I have been wanting a King of the Woods for a long time, and now in a weeks time, I have 2! I thought they all had a blade etch, but now I am not sure? The liner lock one, appears to have the original blade finish, but no sign of an etch? The swing guard one, has had some blade polishing done on it, so it would be gone, if it had an etch.
Also, what about shields? Did they only come on some variations? Or, did they come only on some years? I can't find many details in the books that we have. Any pictures or help on these details would be appreciated.

Brett,

Don't know a thing about the King of The Woods, But those guys don't need a thing. Beautiful

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Bonehead

America's 'FINEST' Vintage Cutlery

The ones with etching are really hard to find. I have one with most of the original finish and part of the etch has faded away.

Thanks Bonehead, I am very happy to get them!
J-Ben, I see yours has no shield, does that mean only the back lock model got a shield?

Brett,
Those are two great knives, but that swinguard is a real stunner. Those wormgroove handles are awesome!!

888, the 12819 and 12829 never came with a shield as far as I know. the 12839 came with the over sized federal shield and if you are lucky you can find one with a big compass or a pair of dice. I am still looking for the dice.

Wow!! Fellers. Those are really nice. Hope it ain't a dumb question, but, who makes them? They are great!!

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"There are none so blind as those that refuse to see"

God Bless America - Though I don't know why he would want to.

T.J.,
That would be Cattaraugus. These knives are terrific, heavy-duty knives. I am surprised how much heavier the liner lock is then the swing guard. That extra layer of brass for the liner really makes it a handfull!

Jackknifeben,
Bret had told me just after getting the first one, that he would like to get one of each, a liner lock, the swing guard & the non-locking one. Now he will be on the hunt for the compass & the dice model also! I had better get us both working some overtime!

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"Making miracles is hard work, most people give up before they happen." - Sheryl Crow

Tanks KG888. I was going to say that but couldn't spell it

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"There are none so blind as those that refuse to see"

God Bless America - Though I don't know why he would want to.

J-Ben, I am more impressed with your collection, every time you post a picture! I am learning a few things in this thread. I saw a compass one once online somewhere, and thought it was added later. I had no idea it was a factory option!
Tell me more about the dice? is it a shield?

Glad you like them. The one I don't have has a pair of real small dice in a pocket something like the compass. The only one I have seen in the last 30 years was in pretty shape bad so I let it go. Good luck on finding either one of them. How close are you to Iowa, I could bore you for a couple of hours in my knife room.

J-Ben, I will email you.

Brett, Outstanding Cats, I have my Grand Fathers 12829, no shield and the "King of The Woods" is long gone. I do know the knife was purchased new in 1923, The late Jim Parker valued it for me at a knife show in St. Petersburg FL., sometime in the early 1980's, I don't know what method was used to apply the writing on the blade, it may have been paint. I have posted a picture of my cat some time ago under "YOUR OLDEST KNIFE" catagory here on our web site, page 1. Great knife Brett, I have only seen illustrations of the "King of the Woods", and you have it pictured for all of us to see. Thank You, Dale Miller

Here is a 12829 with the liner lock, grooved bolsters, and compass in handle that is AWOL

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I could have been a pair of dice in a round inset capsule in that hole.