Old and Obscure Brands

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!
Post Reply
patpemberton
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 14, 2004 3:34 pm

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by patpemberton »

I don't know how this happened. My post was for the tang stamp that resembles a half-opened pen knife.
helenu
Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2020 9:51 am

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by helenu »

Hi thanks very much - I'm selling it and trying to find out about it to be able to price it. I appreciate your help.
User avatar
New_Windsor_NY
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14030
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: I'm On The Far Right On The Left Coast In Commiefornia

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

Very recently, this pocket knife arrived in a group or lot of pocket knives that I bought. I did NOT purchase the group or lot of pocket knives to obtain this particular pocket knife. But, it did turn out to be a keeper. It will be added to my general, pocket knife collection. It is a CLEARCUT, two blades, two tang stamps, 3 5/16" closed, tipped bolsters, one spring, pocket knife. The main blade front tang stamp says "CLEARCUT (over) GEO (over) WORTHINGTON (over) CO" The secondary blade front tang stamp also says "CLEARCUT (over) GEO (over) WORTHINGTON (over) CO" The main blade has no half stop with a weak opening and closing snap. The secondary blade also has no half stop with a weak opening and closing snap. This pocket knife is in GOOD condition. I gave it a very minor cleaning. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.
Attachments
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
The Main Blade Front Tang Stamp.
The Main Blade Front Tang Stamp.
The Secondary Blade Front Tang Stamp.
The Secondary Blade Front Tang Stamp.
Kid: "Wish we had time to bury them fellas."
Josey Wales: "To hell with them fellas. Buzzards got to eat, same as worms."
Clint Eastwood-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Skip
Waukonda
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6348
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 1:35 am

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by Waukonda »

New_Windsor_NY wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 7:15 pm Very recently, this pocket knife arrived in a group or lot of pocket knives that I bought. I did NOT purchase the group or lot of pocket knives to obtain this particular pocket knife. But, it did turn out to be a keeper. It will be added to my general, pocket knife collection. It is a CLEARCUT, two blades, two tang stamps, 3 5/16" closed, tipped bolsters, one spring, pocket knife. The main blade front tang stamp says "CLEARCUT (over) GEO (over) WORTHINGTON (over) CO" The secondary blade front tang stamp also says "CLEARCUT (over) GEO (over) WORTHINGTON (over) CO" The main blade has no half stop with a weak opening and closing snap. The secondary blade also has no half stop with a weak opening and closing snap. This pocket knife is in GOOD condition. I gave it a very minor cleaning. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

That is a cool looking oldie, Skip! I don't recall having seen a Worthington in person.
Ike
User avatar
New_Windsor_NY
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14030
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: I'm On The Far Right On The Left Coast In Commiefornia

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

Waukonda wrote: Fri Dec 29, 2023 8:26 pm That.....
Thank you, Ike.🍻
Here is an update on the Clearcut Worthington.
Per GOINS', the 1998 edition, one description says, "c 1902-1949"
Another GOINS', the 1998 edition, description says, "c 1892-1949"
Kid: "Wish we had time to bury them fellas."
Josey Wales: "To hell with them fellas. Buzzards got to eat, same as worms."
Clint Eastwood-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Skip
User avatar
New_Windsor_NY
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14030
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: I'm On The Far Right On The Left Coast In Commiefornia

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

Very recently, this pocket knife arrived in a group or lot of pocket knives that I purchased. It now becomes my latest example to be posted under this topic or thread. I did NOT purchase the group or lot of pocket knives to obtain this particular pocket knife. However, it definitely turned out to be a keeper. It will be a welcomed addition to my general, pocket knife accumulation. It is a J.S. HÖLLER/ADOLPH BLAICH, two blades, four tang stamps, 4 1/4" closed, one spring, pocket knife. The main blade front tang stamp says, "ADOLPH BLAICH (over) SAN FRANCISCO (over) RAZOR (Arrow Inside Oval) STEEL" The main blade back tang stamp says, "J.S. HÖLLER & Cᴏ̲ (over) GERMANY" The secondary blade front tang stamp says, "ADOLPH BLAICH (over) SAN FRANCISCO (over) RAZOR (Arrow Inside Oval) STEEL" The secondary blade back tang stamp says, "J.S. HÖLLER & Cᴏ̲ (over) GERMANY" The main blade does not have a half stop, but it does have a good opening and closing snap. The secondary blade also has no half stop, but it does have a good opening and closing snap. The main blade does ride a little high. But, overall, this pocket knife is in GOOD condition. It still has a lot of life left in it. I gave it a very minor cleaning. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.
Attachments
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
Left - The Main Blade Front Tang Stamp.<br />Right - The Main Blade Back Tang Stamp.
Left - The Main Blade Front Tang Stamp.
Right - The Main Blade Back Tang Stamp.
Left - The Secondary Blade Front Tang Stamp.<br />Right - The Secondary Blade Back Tang Stamp.
Left - The Secondary Blade Front Tang Stamp.
Right - The Secondary Blade Back Tang Stamp.
Per GOINS.....
Per GOINS.....
Kid: "Wish we had time to bury them fellas."
Josey Wales: "To hell with them fellas. Buzzards got to eat, same as worms."
Clint Eastwood-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Skip
User avatar
Ridgegrass
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 8124
Joined: Sun Aug 30, 2020 2:04 pm
Location: Ocean City, MD
Contact:

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by Ridgegrass »

Here's a rare bird. Harris Brothers, a demolition and, "Kit-home" outfit in Chicago, c.1915. Not sure who made it. I've seen that celluloid pattern on Imperial, Colonial. and others. Still snaps a good bit, an old survivor. J.O'.
Attachments
IMG_6324.jpg
IMG_6322.jpg
IMG_6321.jpg
User avatar
Ridgegrass
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 8124
Joined: Sun Aug 30, 2020 2:04 pm
Location: Ocean City, MD
Contact:

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by Ridgegrass »

YALE Cutlery Co., Meriden, CT. c.1883-?. Only one I've seen. Levine says, "Mfg.?" Owned by Son Bros., San Francisco. ??? Any other info appreciated. J.O.'
Attachments
IMG_6341.jpg
IMG_6342.jpg
IMG_6343.jpg
User avatar
New_Windsor_NY
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14030
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: I'm On The Far Right On The Left Coast In Commiefornia

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

Recently, this pocket knife arrived in a group or lot of pocket knives that I bought. It now becomes my latest example to be posted under this topic or thread (FOR REFERENCE). I did NOT buy the group or lot of pocket knives to obtain this particular pocket knife. I am NOT adding this pocket knife to my general, pocket knife accumulation. Instead, it is going in my "broken" knife box. It is a PINE KNOT, two blades (the main blade is broken), one tang stamp, 3 1/2" closed, two springs, long main blade pull (if it wasn't broken), pocket knife. The main broken blade, front tang stamp, is the curved or arched style and says, "PINE KNOT (over) (bird image) (over) Jno W Price (written)" It appears that this pocket knife once had a shield. It does NOT have a shield now. The main blade stub has a soft half stop, but a VERY GOOD opening and closing snap. The secondary blade also has a soft half stop, along with an ok opening and closing snap. Even with the broken main blade, this pocket knife is still in FAIR condition. I had to clean it a little. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

***** NOTE ***** NOTE ***** NOTE ***** NOTE *****
".....Jno W Price (written)"
The initials JNO or Jno are in fact old abbreviations for John.
Click on the following link, it's safe, for the explanation.
viewtopic.php?t=66299
Attachments
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
The Main Broken Blade Front Tang Stamp.<br />The &quot;o&quot; In &quot;Jno&quot; And The &quot;W&quot; ARE Connected.
The Main Broken Blade Front Tang Stamp.
The "o" In "Jno" And The "W" ARE Connected.
Kid: "Wish we had time to bury them fellas."
Josey Wales: "To hell with them fellas. Buzzards got to eat, same as worms."
Clint Eastwood-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Skip
Clark23
Posts: 562
Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2021 7:30 pm

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by Clark23 »

Here’s one not often seen, Union Razor Co. Tidioute single blade jack 1902-1909
Attachments
8D206C91-83B7-4A85-BFE4-F85926BEE470.jpeg
0868AB96-1FB1-481C-8D52-27B3F5B7D879.jpeg
BWT
Posts: 1902
Joined: Sat Jul 08, 2017 1:59 pm

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by BWT »

Very nice Clark ::tu:: ::tu::
Bill
Clark23
Posts: 562
Joined: Wed Sep 01, 2021 7:30 pm

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by Clark23 »

BWT wrote: Sun Feb 04, 2024 12:25 am Very nice Clark ::tu:: ::tu::
Thank you much Bill! ::groove:: ::handshake::
User avatar
New_Windsor_NY
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14030
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: I'm On The Far Right On The Left Coast In Commiefornia

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

This morning, this pocket knife arrived in a group or lot of pocket knives that I purchased. It now becomes my latest example to be posted under this topic or thread. I did NOT purchase the group or lot of pocket knives to obtain this particular pocket knife. However, it definitely turned out to be a keeper. It will be a welcomed addition to my general, pocket knife accumulation. It is a GRIFFON XX, two blades, three tang stamps, 3" closed, one spring, all metal, pocket knife. The main blade front tang stamp says, "griffon (written, underlined) xx (over) B' PORT. CT." The main blade back tang stamp is the image of a "Griffon." The secondary blade front tang stamp says, "griffon (written, underlined) xx (over) B' PORT. CT." The main handle side says "1916" and has the image of a buffalo head wearing a fez. The other handle side says, "Ismailia (symbol or logo) Patrol - A.A.O. N.M.S." (Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) The following is NOT my description....."This early shrine pocket knife was made for the 42nd Imperial Council in Buffalo, New York on July 11, 1916. New York is the home of the Ismailia Shrine Temple hence the buffalo is wearing a fez on the handle." The main blade has a soft half stop, a NASTY opening snap and a NASTY closing snap. The secondary blade has no half stop, no opening snap and no closing snap. Overall, this pocket knife is in VERY GOOD condition. I gave it a VERY minor cleaning. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.
Attachments
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
The Main Blade Front Tang Stamp.
The Main Blade Front Tang Stamp.
The Main Blade Back Tang Stamp.
The Main Blade Back Tang Stamp.
The Secondary Blade Front Tang Stamp.
The Secondary Blade Front Tang Stamp.
Kid: "Wish we had time to bury them fellas."
Josey Wales: "To hell with them fellas. Buzzards got to eat, same as worms."
Clint Eastwood-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Skip
Waukonda
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6348
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 1:35 am

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by Waukonda »

New_Windsor_NY wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:15 pm This morning
That is an impressive, unique knife, I really like that one, Skip. On top of all else that catches the eye, it is a Griffon, great pickup! ::tu:: ::tu::
Ike
User avatar
New_Windsor_NY
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14030
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: I'm On The Far Right On The Left Coast In Commiefornia

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

Waukonda wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:18 am That.....
Thank you, Ike.🍻
Kid: "Wish we had time to bury them fellas."
Josey Wales: "To hell with them fellas. Buzzards got to eat, same as worms."
Clint Eastwood-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Skip
User avatar
New_Windsor_NY
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14030
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: I'm On The Far Right On The Left Coast In Commiefornia

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

Very recently, my visit to the post office produced this lobster or gentlemans' pattern or style of pocket knife. It now becomes my latest example to be posted under this topic or thread. It also becomes the latest example to be added to my general, pocket knife accumulation. It is an ORANGE CUTLERY COMPANY, one blade, one tool (a file with a blade tip), two tang stamps, 3" closed, lobster or gentlemans', pattern or style of pocket knife. The main blade front tang stamp says, "ORANGE (over) CUT. CO. (over) WALDEN, N.Y." The tool back tang stamp also says, "ORANGE (over) CUT. CO. (over) WALDEN, N.Y." The main handle side has a MASONIC symbol, logo or emblem. The main blade has a SOFT half stop, a GOOD opening snap and a GOOD closing snap. The tool also has a SOFT half stop, but it does have a GOOD opening snap and a GOOD closing snap. Overall, this pocket knife is in VERY GOOD condition. This pocket knife did NOT need any cleaning at all. I just wiped it off. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.
Attachments
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
The Main Blade Front Tang Stamp.
The Main Blade Front Tang Stamp.
The Tool Back Tang Stamp.
The Tool Back Tang Stamp.
Kid: "Wish we had time to bury them fellas."
Josey Wales: "To hell with them fellas. Buzzards got to eat, same as worms."
Clint Eastwood-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Skip
User avatar
New_Windsor_NY
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14030
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: I'm On The Far Right On The Left Coast In Commiefornia

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

Not too recently, this pocket knife arrived in a group or lot of pocket knives that I bought. It now becomes my latest example to be posted under this topic or thread. I did NOT purchase the group or lot of pocket knives to obtain this particular pocket knife. But, it did turn out to be a keeper. It made a VERY nice addition to my general, pocket knife accumulation. It is a SHEFFIELD STEEL, two blades, one tang stamp, 2 5/8" closed, one spring, all metal, pocket knife. The main blade front tang stamp says, "SHEFFIELD (over) STEEL" The main handle side has some minor designs. The other handle side also has some minor designs. The main blade does have a GOOD half stop. The main blade has an OK opening snap. The main blade has an OK closing snap. The secondary blade also has a GOOD half stop. The secondary blade has a GOOD opening snap. The secondary blade has a GOOD closing snap. Overall, this pocket knife is in VERY GOOD condition.
I gave it a VERY minor cleaning. I took some pictures and here it is.
Caption(s), if any, are on the BOTTOM of the corresponding picture(s).
Click on a picture to ENLARGE.

***** NOTE ***** NOTE ***** NOTE ***** NOTE *****
ONLY using GOINS', I could NOT find any information regarding this pocket knife or tang stamp.
There is a "SHEFFIELD CUTLERY CO.", a "SHEFFIELD ENGLAND STAINLESS", a "SHEFFIELD FINE CUTLERY CO. INC.",
a "SHEFFIELD KNIFE CO. CUTLERS TO HER MAJESTY", a "SHEFFIELD STEEL ENGLAND", a "SHEFFIELD STEEL MADE IN USA",
a "SHEFFIELD STEEL-GROUND IN GERMANY" and a "SHEFFIELD MFG. CORP." listed. There is NOT a "SHEFFIELD STEEL" listed.
Attachments
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
image.jpeg
The Main Blade Front Tang Stamp.
The Main Blade Front Tang Stamp.
Kid: "Wish we had time to bury them fellas."
Josey Wales: "To hell with them fellas. Buzzards got to eat, same as worms."
Clint Eastwood-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Skip
Waukonda
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6348
Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2019 1:35 am

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by Waukonda »

Classy chassis, Skip, I like that one!!!! ::tu:: ::tu::
Ike
User avatar
New_Windsor_NY
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14030
Joined: Thu Nov 08, 2018 4:50 pm
Location: I'm On The Far Right On The Left Coast In Commiefornia

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by New_Windsor_NY »

Waukonda wrote: Sun May 26, 2024 11:34 pm Classy.....
Thank you, Ike. 🍻
Kid: "Wish we had time to bury them fellas."
Josey Wales: "To hell with them fellas. Buzzards got to eat, same as worms."
Clint Eastwood-The Outlaw Josey Wales

Skip
Augustin
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 04, 2023 9:10 am

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by Augustin »

Hello all. I'm getting in on the tail end of this discussion but offer this mystery knife by W. Notz made in Kulmbach Germany. I have looked everywhere on the internet for any mention of W. Notz and I'm completely confounded. I've even gone to the German city historical records (speak a little German) to see when this company operated - to no avail. If you've heard of them let me know..... hell, if you haven't just lie to me and tell me something so I can stop wondering about it..
Attachments
W. Notz knife.jpg
User avatar
PA Knives
Posts: 1928
Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2005 1:53 pm
Location: The "Magic Circle" in NW Pennsylvania

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by PA Knives »

Germany had 100’s of small knife manufacturers. This is a fine example of one of those. You might contact Bernard Livien and ask him.
Contributions to Knife Magazine ,
Author of "Great Eastern Cutlery: An American Tradition, The History of the Northfield & Tidioute Brands" & "Tidioute: A Town With an Edge" “The Chronicles of Cooper Cutlery”
User avatar
Ridgegrass
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 8124
Joined: Sun Aug 30, 2020 2:04 pm
Location: Ocean City, MD
Contact:

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by Ridgegrass »

Are you keeping it? Interested. J.O. PM me. Thanks.
Augustin
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 04, 2023 9:10 am

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by Augustin »

Thanks for the tip on who to contact. I"ll see if he might know something.

I'm not really interested in selling it. I don't really have much in my collection from Germany, and it's an interesting shape. Thanks for the interest though
User avatar
FRJ
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 17133
Joined: Fri May 14, 2010 1:43 pm
Location: Ct.

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by FRJ »

Clark23 wrote: Sat Feb 03, 2024 10:41 pm Here’s one not often seen, Union Razor Co. Tidioute single blade jack 1902-1909
That's a very good looking knife you have there, Clark.
Joe
User avatar
FRJ
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 17133
Joined: Fri May 14, 2010 1:43 pm
Location: Ct.

Re: Old and Obscure Brands

Post by FRJ »

Augustin wrote: Tue Jun 11, 2024 10:38 pm Hello all. I'm getting in on the tail end of this discussion but offer this mystery knife by W. Notz made in Kulmbach Germany.
Another good looking pocket folder/pruner. Very nice lines on that work knife.
Joe
Post Reply

Return to “Knife Lore - Traditional Knives From the Old Days”