W & S Butcher ROUGH & READY Knife

[Takoda]

Can anyone give me any information about this knife? I have never seen one like it and I can not find any information as to what it is used for.

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[jerryd6818]

Sorry I can't tell you anything about your knife but I can welcome you to AAPK. Glad to have you aboard.

Judging from the rat-tail bolsters and the way the tang is cut, I'd venture to say she's an old one. (turn of the last century?) That blade is very intriguing. I'm eager to see what the more experienced members have to say about the knife.

[Takoda]

Thanks for the reply. It does look to be very old but it still has amazing snap.

[Miller Bro's]

It's a castrating knife used for castrating young/smaller livestock.


Welcome aboard

[djknife13]

Welcome. I'm glad Miller knew what it is because I didn't, but I agree with Jerry that it's old. The square kick suggests that and Wade and Butcher was active almost all through the 1800's. Great knife! ___Dave

[Takoda]

It's a castrating knife used for castrating young/smaller livestock.


Welcome aboard

Thank you for the information and the welcome.

[Takoda]

Welcome. I'm glad Miller knew what it is because I didn't, but I agree with Jerry that it's old. The square kick suggests that and Wade and Butcher was active almost all through the 1800's. Great knife! ___Dave

Thank you for info. and welcome.

[stockman]

Takoda, Welcome Nice old knife, I like it.

Harold

[Takoda]

Takoda, Welcome Nice old knife, I like it.

Harold

Thank you for the welcome.

[Mason]

Welcome Takoda.
Wonderful knife and from a really great Sheffield maker. Fairly unusual to see that blade shape as most castrating knives had full length blades. Enclosed are a couple of different English catalog examples from just before and after the turn of the twentieth century. One shows models with full length blades, and the other depicts two examples like yours with one showing the addition of a fleam for bleeding animals back in the day.

[Takoda]

Welcome Takoda.
Wonderful knife and from a really great Sheffield maker. Fairly unusual to see that blade shape as most castrating knives had full length blades. Enclosed are a couple of different English catalog examples from just before and after the turn of the twentieth century. One shows models with full length blades, and the other depicts two examples like yours with one showing the addition of a fleam for bleeding animals back in the day.

Thank you for all of the information. I am glad that I joined this site. Lots of knowledge and helpful people.

[RobesonsRme.com]

Welcome to AAPK!!

Seems to me "Rough & Ready" was the slogan for a 19th century United States presidential candidate, Zachary Taylor, a former military man and noted war hero.

I suspect Wade & Butcher were playing off that and that may help date your knife to circa 1850.

Charlie Noyes

[Takoda]

Welcome to AAPK!!

Seems to me "Rough & Ready" was the slogan for a 19th century United States presidential candidate, Zachary Taylor, a former military man and noted war hero.

I suspect Wade & Butcher were playing off that and that may help date your knife to circa 1850.

Charlie Noyes

Thank you.

[Beechtree]

Great Old Knife Takoda, that is sure a rare one.

Of Course MB knows its use, I think if we blindfolded him and placed an array of every type of pocket knife available, he would be able to figure out their use before an experienced knife collector without the blindfold!

The Rough & Ready Slogan places it Circa 1850 as mentioned by Charlie, and in addition the square, even slightly drooping kick is a common feature of such an old knife.

The handles are water buffalo horn. Possibly from India.

Thanks for sharing,

[Takoda]

Thank you for the information.

[galvanic1882]

Welcome to the site, that's one really nice knife!!