Shapleigh Hardware Co.

[FRJ]

Neat little switchblade, 1rolltide, and welcome to the forum.
The DE designation was used since 1864 but I don't know where your stamp would place in the years following.
There are those that would be able to give better information.
Thank for showing your knife here.

[Ridgegrass]

Ludwig: Houston Price dates the NORVELL/SHAPLEIGH stamp at 1902-1917. Neat piece! J.O'.

[Waukonda]

Nothing shifty, shabby, or sheepish here, just this shipshape, shiny and shapely Shapleigh......sheesh

[New_Windsor_NY]

Nothing.....

A truly BEAUTIFUL pocket knife, Ike.

[woodwalker]

Nothing shifty, shabby, or sheepish here, just this shipshape, shiny and shapely Shapleigh......sheesh

superbly said!

[edge213]

Nothing shifty, shabby, or sheepish here, just this shipshape, shiny and shapely Shapleigh......sheesh

Wow Ike.....beautiful!

[FRJ]

I couldna shed it any better, Ike.

A classic beauty.

[Waukonda]

Thanks, Skip, Woodwalker, David, and Joe!

[BWT]

Not sure which is better Ike? Your description,photos,dog, or knife!! Beautiful knife though, I like it

[Papa Bones]

Nothing shifty, shabby, or sheepish here, just this shipshape, shiny and shapely Shapleigh......sheesh

Sincerely, a simply stunning Shapleigh!!

[Waukonda]

Thanks, Bill and Smitty!

[doglegg]

Sensational!!!

[Waukonda]

Thanks, Floyd!

[DM11]

Awesome Ike!

[Waukonda]

Thanks, David!

[FRJ]

Well, I just about twisted myself in two trying to get pictures of this knife before the light left my window.
I bought this nice whittler from Gene (Gunsil) at the NCCA knife show today.
It is a Norvell-Shapleigh. I found it in Colonel Robert Mayes's book, Knife Album.
Just where Steve Pfeiffer said it would be. Made by Empire! 3 5/8".
The tip of the main blade was above the blade well by a bit and I compromised by taking a bit of steel off the back of the blade and some off the kick. It worked.
I haven't sharpened it yet but I will and I will be packing this thing. So sweet.
Thanks Gene.

[peanut740]

Joe

[doglegg]

[FRJ]

Thank you, Roger and doglegg.

[Duffer]

Joe, great brand and great knife

[BWT]

Great find Joe, I like it a lot

[Waukonda]

Well, I just about twisted myself in two trying to get pictures of this knife before the light left my window.
I bought this nice whittler from Gene (Gunsil) at the NCCA knife show today.
It is a Norvell-Shapleigh. I found it in Colonel Robert Mayes's book, Knife Album.
Just where Steve Pfeiffer said it would be. Made by Empire! 3 5/8".
The tip of the main blade was above the blade well by a bit and I compromised by taking a bit of steel off the back of the blade and some off the kick. I worked.
I haven't sharpened it yet but I will and I will be packing this thing. So sweet.
Thanks Gene.

That is an impressive knife, Joe, and a nice presentation!

[FRJ]

Thank you so much, Lloyd, Bill and Ike, I appreciate the nice comments.

[stumpstalker]

FRJ:

That is a nice early 20th Century knife to collect and even better that you have worked it to be safe to carry and use.

It adds to the story that with the help of Knifeaholic and the late Col. Mayes book, you have narrowed down the manufactory from which it came.

Is it reasonable to say that, as a Cattle Knife, it is the ebony handle material and on a “swell-center balloon” die?

Here is an illustration of the Diamond Edge iteration of the knife, from the 1942 Shapleigh’s Hardware Co. Dealer’s Catalogue reprint, which offering presumably would not have come from Empire Knife Co., but rather one of the other makers of that hardware store’s branded knives.

[DM11]

Great knife Joe!