Winchester" Congress:



If you look very closely, you can see what was probably "made in usa" ground off under the new tang stamp:
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I'm not very knowledgeable about Winchester knives, so I was wondering if there is anything to note about the tang stamp being only "Winchester" on the pen blade? Thanks for this example, Rachell!
 
Gevonovich said:
I'm not very knowledgeable about Winchester knives, so I was wondering if there is anything to note about the tang stamp being only "Winchester" on the pen blade? Thanks for this example, Rachell!
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There's a single line stamp shown in Goins' Encyclopedia. Goins' also says "There are many FAKE Winchester knives on the market. They are marked exactly like the originals, and even an expert has difficulty distinguishing them from the originals, so beware!"

This one is easily distinguished from authentic knives just by appearance alone.
 
Gevonovich said:
I'm not very knowledgeable about Winchester knives, so I was wondering if there is anything to note about the tang stamp being only "Winchester" on the pen blade? Thanks for this example, Rachell!
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supratentorial said:
There's a single line stamp shown in Goins' Encyclopedia. Goins' also says "There are many FAKE Winchester knives on the market. They are marked exactly like the originals, and even an expert has difficulty distinguishing them from the originals, so beware!"

This one is easily distinguished from authentic knives just by appearance alone.
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Thank you, Jake. I know next to nothing about Winchester knives besides the fact that my buddy's knife isn't one. :D
 
supratentorial said:
There are discussions of modifying knives on both forums. Everyone knows that it happens but people get quiet when the word fake gets mentioned. The difference between a fake and repair/mod/rework is only the intention. Whether or not he keeps the knife, it would be best to clearly mark the knife... a stamp inside the liner is a good way when the knife is apart but the knife is already reassembled... so maybe a stamp of 16 on the tang or something else that can't be easily removed. Unfortunately collections and collectors are not permanent. We are all temporary custodians of our collections.
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Excellent point!
Dan
 
This is a great idea for a thread! A good opportunity for picking up tips on "reading the knife".
 
supratentorial said:
There's a single line stamp shown in Goins' Encyclopedia. Goins' also says "There are many FAKE Winchester knives on the market. They are marked exactly like the originals, and even an expert has difficulty distinguishing them from the originals, so beware!"

This one is easily distinguished from authentic knives just by appearance alone.
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Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and resources, Jake. Your post highlights a glaring hole in my collection...reference books. And for one who's home is overflowing with books...
 
Here's another example of a sowbelly that was reworked and restamped. This one is stamped Winchester instead of Case.


 
I saved this one for lunch. ;) :p :D I think the etch is an attempt to appeal to modern humor. I don't think the etch is original. The rest of the knife is odd as well but I can't tell much from the photos. I can't find an example in my catalogs and don't know if Catt ever made anything like it. The celluloid has started to decompose. But condition is only an indicator of condition.

Re etching blades seems to be more common. Not long ago, I saw a bunch of Remington parts knives with fresh etches.



Here's a very clear example of a blade that was re etched. This blade was completely resurfaced so there is no way that the etch could be original.

cnas122 said:
Here you go.

Yukon3.jpg
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bernard_levine said:
This one is probably not welded, but it has been ground down, buffed out, and re-etched. And the worn down bone stained with tobacco soup. ....
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The "Winchester" looks like someone is getting RR parts and putting them in old parts knives. I saw the "Oyster" and the "etch" did not even remotely look real to my eye, nor did the blade shapes or much of anything about the knife. Not to mention the outgassing.

I am watching and learning, Jake! My radar is improving so thank you :D
 
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