Vintage Knives

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Murdamook

Joined
Nov 3, 2010
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I need some advice. I’m looking at vintage Barlows and pocket knives in general, primarily of the single-bladed jack knife variety (THIS IS NOT A WTB THREAD). Can anyone give me some information on what brands to look for? There seems to be countless old brands but I have very little clue as to which brands represent high quality and which are just kind of meh. I get that it will be a different metric than today’s since the bygone eras tended to probably not obsess over every small detail like we do. However, there has to be some sort of brand hierarchy, right? Any help is appreciated. Thanks everyone.
 
Russell (Barlows), vintage Schrade Walden, Vintage Ulster and Camillus, NY Knife Co.
Cattaragus (spelling?), Western (Bolder)/ Western States, Vintage/Antique Queen, Remington, Colt, Winchester, Robeson, Böker Tree Brand, pre-1980's Case, ... maybe Utica, and for not so vintage/Antique I hear GEC makes a nice knife.
Some (not all) of the no name "MADE IN USA" knives are pretty good for fit/finish, walk 'n talk, and blades that will take and hold a good edge. Unfortunately, most of those no names have celluloid covers that either are or will start outgassing.
 
afishhunter said:
Russell (Barlows), vintage Schrade Walden, Vintage Ulster and Camillus, NY Knife Co.
Cattaragus (spelling?), Western (Bolder)/ Western States, Vintage/Antique Queen, Remington, Colt, Winchester, Robeson, Böker Tree Brand, pre-1980's Case, ... maybe Utica, and for not so vintage/Antique I hear GEC makes a nice knife.
Some (not all) of the no name "MADE IN USA" knives are pretty good for fit/finish, walk 'n talk, and blades that will take and hold a good edge. Unfortunately, most of those no names have celluloid covers that either are or will start outgassing.
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Thank you for that list. I appreciate it. I own several GEC knives already and a few Case knives as well. I’m just wanting something with a history.
 
I have two or three of the old Kutmaster knives, and have been very pleased with the overall workmanship of them. Their yellow plastic scales are uuuuuuugly, though. Ugly is as ugly does, though. If you can get past appearances, they take and hold an edge very well.

edit: most of the kutmasters I've seen are 2 blade knives, though....
 
Among the vintage knives I own which are made before WWII, the Robesons seem to be the highest quality, with beautiful F&F and very snappy but smooth pulling blades. Schrade Cut Co knives are right there with the Robesons, but I have an admittedly small sample size, less than half a dozen of each brand.
 
Murdamook said:
I need some advice. I’m looking at vintage Barlows and pocket knives in general, primarily of the single-bladed jack knife variety (THIS IS NOT A WTB THREAD). Can anyone give me some information on what brands to look for? There seems to be countless old brands but I have very little clue as to which brands represent high quality and which are just kind of meh. I get that it will be a different metric than today’s since the bygone eras tended to probably not obsess over every small detail like we do. However, there has to be some sort of brand hierarchy, right? Any help is appreciated. Thanks everyone.
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There is collectblity, and that's how vintage knives are priced and often recommended.

The best way to know if a vintage knife is good, is to hold it in your hand, open and close it,wiggle the blade...read the knife not the tang stamp :)
 
tongueriver said:
There is a thread here in the traditional sub-forum called OLD KNIVES, at the top of the 'traditional' page, that is nearly 900 pages long. This is your reference book. Read it and weep.
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Yeah good info there for sure, and yeah the weeping part is true to lol. So many great knives there. If you find old knives in antique shops and such, and have the time to research before purchase this is a great resource. And dont be afraid to ask questions, so many great knowledgeable people here. People who are happy to provide answers and share their knowledge. Good luck on the hunt for great vintage knives!
 
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