All About Pocket Knives

Hi, I am new to the forum and don't really consider myself a collector, but I have more of an "accumulation" rather than a "collection" of about 20-30 knives.
Anyway, I picked up 3 folding knives at an auction last night and would like to know anything about them and help me figure out how to open one. The first (not pictured) is a common Camp King. The other 2 are clearly vintage bone and brass. the fatter one has 2 Chinese characters on it that I had translated and says "fish" "dog" and no other markings whatsoever on it. The skinny one has a star and "superior" visible while closed. I can't figure out how to open it. It isn't rusted closed, because I can squeeze the blade in tighter. Also, what is that little brass "dodad" with the hole in it on the side? could that be the way to release the blade? (I can't seem to get it to push/pull/slide in any direction)
Thanks for any insight on these!

They both look Japanese to me. The one with the little lever is a switchblade. When the lever is in the position in photo number three you press down on it (toward the side of the knife) and the blade should pop out and lock open. You then need to depress the lever again to release the blade to manually close it. If the blade doesn't pop out the spring may be weak or broken but if you are pushing down on the blade while in closed position and you feel it push back a little it will likely work. These are illegal in some states so check out your laws before carrying it in public.

that did it! I was able to get it open - with help. I have to push the blade in to help release it. If there is a spring, it is worn out or too rusty to slide smoothly. If anyone knows more definitely about the possible origins I would like to know. I just love the hand carved bone handles, so they will sit on my display shelf.
oh btw I'm safe:
Texas revised the open carry laws in 2013 - any blade less than 5.5" can be carried openly except in certain areas (schools, bars etc.) I thought switchblades were double bladed knives anyway. (I've never seen one in person to really know) lol

I agree - Japanese.

And welcome to AAPK!

Ken

inexpensive japan knives-from the 70s-i think-growing up in the Owsley infused 70s in Birmingham suburb-my mind was not on knives..

Yes, this jigging indicates Japan but earlier than 1970's i believe. More likely 1950's when Japan was recovering from WW II and their manufactured goods were rather crude. By 1970's cutlery from Japan had a more refined look.
I did not see any of these knives in the 1950's so i do not have proof for my assumption of made in 1950's.
kj

Alabama, what is "Owsley" ?
kj

rather not say--he printed mind expanding ink on little pieces of paper-also windowpane,ect..

alabama wrote:inexpensive japan knives-from the 70s-i think-growing up in the Owsley infused 70s in Birmingham suburb-my mind was not on knives..

I am totally lost. I tried to using my Google friend to help...........

As has been said, those two knives - the bone - the jigging - the bolsters - just scream 1950's Japan.

" little pieces of paper-also windowpane,ect." oh, like slice a purple cabbage and stare at it.
Merry Pranksters (Mary Pranksters ?)
kj

Yeah - I'm pretty sure Alabama means Owsley Stanley - a particularly colorful guy who wanted everyone to see the world as colorfully as he saw it. Get on the magic bus!

Thanks for the reply's! After Gunsil's Japan comment, I too was thinking post WWII era. Possibly made during the occupation years and brought home by a soldier. Since their manufacturing infrastructure was essentially destroyed, many products that came out of Japan during that time was crude.

Hey RE guy, I sent you a pm. Those are pretty cool even if they are Japanese origin.

looks like that dog got into a batch of our 70s "electric Kool-Aid" we made from local shrooms...

alabama wrote:rather not say--he printed mind expanding ink on little pieces of paper-also windowpane,ect..

A student of Timothy Leary no doubt!

kootenay joe wrote:" little pieces of paper-also windowpane,ect." oh, like slice a purple cabbage and stare at it.
Merry Pranksters (Mary Pranksters ?)
kj

And the doodaa man just keeps truckin on.

The way conversations evolve has been a fascinating thing to watch. This thread is no exception. That poor dog.