Who can tell me about this knife (solingen)?

[AussieKnifeNut]

This knife was my oldmans knife which he had had since a kid. He doesn't remember if he got it new or if someone gave it to him, but it is at least 40 years old. Here are some pictures.

The handle is genuine staghorn from what I can tell and has 3 leather washers at either end

Stamped on the handle is "SOLINGEN Germany" "608" and " 37/8" "

"MADE IN GERMANY"

There is a stagg head stamped into the leather but porbably can't be made out in the photo

The blade legnth is about 3.6 inches. So the manafacture is Soligen in Germany but is there anything else people can tell me about their knives? Quality, ect.

 

[brets-ftw]

Solingen used to be one of the major mecca's of the cutlery industry (alongside Seki City, Japan; Sheffield, England; and Damascus, Syria) that particular one looks like it's from one of the many that came over in the 30's-50's.

I'd say oil and store the sheath, and restore the blade to it's old glory, plenty of life left in it.

 

[marcinek]

They are nice knives. Not particularly valuable on their own. But they work, and I would imagine it has sentimental value to you. See if you can get it back together and use/enjoy it!

 

[AussieKnifeNut]

Yeah its been in the family for some time now and wont be getting rid of it any time soon. I use the knife occassionaly for skinning the odd rabbit and other hunting tasks. Im in the process of making another leather sheath for it so I can retire the original to make sure it stays in resonable condition. Its one of those things which I would love to pass down to my kids.

 

[lumberjake]

Very interesting. Oddly enough I came upon this thread searching for info on a knife I was recently given and its by the same maker as yours but with a bowie style blade. I can make out Solingen and what looks like Ursta but thats it. I would like to know more about the history of these knives. Mine still has its handle intact but its loose. Was going to add a photo but I cant figure out a simple way to do it so maybe later.