PA Knife, need your opinion...

[SFC ADP]

Hey David,

I posted this Tidioute I bought almost a year ago, and I finally got some better pictures taken of it (though still kind of dark)

I am positive it has been taken apart and "cleaned" buffed etc etc.
On the fron there are three pins, one brass, one nickle, and the other you can see very well but it is there, just not bright. Where the nicke pin is, you can see evidence it was re-pinned.
On the back side there are 4 pins, 3 brass and the one nickle.
Blades line up with the back springs, and the main blade the stamp is very worn, but you can make out:
Tidioute
Cutlery CO
PA
Pen blade stamped the same, though it can be read very clearly. ( the "o" in CO is cut off though. The pen blade the pull is very hard to catch the nail pull as it seems to be very worn, and a real bitch to open. (Both Blades have a very good snap & Half Stops)
This knife was "super cleaned" and is very shiny, look inside the liners were cleaned, though not as well as the rest of the knife, and the inside springs were touched, but not buffed shiny as the rest of the knife.
Was wondering if you could tell me if it appears to be authentic stamps and knife? Or is this something that was pieced together?

My gut tells me it is probably a fake, main blade may be the real deal, but would like your opinion, as I imagine you have handled a few of these in your experiences in PA.

[SFC ADP]

Well I think I confirmed it...
Evidence was right there, just had to see it!

[PA Knives]

WEll now,

Something I know about for once Your gut feelings are all right on with this knife. This was made by the second Tidioute Cutlery Co. and typically they are clean and shiny as they were made with a different steel than they original TCC. The most important thing to recognize right away with this knife is that the secondary blade has the full stamp on it. WRONG. These should only be stamped TIDIOUTE. This was carried on by all the companies until PENN which did it too but not as consistently. The pins you mentioned is another factor. As you pointed out. In addition the wear of the handles must ALWAYS match the wear on the blades. It would be highly unusual for the handles to be worn and the blades not and visa versa.

The main portion may very well be original as the materail and shield look good. My guess without further investigation would be that the secondary was replaced and as with most redone knives the person just could not resist making everything shiny and clean.

CLASS please take a note of this statement. Worn knives that are bright and shiny inside and out is a reason to be very cautious. If they were used, NO ONE cleaned them inside that nice. 100 years ago they didn't buy them to look at.

SFC ADP nice job of reading this knife and verbably taking it apart. You get a A+. Keep up the good work

[Blade Runner]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge David. We are lucky to have you around!!
Gary

[SFC ADP]

Thanks for the info David,
And sharing your knowledge.
Another thing that explains the pull on the pen blade, and supports the blade being changed, I imagine it did not fit, so they grinded down the back of the blade (cutting off the "O" in CO.) which by the facts you have provided it should not be stamped that way on an original anyways!
I really appreciate your info!

Adam