What do you get when you cross a Gunstock w/ a Trapper, Sowbelly, Moose & Texas Jack?

supratentorial

supratentorial

Joined
Dec 19, 2006
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Hopefully something spectacular. :)

I saw this odd ball knife and had to have it. I just paid for it and hopefully it will be in my hands soon! These two photos are from the seller:




It's a #40 Gunstock pattern with a Queen shield but the blades are marked "Moore Maker" and "5204".

Here are dealer photos of a Queen #40 Gunstock and a Moore Maker #5204 for comparison. The two knives have differently shaped clip blades and the 2ndary blades are completely different. I don't know the history of this hybrid knife. If you do, please let me know.





One of my favorite patterns from Queen is the Moore Maker "Moose". Moore Maker calls the #5204 a "moose" but iirc LGIV calls the pattern a Premium Texas Jack. Queen also made similar knife that was etched "Perfect Texas Jack Knife" and branded Primble. It was a "black box knife" like the Winchesters from Queen.



The Moore Maker version has a slightly different placement of the nail nicks on both blades. Most modern sowbellies have the nick placed further forward for more leverage (like the Primble) but I prefer the #5204 since it is more similar to the oldies like this Remington.





I also like the location of the nail nick on the spey blade since it's far enough back that the blade can be reshaped into a sheepfoot.



The gunstock/trapper/sowbelly/moose/TexasJack could be modified similarly. But I haven't decided yet.

I'm not sure what to expect. It doesn't look like a parts knife to me. It looks factory original. But I haven't seen anything like it. Did Queen assemble knives with mix and match parts?
 
I have the large Schatt & Morgan Gunstock Jack (stag). It's a really nice hefty knife and I like it just the way it is. It was actually my Christmas knife this past Christmas.
 
Thank you, Frank!

Sounds good, 22!

I just realized that I bought the knife from the owner of Queen Cutlery so the knife is definitely legit! LOL!
 
It's a good pattern and yeah, I like the trappers. I saw the Daniels at Blade, but didn't visit.
 
I received the knife and it has a couple problems. The main problem is that although the knife was described as having no blade wobble, the spey blade has very excessive vertical play in the open position. It is the most that I have ever seen. I haven't measured it yet but I'm guessing it's around 1/8". That's a bummer since I had wanted to use the knife. I haven't decided what to do. I may contact Queen to see how much a spring replacement will cost or maybe I should just return it for a refund.

The other problem is sort of funny. The nail nick for the spey is almost completely covered by the clip blade. Obviously the Moore Maker blades don't belong in this configuration or in this Queen handle. The blades are for a Moore Maker Moose which has the 2 blades fitted on opposite sides, unlike this gunstock. Curiously, there are some pen marks on the pile side near the end of the spey blade. I suspect that this may have been a forgotten reminder to cut another nail nick on that side.

I suspect Queen is cleaning house of some old parts.
 
A few quick photos...

For these two photos, I kept the handle in the same place and moved the spey blade to show the amount of vertical play. The straight edge gives some perspective.




Here's a look at the springs in both positions




The nail nick for the spey is mostly hidden behind the clip blade but I can sometimes reach it with the tip of my finger nail.



There are some pen marks on the handle. I thought it might be a reminder to cut another nail nick on that blade but it looks like there may be some light pen marks on the other end as well.... maybe it's left over from the hafting process?

 
Interesting piece, Jake. This may be what you didn't think it was....a parts knife done in house at Queen since it was your source. Maybe a test model...someone trying things out. I agree someone was cleaning house. Strange to be told no wobble when it is pretty obvious that there is significant play.

I personally would send it back....unless the "historic" nature of this piece is really that important to you.
One thing tho....those scales are REALLY nice looking and match up perfectly from the pictures. How is it in hand?
 
I appreciate the feedback, Steve. The handle had a big breakfast. ;) I actually didn't realize the stag was so thick since the photos only showed the sides. But the football shape is a comfortable and ergonomic grip. It's a nice looking knife and if it weren't for the vertical play, I'd enjoy using it.
 
I agree that one is a knife made of random Queen made parts. But Moore Maker does offer that pattern made by Queen - the 40 gunstock frame with the clip and long spay blades. It was recently added to the Moore Maker line.
 
Thanks for the info. Maybe this "factory sample" was a prototype. On the regular production run the nail nick is on the opposite side of the spey blade and the tangs are stamped with the correct model #.

staggunstockcomplete.jpg
 
The "factory sample" was a dud but it's probably not representative of the production runs... at least I'd hope so.
 
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