Old R&L knife- anyone know the maker?

[trutemper]

Recently ran into this knife which has tangstamps on both blades that are simply "R&L". Looks like an oldie. Any help identifying would be much appreciated. Thanks,

Bob

[Chief RID]

I got nothing. I think I would have had to pick that one up too.

[mikek]

Would love to have this knife in hand to see the blade- back spring junction. Would like to see a pic of both blades open at same time. Knife has had a handle repair at some point. The choil on the master looks open way to much. You gotta love that bone and its an old knife, as far as the stamp, don't have a clue. Mike

[trutemper]

Thanks for the input guys.....here are some more photos..maybe you guys can ascertain more info from them.

Bob

ps...if you can be specific on other photos youd like to see, I`ll try to get to them Saturday.

[mikek]

trutemper, how about pics like these, I apologize for not making myself more clear.Mike

[trutemper]

Thenks for the photos Mike, makes it a lot easier to understand. I`ll try to get to them ths afternoon.

Bob

[ea42]

That's a well used knife, pocketworn to the point of nearly wearing the jigging down to smooth bone. It likely had a big 'ol spear blade at one time, which is now worn down as well. Note how much of the kick has been taken off in order to get the blade tip under the liners. The choil has been reground, likely the original has been sharpened clean off. That blade may have been reshaped at a more recent time since you usually don't see such a straight edge on old users that have been repeatedly sharpened. No idea on the tang stamp, could be a hardware store knife made by someone like Ulster or Imperial, but just guessing here.

Eric

[trutemper]

Hey Mike,

Finally got those photos you requested. Hope they help. Like you guys say, the knife has seen a lot of use and been cleaned up a bit so not sure these photos will tell you what you need to know or not. In my many years of hunting and collecting knives I`m sure Ive never seen this tang stamp before....odd. Thanks for your input.....it`s greatly appreciated

Bob

[mikek]

trutemper, thanks for more pics. Due to the fact that the backsprings are sunkin in both the open and closed positions and that the blades run upwards off the frame leads me to think that this old boy is very worn out or the blades are not original to the frame.

How is the snap,walk and talk, loose or tight? Can you see any former tang marks on the backsprings?

Like I said before, this one needs to be in hand, its just what I can see from the pics that's all. A knife this worn should be loose. Mike

[trutemper]

Hi Mike, looks like you are having a lil trouble sleepin too ...not much snap left....but blades are tight with only a tad bit of side to side play. Like you say....shes pretty worn out and has obviously seen a lot of use. Master blade is a bit short and sets low etc, etc, obviously whoever had her put her through the mill over a lot of years. Would sure like to know who the original maker might have been....My books show nothin at all on any R&L knifemaker.

Bob