The Dumpster Knives

[dlr110]

These knives were given to me by my son in law’s sister and I call them “The Dumpster Knives.” She was fishing some furniture out of a company dumpster for a lady and she found them in there. Knowing I was a collector she retrieved them and gave them to me a few days ago. When I started to clean them up there was a lot of dirt and grim and on a couple of them something I don’t even want to think about! From top to bottom they are: a made in Japan KingFisher IV fillet knife with a LAKOTA trademark on the handle, 9.5” Long; next is an ONTARIO 1-1973 pilot’s survival knife, 9.38” Long; next is what appears to be a homemade fixed blade with a large antler handle and a brass guard. The blade and guard have decorative filing, 9.25” Long; next is what once was a carpet or linoleum knife by DEXTER of SOUTHBRIDGE, MASS with a wood handle, 8.25” Long. More on that one in a minute; next is a Kabar 1184 Stag Hunter that is now in excellent shape, 5.25” Closed; last but not least is a single blade Sears Craftsman 95074 Linerlock. The whole knife is in excellent condition except the blade only has about 30% to 40% metal left, 3.78” Closed.

I learned a few facts about Dexter today, at least this is what I found in several different writings. I’m sure we have some folks here that are much more knowledgeable about this company than myself. Started in 1818 by Henry Harrington in Southbridge, Mass it was the first cutlery company in the United States. In 1884 the Dexter trademark was introduced which was named for his son. In May 1933 the Harrington Cutlery Company and the John Russel Cutlery Company merged to form the Russel Harrington Cutlery Company. In 2001 the company name was changed to Dexter-Russel Inc. The knife I have must be somewhat old I think because it has the original “Dexter” trademark. Also Massachusetts is stamped MASS and I believe the state abbreviations were changed to two letter ID’s in 1964. Anyway I know there is a lot of history in that knife and it has seen a lot of hard work and it will stay right in my collection.

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[treefarmer]

David, my 1st question is be, "Why would anyone toss any of those knives away?"
Glad you are now the proud owner!
I've several of the Kabar 1184s, they all look the same but on close inspection there are differences.
Treefarmer

[stockman]

Pretty sweet deal, I like the K-Bar Hunter. I have thought about all the knives that salvage yard people have found under seats of old cars.

Harold

[Modern Slip Joints]

Should I start dumpster diving? I'd probably get covered with "something I don’t even want to think about!"

Great story!

[bestgear]

These knives were given to me by my son in law’s sister and I call them “The Dumpster Knives.”

be careful David, you’ll come to be known as the Dumpster Whisperer saving anything from the landfill is huge I’m envisioning a dumpster diving wood burning picture as a thank you

[Modern Slip Joints]

While I should like the K-Bar the most some how I'm most attracted to the "homemade fixed blade with a large [crown] antler handle and a brass guard [and fish scaler]". Some one had fun making it and probably used it out doors. It likely reflects their personality and life style. This thread proves we need to will our things to relatives who will appreciate the memory of us.

[dlr110]

These knives were given to me by my son in law’s sister and I call them “The Dumpster Knives.”

be careful David, you’ll come to be known as the Dumpster Whisperer saving anything from the landfill is huge I’m envisioning a dumpster diving wood burning picture as a thank you

I think I can come up with something like that.....

[garddogg56]

Great score David

[doglegg]

Sweet finds David and even sweeter that someone was thinking about you.

[Reverand]

A nice haul! I am glad that they thought of you.