Intersting tidbit on WWI knife mfg.

[KAW]

I've going thru issues of the American Cutler journal that can be found on Google Books and came across this tidbit I thought might be of interest. The year was 1918.

When one reads that a manufacturer makes anywhere from 1200 up to 2500 patterns.... does the number take into account all combinations of frames, blades and covers? Even so, I'd hate to be the guy that has to narrow it down to just 85!

[FRJ]

That seems like a real hardship even if you were willing to help with the war effort.
It's likely the "Boys Knife" flew right under that radar.

[LongBlade]

Interesting KAW... those old American Cutler Journals have lots of great old articles, ads etc...

85 patterns... ... funny Empire was known to have had at least 800 different knife patterns ... maybe they all didn't follow the suggestion...

[KAW]

Still going thru those journals.... Now up to Feb., 1920.... a little over a year after the war was over & mfg's were still feeling an impact.
It turns out celluloid handled knives were virtually eliminated during the war & didn't make a come back until years later. kinda helps get
a perspective on these little gems.