This forum is dedicated to the discussion and display of old knives. The rich history of all the many companies that made them through the early years will be found here as well as many fine examples of the cutlers art. Share pictures of your old knives and your knowledge here!
tjmurphy wrote:On most of these quill knives, the blade seems to be about half the length of the handles, is this the norm or is it from years of sharpening?
TJ,
The blades are this length because the backspring wraps around and extends much further into the blade cavity than a normal knife would
Thanks Dimitri, I see that now. KG and FRJ, thanks for the pics of your knives. I now understand the short blades. I learned something today so it is a good day for me in the knifing world.
"There are none so blind as those that refuse to see"
God Bless America - Though I don't know why he would want to.
Here is a quill knife made by Camillus in 1932.
It is a replica of George Washington's quill knife.
The blades are actually shiny. The darkness is a trick of the scanner.
The signature is a reproduction of his signature.
A pocket knife is still an intimate personal possession of the individual who carries it and consequently deserves the best of materials, finish and workmanship in its production. (Quoted from Boker's 1928 cutlery catalog).
Thank you Dale, it's one of my favorite knives. Great stamp. I think Ray (Paladin) said the smaller knives were the most difficult to make. I can see the reasoning in that. What say you?
Thanks Kathy. Hopefully the pearl hound dog won't get loose..............it took WAY too long to catch him the first time!.
A pocket knife is still an intimate personal possession of the individual who carries it and consequently deserves the best of materials, finish and workmanship in its production. (Quoted from Boker's 1928 cutlery catalog).
Bret bought me three quills today for my birthday. Two of them are Friedmann & Lauterjung and the third one is a Holley. I love Holley knife even with the wear, but the Friedmann & Lauterjung knives are very cool. The F & L's both have great snap still. I just imagine J.B. Champlin peddlin' these out of a suitcase.
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"Making miracles is hard work, most people give up before they happen." - Sheryl Crow
A little Quill any one?
I really enjoy this thread, some VERY nice old knives here!
Here is an American knife co. (1849-1875), I think it is an Ivory handle.
The length is 2"
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"A tool is but an extension of a man's hand." -Henry Ward Beecher
I am probably one of those rare women that would be happy with that? 
