Knife #1

John Primble - India Steel Works - Belknap Hardware (1890-1940)

In 1840, Belknap Hardware opened up in Louisville, KY. After decades of success, Belknap's introduced it's own line of high quality knives, bearing the name of one of it's top salesmen, John Primble. The John Primble India Steel Works stamp was used from 1890 up until 1940. This is the earliest stamp that used Primble's name. Several variations of Primble knives have been produced on contract over the years including a line that is still in production today. Noted makers include Boker, Camillus, Utica and many more.

This knife is one of the earliest models to come from Belknap Hardware. It has beautiful pocket worn natural bone scales. There is a crack near one of the pins (see pics). The hawkbill blade is made from a nice thick high carbon blade stock. It has a nice swedge grind with moderate blade wear and patina. Good snap on open with good half stop. Pretty sluggish on close. There is a tiny amount of wobble and the backspring sits a little low when open. (see pics) The grooved bolsters are in great shape. Just a beautiful old piece of American history.

Knife #2

Queen City - Titusville, PA (1925-1932)

Queen Cutlery has had an extensive and complicated history. The short story is that a handful of Schatt and Morgan employees left S&M and began making knives on their own in Titusville, PA circa 1918. They were very successful and produced knives in their original factory for nearly 100 years, using traditional methods and equipment. During that time, they acquired numerous companies and trademarks, including Robeson and, their former employer, Schatt and Morgan. They have always been held in high regard with collectors, noted for their high quality and tradition. Queen recently went out of business in 2018, sparking a renewed interest in collecting original Queen Cutlery and Queen City knives.

This knife is a Queen City model #1, Hawkbill Pruner. It was made very early in Queen's history, with this tang stamp being introduced approx 6 years after it's founding. The Rosewood scales have a rich, deep color with some scratches and grooves here and there, but free from any major chips or cracks. The high carbon blade has tons of life left in it, with moderate patina and a streak of moderate pitting on the mark side (see pics) The blade still has great snap on open, close and half stop. It has a liner lock very much like a TL-29 style electrician's knife, to prevent slipjoint from closing while in use. There is an almost unnoticable amount of wobble when open. The smooth blosters also have a nice moderate patina with some light pitting on the mark side.

The stories these old knives could tell...

**Note: I am new to knife collecting and selling. All descriptions are to the best of my knowledge and in an attempt to be as honest and forthright as possible in regards to knife condition. I have conducted hours upon hours of research on each individual knife that comes into my possession in an attempt to set a fair price. PLEASE feel free to contact me for more information on this or any other item in my store.

Semper Fi