Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

The first Robeson knives were imported by Millard Robeson from England and Germany exclusively. This continued from 1979 until 1896 when Robeson began manufacturing knives in the United States. Since inception, the company has gone through several reorganizations & eventually ended up as a Queen Cutlery brand.
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Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by RobesonsRme.com »

I was first made aware of Robeson multi-tool knife kits when a local friend, knife collector/dealer and his son returned from the Brimfield, Mass, flea market, informing me they had seen two such kits there, but did not buy them.

::shrug::

I've never seen one in a vintage catalog.

I did learn somewhere along the way, that they were, most likely, German Imports.

This one turned up on Ebay a couple of weeks ago, but with a very high starting bid or Buy-It-Now price.

It is German made, has their patent mark, "D.R.G.M." and the Barrel mark on the blades indicates it was made by D. Peres, a good quality German maker, so it isn't junk.

I copied the auction pics and thought I'd post them here for illustrative and historical purposes.

I wonder if that can opener blade has always looked like that or if it was originally a Robeson proprietary can opener blade and has been modified to that contour. Without seeing another such kit from Robeson or Peres, I guess I'll just have to keep on wondering.

Also, I cannot decide if the handles are cocobolo or buffalo horn. Any ideas?

This item was still listed last time I checked.

I think the gold embossed legend on the case flap reads,

"ROBESON'S / POCKET OUTFIT / NO. 50"

The photos should expand with one left mouse click.

Charlie Noyes
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by bestgear »

Very nice Charlie - what type of animal do you think that leather came from?
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by RobesonsRme.com »

I suspect it came from a pulpwood tree.

It might be leather, but if so, it's been highly processed and pressure embossed.

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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by btrwtr »

Nice post Charlie! I like the old tool sets and have never seen or heard of a Robeson marked example until now.

Handles look like wood, possible ebony.
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by AREMINGTONSEDGE »

Very nice Multi- Tool knife kit Charlie. I especially enjoy the way you have photographed it. Nice piece to any collection. ::tu::


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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by RobesonsRme.com »

It's not my knife. It is for sale on Ebay, as stated, I think, in the OP.

Apology accepted.

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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Nigel »

I actually have in my possession my Dad's Robeson Knife kit No. 50. I'm thinking its from sometime around 1940-
Once I figure out how to upload some photos, I will post them.
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by jerryd6818 »

Nigel wrote:I actually have in my possession my Dad's Robeson Knife kit No. 50. I'm thinking its from sometime around 1940-
Once I figure out how to upload some photos, I will post them.
Welcome to AAPK Nigel. Glad to have you aboard.

For instructions on uploading pictures to AAPK, follow the 2nd and 3rd posts at http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... 98&t=48417 . The first post is outdated and only applies to the older version of AAPK.
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Nigel »

Jerry-thank you for the welcome and the info on how to upload. Will get on that tomorrow. It's a pretty sweet kit.
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Nigel »

sorry if the pics aren't great, ill work on that ::tu::
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Nigel »

anyone have any idea of the value of this kit? I think it may be from 1930-1950 but not sure at all. there is an ink stamp on the inside flap of the owners name and address, other than that, along with some age regarding the leather its in excellent condition.
any input would be greatly appreciated!
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by stockman »

Nice tool kit. I have no idea of value on Robeson. Your set is very clean, also nice pouch.

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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Nigel »

Thanks, Harold!
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by RobesonsRme.com »

Nigel, welcome to AAPK and thank you for posting that nice looking kit.

I'm using my cell phone, so options are limited.

Are any of the blades marked, "ROBESON"?

I see the German patent marks, DRGM.

Is there a barrel mark on any blade?

As far as value, I think it would have to be treated as a German import and the Robeson connection would help, but it wasn't made by Robeson in Perry, NY.

Charlie Noyes
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Nigel »

HI Charles, Tahnks so much!
Most of the tools have DRGM, some have Robeson and some have both. The hammer has no marking, nor does the ruler.
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Nigel »

so i put the pocket outfit for sale on eBay.....
I also have a french 1860's bayonet with scabbard in excellent condition, i'll post some photos.
please do let me know if I'm breaking some board protocol or rules by talking about selling on eBay.
I'm new.
thank you :)
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Miller Bro's »

Your not breaking any rules we are pretty lenient here.

As far as your asking price, don't expect to sell it for anywhere near that price. I have collected these kits for over twenty years the ones that bring the money are American made with bone handles. Yes, this kit has a Robeson connection but they didn't manufacture it. A typical German made kit like this brings $45-75 with wood handles complete no missing tools and case in good condition.
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Nigel »

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[image][/image]


better photos
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Nigel »

Miller Bro's wrote:Your not breaking any rules we are pretty lenient here.

As far as your asking price, don't expect to sell it for anywhere near that price. I have collected these kits for over twenty years the ones that bring the money are American made with bone handles. Yes, this kit has a Robeson connection but they didn't manufacture it. A typical German made kit like this brings $45-75 with wood handles complete no missing tools and case in good condition.



Hi there, thanks for the input! if you'll notice, no missing tools and all parts are in excellent condition!
Please do post your kits!
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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Miller Bro's »

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Re: Robeson Multi-Tool Knife Kits

Post by Nigel »

Very Nice! Thanks for posting.
I think mine is probably older than most, and in lovely condition! Enjoy your day!
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