Ring-turn Knives

[smiling-knife]

I have these two ring-turn knives. One I may have shown here before (the last photo), the other I just acquired a few days ago. They both have 'genuine Ivorine' handles, brass fixtures and carbon steel blades. These were made c1920-30s.

 

[Rusty1]

Nice pair of "ring" turn knives s-k, I'm guessing the way the lines appear through the handles, they are made of Micarta?

Mick57 mentioned about the nail nicks being omitted, on the Canal Street ring turns, and these both have them. I'm sure they must have been necessary.

Rusty1

 

[Mick57]

Nice pair of "ring" turn knives s-k, I'm guessing the way the lines appear through the handles, they are made of Micarta?

Mick57 mentioned about the nail nicks being omitted, on the Canal Street ring turns, and these both have them. I'm sure they must have been necessary.

Rusty1

Not sure about necessary, but if nothing else a natural addition to this style knife.

 

[Rusty1]

yep, I can't speak for all ring knvies, i do agree, it would of been a nice addition though.

Rusty1

 

[smiling-knife]

Nice pair of "ring" turn knives s-k, I'm guessing the way the lines appear through the handles, they are made of Micarta?
Rusty1

Thanks rusty1. I thought I read somewhere that a lot of the faux ivory (Ivorine) was a substance called casein. Casein is a dairy by product. Popular in the 1920s & 30s, it is much more stable then celluloid but requires quite a complex manufacturing process. Could be micarta which first appeared around 1910. It is a heat treated combination of resin and glass, paper or cotton layers that would explain the laminated look. I don't know but maybe some one here does.

 

[Mick57]

Thanks rusty1. I thought I read somewhere that a lot of the faux ivory (Ivorine) was a substance called casein. Casein is a dairy by product. Popular in the 1920s & 30s, it is much more stable then celluloid but requires quite a complex manufacturing process. Could be micarta which first appeared around 1910. It is a heat treated combination of resin and glass, paper or cotton layers that would explain the laminated look. I don't know but maybe some one here does.

I saw an old Winchester (knife) in a shop that had handles very similar looking, but a shade or 2 darker than your 2nd pic. The shop owner wasn't sure what they were & I told him my guess was micarta. After going home & doing some research on that particular knife, found out it was celluloid. I look at it every time I go there, as the knife case is right by the entrance. He's a little steep on the price, but sooner or later it's coming home with me. It's a beautiful old knife & in great shape, although I've never cared for yellow on anything. In this case, I think I'll make an exception.

 

[smiling-knife]

Thanks for the response Mick57. IMO this does not seem to be celluloid in the strict sense of the term. It seems much more stable, but I am no expert on the topic. I hope you acquire that old Winchester one day. Keep after him and you may wear him down one day. Best wishes

If anyone is interested here is a link to very informative site on the history of 'plastics' http://www.plastiquarian.com/
Click on people and polymers.

 

[Mick57]

Thanks for the response Mick57. IMO this does not seem to be celluloid in the strict sense of the term. It seems much more stable, but I am no expert on the topic. I hope you acquire that old Winchester one day. Keep after him and you may wear him down one day. Best wishes

If anyone is interested here is a link to very informative site on the history of 'plastics' http://www.plastiquarian.com/
Click on people and polymers.

I know what you mean s-k. I was very surprised to read that it was celluloid, as I've never seen it look like that before. But I'm far from knowledgeable on the subject, so I gotta believe the book. I was wondering if it was rehandled at some point & it is micarta...certainly a possibility I suppose.
Yeah, he can be tough at times, but he does have his weak moments. Just have to be there when he has one. Take care.

 

[smiling-knife]

Hi Mick57. Sorry my previous post was a little confusing...too much wine at that point . The reference to the celluloid handles was meant to be in relation to my ring-turn knives and not your Winchester. I can't comment on the handles of the Winchester. Assume that your book is correct.

I do hope you finally acquire your Winchester one day though. Best wishes

 

[Mick57]

Hi Mick57. Sorry my previous post was a little confusing...too much wine at that point . The reference to the celluloid handles was meant to be in relation to my ring-turn knives and not your Winchester. I can't comment on the handles of the Winchester. Assume that your book is correct.

I do hope you finally acquire your Winchester one day though. Best wishes

No, I followed you, so don't stop with the vino. The Winchester handles look very similar to your 2nd pic (except being a shade or 2 darker) with the lines & all, giving it that look of micarta mentioned earlier by Rusty1. If the Winchester wasn't rehandled at some point, then I gotta go with the book & celluloid. Maybe I'll go & check out the owner's mood today. Take care.