In 1840, W. B. Belknap formed a company in Louisville, KY., that was to grow into one of the nation's larger hardware firms. Originally, the company sold items such as carriage supplies, horseshoes, and blacksmith supplies, but eventually it added cutlery as well. By the late 1800's, pocketknives had been established as one of Belknap's primary lines and names such as "Blue Grass" and "John Primble" were introduced. Although they would survive to current times, another company trademark stamping the "Pine Knot" and "Pine Knot, Jas. W. Price" would only be sold during the 1930-1934 period.
Pine Knot knives were probably made for Belknap by Robenson and most knives were handled in bone, redwood and celluloid.
Except for the Barlow pattern, the Blue Grass knives were discontinued in the 1950's. Any knife pattern other than the currently made Barlow is considered collectible.
The best known of Belknap's stampings is that of John Primble and except for the knives stamped "Prussia" or "Germany" have been manufactured under contract by companies such as Camillus, Boker and Schrade.
Belknap Hardware went out of business in 1986.

