shell handled knives

[singin46]

WOAH JOE! These are very impressive indeed. I think this is the first time someone has actually given a detailed look at these beauties. Well done buddy!
Can't wait to get my Stag soon.

[Joe Dirt]

Thank you, singin! I couldn't have completed the series without your help

Box of stuff left NC today, headed your way

...... Joe

[singin46]

WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!
Hey Joe, I wasn't expecting anything for helpin, I just wanted you to complete these Kameos.
It's fun whether you're collectin them or helpin a brother collect them. Many here do the same thing with others and that's what makes this place so great.

[orvet]

Awesome collections guys!
Kudos Perry for helpin’ Joe out!

[singin46]

Thanks Dale

[gino]

Hammer Brand little shell

[singin46]

Nice find Gino, these are pretty hard to find nowadays.

[Joe Dirt]

Here are some unusual fixed blades.

Colonial
Imperial
Hammer Brand

All have full tang and are assembled with tabs.

The "Cross-Bar toothpick" shells were only used on the automatics!

..... Joe

[singin46]

Interesting info Joe! And look how clean they are.

[Joe Dirt]

Thanks, Perry! I've got blisters on my blisters now

..... Joe

[singin46]

LOL, me too. You're not alone buddy!

[Miller Bro's]

Joe,

What is the rarest or hardest shell handle knife to find??

[dragon25]

1950s Italian shell wrap picklocks .These were supposed to be give away knives that came in larger orders. Top is IMOP stamped "Coricama" over "Made Italy" found in Argentina the smaller wit the yummy looking candy type shells is stamped "Omega Import CO." over "Made Italy". These both are kinda rare The tourist knife is also a auto made in Germany it also a tough one to find

[Joe Dirt]

Those are some nice knives, dragon

I like the colors on the Omega
They look like a quality knife to be shell construction! Bet ya can't twist the bolster to unlock them thou

What's the stamp on the pizza knife? Is it a golfer's knife?

...... Joe

[dragon25]

Those are some nice knives, dragon

I like the colors on the Omega
They look like a quality knife to be shell construction! Bet ya can't twist the bolster to unlock them thou

What's the stamp on the pizza knife? Is it a golfer's knife?

...... Joe

The Italians added the shell wraps on the highest end made stilettos ever made.Odd huh ! Horn is bad for cracking around pins on the smaller size knives and this was perhaps there solution to offer these for free and see if it would catch on and perhaps dealers would want to order them.Besides the lack of pins these also have a different rocker mechanism then most picklocks. Some of the nicest celluloid was manufactured right in Italy in the 40-50s.So some the nicest shell wrap knives might been made if it would have caught on.This was the same time that all the shur-snap,edgemasters and Imperial hammers were selling big in the states at drug stores and hardware.The Italians just couldn't get them marketed I'm guessing.I have seen maybe 50 of these in every stamp color and size .As far as valuable I seen a 5 1/2" cracked ice"Coricama" go for $1000 and I know of another that may sold for $1200-$1500.So these may be some the most valuable shell wraps ? I wish more had been made /Since each one is hand made and so much celluloid was available I could only imagine all the neat shell wraped picklocks collectors could have had.Plus what about those cardboard displays wonder how they been marketed ?In a book"Switchblades Of Italy" it says most collectors are lucky to ever see one in a lifetime much less ever have the chance to own one. I have seen one on ebay in 5 years .The stamp was unknown to a shell wrap before that one showed. I have seen 3-4 times as many Case 25cent knives in that time frame on ebay.
Not sure bout the golfers knife. Whats a golfers knife anyway. I've seen a automatic golfers knife advertised with the TN Vols logo but never looked at one close to see how it works.This one has a flat spear shaped blade.?A golfers is a split double fork kinda blade ?.

[Joe Dirt]

Great information on the piclocks, dragon. They are very unusual!

When I made the reference to a golfers knife, I had overlooked that the souvenir knife was an automatic!
I was referring to the "tabs" at the bail end bolster, witch look like a golfers tool.
With the lack of a button and it being a shell, I didn't even notice there is no nail pull.

Honestly, the knife looks like a Richards souvenir!!
Does the bail even clear the "squeeze tabs"?

A very interesting little knife

....... Joe

[singin46]

Here are some Joe just sent me and I'm about to dive into cleanin them a little, this is the before pics. Thanks Joe for being so generous and thinkin of me! Yep, thanks to you Joe, I finally have a Kameo in Deer and faux BH with a seratted main blade! It's too cool!
Perry

[singin46]

And here they all are cleaned, I never go too far with this process because I like some patina just not the grime. The first is one I got in from ebay today.

[dragon25]

Honestly, the knife looks like a Richards souvenir!!
Does the bail even clear the "squeeze tabs"?

A very interesting little knife

....... Joe[/quote]

Yep but barely you can feel it rub on he tabs if not held just right. I have only opened once.It was fast and had a surprising little bit of hard snap.I only have seen 3 but know of 4 of these One was in Australia . This is the only one with a case I know of .They may been so "cheap" that most were broke and tossed out.Sure they made a bunch of them.Most knife guys I know have never seen one or seen one the other 2. This one just surfaced along with another.I ask about it and was ignored.Think they kind of decided to just keep one. Be neat to find a bunch with all different landmarks and countries.

[orvet]

Dragon,
Don't you store your switchblades open so there is no load on the spring?

Just wondering...

[dragon25]

Your welcome orvet,and may I ad you gentleman have some outstanding examples of shell wraps I have not see before. Thank you for showing them.

[singin46]

This is a piece of Cell that Joe sent me to shoot a pic of, to show what he will explain.

[Joe Dirt]

The pictures Perry has posted for me are of a solid celluloid scale that has been cleaned on one end.
My intentions are to show how the "imitation", "simulated", "cracked ice" mother of pearl, discolors over time.

I will copy these pictures and start a new topic on this subject.

In a quick summery; the pictures show how the material looked when it was new (right side) and the "yellowing" of the material with age and exposure to the elements (left side).

I was unable to capture a good photograph myself, so I sent the scale to Perry for his exceptional ability and skills as a photographer.

Thank you tremendously, Perry nice job!

...... Joe

[singin46]

Glad to help Joe. Mine aren't always good but this time it worked.

[Joe Dirt]

Various Imperial knives with church keys.

...... Joe