Who was Michael Price???

S

swissdagger

Joined
Feb 2, 2002
Messages
115
Some custom makers offer "Michael Price daggers"....
Now my question:
Who was this Michael Price? Guess I need a little history lesson here from some of you!
Thanks and stay save
 
He was a Knifemaker, in San Francisco, in the 19th century. I believe, around 1850 to 1880. Not positive on the years, but it's close. He made beautiful knives. There was another company, in SF, at the same time, that made very similar knives. They were called, Will & Finke.
Bernard Levine wrote a book detailing these makers. You might try his forum here, for more info.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=691
 
I know the name and the style, but I have no idea of his history. I think he was one of the Gold Rush era knifemakers in San Francisco, but I wouldn't bet money on it. Price style knives have a particular fascination for me. Tim Herman does a folding Price dagger that I would gladly give up a vital organ for. Alex Daniels does some reproductions that are awesome, I got to handle a few last weekend. Ed Fowler doesn't make a Price style knife, but does incorporate a Price style grind in his Pronghorns.
 
One of the best makers there ever was that's who Michael Price was, he made top of the line hand made knifes way before anyone called them customs. Price knifes where made out of the best materials available, ivory, stag the main stay, none finer anywhere in the world.

What cost you in the mid 19th century a $150 to $200 from Michael Price could go for $30,000 or more these days!

Here's a link to the great book by Bernard Levine that Mike pointed out at a good price.

http://www.knifeworld.com/knifeworld/knifofoldsan.html

James
 
The best maker to come out of the San Fransisco -Gold rush era..He made the top of the line knives that were carried by the cream of the crop of society,anybody that was anybody carried a Price Knife...
If you have access to old magazines blade magazine has done a few really nice and interesting articles on his knives over the years,the book stated above is a great one also..
Bruce
 
Judging from the knives I have seen, several men made knives in his shop. One man (possibly his father) made great knives, an absolute journey into the art of function. His workmanship is very destinctive. There are many who make Price style knives, and some of them great. I got a real education when I was honored to be able to hold several knives bearing the name Michael Price ---. An original Price fits the hand like a glove and is beautiful as well. If you get a chance to visit Northwest Knives and Collectibles, they many times have some Price knives available for inspection. I hear there will be some at their winter show in Salem Oregon.
 
Swissdagger: There is an excellent article written by Larry J Woods, edited by Bernard Levine in the latest issue of Knife World, Vol. 28, #12 December 2002 issue. Lots of good information I had not seen before concerning Michael Price.
 
Please be careful. I have seen a large number of fake price and wills and finck kives floating around at the gun shows. The last one was at the Los Angeles county fairground about 2 years ago. Two vendors had the same knife for sale, both claiming that they were original Michael Price
 
The "who da man" of knifemaking of his day. The advice regarding fake San Francisco knives is very appropriate. Bernard Levine says there are twenty-five to fifty fakes per every real San Francisco knife of that era. Check out his site before you buy a "real one". There are several modern makers who make legitimate copies and interpretations of Price and other S.F. knives, you might consider those too, as much of the work is excellent.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top